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Luke
Chapter 1
1
Many have taken on the work of putting together an account of the things that have been accomplished among us,
2
just as they were passed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word.
3
So it seemed good to me also, because I have accurately investigated everything from the beginning, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus,
4
so that you might know the certainty of the things you have been taught.
5
In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a certain priest named Zechariah from the division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron.
6
They were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord.
7
But they had no child because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both advanced in their days.
8
Now it came about that Zechariah was in God's presence, carrying out the priestly duties in the order of his division.
9
According to the customary way of choosing which priest would serve, he had been chosen by lot to enter into the temple of the Lord to burn incense.
10
The whole crowd of people was praying outside at the hour when the incense was burned.
11
Now an angel of the Lord appeared to him and stood at the right side of the incense altar.
12
When Zechariah saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell on him.
13
But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son. You will call his name John.
14
You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.
15
For he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He must never drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit from his mother's womb.
16
Many of the descendants of Israel will be turned to the Lord their God.
17
He will go before the face of the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready for the Lord a people prepared for him."
18
Zechariah said to the angel, "How can I know this? For I am an old man and my wife is advanced in her days."
19
The angel answered and said to him, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God. I was sent to speak to you, to bring you this good news.
20
Behold! You will be silent, unable to speak, until the day these things take place. This is because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at the right time."
21
Now the people were waiting for Zechariah. They were surprised that he was spending so much time in the temple.
22
But when he came out, he could not speak to them. They realized that he had seen a vision while he was in the temple. He kept on making signs to them and remained silent.
23
It came about that when the days of his service were over, he went to his house.
24
After these days, his wife Elizabeth conceived and for five months she kept herself hidden. She said,
25
"This is what the Lord has done for me when he looked at me with favor in order to take away my shame before people."
26
In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee named Nazareth,
27
to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, who was a descendant of David, and the virgin's name was Mary.
28
He came to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."
29
But she was very confused by his words, and she wondered what kind of greeting this could be.
30
The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.
31
See, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son. You will call his name 'Jesus.'
32
He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David.
33
He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and there will be no end to his kingdom."
34
Mary said to the angel, "How will this happen, since I have not known any man?"
35
The angel answered and said to her, "The Holy Spirit will overshadow you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.
36
See, your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age. This is the sixth month for her, she who was called barren.
37
For nothing will be impossible for God."
38
Mary said, "See, I am the female servant of the Lord. Let it be for me according to your message." Then the angel left her.
39
Then Mary arose in those days and quickly went into the hill country, to a city in Judea.
40
She went into the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.
41
Now it happened that when Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby in her womb jumped, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
42
She cried out with a loud shout and said, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.
43
Why has it happened to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
44
For see, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb jumped for joy.
45
Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of the things that were told her from the Lord."
46
Mary said,
"My soul praises the Lord,
47
and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.
48
For he has looked
at the low condition of his female servant.
For see, from now on all generations will call me blessed.
49
For the Mighty One has done great things for me,
and his name is holy.
50
His mercy lasts from generation to generation
for those who fear him.
51
He has displayed strength with his arm;
he has scattered those who were proud
about the thoughts of their hearts.
52
He has thrown down princes from their thrones
and he has raised up those of low condition.
53
He has filled the hungry with good things,
but the rich he has sent away empty-handed.
54
He has given help to Israel his servant,
so as to remember to show mercy
55
(as he said to our fathers)
to Abraham and his descendants forever."
56
Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months and then returned to her house.
57
Now the time had come for Elizabeth to deliver her baby and she gave birth to a son.
58
Her neighbors and her relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her.
59
Now it happened on the eighth day that they came to circumcise the child. They would have called him "Zechariah," after the name of his father.
60
But his mother answered and said, "No. He will be called John."
61
They said to her, "There is no one among your relatives who is called by this name."
62
They made signs to his father as to how he wanted him to be named.
63
His father asked for a writing tablet and wrote, "His name is John." They all were astonished at this.
64
Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue was freed. He spoke and praised God.
65
Fear came on all who lived around them. All these matters were spread throughout all the hill country of Judea.
66
All who heard them stored them in their hearts, saying, "What then will this child become?" For the hand of the Lord was with him.
67
His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying,
68
"Praised be the Lord, the God of Israel,
for he has come to help
and he has accomplished redemption for his people.
69
He has raised up a horn of salvation for us
in the house of his servant David
70
(as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from long ago),
71
salvation from our enemies
and from the hand of all who hate us.
72
He will do this to show mercy to our fathers
and to remember his holy covenant,
73
the oath that he swore
to Abraham our father.
74
He swore to grant to us that we,
having been delivered out of the hand of our enemies,
would serve him without fear
75
in holiness and righteousness
before him all our days.
76
Yes, and you, child,
will be called a prophet of the Most High,
for you will go before the face of the Lord
to prepare his paths,
to prepare people for his coming,
77
to give knowledge of salvation to his people
by the forgiveness of their sins.
78
This will happen because
of the tender mercy of our God,
because of which the sunrise
from on high will come to help us,
79
to shine on those who sit in darkness
and in the shadow of death.
He will do this to guide our feet
into the path of peace."
80
Now the child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day of his public appearance to Israel.
Chapter 2
1
Now in those days, it came about that Caesar Augustus sent out a decree ordering that a census be taken of all the people living in the world.
2
This was the first census made while Quirinius was governor of Syria.
3
So everyone went to his own city to be registered for the census.
4
Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family line of David.
5
He went there to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him and was pregnant.
6
Now it came about that while they were there, the time came for her to deliver her baby.
7
She gave birth to a son, her firstborn child, and she wrapped him in long strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
8
There were shepherds in that region who were staying in the fields, guarding their flock at night.
9
An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear.
10
Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, because I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all the people.
11
Today a Savior was born for you in the city of David! He is Christ the Lord!
12
This is the sign that will be given to you: You will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger."
13
Suddenly there was together with the angel a great multitude from heaven, praising God and saying,
14
"Glory to God in the highest,
and may there be peace on earth
among people with whom he is pleased."
15
It came about that when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to each other, "Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us."
16
They hurried there and found Mary, Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in a manger.
17
After they had seen him, they made known what had been said to them about this child.
18
All who heard it were amazed at what was spoken to them by the shepherds.
19
But Mary kept thinking about all the things she had heard, treasuring them in her heart.
20
The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for everything that they had heard and seen, just as it had been spoken to them.
21
When it was the end of the eighth day, when he was circumcised, he was named Jesus, the name he had been given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
22
When the required number of days for their purification had passed, according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to the temple in Jerusalem to present him to the Lord.
23
As it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every male who opens the womb will be set apart to the Lord."
24
So they offered a sacrifice according to what was said in the law of the Lord, "a pair of doves or two young pigeons."
25
Behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
26
It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
27
Led by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple. When the parents brought in the infant Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law,
28
he took him into his arms and praised God, and he said,
29
"Now let your servant depart in peace, Lord,
according to your word.
30
For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31
which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples:
32
A light for revelation to the Gentiles
and glory to your people Israel."
33
His father and mother
were amazed at what was said about him.
34
Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is appointed for the downfall and rising up of many people in Israel and for a sign that is rejected—
35
and a sword will pierce your own soul—so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."
36
A prophetess named Anna was there. She was the daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in her days. She had lived with her husband for seven years after her virginity,
37
and was a widow for eighty-four years. She never left the temple but was serving with fastings and prayers, night and day.
38
At that very hour she came near to them and began giving thanks to God, and she spoke about the child to everyone who had been waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.
39
When they had finished everything they were required to do according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.
40
The child grew and became strong; he was full of wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.
41
His parents went every year to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover.
42
When he was twelve years old, they again went up at the customary time for the festival.
43
After they had stayed the full number of days for the feast, they began to return home. But the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem and his parents did not know it.
44
They assumed that he was with the group that was traveling with them, so they traveled a day's journey. Then they started to search carefully for him among their relatives and friends.
45
When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem and started to search carefully for him there.
46
It came about that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the middle of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.
47
All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.
48
When they saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us this way? Look, your father and I have been anxiously searching for you."
49
He said to them, "Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I had to be about my Father's business?"
50
But they did not understand what he meant by those words.
51
Then he went back home with them to Nazareth and was obedient to them. His mother treasured all these things in her heart.
52
But Jesus continued to grow in wisdom and stature, and increased in favor with God and people.
Chapter 3
1
In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar—while Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod was tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip was tetrarch of the region of Iturea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias was tetrarch of Abilene,
2
during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas—the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness.
3
He went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
4
As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet,
"A voice of one crying out in the wilderness,
'Make ready the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight.
5
Every valley will be filled,
and every mountain and hill will be made low,
and the crooked roads will be made straight,
and the uneven places will be built into roads,
6
and all flesh will see the salvation of God.'"
7
So John said to the crowds who were coming out to be baptized by him, "You offspring of vipers! Who warned you to run away from the wrath that is coming?
8
Therefore, produce fruits that are worthy of repentance, and do not begin to say within yourselves, 'We have Abraham for our father,' for I tell you that God is able to raise up children for Abraham from these stones.
9
Even now the ax is set against the root of the trees. So every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire."
10
Then the crowds kept asking him, saying, "What then are we to do?"
11
He answered and said to them, "If someone has two tunics, he should share with a person who has none, and the one having food should do the same."
12
Tax collectors also came to be baptized, and they said to him, "Teacher, what must we do?"
13
He said to them, "Do not collect more money than you have been ordered to collect."
14
Some soldiers also asked him, saying, "What about us? What must we do?"
He said to them, "Do not take money from anyone by force, and do not accuse anyone falsely. Be content with your wages."
15
Now as the people were eagerly expecting the Christ to come, everyone was wondering in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Christ.
16
John answered by saying to them all, "As for me, I baptize you with water, but someone is coming who is more powerful than I, and I am not worthy even to untie the strap of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
17
His winnowing fork is in his hand to thoroughly clear off his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his storehouse. But he will burn up the chaff with fire that can never be put out."
18
With many other exhortations also, John was announcing the good news to the people.
19
When Herod the tetrarch had been reproved for marrying his brother's wife Herodias, and for all the other evil things that Herod had done,
20
he added this to them all, that he locked John up in prison.
21
Now it came about, when all the people were baptized, Jesus also was baptized, and while he was praying, the heavens opened,
22
and the Holy Spirit in bodily form came down on him like a dove, and a voice came from heaven: "You are my beloved Son. I am pleased with you."
23
When Jesus began his ministry, he was about thirty years of age. He was the son (as it was assumed) of Joseph, the son of Heli,
24
the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph.
25
Joseph was the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of Esli, the son of Naggai,
26
the son of Maath, the son of Mattathias, the son of Semein, the son of Josech, the son of Joda.
27
Joda was the son of Joanan, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Salathiel, the son of Neri,
28
the son of Melchi, the son of Addi, the son of Cosam, the son of Elmadam, the son of Er,
29
the son of Joshua, the son of Eliezer, the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi.
30
Levi was the son of Simeon, the son of Judah, the son of Joseph, the son of Jonam, the son of Eliakim,
31
the son of Melea, the son of Menna, the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan, the son of David,
32
the son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Salmon, the son of Nahshon.
33
Nahshon was the son of Amminadab, the son of Admin, the son of Arni, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah,
34
the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the son of Terah, the son of Nahor,
35
the son of Serug, the son of Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of Eber, the son of Shelah.
36
Shelah was the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech,
37
the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared, the son of Mahalalel, the son of Cainan,
38
the son of Enos, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.
Chapter 4
1
Then Jesus, being full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan River and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness,
2
where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of that time he was hungry.
3
The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread."
4
Jesus answered him, "It is written, 'Man does not live on bread alone.'"
5
Then the devil led Jesus up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in an instant of time.
6
The devil said to him, "I will give to you all this authority and all their glory, for they have been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want.
