I
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Prologue and the Promise of the Spirit
1The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,
1In my first book, Theophilus, I wrote about everything Jesus began to do and to teach,
2Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:
2right up to the day he was taken up to heaven, after he had given his chosen apostles their instructions through the Holy Spirit.
3To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:
3After his suffering he showed himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a span of forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.
4And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.
4Once, while he was eating with them, he ordered them not to leave Jerusalem but to wait for the gift the Father had promised—"the gift you have heard me speak about," he said.
5For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
5"For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."
Witnesses to the Ends of the Earth
6When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
6So when they were together, they asked him, "Lord, is this the time you are going to restore the kingdom to Israel?"
7And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.
7He answered, "It is not for you to know the dates or times the Father has set by his own authority.
8But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
The Ascension
9And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.
9After he said this, while they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.
10And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;
10They were still staring into the sky as he went, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them.
11Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
11"Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go."
Waiting Together in Prayer
12Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day’s journey.
12Then they returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a short Sabbath-day's walk from the city.
13And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.
13When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. There were Peter, James, John, and Andrew; Philip and Thomas; Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James.
14These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.
14They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.
Peter Explains the Fate of Judas
15And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)
15In those days Peter stood up among the believers—a group of about a hundred and twenty—and said,
16Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.
16"Brothers, the scripture had to be fulfilled that the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through David about Judas, who guided those who arrested Jesus.
17For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.
17He was one of our number and shared in this ministry."
18Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.
18(With the money he was paid for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; and there he fell headlong, his body split open, and all his insides spilled out.
19And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.
19Everyone in Jerusalem heard about it, so they called that field in their own language Akeldama, which means Field of Blood.)
20For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.
20"For it is written in the book of Psalms: 'May his place be deserted; let no one live in it,' and, 'Let someone else take his position.'
Matthias Chosen to Replace Judas
21Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
21So we need to choose one of the men who has been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
22Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.
22from John's baptism until the day Jesus was taken up from us. One of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection."
23And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.
23So they proposed two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias.
24And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,
24Then they prayed, "Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen
25That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.
25to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas abandoned to go where he belongs."
26And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
26Then they drew lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.
II
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
The Spirit Comes at Pentecost
1And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
1When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.
2And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
2Suddenly a sound like a violent rushing wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.
3And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
3They saw what looked like tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.
4And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
4All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit enabled them.
The Crowd Hears Its Own Languages
5And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
5Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven staying in Jerusalem.
6Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
6When they heard this sound, a crowd gathered in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language.
7And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?
7Amazed and astonished, they asked, "Aren't all these men who are speaking Galileans?
8And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?
8Then how is it that each of us hears them in our own native language?
9Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,
9Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,
10Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,
10Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome, both Jews and converts to Judaism;
11Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.
11Cretans and Arabs—we all hear them telling the wonderful works of God in our own languages!"
12And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?
12Amazed and perplexed, they kept asking one another, "What does this mean?"
13Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.
13But others sneered and said, "They've had too much new wine."
Peter Cites the Prophet Joel
14But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:
14Then Peter stood up with the eleven, raised his voice, and addressed the crowd: "Fellow Jews and everyone living in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say.
15For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.
15These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It's only nine in the morning!
16But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;
16No, this is what was spoken of by the prophet Joel:
17And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
17'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.
18And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:
18Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.
19And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:
19I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below—blood and fire and billows of smoke.
20The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come:
20The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.
21And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
21And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'
Jesus Crucified and Raised
22Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:
22"People of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man clearly attested to you by God through the miracles, wonders, and signs God did among you through him, as you yourselves know.
23Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:
23This man was handed over to you by God's deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to a cross.
24Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.
24But God raised him to life, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.
25For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:
25David said this about him: 'I saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
26Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:
26Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest in hope,
27Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
27because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor let your Holy One see decay.
28Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.
28You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.'
Jesus Is Both Lord and Christ
29Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.
29"Brothers, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here among us to this day.
30Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;
30But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne.
31He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.
31Seeing what was ahead, David spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah—that he was not abandoned to the grave, nor did his body see decay.
32This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.
32God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it.
33Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
33Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.
34For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,
34For David did not ascend to heaven, yet he said: 'The Lord said to my Lord: Sit at my right hand
35Until I make thy foes thy footstool.
35until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.'
36Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
36"Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah."
Repent and Be Baptized
37Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
37When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what should we do?"
38Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
38Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
39For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call.
39This promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for everyone the Lord our God will call."
40And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
40With many other words he warned them and pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation."
41Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
41Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
Life of the First Church
42And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
42They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
43And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
43A sense of awe came over everyone, and many wonders and signs were performed by the apostles.
44And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
44All the believers were together and shared everything they had.
45And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
45They sold their property and possessions and gave to anyone who had need.
46And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
46Every day they kept meeting together in the temple courts, and they broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,
47Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
47praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.
III
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
A Lame Man Healed at the Gate
1Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.
1One afternoon Peter and John were going up to the temple at three o'clock, the time of prayer.
2And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;
2A man who had been lame from birth was being carried there. Every day they laid him at the temple gate called Beautiful, so he could beg from those entering.
3Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.
3When he saw Peter and John about to go in, he asked them for money.
4And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us.
4Peter looked straight at him, as did John, and said, "Look at us."
5And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.
5So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.
6Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.
6Then Peter said, "I don't have any silver or gold, but what I do have I give you: in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk."
7And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.
7Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong.
8And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.
8He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping and praising God.
9And all the people saw him walking and praising God:
9When all the people saw him walking and praising God,
10And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.
10they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple's Beautiful Gate, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
Peter Points Away from Himself
11And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon’s, greatly wondering.
11While the healed man held on to Peter and John, all the people came running in astonishment to them in the part of the temple called Solomon's Colonnade.
12And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?
12When Peter saw this, he said to them: "People of Israel, why are you surprised at this? Why do you stare at us as if we made this man walk by our own power or godliness?
13The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go.
13The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our ancestors, has glorified his servant Jesus—the one you handed over and disowned before Pilate, even though Pilate had decided to release him.
14But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you;
14You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked for a murderer to be released to you instead.
15And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.
15You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead—and we are witnesses of this.
16And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.
16It is Jesus' name and faith in that name that has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith that comes through Jesus has given him this complete healing in front of you all.
A Call to Repent and Be Refreshed
17And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers.
17"Now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders.
18But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled.
18But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, that his Messiah would suffer.
19Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
19So repent and turn to God, that your sins may be wiped out and times of refreshing may come from the Lord,
20And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:
20and that he may send the Messiah appointed for you—Jesus.
21Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.
21He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets.
The Prophet Moses Foretold
22For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.
22For Moses said, 'The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you.
23And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.
23Anyone who does not listen to that prophet will be completely cut off from among the people.'
24Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days.
24"Indeed, all the prophets from Samuel on, as many as have spoken, have foretold these days.
25Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.
25And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your ancestors. He said to Abraham, 'Through your offspring all the families of the earth will be blessed.'
26Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.
26When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways."
IV
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Peter and John Arrested
1And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them,
1While Peter and John were still speaking to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple guard, and the Sadducees came up to them,
2Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.
2deeply annoyed that the apostles were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead.
3And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide.
3They arrested them and, since it was already evening, held them in custody until the next day.
4Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.
4But many who had heard the message believed, and the number of men grew to about five thousand.
No Other Name
5And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes,
5The next day the rulers, elders, and teachers of the law met together in Jerusalem.
6And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.
6Annas the high priest was there, along with Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and others from the high priest's family.
7And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?
7They had Peter and John brought before them and demanded, "By what power or what name did you do this?"
8Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,
8Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: "Rulers and elders of the people!
9If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole;
9If we are being questioned today about a kindness shown to a disabled man and how he was healed,
10Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
10then let all of you and all the people of Israel know this: it is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed.
11This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
11This Jesus is 'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.'
12Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
12Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved."
The Council Cannot Deny the Miracle
13Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
13When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized they were ordinary, unschooled men, they were astonished, and they recognized that these men had been with Jesus.
14And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.
14And since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say against it.
15But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,
15So they ordered them out of the council and conferred together.
16Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.
16"What are we going to do with these men?" they asked. "Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed an unmistakable sign, and we cannot deny it.
17But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.
17But to stop this from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them not to speak to anyone in this name again."
18And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.
18Then they called them back in and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.
19But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.
19But Peter and John replied, "You be the judges of whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God.
20For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.
20As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard."
21So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done.
21After threatening them further, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened.
22For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed.
22For the man who had been miraculously healed was over forty years old.
The Church Prays for Boldness
23And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them.
23Once released, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported everything the chief priests and elders had said.
24And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:
24When they heard this, they raised their voices together to God in prayer. "Sovereign Lord," they said, "you made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them.
25Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?
25You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant our father David: 'Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?
26The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.
26The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed One.'
27For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,
27Indeed, Herod and Pontius Pilate, together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, did gather in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed.
28For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.
28They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen.
29And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,
29Now, Lord, consider their threats, and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.
30By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.
30Stretch out your hand to heal and to perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus."
31And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
31After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
Sharing Everything, and Barnabas
32And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
32All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.
33And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
33With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God's grace was so powerfully at work in them all
34Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,
34that there were no needy persons among them. From time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales,
35And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.
35and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.
36And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,
36Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means "son of encouragement"),
37Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
37sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles' feet.
V
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Ananias and Sapphira
1But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,
1Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property.
2And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
2With his wife's full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles' feet.
3But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?
3Then Peter said, "Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and kept for yourself some of the money you got for the land?
4Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.
4Wasn't it yours before you sold it? And after it was sold, wasn't the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God."
5And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.
5When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized everyone who heard what had happened.
6And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him.
6Then some young men came forward, wrapped up his body, carried him out, and buried him.
7And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in.
7About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened.
8And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much.
8Peter asked her, "Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?" "Yes," she said, "that is the price."
9Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.
9Peter said to her, "How could you conspire together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Listen! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also."
10Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.
10At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband.
11And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.
11Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.
Signs and Growing Numbers
12And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s porch.
12The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people, and all the believers used to meet together in Solomon's Colonnade.
13And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them.
13No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people.
14And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)
14Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number.
15Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.
15As a result, people brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter's shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by.
16There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.
16Crowds also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those tormented by unclean spirits, and all of them were healed.
Freed from Prison by an Angel
17Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation,
17Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy.
18And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.
18They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail.
19But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,
19But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out.
20Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.