7
So then, if you will bow down and worship me, it will be yours."
8
But Jesus answered and said to him, "It is written, 'You will worship the Lord your God, and you will serve only him.'"
9
Then the devil led Jesus to Jerusalem and put him on the very highest point of the temple building, and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here.
10
For it is written,
'He will give orders to his angels regarding you,
to protect you,'
11
and, 'They will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'"
12
Answering him, Jesus said, "It is said, 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'"
13
When the devil had finished tempting Jesus, he went away and left him until another time.
14
Then Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread throughout the entire surrounding region.
15
Then he began to teach in their synagogues and he was praised by all.
16
He came into Nazareth, where he had been raised, and, as was his custom, he entered the synagogue on the Sabbath day and he stood up to read aloud.
17
The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. He opened the scroll and found the place where it was written,
18
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he anointed me
to announce good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom to the captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to set free those who are oppressed,
19
to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."
20
Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him.
21
He began to speak to them: "Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing."
22
Everyone there spoke well of him and they were amazed at the gracious words which were coming out of his mouth, and they asked, "Is this not the son of Joseph?"
23
He said to them, "Surely you will say this proverb to me, 'Doctor, heal yourself. Whatever we heard that you did in Capernaum, do the same in your hometown.'"
24
But he said, "Truly I say to you, no prophet is received in his own hometown.
25
But in truth I tell you that there were many widows in Israel during the time of Elijah, when the sky was shut up for three years and six months and a great famine came upon all the land.
26
But Elijah was sent to none of them, but only to Zarephath in Sidon, to a widow living there.
27
There were many lepers in Israel during the time of Elisha the prophet, but none of them were cleansed except Naaman the Syrian."
28
All the people in the synagogue were filled with rage when they heard these things.
29
They got up, forced him out of the town, and led him to the cliff of the hill on which their town was built, so they might throw him off the cliff.
30
But he passed through the middle of them and he went to another place.
31
Then he went down to Capernaum, a city in Galilee, and he began to teach them on the Sabbath.
32
They were astonished at his teaching, because he spoke with authority.
33
Now in the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice,
34
"Ah! What do we have to do with you, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!"
35
Jesus rebuked the demon, saying, "Do not speak! Come out of him!" When the demon had thrown the man down in the middle of them, he came out of him, and did not harm him in any way.
36
All the people were very amazed, and they kept talking about it with one another. They said, "What kind of words are these? He commands the unclean spirits with authority and power and they come out."
37
So news about him began to spread into every part of the surrounding region.
38
Then Jesus left the synagogue and entered into the house of Simon. Now Simon's mother-in-law was suffering with a high fever, and they pleaded with him on her behalf.
39
So he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. Immediately she got up and started serving them.
40
When the sun was setting, people brought to Jesus everyone who was sick with various kinds of diseases. He laid his hands on every one of them and healed them.
41
Demons also came out from many of them, crying out and saying, "You are the Son of God!" Jesus rebuked the demons and would not let them speak, because they knew that he was the Christ.
42
When daybreak came, he went out into a solitary place. Crowds of people were looking for him and came to the place where he was. They tried to keep him from going away from them.
43
But he said to them, "I must also preach the gospel about the kingdom of God to many other cities, because this is the reason I was sent here."
44
Then he continued to preach in the synagogues throughout Judea.
Chapter 5
1
Now it happened while the people were crowding around Jesus and listening to the word of God, that he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret.
2
He saw two boats pulled up by the edge of the lake. The fishermen had gotten out of them and were washing their nets.
3
Jesus got into one of the boats, which was Simon's, and asked him to put it out in the water a short distance from the land. Then he sat down and taught the people out of the boat.
4
When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Take the boat out into the deeper water and let down your nets for a catch."
5
Simon answered and said, "Master, we have labored all night and caught nothing, but at your word, I will let down the nets."
6
When they had done this, they gathered a very large number of fish, and their nets were breaking.
7
So they motioned to their partners in the other boat that they should come and help them. They came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink.
8
But Simon Peter, when he saw it, fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, Lord."
9
For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish which they had taken.
10
And so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon.
Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid, because from now on you will catch men."
11
When they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.
12
It came about that while he was in one of the cities, a man full of leprosy was there. When he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and begged him, saying, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean."
13
Then Jesus reached out his hand and touched him, saying, "I am willing. Be clean." Immediately the leprosy left him.
14
He instructed him to tell no one but told him, "Go on your way, and show yourself to the priest and offer a sacrifice for your cleansing, according to what Moses commanded, for a testimony to them."
15
But the report about him spread even farther, and large crowds of people came together to hear him teach and to be healed of their sicknesses.
16
But he often withdrew into the deserted places and prayed.
17
It came about on one of those days that he was teaching, and there were Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting there who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem. The power of the Lord was with him to heal.
18
Now some men came carrying on a mat a man who was paralyzed, and they looked for a way to bring him inside in order to lay him down in front of Jesus.
19
They could not find a way to bring him in because of the crowd, so they went up to the housetop and let the man down through the tiles, on his mat, into the midst of the people, right in front of Jesus.
20
Seeing their faith, Jesus said, "Man, your sins are forgiven you."
21
The scribes and the Pharisees began to question this, saying, "Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?"
22
But Jesus, knowing what they were thinking, answered and said to them, "Why are you questioning this in your hearts?
23
Which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven you' or to say, 'Get up and walk'?
24
But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins,"—he said to the paralyzed man—"I tell you, get up, pick up your mat and go to your house."
25
Immediately he got up in front of them and picked up the mat on which he was lying. Then he went away to his house, glorifying God.
26
Everyone was amazed and they glorified God. They were filled with fear, saying, "We have seen extraordinary things today."
27
After these things happened, Jesus went out from there and saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the tax collector's tent. He said to him, "Follow me."
28
So Levi got up and followed him, leaving everything behind.
29
Then Levi gave a big banquet in his house for Jesus. There were many tax collectors there and other people who were reclining at the table and eating with them.
30
But the Pharisees and their scribes were complaining to his disciples, saying, "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?"
31
Jesus answered them, "People who are well do not need a physician; only those who are sick.
32
I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
33
They said to him, "The disciples of John often fast and pray, and the disciples of the Pharisees do the same. But your disciples eat and drink."
34
Jesus said to them, "Can anyone make the wedding attendants of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is still with them?
35
But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, then in those days they will fast."
36
Then Jesus also spoke a parable to them. "No one tears a piece of cloth from a new garment and uses it to mend an old garment. If he does that, he will tear the new garment, and the piece of cloth from the new garment will not fit with the cloth of the old garment.
37
No one puts new wine into old wineskins. If he does that, the new wine will burst the skins, and the wine will be spilled, and the wineskins will be destroyed.
38
But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins.
39
No one after drinking old wine wants the new, for he says, 'The old is better.'"
Chapter 6
1
Now it happened on a Sabbath that Jesus was going through the grainfields, and his disciples were picking the heads of grain, rubbing them between their hands, and eating the grain.
2
But some of the Pharisees said, "Why are you doing something that is not lawful to do on the Sabbath day?"
3
Answering them, Jesus said, "Have you not even read what David did when he was hungry, he and the men who were with him?
4
He went into the house of God and took the bread of the presence and ate some of it, and also gave some to the men who were with him to eat, even though it was only lawful for the priests to eat it."
5
Then he said to them, "The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath."
6
It happened on another Sabbath that he went into the synagogue and taught the people there. A man was there whose right hand was withered.
7
The scribes and the Pharisees were watching him closely to see whether he would heal someone on the Sabbath, so that they might find a reason to accuse him.
8
But he knew what they were thinking and he said to the man whose hand was withered, "Get up and stand here in the middle of everyone." So the man got up and stood there.
9
Jesus said to them, "I ask you, is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save a life or to destroy it?"
10
Then he looked around at them all and said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He did so, and his hand was restored.
11
But they were filled with senseless rage, and they talked to each other about what they might do to Jesus.
12
It happened in those days that he went out to the mountain to pray. He continued all night in prayer to God.
13
When it was day, he called his disciples to him, and he chose twelve of them, whom he also named apostles.
14
The names of the apostles were Simon (whom he also named Peter) and his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew,
15
Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot,
16
Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.
17
Then Jesus came down the mountain with them and stood on a level place with a large crowd of his disciples and a large number of the people from Judea and Jerusalem and the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon.
18
They had come to listen to him and to be healed of their diseases. People who were troubled with unclean spirits were also healed.
19
Everyone in the crowd kept trying to touch him because power to heal was coming out from him, and he healed them all.
20
Then he looked at his disciples and said,
"Blessed are you who are poor,
for yours is the kingdom of God.
21
Blessed are you who hunger now,
for you will be filled.
Blessed are you who weep now,
for you will laugh.
22
Blessed are you when people hate you,
and when they exclude you and insult you
and reject your name as evil,
because of the Son of Man.
23
Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because you will surely have a great reward in heaven, for their ancestors treated the prophets in the same way.
24
But woe to you who are rich,
for you have already received your comfort.
25
Woe to you who are full now,
for you will be hungry later.
Woe to you who laugh now,
for you will mourn and weep later.
26
Woe to you when all men speak well of you,
for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets.
27
"But I say to you who are listening, love your enemies and do good to those who hate you.
28
Bless those who curse you and pray for those who mistreat you.
29
To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer him also the other. If someone takes away your coat, do not withhold your tunic either.
30
Give to everyone who asks you. If someone takes away something that belongs to you, do not ask him to give it back to you.
31
As you want people to do to you, you should do the same to them.
32
If you only love people who love you, what reward is there for you? For even sinners love those who love them.
33
If you do good only to people who do good to you, what reward is there for you? For even sinners do the same.
34
If you only lend to people from whom you hope to be repaid, what reward is there for you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive back the same amount.
35
But love your enemies and do good to them. Lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he himself is kind toward unthankful and evil people.
36
Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
37
Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven.
38
Give, and it will be given to you. A good amount—pressed down, shaken together and spilling over—will pour into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you."
39
Then he also told them a parable. "Can a blind person guide another blind person? If he did, they would both fall into a pit, would they not?
40
A disciple is not greater than his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.
41
Why do you look at the tiny piece of straw that is in your brother's eye, but you do not notice the log that is in your own eye?
42
How can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take out the piece of straw that is in your eye,' when you yourself do not even see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite! First take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the piece of straw that is in your brother's eye.
43
For there is no good tree that produces rotten fruit, nor is there a rotten tree that produces good fruit.
44
For each tree is known by the kind of fruit it produces. For people do not gather figs from a thornbush, nor do they gather grapes from a briar bush.
45
The good man from the good treasure of his heart produces what is good, and the evil man from the evil treasure of his heart produces what is evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
46
"Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and yet you do not obey the things that I say?
47
Every person who comes to me and hears my words and obeys them, I will tell you what he is like.
48
He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep in the ground and built the house's foundation on solid rock. When a flood came, the torrent of water flowed against that house but could not shake it, because it had been well built.
49
But the person who hears my words and does not obey them, he is like a man who built a house on top of the ground without a foundation. When the torrent of water flowed against that house, it immediately collapsed, and the ruin of that house was complete."
Chapter 7
1
After Jesus had finished everything he was saying in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum.
2
Now a centurion had a slave who was highly regarded by him, and he was sick and about to die.
3
When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant.
4
When they had come to Jesus, they asked him earnestly, saying, "He is worthy to have you do this for him,
5
because he loves our nation, and he is the one who built the synagogue for us."
6
So Jesus continued on his way with them. But when he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to say to him, "Lord, do not trouble yourself, because I am not worthy for you to come under my roof.
7
For this reason I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you, but just say a word and my servant will be healed.
8
For I also am a man who is under authority, with soldiers under me. I say to this one, 'Go,' and he goes, and to another one, 'Come,' and he comes, and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."
9
When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him said, "I say to you, not even in Israel have I found such faith."
10
When those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant was healthy.
11
Soon after that, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a great crowd went with him.
12
As he came near to the gate of the town, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother (who was a widow), and a rather large crowd from the town was with her.
13
When the Lord saw her, he was deeply moved with compassion for her and said to her, "Do not cry."
14
Then he went up and touched the wooden frame on which they carried the body, and those carrying it stood still. He said, "Young man, I say to you, arise."
15
The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother.
16
Then fear overcame all of them, and they kept praising God, saying, "A great prophet has been raised among us" and "God has looked upon his people."
17
This news about Jesus spread throughout the whole of Judea and all the neighboring regions.
18
John's disciples told him about all these things. Then John called two of his disciples
19
and sent them to the Lord to say, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?"
20
When they had come near to Jesus, the men said, "John the Baptist has sent us to you to say, 'Are you the one who is coming, or should we look for another?'"
21
In that hour he healed many people from sicknesses and afflictions and from evil spirits, and to many blind people he gave sight.
22
Jesus answered and said to them, "After you have gone on your way, report to John what you have seen and heard. Blind people are receiving sight, lame people are walking, lepers are being cleansed, deaf people are hearing, people who have died are being raised back to life, and the poor are being told good news.
23
The person who does not stop believing in me because of my actions is blessed."
24
After John's messengers had gone away, Jesus began to say to the crowds about John, "What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed shaken by the wind?
25
But what did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothes? Look, those who wear splendid clothing and who live in luxury are in kings' palaces.
26
But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet.
27
This is he of whom it is written,
'See, I am sending my messenger before your face,
who will prepare your way before you.'
28
I say to you, among those born of women none is greater than John. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he is."
29
(When all the people heard this, including the tax collectors, they declared that God is righteous, because they had been baptized with the baptism of John.
30
But the Pharisees and the experts in the law rejected God's purpose for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John.)
31
"To what, then, can I compare the people of this generation? What are they like?
32
They are like children playing in the marketplace, who sit and call to one another and say,
'We played a flute for you,
and you did not dance.
We sang a funeral song,
and you did not cry.'
33
For John the Baptist came eating no bread and drinking no wine, and you say, 'He has a demon.'
34
The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, 'Look, he is a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!'
35
But wisdom is justified by all her children."
36
Now one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to eat with him. So after Jesus entered into the Pharisee's house, he reclined at the table to eat.
37
Behold, there was a woman in the city who was a sinner. When she found out that he was reclining at the table in the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster jar of perfumed oil.
38
As she stood behind him near his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears, and she wiped them with her hair and kissed them and anointed them with perfumed oil.
39
When the Pharisee who had invited Jesus saw this, he thought to himself, saying, "If this man were a prophet, then he would know who and what type of woman is touching him, that she is a sinner."
40
Jesus responded and said to him, "Simon, I have something to say to you."
He said, "Say it, Teacher!"
41
Jesus said, "A certain moneylender had two debtors. The one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty.
42
When they could not pay him, he forgave them both. Therefore, which of them will love him more?"
43
Simon answered him and said, "I suppose the one whom he forgave the most."
Jesus said to him, "You have judged correctly."
44
Jesus turned to the woman and said to Simon, "You see this woman. I have entered into your house. You gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.
45
You did not give me a kiss, but from the time I came in she did not stop kissing my feet.
46
You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with perfumed oil.
47
For this reason I say to you, her sins, which were many, have been forgiven—for she loved much. But the one who is forgiven little, loves little."
48
Then he said to her, "Your sins are forgiven."
49
Those reclining together began to say among themselves, "Who is this that even forgives sins?"
50
Then Jesus said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you. Go in peace."
Chapter 8
1
It happened soon afterward that Jesus began traveling around to different cities and villages, preaching and proclaiming the good news about the kingdom of God. The twelve were with him,
2
as well as certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and diseases: Mary who was called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had been driven out;
3
Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod's manager; Susanna; and many others, who, out of their possessions, provided for their needs.
4
While a large crowd of people was gathering, and people were coming to him from town after town, he told a parable:
5
"A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he sowed, some fell beside the road and it was trampled underfoot, and the birds of the sky devoured it.
6
Some fell on the rock, and as soon as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture.
7
Some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up together with the seed and choked it.
8
But some fell on good soil and produced a crop that was a hundred times greater." After Jesus had said these things, he called out, "Whoever has ears to hear, let him hear."
9
His disciples asked him what this parable meant.
10
He said, "The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but for others I speak in parables, so that
'seeing they may not see,
and hearing they may not understand.'
11
Now this is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God.
12
The ones along the road are those who have heard, but then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts so they may not believe and be saved.
13
The ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But they have no root; they believe for a while, and in a time of testing they fall away.
14
The seeds that fell among the thorns are people who hear the word, but as they go on their way, they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and their fruit does not mature.
15
But the seed that fell on the good soil, these are the ones who, hearing the word with an honest and good heart, hold it securely and bear fruit with patient endurance.
16
"No one lights a lamp and covers it with a bowl or puts it under a bed. Rather, he puts it on a lampstand so that everyone who enters may see the light.
17
For nothing is hidden that will not be made known, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come into the light.
18
So listen carefully, for to the one who has, more will be given to him, but the one who does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken away from him."
19
Then his mother and brothers came to him, but they could not get near him because of the crowd.
20
He was told, "Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you."
21
But Jesus answered and said to them, "My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it."
22
Now one day he got into a boat with his disciples, and he said to them, "Let us go over to the other side of the lake." They set sail.
23
But as they sailed he fell asleep. A terrible windstorm came down on the lake, and their boat was filling with water, and they were in danger.
24
Then Jesus' disciples came over to him and woke him up, saying, "Master! Master! We are about to die!"
He awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water, and they ceased, and there was a calm.
25
Then he said to them, "Where is your faith?"
But they were afraid and amazed, and they asked one another, "Who then is this, that he commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him?"
26
They sailed to the region of the Gerasenes, which is across the lake from Galilee.
27
When Jesus stepped on the land, he was met by a certain man from the city who had demons. For a long time he had worn no clothes, and he did not live in a house but among the tombs.
28
When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him and he said with a loud voice, "What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me."
29
For Jesus had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For many times it had seized him, and though he was bound with chains and shackles and kept under guard, he had broken his chains and he would be driven by the demon into the wilderness.
30
Then Jesus asked him, "What is your name?"
He said, "Legion," for many demons had entered into him.
31
They kept begging him not to command them to go away into the abyss.
32
Now a large herd of pigs was there feeding on the hillside. The demons begged him to let them go into them, and he gave them permission.
33
So the demons came out of the man and went into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep slope into the lake and was drowned.
34
When those tending the pigs saw what had happened, they ran off and told about it in the city and countryside.
35
So the people went out to see what had happened, and they came to Jesus and found the man from whom the demons had gone out. He was sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind; and they were afraid.
36
Then those who had seen it told them how the man who had been possessed by demons had been healed.
37
Then all the people of the region of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to depart from them, for they were overwhelmed with great fear. So he got into the boat and returned.
38
The man from whom the demons had gone out begged him to let him go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying,
39
"Return to your home and give a full account of what God has done for you." The man went on his way, proclaiming throughout the whole city what Jesus had done for him.
40
Now when Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed him, for they were all expecting him.
41
Behold, a man named Jairus, who was one of the leaders of the synagogue, came and fell down at Jesus' feet, and he begged him to come to his house
42
because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve years of age, was dying. As Jesus was on his way, the crowds of people pressed together around him.
43
Now a woman was there who had been bleeding for twelve years
and could not be healed by anyone.
44
She came behind Jesus and touched the edge of his coat, and immediately her bleeding stopped.
45
Jesus said, "Who was it who touched me?"
When all denied it, Peter said, "Master, the crowds of people are all around you and they are pressing in against you."
46
But Jesus said, "Someone did touch me, for I know that power has gone out from me."
47
When the woman saw that she could not escape notice, she came trembling and fell down before him. In the presence of all the people she declared why she had touched him and how she had been immediately healed.
48
Then he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace."
49
While he was still speaking, someone came from the synagogue leader's house, saying, "Your daughter is dead. Do not trouble the teacher any longer."
50
But when Jesus heard this, he answered Jairus, "Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be healed."
51
When he came to the house, he allowed no one to enter with him, except Peter and John and James, and the father of the child and her mother.
52
Now all were mourning and wailing for her, but he said, "Do not weep; she is not dead but asleep."
53
But they began to mock him, knowing that she was dead.
54
But he took her by the hand and called out, saying, "Child, get up!"
55
Her spirit returned, and she rose up immediately. He ordered them to get her something to eat.
56
Her parents were astonished, but he ordered them to tell no one what had happened.
Chapter 9
1
He called the twelve together and gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases.
2
He sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.
3
He said to them, "Take nothing for your journey—no staff, no wallet, no bread, no money, and no extra tunic.
4
Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave.
5
Wherever they do not receive you, when you leave that town, shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them."
6
Then they departed and went through the villages, proclaiming the gospel and healing everywhere.
7
Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was perplexed, because it was said by some that John had risen from the dead,
8
and others said that Elijah had appeared, and still others that one of the prophets of long ago had risen.
9
Herod said, "I beheaded John. Who is this about whom I hear such things?" And so he tried to see him.
10
When the apostles returned, they told him everything they had done. Then he took them with him, and they went away privately to a town called Bethsaida.
11
But when the crowds heard about this, they followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and he cured those who needed healing.
12
Now the day was about to come to an end, and the twelve came to him and said, "Send the crowd away that they may go into the surrounding villages and countryside to find lodging and food, because we are here in an isolated place."
13
But he said to them, "You give them something to eat."
They said, "We have no more than five loaves of bread and two fish—unless we go and buy food for all these people."
14
(There were about five thousand men.) He said to his disciples, "Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each."
15
So they did this, and made the people sit down.
16
Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, he blessed them and broke them into pieces, and he gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd.
17
They all ate and were satisfied, and what was left over was picked up—twelve baskets of broken pieces.
18
It came about while Jesus was praying by himself, the disciples were with him. He questioned them, saying, "Who do the crowds say that I am?"
19
They answered, "John the Baptist. But others say Elijah, and others say that one of the prophets from long ago has risen."
20
Then he said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"
Peter answered, "The Christ of God."
21
But he warned and instructed them to tell this to no one,
22
saying, "The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and he will be killed and on the third day be raised."
23
Then he said to them all, "If anyone wants to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
24
Whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.
25
What profit is there for a person to gain the whole world and yet lose or forfeit himself?
26
Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his own glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.
27
But truly I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God."
28
Now about eight days after Jesus said these words, he took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray.
29
As he was praying, the form of his face was changed, and his clothes became brilliant white.
30
Behold, two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah,
31
who appeared in glory, talking with him about his departure, which he was about to bring to completion in Jerusalem.
32
Now Peter and those who were with him were heavy with sleep, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men who were standing with him.
33
As they were going away from Jesus, Peter said to him, "Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us make three shelters, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." (He did not know what he was saying.)
34
As he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered into the cloud.
35
A voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is my Son, the one who is chosen; listen to him."
36
When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. They kept silent and told no one in those days anything of what they had seen.
37
Now on the next day, when they came down from the mountain, a large crowd met him.
38
Behold, a man from the crowd cried out, saying, "Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for he is my only child.
39
You see, a spirit takes control over him and he suddenly screams; it causes him to have convulsions so that he foams at the mouth. It hardly ever leaves him and it bruises him badly.
40
I begged your disciples to force it out, but they could not."
41
Jesus answered and said, "You unbelieving and perverse generation, how long must I be with you and put up with you? Bring your son here."
42
While the boy was coming, the demon threw him to the ground and shook him with convulsions. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit and healed the boy, and gave him back to his father.
43
Then they were all amazed at the greatness of God. While they all were marveling at everything he was doing, he said to his disciples,
44
"Let these words go deeply into your ears: The Son of Man will be betrayed into the hands of men."