20"Go," he said, "stand in the temple courts and tell the people all about this new life."
21And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.
21At daybreak they did as they were told and entered the temple courts and began to teach. Meanwhile the high priest and his associates called together the council—the full assembly of the elders of Israel—and sent to the jail for the apostles.
22But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned, and told,
22But when the officers arrived, they did not find them in the jail. So they went back and reported,
23Saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within.
23"We found the jail securely locked, with the guards standing at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside."
24Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow.
24When the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests heard this, they were at a loss, wondering what this might lead to.
25Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people.
25Then someone came and said, "Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the temple courts teaching the people."
26Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.
26At that the captain went with his officers and brought the apostles—but without force, because they were afraid the people would stone them.
We Must Obey God Rather Than Men
27And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them,
27They brought the apostles in and made them appear before the council, and the high priest questioned them.
28Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.
28"We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name," he said. "Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us responsible for this man's blood."
29Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
29Peter and the other apostles replied: "We must obey God rather than human beings.
30The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.
30The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—the same Jesus you killed by hanging him on a cross.
31Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
31God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior, to bring Israel to repentance and to forgive their sins.
32And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.
32We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him."
Gamaliel's Counsel
33When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.
33When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death.
34Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;
34But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law honored by all the people, stood up in the council and ordered the apostles to be put outside for a little while.
35And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men.
35Then he said: "People of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men.
36For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought.
36Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. But he was killed, all his followers were scattered, and it came to nothing.
37After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.
37After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were dispersed.
38And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:
38So in this case I advise you: leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail.
39But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.
39But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop them; you may even find yourselves fighting against God." His advice persuaded them.
Beaten and Rejoicing
40And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
40They called the apostles in, had them flogged, ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
41And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.
41The apostles left the council rejoicing, because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.
42And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.
42Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.
VI
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Seven Chosen to Serve
1And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.
1In those days, as the number of disciples was growing, the Greek-speaking Jews complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.
2Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.
2So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables.
3Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
3Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them
4But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
4and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word."
5And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:
5This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a convert to Judaism from Antioch.
6Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.
6They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
7And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.
7So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.
Stephen Accused Before the Council
8And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.
8Now Stephen, full of God's grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people.
9Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.
9Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen, as well as Jews from Cyrene and Alexandria and from Cilicia and Asia. These men began to argue with Stephen,
10And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.
10but they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke.
11Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God.
11Then they secretly persuaded some men to say, "We have heard Stephen speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God."
12And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council,
12So they stirred up the people, the elders, and the teachers of the law. They seized Stephen and brought him before the council.
13And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:
13They produced false witnesses, who testified, "This man never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law.
14For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.
14For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us."
15And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.
15All who were sitting in the council looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.
VII
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Stephen Begins with Abraham
1Then said the high priest, Are these things so?
1Then the high priest asked Stephen, "Are these charges true?"
2And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran,
2To this he replied: "Brothers and fathers, listen to me! The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham while he was still in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Harran.
3And said unto him, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and come into the land which I shall shew thee.
3'Leave your country and your people,' God said, 'and go to the land I will show you.'
4Then came he out of the land of the Chaldaeans, and dwelt in Charran: and from thence, when his father was dead, he removed him into this land, wherein ye now dwell.
4So he left the land of the Chaldeans and settled in Harran. After his father died, God sent him to this land where you now live.
5And he gave him none inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on: yet he promised that he would give it to him for a possession, and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child.
5God gave him no inheritance here, not even a foot of ground. But he promised that he and his descendants after him would possess the land, even though at that time Abraham had no child.
6And God spake on this wise, That his seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat them evil four hundred years.
6God spoke to him in this way: 'For four hundred years your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own, and they will be enslaved and mistreated.
7And the nation to whom they shall be in bondage will I judge, said God: and after that shall they come forth, and serve me in this place.
7But I will punish the nation they serve as slaves,' God said, 'and afterward they will come out of that country and worship me in this place.'
8And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat the twelve patriarchs.
8Then he gave Abraham the covenant of circumcision. And Abraham became the father of Isaac and circumcised him on the eighth day. Later Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of the twelve patriarchs.
Joseph Rejected and Exalted
9And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him,
9Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him
10And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.
10and rescued him from all his troubles. He gave Joseph wisdom and won him the favor of Pharaoh king of Egypt, who made him ruler over Egypt and all his palace.
11Now there came a dearth over all the land of Egypt and Chanaan, and great affliction: and our fathers found no sustenance.
11Then a famine struck all Egypt and Canaan, bringing great suffering, and our ancestors could not find food.
12But when Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt, he sent out our fathers first.
12When Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent our forefathers on their first visit.
13And at the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren; and Joseph’s kindred was made known unto Pharaoh.
13On their second visit Joseph told his brothers who he was, and Pharaoh learned about Joseph's family.
14Then sent Joseph, and called his father Jacob to him, and all his kindred, threescore and fifteen souls.
14After this, Joseph sent for his father Jacob and his whole family, seventy-five in all.
15So Jacob went down into Egypt, and died, he, and our fathers,
15Then Jacob went down to Egypt, where he and our ancestors died.
16And were carried over into Sychem, and laid in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Emmor the father of Sychem.
16Their bodies were brought back to Shechem and placed in the tomb that Abraham had bought from the sons of Hamor at Shechem for a certain sum of money.
Moses Rejected by His People
17But when the time of the promise drew nigh, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt,
17As the time drew near for God to fulfill his promise to Abraham, the number of our people in Egypt had greatly increased.
18Till another king arose, which knew not Joseph.
18Then a new king, who knew nothing about Joseph, came to power in Egypt.
19The same dealt subtilly with our kindred, and evil entreated our fathers, so that they cast out their young children, to the end they might not live.
19He dealt treacherously with our people and oppressed our ancestors by forcing them to abandon their newborn babies so they would die.
20In which time Moses was born, and was exceeding fair, and nourished up in his father’s house three months:
20At that time Moses was born, and he was no ordinary child. For three months he was cared for in his father's house.
21And when he was cast out, Pharaoh’s daughter took him up, and nourished him for her own son.
21When he was placed outside, Pharaoh's daughter took him and brought him up as her own son.
22And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds.
22Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action.
23And when he was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren the children of Israel.
23When Moses was forty years old, he decided to visit his own people, the Israelites.
24And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged him that was oppressed, and smote the Egyptian:
24He saw one of them being mistreated by an Egyptian, so he went to his defense and avenged him by killing the Egyptian.
25For he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hand would deliver them: but they understood not.
25Moses thought that his own people would realize that God was using him to rescue them, but they did not.
26And the next day he shewed himself unto them as they strove, and would have set them at one again, saying, Sirs, ye are brethren; why do ye wrong one to another?
26The next day Moses came upon two Israelites who were fighting. He tried to reconcile them, saying, 'Men, you are brothers; why do you want to hurt each other?'
27But he that did his neighbour wrong thrust him away, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge over us?
27But the man who was mistreating the other pushed Moses aside and said, 'Who made you ruler and judge over us?
28Wilt thou kill me, as thou diddest the Egyptian yesterday?
28Are you going to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?'
29Then fled Moses at this saying, and was a stranger in the land of Madian, where he begat two sons.
29When Moses heard this, he fled to Midian, where he settled as a foreigner and had two sons.
Moses Called at the Burning Bush
30And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush.
30After forty years had passed, an angel appeared to Moses in the flames of a burning bush in the desert near Mount Sinai.
31When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight: and as he drew near to behold it, the voice of the LORD came unto him,
31When he saw this, he was amazed at the sight. As he went over to look more closely, he heard the Lord's voice:
32Saying, I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Then Moses trembled, and durst not behold.
32'I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.' Moses trembled with fear and did not dare to look.
33Then said the Lord to him, Put off thy shoes from thy feet: for the place where thou standest is holy ground.
33Then the Lord said to him, 'Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.
34I have seen, I have seen the affliction of my people which is in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send thee into Egypt.
34I have indeed seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their groaning and have come down to set them free. Now come, I will send you back to Egypt.'
35This Moses whom they refused, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge? the same did God send to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the angel which appeared to him in the bush.
35This is the same Moses they had rejected with the words, 'Who made you ruler and judge?' He is the one God sent to be their ruler and deliverer through the angel who appeared to him in the bush.
36He brought them out, after that he had shewed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red sea, and in the wilderness forty years.
36He led them out of Egypt and performed wonders and signs in Egypt, at the Red Sea, and for forty years in the wilderness.
Israel Turns Back to Idols
37This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear.
37This is the same Moses who told the Israelites, 'God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your own people.'
38This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us:
38He was in the assembly in the wilderness, with the angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our ancestors; and he received living words to pass on to us.
39To whom our fathers would not obey, but thrust him from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt,
39But our ancestors refused to obey him. Instead, they rejected him and in their hearts turned back to Egypt.
40Saying unto Aaron, Make us gods to go before us: for as for this Moses, which brought us out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him.
40They said to Aaron, 'Make us gods who will go before us. As for this Moses who led us out of Egypt—we don't know what has happened to him!'
41And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands.
41That was the time they made an idol shaped like a calf. They brought sacrifices to it and reveled in what their own hands had made.
42Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, O ye house of Israel, have ye offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices by the space of forty years in the wilderness?
42But God turned away and gave them over to worship the heavenly bodies. This agrees with what is written in the book of the prophets: 'Did you bring me sacrifices and offerings forty years in the wilderness, people of Israel?
43Yea, ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them: and I will carry you away beyond Babylon.
43You took up the tabernacle of Molek and the star of your god Rephan, the idols you made to worship. Therefore I will send you into exile beyond Babylon.'
God Does Not Live in Buildings
44Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed, speaking unto Moses, that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seen.
44Our ancestors had the tabernacle of the covenant law with them in the wilderness. It had been made just as God directed Moses, according to the pattern he had seen.
45Which also our fathers that came after brought in with Jesus into the possession of the Gentiles, whom God drave out before the face of our fathers, unto the days of David;
45After receiving the tabernacle, our ancestors under Joshua brought it with them when they took the land from the nations God drove out before them. It remained in the land until the time of David,
46Who found favour before God, and desired to find a tabernacle for the God of Jacob.
46who enjoyed God's favor and asked that he might provide a dwelling place for the God of Jacob.
47But Solomon built him an house.
47But it was Solomon who built a house for him.
48Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet,
48However, the Most High does not live in houses made by human hands. As the prophet says:
49Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest?
49'Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me? says the Lord. Or where will my resting place be?
50Hath not my hand made all these things?
50Has not my hand made all these things?'
Stephen Turns the Charge Around
51Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.
51You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: you always resist the Holy Spirit!
52Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:
52Was there ever a prophet your ancestors did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One—and now you have betrayed and murdered him—
53Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.
53you who received the law that was given through angels but have not obeyed it."
The Stoning of Stephen
54When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.
54When the members of the council heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him.
55But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,
55But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.
56And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.
56"Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God."
57Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,
57At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, all rushed at him,
58And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul.
58dragged him out of the city, and began to stone him. Meanwhile the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul.
59And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.
59While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."
60And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
60Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he died.
VIII
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Persecution Scatters the Church
1And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.
1And Saul approved of Stephen's death. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.
2And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.
2Devout men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him.
3As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.
3But Saul set out to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison.
Philip Preaches in Samaria
4Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.
4Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.
5Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.
5Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there.
6And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.
6When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said.
7For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.
7For with shrieks, unclean spirits came out of many people, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed.
8And there was great joy in that city.
8So there was great joy in that city.
Simon the Sorcerer Believes
9But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:
9Now for some time a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria, boasting that he was someone great.
10To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.
10Everyone, from the least to the greatest, paid attention to him and said, "This man is rightly called the Great Power of God."
11And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.
11They followed him because he had amazed them for a long time with his sorcery.
12But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
12But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
13Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
13Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw.
Samaria Receives the Spirit
14Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
14When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them.
15Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
15When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers that they might receive the Holy Spirit,
16(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
16because the Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
17Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
17Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
Simon Tries to Buy God's Gift
18And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,
18When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money
19Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.
19and said, "Give me this power too, so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit."
20But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
20Peter answered: "May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money!
21Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.
21You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God.
22Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.
22Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart.
23For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.
23For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin."
24Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the LORD for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.
24Then Simon answered, "Pray to the Lord for me so that nothing you have said may happen to me."
25And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.
25After they had further proclaimed the word of the Lord, Peter and John returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many Samaritan villages along the way.
Philip Meets the Ethiopian
26And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.
26Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, "Go south to the desert road—the one that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza."
27And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,
27So he set out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of the Kandake (the queen of the Ethiopians). This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship,
28Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.
28and on his way home he was sitting in his chariot reading the prophet Isaiah.
29Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.
29The Spirit told Philip, "Go up to that chariot and stay near it."
30And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?
30Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. "Do you understand what you are reading?" Philip asked.
31And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.
31"How can I," he said, "unless someone explains it to me?" So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.
The Suffering Servant Explained
32The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:
32This is the passage of Scripture the eunuch was reading: "He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb is silent before its shearer, so he did not open his mouth.
33In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.
33In his humiliation he was deprived of justice. Who can speak of his descendants? For his life was taken from the earth."
34And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?
34The eunuch asked Philip, "Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about—himself or someone else?"
35Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.
35Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.
The Ethiopian Is Baptized
36And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?
36As they traveled along the road, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?"
37And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
37Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." The eunuch answered, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."
38And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
38And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and Philip baptized him.
39And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.
39When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing.
40But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.
40Philip, however, appeared at Azotus and traveled about, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea.
IX
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Saul Meets Jesus on the Road
1And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,
1Meanwhile Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples. He went to the high priest
2And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
2and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem.
3And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
3As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him.
4And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
4He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?"
5And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
5"Who are you, Lord?" Saul asked. "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting," he replied. "It is hard for you to kick against the goads."
6And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.
6Trembling and astonished, he said, "Lord, what do you want me to do?" And the Lord told him, "Get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do."
7And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.
7The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone.
8And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.
8Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus.
9And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.
9For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.
Ananias Is Sent to Saul
10And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.
10In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, "Ananias!" "Yes, Lord," he answered.
11And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,
11The Lord told him, "Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying.
12And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.
12In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight."
13Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:
13"Lord," Ananias answered, "I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem.
14And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.
14And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name."
15But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
15But the Lord said to Ananias, "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel.
16For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.
16I will show him how much he must suffer for my name."
Saul's Sight and Baptism
17And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
17Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit."
18And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
18Immediately something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized,
19And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.
19and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus.
Saul Preaches in Damascus
20And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.
20At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God.
21But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?
21All who heard him were astonished and asked, "Isn't he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn't he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?"
22But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.
22Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah.
23And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him:
23After many days had gone by, there was a conspiracy among the Jews to kill him,
24But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.
24but Saul learned of their plan. Day and night they kept close watch on the city gates in order to kill him.
25Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.
25But his followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall.
Barnabas Vouches for Saul
26And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.
26When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple.
27But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.
27But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus.
28And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.
28So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord.
29And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.
29He talked and debated with the Greek-speaking Jews, but they tried to kill him.
30Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.
30When the believers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.
31Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.
31Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.
Peter Heals Aeneas
32And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.
32As Peter traveled about the country, he went to visit the Lord's people who lived in Lydda.
33And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy.
33There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden for eight years and was paralyzed.
34And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.
34"Aeneas," Peter said to him, "Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and roll up your mat." Immediately Aeneas got up.
35And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.
35All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.
Tabitha Raised at Joppa
36Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.
36In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which in Greek is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor.
37And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.
37About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room.
38And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.
38Lydda was near Joppa, so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, "Please come at once!"
39Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.
39Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.
40But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.
40Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, "Tabitha, get up." She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up.
41And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.
41He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive.
42And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.
42This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord.
43And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.
43Peter stayed in Joppa for some time with a tanner named Simon.
X
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Cornelius Sees an Angel
1There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,
1At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment.
2A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.
2He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly.
3He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.
3One afternoon at about three o'clock he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, "Cornelius!"
4And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.
4Cornelius stared at him in fear. "What is it, Lord?" he asked. The angel answered, "Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God.
5And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:
5Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter.
6He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.
6He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea."
7And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;
7When the angel who spoke to him had gone, Cornelius called two of his servants and a devout soldier who was one of his attendants.
8And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.
8He told them everything that had happened and sent them to Joppa.
Peter's Vision of the Sheet
9On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:
9About noon the following day, as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray.
10And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,
10He became hungry and wanted something to eat, and while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance.
11And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:
11He saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners.
12Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.
12It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles and birds.
13And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.
13Then a voice told him, "Get up, Peter. Kill and eat."
14But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.
14"Surely not, Lord!" Peter replied. "I have never eaten anything impure or unclean."
15And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.
15The voice spoke to him a second time, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean."
16This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.
16This happened three times, and immediately the sheet was taken back up to heaven.
The Spirit Sends Peter
17Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate,
17While Peter was wondering about the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found out where Simon's house was and stopped at the gate.
18And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.
18They called out, asking if Simon who was known as Peter was staying there.
19While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.
19While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Simon, three men are looking for you.
20Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.
20So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them."
21Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?
21Peter went down and said to the men, "I'm the one you're looking for. Why have you come?"
22And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.
22The men replied, "We have come from Cornelius the centurion. He is a righteous and God-fearing man, who is respected by all the Jewish people. A holy angel told him to ask you to come to his house so that he could hear what you have to say."
23Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.
23Then Peter invited the men into the house to be his guests. The next day Peter started out with them, and some of the believers from Joppa went along.
Peter Enters a Gentile Home
24And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends.
24The following day he arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends.
25And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.
25As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence.
26But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.
26But Peter made him get up. "Stand up," he said, "I am only a man myself."
27And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together.
27While talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people.
28And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.
28He said to them: "You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile. But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean.
29Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?
29So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me?"
30And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,
30Cornelius answered: "Four days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me
31And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.
31and said, 'Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor.
32Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.
32Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. He is a guest in the home of Simon the tanner, who lives by the sea.'
33Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.
33So I sent for you immediately, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us."
Peter Preaches to Cornelius
34Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
34Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism,
35But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
35but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.
36The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)
36You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.
37That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;
37You know what has happened throughout the province of Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached—
38How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
38how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.
39And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:
39We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a cross,
40Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;
40but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen—
41Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.
41not by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen, by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.
42And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.
42He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead.
43To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
43All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name."
The Spirit Falls on Gentiles
44While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
44While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message.
45And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
45The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles,
46For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
46for they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said,
47Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
47"Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have."
48And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
48So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.
XI
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Peter Challenged in Jerusalem
1And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.
1The apostles and the believers throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God.
2And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him,
2So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him
3Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.
3and said, "You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them."
Peter Explains, the Church Agrees
4But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying,
4Starting from the beginning, Peter told them the whole story:
5I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me:
5"I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision. I saw something like a large sheet being let down from heaven by its four corners, and it came down to where I was.
6Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.
6I looked into it and saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, reptiles, and birds.
7And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat.
7Then I heard a voice telling me, 'Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.'
8But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth.
8I replied, 'Surely not, Lord! Nothing impure or unclean has ever entered my mouth.'
9But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.
9The voice spoke from heaven a second time, 'Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.'
10And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven.
10This happened three times, and then it was all pulled up to heaven again.
11And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me.
11Right then three men who had been sent to me from Caesarea stopped at the house where I was staying.
12And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man’s house:
12The Spirit told me to have no hesitation about going with them. These six brothers also went with me, and we entered the man's house.
13And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter;
13He told us how he had seen an angel appear in his house and say, 'Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter.
14Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.
14He will bring you a message through which you and all your household will be saved.'
15And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.
15As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them just as he had come on us at the beginning.
16Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.
16Then I remembered what the Lord had said: 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.'
17Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?
17So if God gave them the same gift he gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could stand in God's way?"
18When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.
18When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, "So then, even to Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life."
The Gospel Reaches Antioch
19Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.
19Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews.
20And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the LORD Jesus.
20Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus.
21And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.
21The Lord's hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.
Barnabas and Saul in Antioch
22Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.
22News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch.
23Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.
23When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.
24For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.
24He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.
25Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:
25Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul,
26And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
26and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.
Famine Relief for Judea
27And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.
27During this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch.
28And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.
28One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world. (This happened during the reign of Claudius.)
29Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:
29The disciples, as each one was able, decided to provide help for the brothers and sisters living in Judea.
30Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
30This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.
XII
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Herod Kills James, Jails Peter
1Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.
1About this time King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them.
2And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.
2He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword.
3And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)
3When he saw that this pleased the Jewish leaders, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This happened during the Festival of Unleavened Bread.
4And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.