45
But they did not understand this statement. It was hidden from them, so they could not know its meaning, and yet they were afraid to ask about this statement.
46
Then an argument started among them about which of them would be the greatest.
47
But Jesus, knowing the reasoning in their hearts, took a little child and put him by his side
48
and said to them, "Whoever welcomes this child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For whoever is least among you all is the one who is great."
49
John answered, "Master, we saw someone forcing out demons in your name and we prevented him, because he does not follow along with us."
50
"Do not stop him," Jesus said, "because whoever is not against you is for you."
51
When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem.
52
He sent messengers on ahead of him, and they went and entered into a Samaritan village to prepare everything for him.
53
But the people there did not welcome him because he had set his face to go to Jerusalem.
54
When the disciples James and John saw this, they said, "Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and destroy them?"
55
But he turned and rebuked them,
56
and they went on to another village.
57
As they were going along the road, someone said to him, "I will follow you wherever you go."
58
Jesus said to him, "Foxes have holes, and birds in the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head."
59
Then he said to another, "Follow me."
But he said, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father."
60
But he said to him, "Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim far and wide the kingdom of God."
61
Then someone else said, "I will follow you, Lord, but first let me say goodbye to those in my home."
62
Jesus replied to him, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God."
Chapter 10
1
Now after these things, the Lord appointed seventy
others, and sent them out two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he himself was about to go.
2
He said to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.
3
Go on your way. See, I send you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.
4
Do not carry a money bag, or a traveler's bag, or sandals, and greet no one on the road.
5
Whatever house you enter, first say, 'May peace be on this house!'
6
If a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him, but if not, it will return to you.
7
Remain in that same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not move around from house to house.
8
Whatever town you enter, and they receive you, eat what is set before you
9
and heal the sick that are there. Say to them, 'The kingdom of God has come close to you.'
10
Whenever you enter a town and they do not receive you, go out into its streets and say,
11
'Even the dust from your town that clings to our feet we wipe off against you! But know this: The kingdom of God is near.'
12
I say to you that on that day it will be more tolerable for Sodom than for that town.
13
Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! If the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.
14
But it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you.
15
You, Capernaum, do you think you will be exalted to heaven? No, you will be brought down to Hades.
16
The one who listens to you listens to me, and the one who rejects you rejects me, and the one who rejects me rejects the one who sent me."
17
The seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons submitted to us in your name."
18
Jesus said to them, "I was watching Satan fall from heaven as lightning.
19
See, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will in any way hurt you.
20
Nevertheless do not rejoice only in this, that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice even more that your names are engraved in heaven."
21
At that same hour he rejoiced greatly in the Holy Spirit and said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you concealed these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to those who are untaught, like little children. Yes, Father, for so it was well pleasing in your sight.
22
"All things have been entrusted to me from my Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him."
23
Then he turned around to the disciples and said privately, "Blessed are those who see the things that you see.
24
I say to you, many prophets and kings desired to see the things you see, and they did not see them, and to hear the things that you hear, and they did not hear them."
25
Behold, an expert in the law stood up so that he might test him, saying, "Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
26
Jesus said to him, "What is written in the law? How do you read it?"
27
He gave an answer and he said, "You will love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself."
28
Jesus said to him, "You have answered correctly. Do this, and you will live."
29
But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, "Who is my neighbor?"
30
Jesus answered him and said, "A certain man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho. He fell among robbers, who stripped him of his belongings, and beat him, and left him half dead.
31
By chance a certain priest was going down that way, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.
32
In the same way, a Levite also, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.
33
But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was. When he saw him, he was moved with compassion.
34
He approached him and bound up his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them. He set him on his own animal, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
35
The next day he took out two denarii, and gave them to the host, and said, 'Take care of him, and whatever extra you spend, when I return, I will repay you.'
36
Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to him who fell among the robbers?"
37
He said, "The one who showed mercy to him."
Jesus said to him, "Go and do the same."
38
Now as they were traveling along, he entered into a certain village, and a certain woman named Martha welcomed him into her house.
39
She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and heard his word.
40
But Martha was overly busy with preparing to serve a meal. She came up to Jesus and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me."
41
But the Lord answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things,
42
but only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen what is best, which will not be taken away from her."
Chapter 11
1
It happened one day that Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples."
2
Jesus said to them, "When you pray say,
'Father, may your name be honored as holy.
May your kingdom come.
3
Give us our daily bread each day.
4
Forgive us our sins,
as we forgive everyone who is in debt to us.
Do not lead us into temptation.'"
5
Jesus said to them, "Which of you will have a friend, and will go to him at midnight, and say to him, 'Friend, lend to me three loaves of bread,
6
since a friend of mine just came in from the road, and I do not have anything to set before him'?
7
Then the one inside who answered him may say, 'Do not bother me. The door is already shut, and my children, along with me, are in bed. I am not able to get up and give bread to you.'
8
I say to you, even if he does not get up and give bread to you because you are his friend, yet because of your shameless persistence, he will get up and give you as many loaves of bread as you need.
9
I also say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
10
For every asking person receives; and the seeking person finds; and to the person who knocks, it will be opened.
11
Which father among you, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead of a fish?
12
Or if he asks for an egg, will you give a scorpion to him?
13
Therefore, if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father from heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?"
14
Now Jesus was driving out a demon that was mute. When the demon had gone out, the man who had been mute spoke, and the crowd was amazed.
15
But some of the people said, "By Beelzebul, the ruler of demons, he is driving out demons."
16
Others tested him and sought from him a sign from heaven.
17
But Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself is made desolate, and a house divided against itself falls.
18
If Satan is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say I cast out demons by Beelzebul.
19
If I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your followers drive them out? Because of this, they will be your judges.
20
But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come to you.
21
When a strong man who is fully armed guards his own palace, his possessions are safe,
22
but when a stronger man overcomes him, the stronger man takes away the armor in which the man trusted and plunders the man's possessions.
23
The one who is not with me is against me, and the one who does not gather with me scatters.
24
When an unclean spirit has gone away from a man, it passes through waterless places and looks for rest. Finding none, it says, 'I will return to my house from which I came.'
25
Having returned, it finds the house had been swept clean and put in order.
26
Then it goes and takes along with it seven other spirits more evil than itself and they all come in to live there. Then the final condition of that man becomes worse than the first."
27
It happened that, as he said these things, a certain woman raised her voice above the crowd and said to him, "Blessed is the womb that bore you and the breasts that nursed you."
28
But he said, "Rather, blessed are they who hear the word of God and keep it."
29
As the crowds were increasing, Jesus began to say, "This generation is an evil generation. It seeks a sign, though no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.
30
For just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so too the Son of Man will be a sign to this generation.
31
The Queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and see, someone greater than Solomon is here.
32
The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation of people and will condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and see, someone greater than Jonah is here.
33
No one, after lighting a lamp, puts it in a hidden place or under a basket, but on a lampstand, so that those who enter may see the light.
34
Your eye is the lamp of the body. When your eye is good, the whole body is filled with light. But when your eye is bad, your body is full of darkness.
35
Therefore, watch out that the light in you is not darkness.
36
If then your whole body is full of light, not having any member in darkness, then your whole body will be like when a lamp shines its brightness on you."
37
When he had finished speaking, a Pharisee asked him to eat with him at his house, so Jesus went in and reclined.
38
The Pharisee was surprised that Jesus did not first wash before dinner.
39
But the Lord said to him, "Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of cups and bowls, but the inside of you is filled with robbery and evil.
40
You senseless men! Did not the one who made the outside also make the inside?
41
Give what is inside as alms, and then all things will be clean for you.
42
"But woe to you Pharisees, because you tithe mint and rue and every other garden herb, but you neglect justice and the love of God. It is necessary to act justly and love God, without failing to do the other things also.
43
Woe to you Pharisees, for you love the front seats in the synagogues and respectful greetings in the marketplaces.
44
Woe to you, for you are like unmarked graves that people walk over without knowing it."
45
One of the experts in the law said to him, "Teacher, what you say insults us too."
46
Jesus said, "Woe to you, teachers of the law! For you put people under burdens that are hard to carry, but you do not touch the burdens with one of your own fingers.
47
Woe to you, because you build tombs for the prophets, and it was your ancestors who killed them.
48
So you are witnesses and you consent to the works of your ancestors, for they indeed killed them and you build their tombs.
49
For this reason also, God's wisdom said, 'I will send to them prophets and apostles, and they will persecute and kill some of them.'
50
As a result, this generation will be charged for all the blood of the prophets shed since the foundation of the world,
51
from Abel's blood to the blood of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the temple. Yes, I say to you, this generation will be held responsible.
52
Woe to you experts in the law, because you have taken away the key of knowledge; you do not enter in yourselves, and you hinder those who are entering."
53
After Jesus left there, the scribes and the Pharisees opposed him and argued with him about many things,
54
lying in wait to catch him in something he might say.
Chapter 12
1
In the meantime, when many thousands of the people were gathered together so much that they trampled on each other, he began to say to his disciples first of all, "Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.
2
But there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, and nothing hidden that will not be known.
3
So whatever you have said in the darkness will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed upon the housetops.
4
I say to you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that they have no more that they can do.
5
But I will warn you about whom to fear. Fear the one who, after he has killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I say to you, fear him.
6
Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins? Yet not one of them is forgotten in the sight of God.
7
But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear. You are more valuable than many sparrows.
8
I say to you, everyone who confesses me before men, the Son of Man will also confess before the angels of God,
9
but he who denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God.
10
Everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him, but to him who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven.
11
When they bring you before the synagogues, the rulers, and the authorities, do not worry about how you will speak in your defense, or what you will say,
12
for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that hour what you should say."
13
Then someone from the crowd said to him, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me."
14
Jesus said to him, "Man, who appointed me a judge or a mediator over you?"
15
He said to them, "Watch that you keep yourselves from all greedy desires, because a person's life does not consist of the abundance of his possessions."
16
Then Jesus told them a parable, saying, "The field of a rich man yielded abundantly,
17
and he reasoned with himself, saying, 'What will I do, because I do not have a place to store my crops?'
18
He said, 'This is what I will do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all of my grain and other goods.
19
I will say to my soul, "Soul, you have many goods stored up for many years. Rest easy, eat, drink, be merry."'
20
But God said to him, 'Foolish man, tonight your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?'
21
That is what someone is like who stores up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God."
22
Jesus said to his disciples, "Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear.
23
For life is more than food, and the body is more than clothes.
24
Think about the ravens, that they do not sow or reap. They have no storeroom or barn, but God feeds them. How much more valuable you are than the birds!
25
Which of you by being anxious can add a cubit to his lifespan?
26
If then you are not able to do such a very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?
27
Think about the lilies—how they grow. They do not labor, neither do they spin. Yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these.
28
If God so clothes the grass in the field, which exists today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!
29
Do not seek what you will eat and what you will drink, and do not be anxious.
30
For all the nations of the world seek these things, and your Father knows that you need them.
31
But seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.
32
Do not fear, little flock, because your Father is very pleased to give you the kingdom.
33
Sell your possessions and give alms. Make for yourselves purses which will not wear out—treasure in the heavens that does not run out, where no thief comes near, and no moth destroys.
34
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
35
"Keep your loins girded and your lamps lit,
36
and be like people waiting expectantly for their master when he returns from the marriage feast, so that when he comes and knocks, they may immediately open the door for him.
37
Blessed are those servants whom the master will find watching when he comes. Truly I say to you, he will gird himself to serve and have them sit down at the table, and he will come and serve them.
38
If the master comes in the second watch of the night, or if even in the third watch, and finds them ready, blessed are those servants.
39
But understand this, that if the master of the house had known the hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into.
40
You also must be ready, because the Son of Man is coming at an hour that you do not expect."
41
Peter said, "Lord, are you telling this parable only to us, or also to everyone?"
42
The Lord said, "Who then is the faithful and wise manager whom his lord will set over his other servants to give them their portion of food at the right time?
43
Blessed is that servant whom his lord finds doing that when he comes.
44
Truly I say to you that he will set him over all his property.
45
But if that servant says in his heart, 'My lord delays his return,' and begins to beat the male servants and female servants and to eat and drink and to become drunk,
46
the lord of that servant will come in a day when he does not expect and in an hour that he does not know and will cut him in pieces and appoint a place for him with the unfaithful.
47
That servant, having known his lord's will and not having prepared or done according to his will, will be beaten with many blows.
48
But the one who did not know and did what deserved a beating, he will be beaten with a few blows. But everyone who has been given much, from them much will be required, and from the one who has been entrusted with much, even more will be asked.
49
"I came to cast fire upon the earth, and how I wish that it were already kindled.
50
But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how I am distressed until it is completed!
51
Do you think that I came to bring peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.
52
For from now on there will be five in one house divided—three people against two, and two people against three.
53
They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law."
54
Jesus was saying to the crowds also, "When you see a cloud rising in the west, immediately you say, 'A shower is coming,' and so it happens.
55
When a south wind is blowing, you say, 'There will be a scorching heat,' and it happens.
56
Hypocrites, you know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the heavens, but how is it that you do not know how to interpret the present time?
57
Why do you not judge what is right for yourselves?
58
For when you go with your adversary before the magistrate, on the way make an effort to be reconciled with him so that he does not drag you to the judge, and so that the judge does not deliver you to the officer, and the officer does not throw you into prison.
59
I say to you, you will never come out from there until you have paid the very last bit of money."
Chapter 13
1
At that time, some people there told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate mixed with their own sacrifices.
2
Jesus answered and said to them, "Do you think that these Galileans were more sinful than all the other Galileans because they suffered in this way?
3
No, I tell you. But if you do not repent, all of you will perish in the same way.
4
Or those eighteen people in Siloam on whom a tower fell and killed them, do you think they were worse sinners than other men in Jerusalem?
5
No, I say. But if you do not repent, all of you will also perish."
6
Jesus told this parable, "Someone had a fig tree planted in his vineyard and he came and looked for fruit on it but found none.
7
The man said to the gardener, 'Look, for three years I have come and tried to find fruit on this fig tree and found none. Cut it down. Why let it waste the ground?'
8
"The gardener answered and said, 'Sir, leave it alone this year while I dig around it and put manure on it.
9
If it bears fruit next year, good; but if it does not, cut it down!'"
10
Now Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues during the Sabbath.
11
Behold, a woman was there who for eighteen years had a spirit of weakness. She was bent over and was not able to straighten up completely.
12
When Jesus saw her, he called to her and said, "Woman, you are freed from your weakness."
13
He placed his hands on her, and immediately she was made straight again and glorified God.
14
But the synagogue ruler was indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath. So the ruler answered and said to the crowd, "There are six days in which it is necessary to labor. Come and be healed then, not on the Sabbath day."
15
The Lord answered him and said, "Hypocrites! Does not each of you untie his ox or his donkey from the stall and lead it to drink on the Sabbath?
16
So too this daughter of Abraham, whom Satan bound for eighteen long years, should her bonds not be untied on the Sabbath day?"
17
As he said these things, all those who opposed him were ashamed, but the whole crowd was rejoicing over all the glorious things he did.
18
Then Jesus said, "What is the kingdom of God like, and what can I compare it to?
19
It is like a mustard seed that a man took and threw into his garden, and it grew into a big tree, and the birds of heaven built their nests in its branches."
20
Again he said, "To what can I compare the kingdom of God?
21
It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed with three measures of flour until all the flour was leavened."
22
Then Jesus traveled through the towns and villages, teaching and making his way toward Jerusalem.
23
Someone said to him, "Lord, are only a few people to be saved?"
So he said to them,
24
"Struggle to enter through the narrow door, because, I say to you, many will try to enter, but will not be able to enter.
25
Once the owner of the house gets up and locks the door, then you will stand outside and pound the door and say, 'Lord, Lord, let us in.'
"He will answer and say to you, 'I do not know you or where you are from.'
26
"Then you will say, 'We ate and drank in front of you and you taught in our streets.'
27
"But he will reply, 'I say to you, I do not know where you are from. Get away from me, all you workers of unrighteousness!'
28
There will be crying and the grinding of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets in God's kingdom, but you are thrown out.
29
They will come from the east, west, north, and south, and be seated at a table in the kingdom of God.
30
Know this, those who are least important will be first, and those who are most important will be last."
31
In that same hour, some Pharisees came and said to him, "Go and leave here because Herod wants to kill you."
32
Jesus said, "Go and tell that fox, 'Look, I cast out demons and perform healings today and tomorrow, and the third day I will reach my goal.'
33
In any case, it is necessary for me to continue on today, tomorrow, and the following day, since it is not acceptable for a prophet to be destroyed outside of Jerusalem.
34
Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to you. How often I desired to gather your children the way a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you did not desire this.
35
See, your house is abandoned. I say to you, you will not see me until you say, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.'"
Chapter 14
1
It happened one Sabbath, when he went into the house of one of the leaders of the Pharisees to eat bread, that they were watching him closely.
2
Behold, there in front of him was a man who was suffering from edema.
3
Jesus asked the experts in the Jewish law and the Pharisees, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath, or not?"
4
But they kept silent. So Jesus took hold of him, healed him, and sent him away.
5
He said to them, "Which of you who has a son or an ox that falls into a well on the Sabbath day will not immediately pull him out?"
6
They were not able to give an answer to these things.
7
When Jesus noticed how those who were invited chose the seats of honor, he spoke a parable, saying to them,
8
"When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in the place of honor, because someone may have been invited who is more honored than you.
9
When the person who invited both of you arrives, he will say to you, 'Give this other person your place,' and then in shame you will proceed to take the lowest place.
10
But when you are invited, go and sit down in the lowest place, so that when the one who has invited you comes, he may say to you, 'Friend, go up higher.' Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at the table with you.
11
For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
12
Jesus also said to the man who had invited him, "When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or your rich neighbors, as they may also invite you in return, and you will be repaid.
13
But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind,
14
and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid in the resurrection of the just."
15
When one of them who sat at the table with Jesus heard these things, he said to him, "Blessed is he who will eat bread in the kingdom of God!"
16
But Jesus said to him, "A certain man prepared a large dinner and invited many.
17
At the dinner hour, he sent his servant to say to those who were invited, 'Come, because everything is now ready.'
18
"They all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, 'I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it. Please excuse me.'
19
"Another said, 'I have bought five pairs of oxen, and I am going to try them out. Please excuse me.'
20
"Then another man said, 'I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.'
21
"The servant came and told his master these things. Then the master of the house became angry and said to his servant, 'Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the town and bring in here the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.'
22
"The servant said, 'Master, what you commanded has been done, and yet there is still room.'
23
"The master said to the servant, 'Go out into the highways and hedges and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.
24
For I say to you, none of those men who were invited will taste my dinner.'"
25
Now large crowds were going with him, and he turned and said to them,
26
"If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father, mother, wife, children, brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.
27
Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.
28
For which of you who desires to build a tower does not first sit down and count the cost to calculate if he has what he needs to complete it?
29
Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it will begin to mock him,
30
saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish.'
31
Or what king, as he goes to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and take advice about whether he is able with ten thousand men to fight the other king who comes against him with twenty thousand men?
32
If not, while the other army is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for conditions of peace.
33
So therefore, any one of you who does not give up all his possessions cannot be my disciple.
34
Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its taste, how can it be made salty again?
35
It is of no use for the soil or even for the manure pile. It is thrown away. He who has ears to hear, let him hear."
Chapter 15
1
Now all the tax collectors and other sinners were coming to Jesus to listen to him.
2
Both the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled to each other, saying, "This man welcomes sinners, and even eats with them."
3
Jesus spoke this parable to them, saying,
4
"Which one of you, if he has a hundred sheep and then loses one of them, will not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the lost one until he finds it?
5
Then when he has found it, he lays it across his shoulders and rejoices.
6
When he comes to the house, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my lost sheep.'
7
I say to you that even so, there will be joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, more than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
8
"Or what woman who has ten silver coins, if she were to lose one coin, would not light a lamp, sweep the house, and seek diligently until she has found it?
9
When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin which I lost.'
10
Even so, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."
11
Then Jesus said, "A certain man had two sons,
12
and the younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the portion of the wealth that falls to me.' So he divided his property between them.
13
Not many days later, the younger son gathered together all he owned and went to a country far away, and there he wasted all his wealth by living recklessly.
14
Now when he had spent everything, a severe famine spread through that country, and he began to be in need.
15
He went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs.
16
He was longing to eat the carob pods that the pigs ate because no one gave him anything.
17
But when the young son came to himself, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, and I am here, perishing from hunger!
18
I will get up and leave here and go to my father, and will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.
19
I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me as one of your hired servants."'
20
So the young son got up and left and came toward his father. While he was still far away, his father saw him and was moved with compassion, and he ran and embraced him and kissed him.
21
The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'
22
"The father said to his servants, 'Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and sandals on his feet.
23
Then bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let us feast and be merry!
24
For my son was dead, and now he is alive. He was lost, and now he is found.' Then they began to be merry.
25
"Now his older son was out in the field. As he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing.
26
He called to one of the servants and asked what these things might be.
27
The servant said to him, 'Your brother has come home and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has received him in good health.'
28
"The older son was angry and would not go in, and his father came out and pleaded with him.
29
But the older son answered and said to his father, 'Look, these many years I slaved for you, and I never neglected a command of yours, and yet you never gave me a young goat that I might be merry with my friends,
30
but when your son came, who has devoured your living with prostitutes, you killed for him the fattened calf.'
31
"The father said to him, 'Child, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours.
32
But it was proper for us to be merry and rejoice, for this brother of yours was dead, and is now alive; he was lost, and has now been found.'"
Chapter 16
1
Jesus also said to the disciples, "There was a certain rich man who had a manager, and it was reported to him that this manager was wasting his possessions.
2
So the rich man called him and said to him, 'What is this that I hear about you? Give an account of your management, for you can no longer be manager.'
3
"The manager said to himself, 'What should I do, since my master is taking away my management job? I do not have strength to dig, and I am ashamed to beg.
4
I know what I will do, so that when I am removed from my management job, people will welcome me into their houses.'
5
"Then the manager called for each one of his master's debtors, and he asked the first one, 'How much do you owe to my master?'
6
He said, 'A hundred baths of olive oil.' He said to him, 'Take your bill, sit down quickly, and write fifty.'
7
"Then the manager said to another, 'How much do you owe?' He said, 'A hundred cors of wheat.' He said to him, 'Take your bill, and write eighty.'
8
"The master then commended the unrighteous manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own people than are the sons of light.
9
I say to you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth so that when it is gone, they may welcome you into the eternal dwellings.
10
"He who is faithful in very little is also faithful in much, and he who is unrighteous in very little is also unrighteous in much.
11
If you have not been faithful in using unrighteous wealth, who will trust you with true wealth?
12
If you have not been faithful in using other people's property, who will give you money of your own?
13
"No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth."
14
Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all these things, and they ridiculed him.
15
He said to them, "You justify yourselves in the sight of men, but God knows your hearts. That which is exalted among men is detestable in the sight of God.
16
The law and the prophets were in effect until John came. From that time on, the gospel of the kingdom of God is preached, and everyone tries to force their way into it.
17
But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one stroke of a letter of the law to become invalid.
18
"Everyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery, and he who marries one who is divorced from her husband commits adultery.
19
"Now there was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and was enjoying every day his great wealth.
20
A certain beggar named Lazarus was laid at his gate, covered with sores,
21
and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.
22
It came about that the beggar died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried,
23
and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far away and Lazarus at his side.