4After arresting him, he put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover.
5Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.
5So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.
An Angel Frees Peter
6And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.
6The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance.
7And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.
7Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. "Quick, get up!" he said, and the chains fell off Peter's wrists.
8And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.
8Then the angel said to him, "Put on your clothes and sandals." And Peter did so. "Wrap your cloak around you and follow me," the angel told him.
9And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.
9Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision.
10When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.
10They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him.
11And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the LORD hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.
11Then Peter came to himself and said, "Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod's clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen."
Peter at Mary's Door
12And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.
12When this had dawned on him, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying.
13And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda.
13Peter knocked at the outer entrance, and a servant named Rhoda came to answer the door.
14And when she knew Peter’s voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.
14When she recognized Peter's voice, she was so overjoyed she ran back without opening it and exclaimed, "Peter is at the door!"
15And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel.
15"You're out of your mind," they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, "It must be his angel."
16But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished.
16But Peter kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished.
17But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.
17Peter motioned with his hand for them to be quiet and described how the Lord had brought him out of prison. "Tell James and the other brothers about this," he said, and then he left for another place.
Herod's Search Fails
18Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter.
18In the morning there was no small commotion among the soldiers about what had become of Peter.
19And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode.
19After Herod had a thorough search made for him and did not find him, he cross-examined the guards and ordered that they be executed. Then Herod went from Judea to Caesarea and stayed there.
Herod's Death
20And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king’s chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king’s country.
20He had been quarreling with the people of Tyre and Sidon; they now joined together and sought an audience with him. After securing the support of Blastus, the king's personal servant, they asked for peace, because they depended on the king's country for their food supply.
21And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them.
21On the appointed day Herod, wearing his royal robes, sat on his throne and delivered a public address to the people.
22And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man.
22They shouted, "This is the voice of a god, not of a man."
23And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.
23Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died.
The Word Keeps Growing
24But the word of God grew and multiplied.
24But the word of God continued to spread and flourish.
25And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.
25When Barnabas and Saul had finished their mission, they returned from Jerusalem, taking with them John, also called Mark.
XIII
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Barnabas and Saul Sent Out
1Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
1Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch), and Saul.
2As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
2While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them."
3And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
3So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.
Elymas Opposed on Cyprus
4So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.
4The two of them, sent on their way by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus.
5And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.
5When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. John was with them as their helper.
6And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus:
6They traveled through the whole island until they came to Paphos. There they met a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus,
7Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God.
7who was an attendant of the proconsul, Sergius Paulus. The proconsul, an intelligent man, sent for Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the word of God.
8But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.
8But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith.
9Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him,
9Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked straight at Elymas and said,
10And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?
10"You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the right ways of the Lord?
11And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.
11Now the hand of the Lord is against you. You are going to be blind for a time, unable even to see the light of the sun." Immediately mist and darkness came over him, and he groped about, seeking someone to lead him by the hand.
12Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.
12When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, for he was amazed at the teaching about the Lord.
Arrival at Pisidian Antioch
13Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.
13From Paphos, Paul and his companions sailed to Perga in Pamphylia, where John left them to return to Jerusalem.
14But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.
14From Perga they went on to Pisidian Antioch. On the Sabbath they entered the synagogue and sat down.
15And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.
15After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the leaders of the synagogue sent word to them, saying, "Brothers, if you have a word of encouragement for the people, please speak."
Paul Recounts Israel's Story
16Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.
16Standing up, Paul motioned with his hand and said: "Fellow Israelites and you Gentiles who worship God, listen to me!
17The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high arm brought he them out of it.
17The God of the people of Israel chose our ancestors; he made the people prosper during their stay in Egypt; and with mighty power he led them out of that country.
18And about the time of forty years suffered he their manners in the wilderness.
18For about forty years he endured their conduct in the wilderness.
19And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Chanaan, he divided their land to them by lot.
19And he overthrew seven nations in Canaan, giving their land to his people as their inheritance.
20And after that he gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet.
20All this took about 450 years. After this, God gave them judges until the time of Samuel the prophet.
21And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years.
21Then the people asked for a king, and he gave them Saul son of Kish, of the tribe of Benjamin, who ruled forty years.
22And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.
22After removing Saul, he made David their king. God testified about him: 'I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.'
23Of this man’s seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:
23From this man's descendants God has brought to Israel the Savior Jesus, as he promised.
24When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.
24Before the coming of Jesus, John preached repentance and baptism to all the people of Israel.
25And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose.
25As John was completing his work, he said: 'Who do you suppose I am? I am not the one you are looking for. But there is one coming after me whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.'
Jesus Crucified and Raised
26Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.
26"Fellow children of Abraham and you God-fearing Gentiles, it is to us that this message of salvation has been sent.
27For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him.
27The people of Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognize Jesus, yet in condemning him they fulfilled the words of the prophets that are read every Sabbath.
28And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain.
28Though they found no proper ground for a death sentence, they asked Pilate to have him executed.
29And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre.
29When they had carried out all that was written about him, they took him down from the cross and laid him in a tomb.
30But God raised him from the dead:
30But God raised him from the dead,
31And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people.
31and for many days he was seen by those who had traveled with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. They are now his witnesses to our people.
32And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers,
32"We tell you the good news: what God promised our ancestors
33God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.
33he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it is written in the second Psalm: 'You are my Son; today I have become your Father.'
34And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David.
34God raised him from the dead so that he will never be subject to decay. As God has said, 'I will give you the holy and sure blessings promised to David.'
35Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
35So it is also stated elsewhere: 'You will not let your Holy One see decay.'
36For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption:
36"Now when David had served God's purpose in his own generation, he died, was buried with his ancestors, and his body decayed.
37But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption.
37But the one whom God raised from the dead did not see decay.
Forgiveness and a Warning
38Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:
38"Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.
39And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.
39Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses.
40Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets;
40Take care, then, that what the prophets have said does not happen to you:
41Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.
41'Look, you scoffers, wonder and perish, for I am going to do something in your days that you would never believe, even if someone told you.'"
A City Turns Out to Hear
42And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath.
42As Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue, the people invited them to speak further about these things on the next Sabbath.
43Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.
43When the congregation was dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who talked with them and urged them to continue in the grace of God.
44And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.
44On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord.
45But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.
45When the Jewish leaders saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what Paul was saying and to heap abuse on him.
Turning to the Gentiles
46Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.
46Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: "We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles.
47For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.
47For this is what the Lord has commanded us: 'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'"
48And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.
48When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.
49And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.
49The word of the Lord spread through the whole region.
50But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.
50But the Jewish leaders incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas and expelled them from their region.
51But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium.
51So they shook the dust off their feet as a warning to them and went to Iconium.
52And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.
52And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
XIV
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Divided Response at Iconium
1And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed.
1At Iconium Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue, and they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Greeks believed.
2But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.
2But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the other Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers.
3Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
3So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to perform signs and wonders.
4But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.
4The people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews, others with the apostles.
5And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them,
5There was a plot afoot among both Gentiles and Jews, together with their leaders, to mistreat them and stone them.
6They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about:
6But they found out about it and fled to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe and to the surrounding country,
7And there they preached the gospel.
7where they continued to preach the gospel.
A Lame Man Healed at Lystra
8And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother’s womb, who never had walked:
8In Lystra there sat a man who was lame. He had been that way from birth and had never walked.
9The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,
9He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed,
10Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.
10and called out, "Stand up on your feet!" At that, the man jumped up and began to walk.
11And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.
11When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in the Lycaonian language, "The gods have come down to us in human form!"
12And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.
12Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes because he was the chief speaker.
13Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.
13The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates because he and the crowd wanted to offer sacrifices to them.
Not Gods but Men
14Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,
14But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting:
15And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:
15"Friends, why are you doing this? We too are only human, like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heavens and the earth and the sea and everything in them.
16Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.
16In the past, he let all nations go their own way.
17Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.
17Yet he has not left himself without testimony: he has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy."
18And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them.
18Even with these words, they had difficulty keeping the crowd from sacrificing to them.
Paul Stoned and Rises
19And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead.
19Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead.
20Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.
20But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe.
Strengthening the New Churches
21And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,
21They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch,
22Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
22strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God," they said.
23And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.
23Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.
Report Back to Antioch
24And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.
24After going through Pisidia, they came into Pamphylia,
25And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia:
25and when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia.
26And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.
26From Attalia they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work they had now completed.
27And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.
27On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles.
28And there they abode long time with the disciples.
28And they stayed there a long time with the disciples.
XV
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
The Circumcision Dispute Reaches Jerusalem
1And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.
1Certain people came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the believers: "Unless you are circumcised according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved."
2When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.
2This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them. So Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question.
3And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.
3The church sent them on their way, and as they traveled through Phoenicia and Samaria, they told how the Gentiles had been converted. This news made all the believers very glad.
4And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.
4When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and elders, to whom they reported everything God had done through them.
5But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.
5Then some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, "The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to keep the law of Moses."
Peter Speaks for Grace
6And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.
6The apostles and elders met to consider this question.
7And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
7After much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them: "Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe.
8And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
8God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us.
9And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
9He did not discriminate between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith.
10Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
10Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of Gentiles a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors have been able to bear?
11But we believe that through the grace of the LORD Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.
11No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are."
James Proposes a Decision
12Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.
12The whole assembly became silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul telling about the signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them.
13And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me:
13When they finished, James spoke up: "Brothers, listen to me.
14Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.
14Simon has described to us how God first intervened to choose a people for his name from the Gentiles.
15And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,
15The words of the prophets are in agreement with this, as it is written:
16After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:
16'After this I will return and rebuild David's fallen tent. Its ruins I will rebuild, and I will restore it,
17That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.
17that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, even all the Gentiles who bear my name, says the Lord, who does these things'—
18Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.
18things known from long ago.
19Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:
19"It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God.
20But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.
20Instead we should write to them, telling them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals, and from blood.
21For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.
21For the law of Moses has been preached in every city from the earliest times and is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath."
The Letter to Gentile Believers
22Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:
22Then the apostles and elders, with the whole church, decided to choose some of their own men and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They chose Judas (called Barsabbas) and Silas, men who were leaders among the believers.
23And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:
23With them they sent the following letter: The apostles and elders, your brothers, To the Gentile believers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: Greetings.
24Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:
24We have heard that some went out from us without our authorization and disturbed you, troubling your minds by what they said.