24
So he cried out and said, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.'
25
"But Abraham said, 'Child, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things. But now he is comforted here, and you are in agony.
26
Besides all this, a great chasm has been put in place, so that those who want to cross over from here to you cannot, and no one can cross over from there to us.'
27
"The rich man said, 'I beg you, Father Abraham, that you would send him to my father's house—
28
for I have five brothers—in order that he may warn them, so that it may not be that they come into this place of torment.'
29
"But Abraham said, 'They have Moses and the prophets; let them listen to them.'
30
"The rich man replied, 'No, Father Abraham, but if someone would go to them from the dead, they will repent.'
31
"But Abraham said to him, 'If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone rises from the dead.'"
Chapter 17
1
Jesus said to his disciples, "It is certain there will be stumbling blocks, but woe to that person through whom they come!
2
It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to stumble.
3
Watch yourselves. If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him.
4
If he sins against you seven times in the day, and seven times returns to you, saying, 'I repent,' you must forgive him!"
5
The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith."
6
The Lord said, "If you had faith like a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted, and be planted in the sea,' and it would obey you.
7
But which of you, who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, 'Come immediately and sit down to eat'?
8
Will he not say to him, 'Prepare something for me to eat, and put a belt around your clothes and serve me until I have finished eating and drinking. Then afterward you will eat and drink'?
9
He does not thank the servant because he did the things that were commanded, does he?
10
Even so you also, when you have done everything that you are commanded, should say, 'We are unworthy servants. We have only done what we ought to do.'"
11
It came about that as he traveled to Jerusalem, he went along the border between Samaria and Galilee.
12
As he entered into a certain village, there he was met by ten men who were lepers. They stood far away from him
13
and they lifted up their voices, saying, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us."
14
When he saw them, he said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." As they went away they were cleansed.
15
When one of them saw that he was healed, he turned back, with a loud voice glorifying God.
16
He fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan.
17
Then Jesus said, "Were not the ten cleansed? Where are the nine?
18
Were there no others who returned to give glory to God, except this foreigner?"
19
He said to him, "Arise, and go. Your faith has made you well."
20
Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus answered them and said, "The kingdom of God does not come with careful observing.
21
Neither will they say, 'Look, here it is!' or 'There it is!' For look, the kingdom of God is within you."
22
He said to the disciples, "The days are coming when you will desire to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it.
23
Then they will say to you, 'Look, there! Look, here!' But do not go out or run after them,
24
for as the lightning shines brightly when it flashes from one part of the sky to another part of the sky, so will the Son of Man be in his day.
25
But first he must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation.
26
As it happened in the days of Noah, even so will it also happen in the days of the Son of Man.
27
They ate, they drank, they married, and they were given in marriage until the day that Noah entered into the ark—and the flood came and destroyed them all.
28
In the same way, even as it happened in the days of Lot—they were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building.
29
But in the day that Lot went out from Sodom, it rained fire and sulfur from heaven and destroyed them all.
30
After the same manner it will be in the day that the Son of Man is revealed.
31
In that day let him who is on the housetop not go down to get his goods out of the house, and in the same way let him who is in the field not return.
32
Remember Lot's wife.
33
Whoever seeks to gain his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will save it.
34
I tell you, in that night there will be two people in one bed. One will be taken, and the other will be left.
35
There will be two women grinding grain together. One will be taken, and the other will be left."
36
37
They asked him, "Where, Lord?"
He said to them, "Where there is a body, there will the vultures also be gathered together."
Chapter 18
1
Then he spoke a parable to them about how they should always pray and not become discouraged,
2
saying, "In a certain city there was a judge who did not fear God and did not respect people.
3
Now there was a widow in that city, and she came often to him, saying, 'Help me get justice against my opponent.'
4
For a long time he was not willing to help her, but after a while he said to himself, 'Though I do not fear God or respect man,
5
yet because this widow causes me trouble, I will help her get justice, so that she does not wear me out by her constant coming.'"
6
Then the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says.
7
Now will not God also bring justice to his chosen ones who cry out to him day and night? Will he delay long over them?
8
I say to you that he will bring justice to them speedily. Even so, when the Son of Man comes, will he indeed find faith on the earth?"
9
Then he also spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and who despised other people:
10
"Two men went up into the temple to pray—the one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector.
11
The Pharisee stood and prayed these things about himself, 'God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, unrighteous people, adulterers—or even like this tax collector.
12
I fast two times every week. I give tithes of all that I get.'
13
But the tax collector, standing at a distance, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but hit his breast, saying, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'
14
I say to you, this man went back down to his house justified rather than the other, because everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but everyone who humbles himself will be exalted."
15
The people were also bringing to him their infants so that he might touch them, but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them.
16
But Jesus called them to him, saying, "Permit the little children to come to me, and do not forbid them. For the kingdom of God belongs to such ones.
17
Truly I say to you, whoever will not receive the kingdom of God like a child will definitely not enter it."
18
A certain ruler asked him, saying, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
19
Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good, except God alone.
20
You know the commandments—do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not testify falsely, honor your father and mother."
21
The ruler said, "All these things I have obeyed from the time I was a youth."
22
When Jesus heard that, he said to him, "One thing you still lack. You must sell all that you have and distribute it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven—and come, follow me."
23
But when the ruler heard these things, he became extremely sad, for he was very rich.
24
Then Jesus, seeing him,
said, "How difficult it is for those who are rich to enter the kingdom of God!
25
For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God."
26
Those hearing it said, "Then who can be saved?"
27
Jesus answered, "The things which are impossible with people are possible with God."
28
Peter said, "Well, we have left everything that is our own and have followed you."
29
Jesus then said to them, "Truly, I say to you that there is no one who has left house, or wife, or brothers, or parents, or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God,
30
who will not receive much more in this time, and in the age to come, eternal life."
31
After he gathered the twelve to himself, he said to them, "See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all the things that have been written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be accomplished.
32
For he will be given over to the Gentiles, and will be mocked, and shamefully treated, and spit upon.
33
After whipping him, they will kill him, and on the third day he will rise again."
34
They understood none of these things, and this word was hidden from them, and they did not understand the things that were said.
35
It came about that, as Jesus approached Jericho, a certain blind man was sitting by the road begging,
36
and hearing a crowd going by, he asked what was happening.
37
They told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by.
38
So the blind man cried out, saying, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me."
39
The ones who were walking ahead rebuked the blind man, telling him to be quiet. But he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me."
40
Jesus stood still and commanded that the man be brought to him. Then when the blind man was near, Jesus asked him,
41
"What do you want me to do for you?"
He said, "Lord, I want to receive my sight."
42
Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight. Your faith has healed you."
43
Immediately he received his sight and followed him, glorifying God. All the people, when they saw this, gave praise to God.
Chapter 19
1
Jesus entered and was passing through Jericho.
2
Behold, there was a man there named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was rich.
3
He was trying to see who Jesus was, but could not see over the crowd, because he was small in height.
4
So he ran on ahead of the people and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, because Jesus was about to pass that way.
5
When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house."
6
So he hurried and came down and welcomed him joyfully.
7
When everyone saw this, they all complained, saying, "He has gone in to visit a man who is a sinner."
8
Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord, the half of my possessions I give to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone of anything, I will restore four times the amount."
9
Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham.
10
For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the people who are lost."
11
As they heard these things, he continued speaking and told a parable, because he was near to Jerusalem, and they thought that the kingdom of God was about to appear immediately.
12
He said therefore, "A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then to return.
13
He called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas and said to them, 'Conduct business until I come back.'
14
"But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, 'We will not have this man reign over us.'
15
It happened when he returned, having received the kingdom, he commanded the servants to whom he had given the money to be called to him, that he might know what profit they had made by doing business.
16
"The first came before him, saying, 'Lord, your mina has made ten minas more.'
17
"The nobleman said to him, 'Well done, good servant. Because you were faithful in very little, you will have authority over ten cities.'
18
"The second came, saying, 'Your mina, lord, has made five minas.'
19
"The nobleman said to him, 'You take charge over five cities.'
20
"Another came, saying, 'Lord, here is your mina, which I kept safely in a cloth,
21
for I was afraid of you, because you are a demanding person. You take up what you did not put in, and you reap what you did not sow.'
22
"The nobleman said to him, 'By your own words I will judge you, you wicked servant. You knew that I am a demanding person, taking up what I did not put in, and reaping what I did not sow.
23
Then why did you not put my money in the bank, so that when I returned I would have collected it with interest?'
24
The nobleman said to them that stood by, 'Take away from him the mina, and give it to him that has the ten minas.'
25
"They said to him, 'Lord, he has ten minas.'
26
"'I say to you, that everyone who has will be given more, but from him that has not, even that which he has will be taken away.
27
But these enemies of mine, those who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and kill them before me.'"
28
When he had said these things, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.
29
It came about that when he came near to Bethphage and Bethany, to the mountain that is called Olives, he sent two of the disciples,
30
saying, "Go into the next village. As you enter, you will find a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it to me.
31
If anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying it?' say, 'The Lord has need of it.'"
32
Those who were sent went and found the colt just as Jesus had told them.
33
As they were untying the colt, the owners said to them, "Why are you untying the colt?"
34
They said, "The Lord has need of it."
35
They brought it to Jesus, and they threw their cloaks upon the colt and set Jesus on it.
36
As he went, they spread their cloaks on the road.
37
As he was now approaching the place where the Mount of Olives descends, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works which they had seen, saying,
38
"Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!
Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"
39
Some of the Pharisees in the multitude said to him, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples."
40
Jesus answered and said, "I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would cry out."
41
When Jesus approached the city, he wept over it,
42
saying, "If only you had known in this day, even you, the things which bring you peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.
43
For the days will come upon you when your enemies will build a barricade around you and surround you and press in on you from every side.
44
They will strike you down to the ground, and your children with you. They will not leave one stone upon another because you did not recognize the time of your visitation."
45
Jesus entered the temple and began to cast out those who were selling,
46
saying to them, "It is written, 'My house will be a house of prayer,' but you have made it a den of robbers."
47
So Jesus was teaching daily in the temple. The chief priests and the scribes were seeking to destroy him, as were the leaders of the people,
48
but they could not find a way to do it because all the people were listening to him intently.
Chapter 20
1
It came about one day as Jesus was teaching the people in the temple and preaching the gospel that the chief priests and the scribes came to him with the elders.
2
They spoke, saying to him, "Tell us by what authority you do these things, or who it is who gave you this authority."
3
He answered and said to them, "I will also ask you a question, and you tell me.
4
The baptism of John: Was it from heaven or from men?"
5
They reasoned with themselves, saying, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will say, 'Then why did you not believe him?'
6
But if we say, 'From men,' all the people will stone us, for they are persuaded that John was a prophet."
7
So they answered that they did not know where it came from.
8
Jesus said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things."
9
He told the people this parable: "A man planted a vineyard, rented it out to vine growers, and went into another country for a long time.
10
At the appointed time he sent a servant to the vine growers, that they should give him of the fruit of the vineyard. But the vine growers beat him, and sent him away empty-handed.
11
He then sent yet another servant and they also beat him, treated him shamefully, and sent him away empty-handed.
12
He also sent yet a third and they also wounded him, and threw him out.
13
So the lord of the vineyard said, 'What will I do? I will send my beloved son. Maybe they will respect him.'
14
"But when the vine growers saw him, they discussed among themselves, saying, 'This is the heir. Let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours.'
15
They threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. What then will the lord of the vineyard do to them?
16
He will come and destroy these vine growers, and will give the vineyard to others."
When they heard it, they said, "May it never be!"
17
But Jesus looked at them, and said, "What is the meaning of that which is written:
'The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone'?
18
Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, and the one on whom it falls will be crushed."
19
So the scribes and the chief priests sought to lay hands on him in that very hour, for they knew that he had spoken this parable against them. But they were afraid of the people.
20
Watching him carefully, they sent out spies who pretended to be righteous, that they might find fault with his speech, so as to deliver him up to the rule and to the authority of the governor.
21
They asked him, saying, "Teacher, we know that you say and teach rightly, and are not partial to anyone, but you teach the truth about the way of God.
22
Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?"
23
But Jesus understood their craftiness, and said to them,
24
"Show me a denarius. Whose image and name is on it?"
They said, "Caesar's."
25
He said to them, "Then give to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's."
26
They were not able to find fault with what he had said in front of the people, but marveling at his answer, they were silent.
27
When some of the Sadducees came to him, the ones who say that there is no resurrection,
28
they asked him, saying, "Teacher, Moses wrote to us that if a man's brother dies, having a wife, and being childless, the man should take the brother's wife, and raise up children for his brother.
29
There were seven brothers and the first took a wife, and died childless,
30
and the second as well.
31
The third took her, and in the same way the seven also left no children and died.
32
Afterward the woman also died.
33
In the resurrection, then, whose wife will she be? For the seven had her as their wife."
34
Jesus said to them, "The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage.
35
But those who are regarded as worthy in that age to receive the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage.
36
Neither can they die anymore, for they are equal to the angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.
37
But that the dead are raised, even Moses showed, in the place concerning the bush, where he calls the Lord the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.
38
Now he is not the God of the dead, but of the living, because all live to him."
39
Some of the scribes answered, "Teacher, you have answered well."
40
For they did not dare ask him any more questions.
41
Jesus said to them, "How do they say that the Christ is David's son?
42
For David himself says in the Book of Psalms,
The Lord said to my Lord,
'Sit at my right hand,
43
until I make your enemies
your footstool.'
44
David therefore calls the Christ 'Lord,' so how is he David's son?"
45
In the hearing of all the people he said to his disciples,
46
"Beware of the scribes, who desire to walk in long robes and love special greetings in the marketplaces and chief seats in the synagogues and places of honor at feasts.
47
They also devour widows' houses, and for a show they make long prayers. Men like this will receive greater condemnation."
Chapter 21
1
Jesus looked up and saw the rich men who were putting their gifts into the treasury.
2
He saw a certain poor widow putting in two mites.
3
So he said, "Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all of them.
4
All of these gave gifts out of their abundance. But this widow, out of her poverty, put in all she had to live on."
5
As some spoke of the temple, how it was decorated with beautiful stones and offerings, he said,
6
"As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left on another which will not be torn down."
7
So they asked him, saying, "Teacher, when will these things happen? What will be the sign when these things are about to happen?"
8
Jesus answered, "Be careful that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, saying, 'I am he,' and, 'The time is near.' Do not go after them.
9
When you hear of wars and riots, do not be terrified, for these things must happen first, but the end will not happen immediately."
10
Then he said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
11
There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues. There will be terrifying events and great signs from heaven.
12
But before all of these things, they will lay their hands on you and will persecute you, delivering you over to the synagogues and prisons, bringing you before kings and governors because of my name.
13
It will lead to an opportunity for your testimony.
14
Therefore resolve in your hearts not to prepare your defense ahead of time,
15
for I will give you words and wisdom that all your adversaries will not be able to resist or contradict.
16
But you will be given over also by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death.
17
You will be hated by everyone because of my name.
18
But not a hair from your head will perish.
19
In your endurance you will gain your lives.
20
"When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then recognize that its desolation is near.
21
Then let those in Judea flee to the mountains, let those who are in the city leave it, and those who are out in the country must not enter the city.
22
For these are days of vengeance, so that all the things that are written will be fulfilled.
23
Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing in those days! For there will be great distress upon the land, and wrath to this people.
24
They will fall by the edge of the sword, and they will be led captive into all the nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
25
"There will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars, and on the earth. The nations will be in distress, anxious because of the roar of the sea and waves.
26
There will be men fainting from fear and from expectation of the things which are coming upon the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
27
Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
28
But when these things begin to happen, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is coming near."
29
Jesus told them a parable, "Look at the fig tree, and all the trees.
30
When they sprout buds, you see for yourselves and know that summer is already near.
31
So also, when you see these things happening, recognize that the kingdom of God is near.
32
Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.
33
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
34
"But pay attention to yourselves, so that your hearts are not burdened with excessive drinking and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that day does not close on you suddenly
35
like a trap. For it will come upon everyone living on the face of the whole earth.
36
But be alert at all times, praying that you may be strong enough to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man."
37
So during the days he was teaching in the temple, and at night he went out and stayed on the mountain that is called Olives.
38
All of the people came early in the morning to hear him in the temple.
Chapter 22
1
Now the Festival of Unleavened Bread was approaching, which is called the Passover.
2
The chief priests and the scribes were seeking how they could put Jesus to death, for they were afraid of the people.
3
Then Satan entered into Judas, the one called Iscariot, who was one of the twelve.
4
Judas went to the chief priests and captains and discussed with them how he would betray Jesus to them.
5
They were glad and agreed to give him money.
6
He consented and looked for an opportunity to give him over to them away from the crowd.
7
Then came the day of unleavened bread, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed.
8
So Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and prepare for us the Passover meal, so that we may eat it."
9
They said to him, "Where do you want us to make preparations?"
10
He answered them, "Look, when you have entered the city, a man bearing a pitcher of water will meet you. Follow him into the house that he goes into.
11
Then say to the master of the house, 'The Teacher says to you, "Where is the guest room, where I will eat the Passover with my disciples?"'
12
He will show you a large furnished upper room. Make the preparations there."
13
So they went, and found everything as he had said to them. Then they prepared the Passover meal.
14
When the hour came, he sat down with the apostles.
15
Then he said to them, "I have greatly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.
16
For I say to you, I will not eat it again until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God."
17
Then Jesus took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he said, "Take this, and share it among yourselves.
18
For I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine again until the kingdom of God comes."
19
Then he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and gave to them, saying, "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me."
20
He took the cup in the same way after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.
21
But pay attention. The hand of the one who betrays me is with me at the table.
22
For the Son of Man indeed goes as it has been determined. But woe to that man through whom he is betrayed!"
23
They began to discuss among themselves which one of them it might be who would do this.
24
Then there arose also a quarrel among them about which of them was considered to be greatest.
25
He said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles are lords over them, and the ones who have authority over them are called doers of good deeds.
26
But it must not be like this with you. Instead, let the greatest among you become like the youngest and the one who leads like the one who serves.
27
For who is greater, the one who sits at the table, or the one who serves? Is it not the one who sits at the table? Yet I am among you as one who serves.
28
But you are the ones who have continued with me in my trials.
29
I set you over a kingdom, even as my Father has set me over a kingdom,
30
that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
31
"Simon, Simon, be aware, Satan asked to have you, that he might sift you as wheat.
32
But I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail. After you have turned back again, strengthen your brothers."
33
Peter said to him, "Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death."
34
Jesus replied, "I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day before you deny three times that you know me."
35
Then Jesus said to them, "When I sent you out without a purse, a bag of provisions, or sandals, did you lack anything?"
They answered, "Nothing."
36
Then he said to them, "But now, the one who has a purse, let him take it, and likewise a bag of provisions. The one who does not have a sword should sell his cloak and buy one.
37
For I say to you, what is written about me must be fulfilled, 'He was counted with the lawless ones.' For what is predicted about me is being fulfilled."
38
Then they said, "Lord, look! Here are two swords."
He said to them, "It is enough."
39
Jesus went, as he often did, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him.
40
When they arrived, he said to them, "Pray that you do not enter into temptation."
41
He went away from them about a stone's throw, and he knelt down and prayed,
42
saying, "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless not my will, but yours be done."
43
Then an angel from heaven appeared to him, strengthening him.
44
Being in agony, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down upon the ground.
45
When he rose up from his prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping because of their sorrow
46
and asked them, "Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray, that you may not enter into temptation."
47
While he was still speaking, behold, a crowd appeared, with Judas, one of the twelve, leading them. He came near to Jesus to kiss him,
48
but Jesus said to him, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?"
49
When those who were around Jesus saw what was happening, they said, "Lord, should we strike with the sword?"
50
Then one of them struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.
51
Jesus said, "That is enough!" He touched his ear, and healed him.
52
Jesus said to the chief priests, to the captains of the temple, and to elders who came against him, "Do you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs?
53
When I was daily with you in the temple, you did not lay your hands on me. But this is your hour, and the authority of darkness."
54
Seizing him, they led him away and brought him into the high priest's house. But Peter followed from a distance.
55
After they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat in the midst of them.
56
A certain female servant saw him as he sat in the light of the fire and looked straight at him and said, "This man also was with him."
57
But Peter denied it, saying, "Woman, I do not know him."
58
After a little while someone else saw him, and said, "You are also one of them."
But Peter said, "Man, I am not."
59
After about an hour another man insisted and said, "Truly this man also was with him, for he is a Galilean."
60
But Peter said, "Man, I do not know what you are saying." Immediately, while he was speaking, a rooster crowed.
61
Turning, the Lord looked at Peter, and Peter remembered the word of the Lord, when he said to him, "Before a rooster crows today you will deny me three times."
62
Peter went outside and wept bitterly.
63
Then the men holding Jesus in custody mocked and beat him.
64
They put a cover over him and asked him, saying, "Prophesy! Who is the one who hit you?"
65
They spoke many other things against Jesus, blaspheming him.
66
As soon as it was day, the elders of the people gathered together, both chief priests and scribes. They led him into the Council
67
and said, "If you are the Christ, tell us."
But he said to them, "If I tell you, you will not believe,
68
and if I ask you, you will not answer.
69
But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God."
70
They all said, "Then you are the Son of God?"
Jesus said to them, "You say that I am."
71
They said, "Why do we still need a witness? For we ourselves have heard from his own mouth."
Chapter 23
1
The whole company of them rose up and brought Jesus before Pilate.
2
They began to accuse him, saying, "We found this man misleading our nation, forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, and saying that he himself is Christ, a king."
3
Pilate asked him, saying, "Are you the King of the Jews?"
Jesus answered him and said, "You say so."
4
Pilate said to the chief priests and the multitudes, "I find no guilt in this man."
5
But they were insisting, saying, "He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee even to this place."
6
So when Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a Galilean.
7
When he learned that he was under Herod's authority, he sent Jesus to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem in those days.
8
When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, because he had wanted to see him for a long time. He had heard about him and he hoped to see some sign done by him.
9
Herod questioned Jesus in many words, but Jesus answered him nothing.
10
The chief priests and the scribes stood, vigorously accusing him.
11
Herod with his soldiers showed Jesus contempt and they mocked him. Then they dressed him in splendid clothes and sent him back to Pilate.
12
For Herod and Pilate had become friends with each other that very day, for before this they had been enemies with each other.
13
Pilate then called together the chief priests and the rulers and the crowd of people
14
and said to them, "You brought to me this man like a man who is misleading the people. And see, I, having questioned him before you, find no guilt in this man concerning those things of which you accuse him.
15
No, nor does Herod, for he sent him back to us, and see, nothing worthy of death has been done by him.
16
I will therefore punish him and release him."
17
18
But they cried out all together, saying, "Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas!"
19
Barabbas was a man who had been put into prison for a certain rebellion in the city and for murder.
20
Pilate addressed them again, desiring to release Jesus.
21
But they shouted, saying, "Crucify him, crucify him."
22
He said to them a third time, "Why, what evil has this man done? I have found no guilt deserving death in him. Therefore after punishing him, I will release him."
23
But they were insistent with loud voices, demanding for him to be crucified. Their voices convinced Pilate.
24
So Pilate decided to grant their demand.
25
He released the one they asked for who had been put in prison for rebellion and murder. But he delivered up Jesus to their will.
26
As they led him away, they seized one Simon of Cyrene, coming from the country, and they laid the cross on him to carry, following Jesus.
27
A great crowd of the people, and of women who grieved and mourned for him, were following him.