25It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
25So we all agreed to choose some men and send them to you with our dear friends Barnabas and Paul—
26Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
26men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
27We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth.
27Therefore we are sending Judas and Silas to confirm by word of mouth what we are writing.
28For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;
28It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements:
29That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.
29You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things. Farewell.
Antioch Receives the Letter
30So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle:
30So the men were sent off and went down to Antioch, where they gathered the church together and delivered the letter.
31Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.
31The people read it and were glad for its encouraging message.
32And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.
32Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the believers.
33And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles.
33After spending some time there, they were sent off by the believers with the blessing of peace to return to those who had sent them.
34Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still.
34But Silas decided to remain there.
35Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.
35Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch, where they and many others taught and preached the word of the Lord.
Paul and Barnabas Part Ways
36And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the LORD, and see how they do.
36Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing."
37And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.
37Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them,
38But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.
38but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work.
39And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;
39They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus,
40And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.
40but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord.
41And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.
41He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
XVI
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Timothy Joins Paul
1Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek:
1Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was a Jewish believer but whose father was a Greek.
2Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium.
2The believers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him.
3Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.
3Paul wanted to take him along on the journey, so he circumcised him because of the Jews who lived in that area, for they all knew that his father was a Greek.
4And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.
4As they traveled from town to town, they delivered the decisions reached by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for the people to obey.
5And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.
5So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.
The Call to Macedonia
6Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,
6Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia.
7After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.
7When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to.
8And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas.
8So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas.
9And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.
9During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, "Come over to Macedonia and help us."
10And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.
10After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
Lydia Believes at Philippi
11Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis;
11From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, and the next day we went on to Neapolis.
12And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days.
12From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. And we stayed there several days.
13And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither.
13On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there.
14And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.
14One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message.
15And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.
15When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. "If you consider me a believer in the Lord," she said, "come and stay at my house." And she persuaded us.
A Slave Girl Freed, Paul Jailed
16And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying:
16Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a female slave who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling.
17The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation.
17She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, "These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved."
18And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.
18She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, "In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!" At that moment the spirit left her.
19And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers,
19When her owners realized that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to face the authorities.
20And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city,
20They brought them before the magistrates and said, "These men are Jews, and are throwing our city into an uproar
21And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans.
21by advocating customs unlawful for us Romans to accept or practice."
22And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them.
22The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten with rods.
23And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:
23After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully.
24Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.
24When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.
The Philippian Jailer Saved
25And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
25About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.
26And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.
26Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone's chains came loose.
27And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.
27The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped.
28But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.
28But Paul shouted, "Don't harm yourself! We are all here!"
29Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas,
29The jailer called for lights, rushed in, and fell trembling before Paul and Silas.
30And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
30He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"
31And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
31They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household."
32And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.
32Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house.
33And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
33At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized.
34And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.
34The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household.
Roman Citizens Released
35And when it was day, the magistrates sent the serjeants, saying, Let those men go.
35When it was daylight, the magistrates sent their officers to the jailer with the order, "Release those men."
36And the keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul, The magistrates have sent to let you go: now therefore depart, and go in peace.
36The jailer told Paul, "The magistrates have ordered that you and Silas be released. Now you can leave. Go in peace."
37But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out.
37But Paul said to the officers, "They beat us publicly without a trial, even though we are Roman citizens, and threw us into prison. And now do they want to get rid of us quietly? No! Let them come themselves and escort us out."
38And the serjeants told these words unto the magistrates: and they feared, when they heard that they were Romans.
38The officers reported this to the magistrates, and when they heard that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens, they were alarmed.
39And they came and besought them, and brought them out, and desired them to depart out of the city.
39They came to appease them and escorted them from the prison, requesting them to leave the city.
40And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.
40After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia's house, where they met with the brothers and sisters and encouraged them. Then they left.
XVII
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Uproar in Thessalonica
1Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews:
1When Paul and his companions had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue.
2And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures,
2As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures,
3Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.
3explaining and proving that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead. "This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Messiah," he said.
4And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few.
4Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and quite a few prominent women.
5But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people.
5But the other Jews were jealous; so they rounded up some bad characters from the marketplace, formed a mob, and started a riot in the city. They rushed to Jason's house in search of Paul and Silas in order to bring them out to the crowd.
6And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;
6But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some other believers before the city officials, shouting, "These men who have caused trouble all over the world have now come here,
7Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus.
7and Jason has welcomed them into his house. They are all defying Caesar's decrees, saying that there is another king, one called Jesus."
8And they troubled the people and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things.
8When they heard this, the crowd and the city officials were thrown into turmoil.
9And when they had taken security of Jason, and of the other, they let them go.
9Then they made Jason and the others post bond and let them go.
The Bereans Search the Scriptures
10And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.
10As soon as it was night, the believers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea. On arriving there, they went to the Jewish synagogue.
11These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
11Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.
12Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.
12As a result, many of them believed, as did also a number of prominent Greek women and many Greek men.
13But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people.
13But when the Jews in Thessalonica learned that Paul was preaching the word of God at Berea, some of them went there too, agitating the crowds and stirring them up.
14And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode there still.
14The believers immediately sent Paul to the coast, but Silas and Timothy stayed at Berea.
15And they that conducted Paul brought him unto Athens: and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed, they departed.
15Those who escorted Paul brought him to Athens and then left with instructions for Silas and Timothy to join him as soon as possible.
Paul Provoked in Athens
16Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry.
16While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols.
17Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him.
17So he reasoned in the synagogue with both Jews and God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there.
18Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection.
18A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to debate with him. Some of them asked, "What is this babbler trying to say?" Others remarked, "He seems to be advocating foreign gods." They said this because Paul was preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection.
19And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is?
19Then they took him and brought him to a meeting of the Areopagus, where they said to him, "May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting?
20For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean.
20You are bringing some strange ideas to our ears, and we would like to know what they mean."
21(For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.)
21(All the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing but talking about and listening to the latest ideas.)
The Speech on Mars' Hill
22Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.
22Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: "People of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious.
23For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.
23For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship—and this is what I am going to proclaim to you.
24God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;
24The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands.
25Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;
25And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.
26And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;
26From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands.
27That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:
27God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us.
28For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.
28'For in him we live and move and have our being.' As some of your own poets have said, 'We are his offspring.'
29Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device.
29Therefore since we are God's offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by human design and skill.
30And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
30In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.
31Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
31For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead."
Mixed Response to the Resurrection
32And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter.
32When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered, but others said, "We want to hear you again on this subject."
33So Paul departed from among them.
33At that, Paul left the Council.
34Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.
34Some of the people became followers of Paul and believed. Among them was Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus, a woman named Damaris, and a number of others.
XVIII
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Paul Settles in Corinth
1After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;
1After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth.
2And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.
2There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them,
3And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.
3and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them.
4And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.
4Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks.
5And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.
5When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah.
6And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.
6But when they opposed Paul and became abusive, he shook out his clothes in protest and said to them, "Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent of it. From now on I will go to the Gentiles."
7And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man’s house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue.
7Then Paul left the synagogue and went next door to the house of Titius Justus, a worshiper of God.
8And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.
8Crispus, the synagogue leader, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard Paul believed and were baptized.
The Lord Encourages Paul
9Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:
9One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent.
10For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.
10For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city."
11And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
11So Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God.
Gallio Dismisses the Charges
12And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat,
12While Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews of Corinth made a united attack on Paul and brought him to the place of judgment.
13Saying, This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law.
13"This man," they charged, "is persuading the people to worship God in ways contrary to the law."
14And when Paul was now about to open his mouth, Gallio said unto the Jews, If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O ye Jews, reason would that I should bear with you:
14Just as Paul was about to speak, Gallio said to them, "If you Jews were making a complaint about some misdemeanor or serious crime, it would be reasonable for me to listen to you.
15But if it be a question of words and names, and of your law, look ye to it; for I will be no judge of such matters.
15But since it involves questions about words and names and your own law—settle the matter yourselves. I will not be a judge of such things."
16And he drave them from the judgment seat.
16So he drove them off from the judgment seat.
17Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. And Gallio cared for none of those things.
17Then the crowd there turned on Sosthenes the synagogue leader and beat him in front of the proconsul; and Gallio showed no concern whatever.
Return to Antioch and a New Journey
18And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.
18Paul stayed on in Corinth for some time. Then he left the brothers and sisters and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. Before he sailed, he had his hair cut off at Cenchreae because of a vow he had taken.
19And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.
19They arrived at Ephesus, where Paul left Priscilla and Aquila. He himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews.
20When they desired him to tarry longer time with them, he consented not;
20When they asked him to spend more time with them, he declined.
21But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus.
21But as he left, he promised, "I will come back if it is God's will." Then he set sail from Ephesus.
22And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up, and saluted the church, he went down to Antioch.
22When he landed at Caesarea, he went up to Jerusalem and greeted the church and then went down to Antioch.
23And after he had spent some time there, he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.
23After spending some time there, Paul set out from Antioch and traveled from place to place throughout the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.
Apollos Instructed More Accurately
24And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.
24Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures.
25This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.
25He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John.
26And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.
26He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately.
27And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:
27When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers and sisters encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. When he arrived, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed.
28For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.
28For he vigorously refuted his Jewish opponents in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah.
XIX
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Disciples of John at Ephesus
1And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
1While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples
2He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
2and asked them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" They answered, "No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit."
3And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism.
3So Paul asked, "Then what baptism did you receive?" "John's baptism," they replied.
4Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
4Paul said, "John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus."
5When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
5On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
6And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
6When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.
7And all the men were about twelve.
7There were about twelve men in all.
Two Years Teaching in Ephesus
8And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.
8Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God.
9But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.
9But some of them became obstinate; they refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way. So Paul left them. He took the disciples with him and had discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus.
10And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.
10This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord.
Extraordinary Miracles Through Paul
11And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:
11God did extraordinary miracles through Paul,
12So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.
12so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them.
The Sons of Sceva
13Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the LORD Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.
13Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, "In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out."
14And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so.
14Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this.
15And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?
15One day the evil spirit answered them, "Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?"
16And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.
16Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding.
17And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.
17When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor.
Burning the Books of Magic
18And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds.
18Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed what they had done.
19Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.
19A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas.
20So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.
20In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.
Paul Plans for Jerusalem and Rome
21After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.
21After all this had happened, Paul decided to go to Jerusalem, passing through Macedonia and Achaia. "After I have been there," he said, "I must visit Rome also."
22So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season.
22He sent two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, while he stayed in the province of Asia a little longer.
Demetrius Stirs the Silversmiths
23And the same time there arose no small stir about that way.
23About that time there arose a great disturbance about the Way.
24For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen;
24A silversmith named Demetrius, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought in a lot of business for the craftsmen there.
25Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth.
25He called them together, along with the workers in related trades, and said: "You know, my friends, that we receive a good income from this business.
26Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands:
26And you see and hear how this fellow Paul has convinced and led astray large numbers of people here in Ephesus and in practically the whole province of Asia. He says that gods made by human hands are no gods at all.
27So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth.
27There is danger not only that our trade will lose its good name, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited; and the goddess herself, who is worshiped throughout the province of Asia and the world, will be robbed of her divine majesty."
The Riot in the Theater
28And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.
28When they heard this, they were furious and began shouting, "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!"
29And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul’s companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre.
29Soon the whole city was in an uproar. The people seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul's traveling companions from Macedonia, and all of them rushed into the theater together.
30And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not.
30Paul wanted to appear before the crowd, but the disciples would not let him.
31And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre.
31Even some of the officials of the province, friends of Paul, sent him a message begging him not to venture into the theater.
32Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.
32The assembly was in confusion: Some were shouting one thing, some another. Most of the people did not even know why they were there.
33And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto the people.
33The Jews in the crowd pushed Alexander to the front, and they shouted instructions to him. He motioned for silence in order to make a defense before the people.
34But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.
34But when they realized he was a Jew, they all shouted in unison for about two hours: "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!"
The Town Clerk Calms the Crowd
35And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter?
35The city clerk quieted the crowd and said: "Fellow Ephesians, doesn't all the world know that the city of Ephesus is the guardian of the temple of the great Artemis and of her image, which fell from heaven?
36Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly.
36Therefore, since these facts are undeniable, you ought to calm down and not do anything rash.
37For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess.
37You have brought these men here, though they have neither robbed temples nor blasphemed our goddess.
38Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another.
38If, then, Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a grievance against anybody, the courts are open and there are proconsuls. They can press charges.
39But if ye enquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly.
39If there is anything further you want to bring up, it must be settled in a legal assembly.
40For we are in danger to be called in question for this day’s uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse.
40As it is, we are in danger of being charged with rioting because of what happened today. In that case we would not be able to account for this commotion, since there is no reason for it."
41And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.
41After he had said this, he dismissed the assembly.
XX
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Through Macedonia and Greece
1And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia.
1When the uproar had ended, Paul sent for the disciples and, after encouraging them, said goodbye and set out for Macedonia.
2And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece,
2He traveled through that area, speaking many words of encouragement to the people, and finally arrived in Greece,
3And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia.
3where he stayed three months. Because some Jews had plotted against him just as he was about to sail for Syria, he decided to go back through Macedonia.
4And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.
4He was accompanied by Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius from Derbe, Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus from the province of Asia.
5These going before tarried for us at Troas.
5These men went on ahead and waited for us at Troas.
6And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days.
6But we sailed from Philippi after the Festival of Unleavened Bread, and five days later joined the others at Troas, where we stayed seven days.
Eutychus Raised at Troas
7And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.
7On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight.
8And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together.
8There were many lamps in the upstairs room where we were meeting.
9And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead.
9Seated in a window was a young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell to the ground from the third story and was picked up dead.
10And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him.
10Paul went down, threw himself on the young man, and put his arms around him. "Don't be alarmed," he said. "He's alive!"
11When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed.
11Then he went upstairs again and broke bread and ate. After talking until daylight, he left.
12And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.
12The people took the young man home alive and were greatly comforted.
Sailing Toward Miletus
13And we went before to ship, and sailed unto Assos, there intending to take in Paul: for so had he appointed, minding himself to go afoot.
13We went on ahead to the ship and sailed for Assos, where we were going to take Paul aboard. He had made this arrangement because he was going there on foot.
14And when he met with us at Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene.
14When he met us at Assos, we took him aboard and went on to Mitylene.
15And we sailed thence, and came the next day over against Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next day we came to Miletus.
15The next day we set sail from there and arrived off Chios. The day after that we crossed over to Samos, and on the following day arrived at Miletus.
16For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.
16Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus to avoid spending time in the province of Asia, for he was in a hurry to reach Jerusalem, if possible, by the day of Pentecost.
Paul Recalls His Ministry
17And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.
17From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church.
18And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons,
18When they arrived, he said to them: "You know how I lived the whole time I was with you, from the first day I came into the province of Asia.
19Serving the LORD with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:
19I served the Lord with great humility and with tears, although I was severely tested by the plots of my Jewish opponents.
20And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,
20You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house.
21Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
21I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus.
22And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:
22And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there.
23Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.
23I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me.
24But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
24However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace.
Warning to the Ephesian Elders
25And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.
25Now I know that none of you among whom I have gone about preaching the kingdom will ever see me again.
26Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.
26Therefore, I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of any of you.
27For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
27For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God.
28Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
28Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.
29For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
29I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock.
30Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
30Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them.
31Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
31So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.
Commended to God's Grace
32And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
32Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.
33I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel.
33I have not coveted anyone's silver or gold or clothing.
34Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.
34You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions.
35I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
35In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"
A Tearful Farewell
36And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.
36When Paul had finished speaking, he knelt down with all of them and prayed.
37And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul’s neck, and kissed him,
37They all wept as they embraced him and kissed him.
38Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.
38What grieved them most was his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they accompanied him to the ship.
XXI
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Farewell at Tyre
1And 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:
1After we 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.
2And finding a ship sailing over unto Phenicia, we went aboard, and set forth.
2We found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, went on board, and set sail.
3Now 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.
3After sighting Cyprus and passing to the south of it, we sailed on to Syria. We landed at Tyre, where our ship was to unload its cargo.
4And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.
4We sought out the disciples there and stayed with them seven days. Through the Spirit they urged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem.
5And 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.
5When 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.
6And when we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship; and they returned home again.
6After saying goodbye to each other, we went aboard the ship, and they returned home.
Agabus Foretells Paul's Arrest
7And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day.
7We continued our voyage from Tyre and landed at Ptolemais, where we greeted the brothers and sisters and stayed with them for a day.
8And 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.
8Leaving the next day, we reached Caesarea and stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the Seven.
9And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.
9He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied.
10And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus.
10After we had been there a number of days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea.
11And 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.
11Coming over to us, he took Paul's belt, tied his own hands and feet with it, and said, "The Holy Spirit says, 'In this way the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.'"
12And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem.
12When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem.
13Then 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.
13Then Paul answered, "Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."
14And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.
14When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, "The Lord's will be done."
Going Up to Jerusalem
15And after those days we took up our carriages, and went up to Jerusalem.
15After this, we started on our way up to Jerusalem.
16There 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.
16Some of the disciples from Caesarea accompanied us and brought us to the home of Mnason, where we were to stay. He was a man from Cyprus and one of the early disciples.
Report to James and the Elders
17And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly.
17When we arrived at Jerusalem, the brothers and sisters received us warmly.
18And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present.
18The next day Paul and the rest of us went to see James, and all the elders were present.
19And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry.
19Paul greeted them and reported in detail what God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.
Paul Takes a Vow in the Temple
20And 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:
20When 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 for the law.
21And 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.
21They have been informed that you teach all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to turn away from Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or live according to our customs.
22What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come.
22What shall we do? They will certainly hear that you have come,
23Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a vow on them;
23so do what we tell you. There are four men with us who have made a vow.
24Them 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.
24Take these men, join in their purification rites, and pay their expenses so that they can have their heads shaved. Then everyone will know there is no truth in these reports about you, but that you yourself are living in obedience to the law.
25As 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.
25As 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."
26Then 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.
26The 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.
Seized in the Temple
27And 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,
27When 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,
28Crying 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.
28shouting, "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."
29(For they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.)
29(They had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian in the city with Paul and assumed that Paul had brought him into the temple.)
30And 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.
30The whole city was aroused, and the people came running from all directions. Seizing Paul, they dragged him from the temple, and immediately the gates were shut.
Rescued by Roman Soldiers
31And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.
31While they were trying to kill him, news reached the commander of the Roman troops that the whole city of Jerusalem was in an uproar.
32Who 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.
32He 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.
33Then 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.
33The commander came up and arrested him and ordered him to be bound with two chains. Then he asked who he was and what he had done.
34And 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.
34Some in the crowd shouted one thing and some another, and since the commander could not get at the truth because of the uproar, he ordered that Paul be taken into the barracks.
35And when he came upon the stairs, so it was, that he was borne of the soldiers for the violence of the people.
35When Paul reached the steps, the violence of the mob was so great he had to be carried by the soldiers.
36For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away with him.
36The crowd that followed kept shouting, "Get rid of him!"
Paul Asks to Address the Crowd
37And 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?
37As the soldiers were about to take Paul into the barracks, he asked the commander, "May I say something to you?" "Do you speak Greek?" he replied.
38Art not thou that Egyptian, which before these days madest an uproar, and leddest out into the wilderness four thousand men that were murderers?
38"Aren't you the Egyptian who started a revolt and led four thousand terrorists out into the wilderness some time ago?"
39But 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.
39Paul answered, "I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no ordinary city. Please let me speak to the people."
40And 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,
40After receiving the commander's permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the crowd. When they were all silent, he said to them in Aramaic:
XXII
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Paul's Credentials as a Zealous Jew
1Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence which I make now unto you.
1"Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense."
2(And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more silence: and he saith,)
2When they heard him speak to them in Aramaic, they became very quiet. Then Paul said:
3I 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.
3"I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city. I studied under Gamaliel and was thoroughly trained in the law of our ancestors. I was just as zealous for God as any of you are today.
4And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.
4I persecuted the followers of this Way to their death, arresting both men and women and throwing them into prison,
5As 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.
5as the high priest and all the Council can themselves testify. I even obtained letters from them to their associates in Damascus, and went there to bring these people as prisoners to Jerusalem to be punished.
Paul Recounts the Damascus Road
6And 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.
6About noon as I came near Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me.
7And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
7I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, 'Saul! Saul! Why do you persecute me?'
8And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest.
8'Who are you, Lord?' I asked. 'I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting,' he replied.
9And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me.
9My companions saw the light, but they did not understand the voice of him who was speaking to me.
10And 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.
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.'
11And 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.
11My companions led me by the hand into Damascus, because the brilliance of the light had blinded me.
Ananias Restores Paul's Sight
12And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there,
12A man named Ananias came to see me. He was a devout observer of the law and highly respected by all the Jews living there.
13Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him.
13He stood beside me and said, 'Brother Saul, receive your sight!' And at that very moment I was able to see him.
14And 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.
14Then he said: 'The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from his mouth.
15For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard.
15You will be his witness to all people of what you have seen and heard.
16And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
16And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.'
A Vision in the Temple
17And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance;
17When I returned to Jerusalem and was praying at the temple, I fell into a trance
18And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me.
18and saw the Lord speaking to me. 'Quick!' he said. 'Leave Jerusalem immediately, because the people here will not accept your testimony about me.'
19And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee:
19'Lord,' I replied, 'these people know that I went from one synagogue to another to imprison and beat those who believe in you.
20And 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.
20And when the blood of your martyr Stephen was shed, I stood there giving my approval and guarding the clothes of those who were killing him.'
21And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles.
21Then the Lord said to me, 'Go; I will send you far away to the Gentiles.'"
The Crowd Erupts Again
22And 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.
22The crowd listened to Paul until he said this. Then they raised their voices and shouted, "Rid the earth of him! He's not fit to live!"
23And as they cried out, and cast off their clothes, and threw dust into the air,
23As they were shouting and throwing off their cloaks and flinging dust into the air,
24The 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.
24the commander ordered that Paul be taken into the barracks. He directed that he be flogged and interrogated in order to find out why the people were shouting at him like this.
Paul Claims Roman Citizenship
25And 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?
25As 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?"
26When the centurion heard that, he went and told the chief captain, saying, Take heed what thou doest: for this man is a Roman.
26When 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."
27Then the chief captain came, and said unto him, Tell me, art thou a Roman? He said, Yea.
27The commander went to Paul and asked, "Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?" "Yes, I am," he answered.
28And the chief captain answered, With a great sum obtained I this freedom. And Paul said, But I was free born.
28Then the commander said, "I had to pay a lot of money for my citizenship." "But I was born a citizen," Paul replied.
29Then 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.
29Those who were about to interrogate him withdrew immediately. The commander himself was alarmed when he realized that he had put Paul, a Roman citizen, in chains.
Brought Before the Council
30On 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.
30The next day, since the commander wanted to find out exactly why Paul was being accused by the Jews, he released him and ordered the chief priests and all the members of the Council to assemble. Then he brought Paul and had him stand before them.
XXIII
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Paul and the High Priest
1And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.
1Paul looked straight at the Council and said, "My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day."
2And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth.
2At this the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth.
3Then 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?
3Then Paul said to him, "God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit there to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck!"
4And they that stood by said, Revilest thou God’s high priest?
4Those who were standing near Paul said, "How dare you insult God's high priest!"
5Then 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.
5Paul 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.'"
Dividing the Council
6But 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.
6Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees, called out in the Council, "My brothers, I am a Pharisee, descended from Pharisees. I stand on trial because of the hope of the resurrection of the dead."
7And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided.
7When he said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided.
8For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.
8(The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, and that there are neither angels nor spirits, but the Pharisees believe all these things.)
9And 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.
9There was a great uproar, and some of the teachers of the law who were Pharisees stood up and argued vigorously. "We find nothing wrong with this man," they said. "What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?"
10And 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.
10The 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.
The Lord Stands By Paul
11And 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.
11The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, "Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome."
The Plot to Kill Paul
12And 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.
12The next morning some Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul.
13And they were more than forty which had made this conspiracy.
13More than forty men were involved in this plot.
14And 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.
14They 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.
15Now 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.
15Now then, you and the Council 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."
Paul's Nephew Exposes the Plot
16And when Paul’s sister’s son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul.
16But when the son of Paul's sister heard of this plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul.
17Then 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.
17Then Paul called one of the centurions and said, "Take this young man to the commander; he has something to tell him."
18So 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.
18So he took him to the commander. The centurion said, "Paul, the prisoner, sent for me and asked me to bring this young man to you because he has something to tell you."
19Then 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?
19The commander took the young man by the hand, drew him aside, and asked, "What is it you want to tell me?"
20And 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.
20He said: "Some Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul before the Council tomorrow on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about him.
21But 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.
21Don't give in to them, because more than forty of them are waiting in ambush for him. They have taken an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him. They are ready now, waiting for your consent to their request."
22So 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.
22The commander dismissed the young man with this warning: "Don't tell anyone that you have reported this to me."
Lysias Writes to Felix
23And 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;
23Then he called two of his centurions and ordered them, "Get ready a detachment of two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea at nine tonight.
24And provide them beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring him safe unto Felix the governor.
24Provide horses for Paul so that he may be taken safely to Governor Felix."
25And he wrote a letter after this manner:
25He wrote a letter as follows:
26Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix sendeth greeting.
26Claudius Lysias, To His Excellency, Governor Felix: Greetings.
27This 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.
27This man was seized by the Jews and they were about to kill him, but I came with my troops and rescued him, for I had learned that he is a Roman citizen.
28And when I would have known the cause wherefore they accused him, I brought him forth into their council:
28I wanted to know why they were accusing him, so I brought him to their Council.
29Whom I perceived to be accused of questions of their law, but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds.
29I found that the accusation had to do with questions about their law, but there was no charge against him that deserved death or imprisonment.
30And 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.
30When I was informed of a plot to be carried out against the man, I sent him to you at once. I also ordered his accusers to present to you their case against him.
Paul Delivered to Caesarea
31Then the soldiers, as it was commanded them, took Paul, and brought him by night to Antipatris.
31So the soldiers, carrying out their orders, took Paul with them during the night and brought him as far as Antipatris.
32On the morrow they left the horsemen to go with him, and returned to the castle:
32The next day they let the cavalry go on with him, while they returned to the barracks.
33Who, when they came to Caesarea, and delivered the epistle to the governor, presented Paul also before him.
33When the cavalry arrived in Caesarea, they delivered the letter to the governor and handed Paul over to him.
34And when the governor had read the letter, he asked of what province he was. And when he understood that he was of Cilicia;
34The governor read the letter and asked what province he was from. Learning that he was from Cilicia,
35I will hear thee, said he, when thine accusers are also come. And he commanded him to be kept in Herod’s judgment hall.
35he said, "I will hear your case when your accusers get here." Then he ordered that Paul be kept under guard in Herod's palace.
XXIV
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Tertullus Accuses Paul
1And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul.
1Five days later the high priest Ananias went down to Caesarea with some of the elders and a lawyer named Tertullus, and they brought their charges against Paul before the governor.
2And 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,
2When 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.
3We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.
3Everywhere and in every way, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with profound gratitude.
4Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words.
4But in order not to weary you further, I would request that you be kind enough to hear us briefly.
5For 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:
5We have found this man to be a troublemaker, stirring up riots among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the Nazarene sect
6Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law.
6and even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him and would have judged him according to our law.
7But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands,
7But the commander Lysias came and took him from us with much violence,
8Commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him.
8ordering his accusers to come before you. By examining him yourself you will be able to learn the truth about all these charges we are bringing against him."
9And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so.
9The other Jews joined in the accusation, asserting that these things were true.
Paul's Defense Before Felix
10Then 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:
10When the governor 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.
11Because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship.
11You can easily verify that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship.
12And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city:
12My accusers did not find me arguing with anyone at the temple, or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city.
13Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.
13And they cannot prove to you the charges they are now making against me.
14But 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:
14However, I admit that I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets,
15And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.
15and I have the same hope in God as these men themselves have, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.
16And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.
16So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.
17Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings.
17After an absence of several years, I came to Jerusalem to bring my people gifts for the poor and to present offerings.
18Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult.
18I was ceremonially clean when they found me in the temple courts doing this. There was no crowd with me, nor was I involved in any disturbance.
19Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought against me.
19But there are some Jews from the province of Asia, who ought to be here before you and bring charges if they have anything against me.
20Or else let these same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council,
20Or these who are here should state what crime they found in me when I stood before the Council—
21Except 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.
21unless 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.'"
Felix Postpones Judgment
22And 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.
22Then Felix, who was well acquainted with the Way, adjourned the proceedings. "When Lysias the commander comes," he said, "I will decide your case."
23And 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.
23He ordered the centurion to keep Paul under guard but to give him some freedom and permit his friends to take care of his needs.
Felix Trembles but Delays
24And 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.
24Several 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.
25And 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.
25As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, "That's enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you."
26He 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.
26At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him.
27But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix’ room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.
27When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.
XXV
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Festus Refuses the Ambush
1Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem.
1Three days after arriving in the province, Festus went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem,
2Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, and besought him,
2where the chief priests and the Jewish leaders appeared before him and presented the charges against Paul.
3And desired favour against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem, laying wait in the way to kill him.
3They 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.
4But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself would depart shortly thither.
4Festus answered, "Paul is being held at Caesarea, and I myself am going there soon.
5Let them therefore, said he, which among you are able, go down with me, and accuse this man, if there be any wickedness in him.
5Let some of your leaders come with me, and if the man has done anything wrong, they can press charges against him there."
Paul Appeals to Caesar
6And 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.
6After spending eight or ten days with them, Festus went down to Caesarea. The next day he convened the court and ordered that Paul be brought before him.
7And 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.
7When Paul came in, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him. They brought many serious charges against him, but they could not prove them.
8While 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.
8Then Paul made his defense: "I have done nothing wrong against the law of the Jews or against the temple or against Caesar."
9But 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?
9Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, "Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and stand trial before me there on these charges?"
10Then 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.
10Paul answered: "I am now standing before Caesar's court, where I ought to be tried. I have not done any wrong to the Jews, as you yourself know very well.
11For 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.
11If, 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!"
12Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, Hast thou appealed unto Caesar? unto Caesar shalt thou go.
12After Festus had conferred with his council, he declared: "You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you will go!"
Festus Consults King Agrippa
13And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Caesarea to salute Festus.
13A few days later King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea to pay their respects to Festus.
14And 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:
14Since 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.
15About whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, desiring to have judgment against him.
15When I went to Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews brought charges against him and asked that he be condemned.
16To 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.
16I 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.
17Therefore, 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.
17When 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.
18Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed:
18When his accusers got up to speak, they did not charge him with any of the crimes I had expected.
19But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.
19Instead, they had some points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive.
20And because I doubted of such manner of questions, I asked him whether he would go to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these matters.
20I 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.
21But 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.
21But 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."
22Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also hear the man myself. To morrow, said he, thou shalt hear him.
22Then Agrippa said to Festus, "I would like to hear this man myself." He replied, "Tomorrow you will hear him."
Paul Presented Before Agrippa
23And 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.
23The next day Agrippa and Bernice 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.
24And 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.
24Festus said: "King Agrippa, and all who are present with us, you see this man! The whole Jewish community has petitioned me about him in Jerusalem and here in Caesarea, shouting that he ought not to live any longer.
25But 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.
25I found he had done nothing deserving of death, but because he made his appeal to the Emperor I decided to send him to Rome.
26Of 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.
26But 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.
27For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not withal to signify the crimes laid against him.
27For I think it is unreasonable to send a prisoner on to Rome without specifying the charges against him."
XXVI
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Paul's Life and Hope
1Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself:
1Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You have permission to speak for yourself." So Paul motioned with his hand and began his defense:
2I 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:
2"King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you today as I make my defense against all the accusations of the Jews,
3Especially 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.
3and especially so because you are well acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently.
4My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews;
4The Jewish people all know the way I have lived ever since I was a child, from the beginning of my life in my own country, and also in Jerusalem.
5Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.
5They have known me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that I conformed to the strictest sect of our religion, living as a Pharisee.
6And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers:
6And now it is because of my hope in what God has promised our ancestors that I am on trial today.
7Unto 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.
7This is the promise our twelve tribes are hoping to see fulfilled as they earnestly serve God day and night. King Agrippa, it is because of this hope that these Jews are accusing me.
8Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?
8Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?
Paul the Former Persecutor
9I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.
9I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth.
10Which 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.
10And that is just what I did in Jerusalem. On the authority of the chief priests I put many of the Lord's people in prison, and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them.
11And 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.
11Many a time I went from one synagogue to another to have them punished, and I tried to force them to blaspheme. I was so obsessed with persecuting them that I even hunted them down in foreign cities.
Christ's Commission on the Road
12Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests,
12On one of these journeys I was going to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests.
13At 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.
13About 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.
14And 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.
14We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.'
15And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.
15Then I asked, 'Who are you, Lord?' 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,' the Lord replied.
16But 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;
16'Now get up and stand on your feet. 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.
17Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,
17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them
18To 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.
18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.'
Obedient to the Heavenly Vision
19Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:
19So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven.
20But 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.
20First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and then to the Gentiles, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds.
21For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me.
21That is why some Jews seized me in the temple courts and tried to kill me.
22Having 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:
22But 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—
23That 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.
23that the Messiah would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would bring the message of light to his own people and to the Gentiles."
Festus Objects, Agrippa Almost Persuaded
24And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.
24At this point Festus interrupted Paul's defense. "You are out of your mind, Paul!" he shouted. "Your great learning is driving you insane."
25But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.
25"I am not insane, most excellent Festus," Paul replied. "What I am saying is true and reasonable.
26For 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.
26The king is familiar with these things, 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.
27King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.
27King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do."
28Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.
28Then Agrippa said to Paul, "Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?"
29And 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.
29Paul 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."
The Verdict: Innocent but Bound
30And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the governor, and Bernice, and they that sat with them:
30The king rose, and with him the governor and Bernice and those sitting with them.
31And when they were gone aside, they talked between themselves, saying, This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds.
31After they left the room, they began saying to one another, "This man is not doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment."
32Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar.
32Agrippa said to Festus, "This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar."
XXVII
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Setting Sail for Italy
1And 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.
1When it was decided that we would sail for Italy, Paul and some other prisoners were handed over to a centurion named Julius, who belonged to the Imperial Regiment.
2And 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.
2We boarded a ship from Adramyttium about to sail for ports along the coast of the province of Asia, and we put out to sea. Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, was with us.
3And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself.
3The next day we landed at Sidon; and Julius, in kindness to Paul, allowed him to go to his friends so they might provide for his needs.
4And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.
4From there we put out to sea again and passed to the lee of Cyprus because the winds were against us.
5And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia.
5When we had sailed across the open sea off the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we landed at Myra in Lycia.
6And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy; and he put us therein.
6There the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing for Italy and put us on board.
7And 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;
7We made slow headway for many days and had difficulty arriving off Cnidus. When the wind did not allow us to hold our course, we sailed to the lee of Crete, opposite Salmone.
8And, hardly passing it, came unto a place which is called The fair havens; nigh whereunto was the city of Lasea.
8We moved along the coast with difficulty and came to a place called Fair Havens, near the town of Lasea.
Paul's Warning Ignored
9Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them,
9Much time had been lost, and sailing had already become dangerous because by now it was after the Day of Atonement. So Paul warned them,
10And 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.
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."
11Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul.
11But the centurion, instead of listening to what Paul said, followed the advice of the pilot and of the owner of the ship.
12And 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.
12Since 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, facing both southwest and northwest.
The Storm Called Euroclydon
13And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete.
13When a gentle south wind began to blow, they saw their opportunity; so they weighed anchor and sailed along the shore of Crete.
14But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon.
14Before very long, a wind of hurricane force, called the Northeaster, swept down from the island.
15And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive.
15The ship was caught by the storm and could not head into the wind; so we gave way to it and were driven along.
16And running under a certain island which is called Clauda, we had much work to come by the boat:
16As we passed to the lee of a small island called Cauda, we were hardly able to make the lifeboat secure,
17Which 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.
17so 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 on the sandbars of Syrtis, they lowered the sea anchor and let the ship be driven along.
18And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship;
18We took such a violent battering from the storm that the next day they began to throw the cargo overboard.
19And the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship.
19On the third day, they threw the ship's tackle overboard with their own hands.
20And 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.
20When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved.
An Angel Promises Survival
21But 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.
21After they had gone a long time without food, Paul stood up before them and said: "Men, you should have taken my advice not to sail from Crete; then you would have spared yourselves this damage and loss.
22And 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.
22But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed.
23For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,
23Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me
24Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.
24and said, 'Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.'
25Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.
25So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me.
26Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island.
26Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island."
Approaching Land at Midnight
27But 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;
27On the fourteenth night we were still being driven across the Adriatic Sea, when about midnight the sailors sensed they were approaching land.
28And sounded, and found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms.
28They took soundings and found that the water was a hundred and twenty feet deep. A short time later they took soundings again and found it was ninety feet deep.
29Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day.
29Fearing that we would be dashed against the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern and prayed for daylight.
30And 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,
30In an attempt to escape from the ship, the sailors let the lifeboat down into the sea, pretending they were going to lower some anchors from the bow.
31Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved.
31Then Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, "Unless these men stay with the ship, you cannot be saved."
32Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off.
32So the soldiers cut the ropes that held the lifeboat and let it drift away.
Bread Broken Before Dawn
33And 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.
33Just 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.
34Wherefore 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.
34Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head."
35And 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.
35After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat.
36Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat.
36They were all encouraged and ate some food themselves.
37And we were in all in the ship two hundred threescore and sixteen souls.
37Altogether there were 276 of us on board.
38And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the sea.
38When they had eaten as much as they wanted, they lightened the ship by throwing the grain into the sea.
Shipwreck and Safe Landing
39And 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.
39When daylight came, they did not recognize the land, but they saw a bay with a sandy beach, where they decided to run the ship aground if they could.
40And 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.
40Cutting loose the anchors, 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.
41And 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.
41But 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.
42And the soldiers’ counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape.
42The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners to prevent any of them from swimming away and escaping.
43But 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:
43But the centurion wanted to spare Paul's life and kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land.
44And 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.
44The rest were to get there on planks or on other pieces of the ship. In this way everyone reached land safely.
XXVIII
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
A Viper on Malta
1And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita.
1Once safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta.
2And 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.
2The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold.
3And 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.
3Paul 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.
4And 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.
4When the islanders saw the snake hanging from his hand, 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."
5And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.
5But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects.
6Howbeit 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.
6The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall down dead; but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god.
Healings at the House of Publius
7In 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.
7There 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.
8And 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.
8His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him.
9So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed:
9When this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured.
10Who also honoured us with many honours; and when we departed, they laded us with such things as were necessary.
10They honored us in many ways; and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed.
The Road to Rome
11And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux.
11After three months we put out to sea in a ship that had wintered in the island—an Alexandrian ship with the figurehead of the twin gods Castor and Pollux.
12And landing at Syracuse, we tarried there three days.
12We put in at Syracuse and stayed there three days.
13And 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:
13From there we set sail and arrived at Rhegium. The next day the south wind came up, and on the following day we reached Puteoli.
14Where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome.
14There we found some brothers and sisters who invited us to spend a week with them. And so we came to Rome.
15And 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.
15The brothers and sisters 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.
16And 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.
16When we got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him.
Paul Meets Rome's Jewish Leaders
17And 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.
17Three days later he called together the local Jewish leaders. When they had assembled, Paul said to them: "My brothers, although I have done nothing against our people or against the customs of our ancestors, I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans.
18Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me.
18They examined me and wanted to release me, because I was not guilty of any crime deserving death.
19But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of.
19The Jews objected, so I was compelled to make an appeal to Caesar. I certainly did not intend to bring any charge against my own people.
20For 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.
20For this reason I have asked to see you and talk with you. It is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain."
21And 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.
21They replied, "We have not received any letters from Judea concerning you, and none of our people who have come from there has reported or said anything bad about you.
22But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.
22But we want to hear what your views are, for we know that people everywhere are talking against this sect."
Isaiah and the Divided Hearing
23And 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.
23They arranged to meet Paul on a certain day, and came in even larger numbers to the place where he was staying. He witnessed to them from morning till evening, explaining about the kingdom of God, and from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets he tried to persuade them about Jesus.
24And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.
24Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe.
25And 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,
25They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: "The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your ancestors when he said through Isaiah the prophet:
26Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive:
26'Go to this people and say, "You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving."
27For 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.
27For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.'
28Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.
28"Therefore I want you to know that God's salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!"
29And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves.
29After he said this, the Jews left, arguing vigorously among themselves.
Two Years of Unhindered Preaching
30And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him,
30For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him.
31Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.
31He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!