28
But turning to them, Jesus said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children.
29
For see, the days are coming in which they will say, 'Blessed are the barren and the wombs that did not bear, and the breasts that did not nurse.'
30
Then they will begin to say to the mountains,
'Fall on us,' and to the hills, 'Cover us.'
31
For if they do these things while the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?"
32
Other men, two criminals, were led away with him to be put to death.
33
When they came to the place that is called "The Skull," there they crucified him and the criminals—one on his right and one on his left.
34
Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." Then they cast lots, dividing up his garments.
35
The people stood watching while the rulers also were mocking him, saying, "He saved others. Let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, the chosen one."
36
The soldiers also ridiculed him, approaching him, offering him vinegar,
37
and saying, "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself."
38
There was also a sign over him, "This is the King of the Jews."
39
One of the criminals who was hanging there insulted him by saying, "Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us."
40
But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?
41
We indeed are here justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds. But this man did nothing wrong."
42
Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."
43
Jesus said to him, "Truly I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise."
44
It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour
45
as the sun turned dark. Then the curtain of the temple was split in two.
46
Crying with a loud voice, Jesus said, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." Having said this, he died.
47
When the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, "Surely this was a righteous man."
48
When all the multitudes who came together to witness this sight saw the things that were done, they returned beating their breasts.
49
But all those who knew him, and the women who followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.
50
Behold, there was a man named Joseph, who was a member of the Council. He was a good and righteous man.
51
This man had not agreed with their plan and action. He was from Arimathea, a city of the Jews, and he was looking for the kingdom of God.
52
This man, approaching Pilate, asked for the body of Jesus.
53
He took it down, wrapped it in fine linen, and placed it in a tomb that was cut in stone, where no one had ever been laid.
54
It was the Day of the Preparation, and the Sabbath was about to begin.
55
The women who had come with Jesus out of Galilee followed and saw the tomb and how his body was laid.
56
They returned and prepared spices and ointments.
Then on the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.
Chapter 24
1
Very early on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb, bringing the spices which they had prepared.
2
They found the stone rolled away from the tomb.
3
They entered in, but did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.
4
It happened that, while they were confused about this, suddenly, two men stood by them in bright shining garments.
5
As the women were terrified and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said to the women, "Why do you seek the living among the dead?
6
He is not here, but has been raised! Remember how he spoke to you when he was still in Galilee,
7
saying that the Son of Man must be delivered up into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and on the third day rise again."
8
The women remembered his words
9
and returned from the tomb and told all these things to the eleven and all the rest.
10
Now Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them reported these things to the apostles.
11
But this message seemed like idle talk to the apostles, and they did not believe the women.
12
Yet Peter rose up and ran to the tomb, and, stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves. Peter then departed to his home, wondering what had happened.
13
Behold, two of them were going that very day to a village named Emmaus, which was sixty stadia from Jerusalem.
14
They discussed with each other about all the things that had happened.
15
It happened that, while they discussed and questioned together, Jesus himself approached and went with them.
16
But their eyes were prevented from recognizing him.
17
Jesus said to them, "What are these matters you two are discussing as you walk?" They stood there looking sad.
18
One of them, named Cleopas, answered him, "Are you the only person in Jerusalem who does not know the things which have happened there these days?"
19
Jesus said to them, "What things?"
They answered him, "The things concerning Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet, mighty in deed and word before God and all the people,
20
and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death and crucified him.
21
But we hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. Yes, and what is more, it is now the third day since all these things happened.
22
But also, some women of our company amazed us, having been at the tomb early in the morning.
23
When they did not find his body, they came, saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive.
24
Some men who were with us went to the tomb, and found it just as the women had said. But they did not see him."
25
Jesus said to them, "O foolish men and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken!
26
Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things, and to enter into his glory?"
27
Then beginning from Moses and through all the prophets, Jesus interpreted to them the things concerning himself in all the scriptures.
28
As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as though he were going further.
29
But they compelled him, saying, "Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is almost over." So Jesus went in to stay with them.
30
It happened that, when he had sat down with them to eat, he took the bread, blessed it, and breaking it, he gave it to them.
31
Then their eyes were opened, and they knew him, and he vanished out of their sight.
32
They said one to another, "Was not our heart burning within us, while he spoke to us on the way, while he opened to us the scriptures?"
33
They rose up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem. They found the eleven gathered together and those who were with them,
34
saying, "The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon."
35
So they told the things that happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them in the breaking of the bread.
36
As they spoke these things, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, "Peace be to you."
37
But they were terrified and filled with fear and thought that they were seeing a spirit.
38
Jesus said to them, "Why are you troubled? Why do questions arise in your heart?
39
See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones, as you see me having."
40
When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet.
41
They still could not believe it because of joy, and they were amazed. Jesus said to them, "Do you have anything to eat?"
42
They gave him a piece of a broiled fish,
43
and he took it and ate it before them.
44
He said to them, "These are my words that I spoke to you when I was with you, that all that was written in the law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled."
45
Then he opened their minds, that they might understand the scriptures.
46
He said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and rise again from the dead on the third day.
47
Repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.
48
You are witnesses of these things.
49
See, I am sending you what my Father promised. But remain in the city until you are clothed with power from on high."
50
Then Jesus led them out until they were near Bethany. He lifted up his hands and blessed them.
51
It happened that, while he was blessing them, he left them and was carried up into heaven.
52
So they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy.
53
They were continually in the temple, blessing God.
Acts
Chapter 1
1
The former account I wrote, Theophilus, told all that Jesus began to do and to teach,
2
until the day that he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen.
3
After his suffering, he presented himself alive to them with many convincing proofs. For forty days he appeared to them, and he spoke about the kingdom of God.
4
When he was meeting together with them, he commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, about which he said, "You heard from me
5
that John indeed baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit in a few days."
6
When they were assembled together they asked him, "Lord, is this the time you will restore the kingdom to Israel?"
7
He said to them, "It is not for you to know the times or the seasons which the Father has determined by his own authority.
8
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses both in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
9
When the Lord Jesus had said these things, as they were looking up, he was raised up, and a cloud hid him from their eyes.
10
While they were looking intensely to heaven as he went, suddenly, two men stood by them in white clothing.
11
They said, "You men of Galilee, why do you stand here looking into heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will return in the same manner as you saw him going into heaven."
12
Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mountain that is called Olives, which is near to Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey.
13
When they arrived, they went up into the upper chamber, where they were staying. They were Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James.
14
They all were devoted with one purpose to prayer, together with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.
15
In those days Peter stood up in the midst of the brothers, about 120 names, and said,
16
"Brothers, it was necessary that the scripture should be fulfilled, that the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who guided the ones who arrested Jesus.
17
For he was one of us and received a share of this ministry."
18
(Now this man bought a field with the earnings he received for his wickedness, and there he fell headfirst, and his body burst open, and all his intestines poured out.
19
All those living in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language "Akeldama," that is, "Field of Blood.")
20
"For it is written in the Book of Psalms,
'Let his field be made desolate,
and do not let even one person live there';
'Let someone else take his position of leadership.'
21
It is necessary, therefore, that one of the men who accompanied us all the time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
22
beginning from the baptism of John to the day that he was taken up from us, become a witness with us of his resurrection."
23
They put forward two men, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias.
24
They prayed and said, "You, Lord, know the hearts of all people, so reveal which of these two is the one whom you have chosen
25
to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned away to go to his own place."
26
They cast lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
Chapter 2
1
When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in the same place.
2
Suddenly a sound like the rush of a violent wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.
3
There appeared to them tongues like fire that were distributed, and they sat upon each one of them.
4
They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them the ability.
5
Now there were Jews who were living in Jerusalem, godly men, from every nation under heaven.
6
When this sound was heard, the multitude came together and was confused because everyone heard them speaking in his own language.
7
They were amazed and marveled; they said, "Really, are not all these who are speaking Galileans?
8
Why is it that we are hearing them, each in our own language in which we were born?
9
Parthians and Medes and Elamites, and those who live in Mesopotamia, in Judea and Cappadocia, in Pontus and Asia,
10
Phrygia and Pamphylia, in Egypt and the parts of Libya toward Cyrene, and visitors from Rome,
11
Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our languages about the mighty works of God."
12
They were all amazed and perplexed; they said to one another, "What does this mean?"
13
But others mocked and said, "They are full of new wine."
14
But Peter stood with the eleven, raised his voice, and declared to them, "Men of Judea and all of you who live at Jerusalem, let this be known to you; pay attention to my words.
15
For these people are not drunk as you assume, for it is only the third hour of the day.
16
But this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel:
17
'It will be in the last days,' God says,
'I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh.
Your sons and your daughters will prophesy,
your young men will see visions,
and your old men will dream dreams.
18
Surely on my servants
and my female servants in those days
I will pour out my Spirit, and they will prophesy.
19
I will show wonders in the sky above
and signs on the earth below,
blood, fire, and vapor of smoke.
20
The sun will be turned to darkness
and the moon to blood
before the great and remarkable
day of the Lord comes.
21
It will be that everyone who calls
on the name of the Lord will be saved.'
22
Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited to you by God with the mighty deeds and wonders and signs which God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know.
23
This man was handed over by God's predetermined plan and foreknowledge; and you, by the hand of lawless men, put him to death by nailing him to a cross.
24
But God raised him up, freeing him from the agonies of death, because it was impossible for him to be held by it.
25
For David says about him,
'I saw the Lord always before my face,
for he is beside my right hand
so that I should not be moved.
26
Therefore my heart was glad
and my tongue rejoiced.
Also, my flesh will live in hope.
27
For you will not abandon my soul to Hades,
neither will you allow
your Holy One to see decay.
28
You have made known to me the ways of life;
you will make me full of gladness with your face.'
29
Brothers, it is proper for me to speak to you confidently about the patriarch David, that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day.
30
Therefore, he was a prophet and knew that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of the fruit of his loins on his throne.
31
He saw what was to happen in the future and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was neither abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see decay.
32
This Jesus—God raised him up, of which we all are witnesses.
33
Therefore, having been exalted to the right hand of God and having received the promised Holy Spirit from the Father, he has poured out what you see and hear.
34
For David did not ascend to the heaven, but he says,
'The Lord said to my Lord,
"Sit at my right hand
35
until I make your enemies
the footstool for your feet."'
36
Therefore, let all the house of Israel certainly know that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified."
37
Now when they heard this, they were pierced in their hearts, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brothers, what must we do?"
38
Then Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
39
For the promise is to you and to your children and to all who are far off, as many people as the Lord our God will call."
40
With many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, "Be saved from this perverse generation."
41
Then they received his word and were baptized, and there were added in that day about three thousand souls.
42
They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and in prayers.
43
Fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.
44
All who believed were together and had all things in common,
45
and they sold their property and possessions and distributed them to all, according to the needs anyone had.
46
So day after day they devoted themselves with one purpose in the temple. They also broke bread in homes, and they shared food together with glad and generous hearts,
47
praising God and having favor with all the people, and every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.
Chapter 3
1
Now Peter and John were going up into the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.
2
Now a man who was lame from his mother's womb was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful. They would place him there every day so he could ask those who were going into the temple for alms.
3
When he saw Peter and John about to enter the temple, he asked them for alms.
4
Peter, fastening his eyes upon him, with John, said, "Look at us."
5
The lame man looked at them, expecting to receive something from them.
6
But Peter said, "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have, I will give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk."
7
Taking him by the right hand, Peter raised him up, and immediately the man's feet and ankles were made strong.
8
Leaping up, the lame man stood and began to walk; and he entered with Peter and John into the temple, walking, leaping, and praising God.
9
All the people saw him walking and praising God.
10
They noticed that it was the man who had been asking people for alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement because of what had happened to him.
11
As he was holding on to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly marveling.
12
When Peter saw this, he answered the people, "You Israelite men, why do you marvel? Why do you fix your eyes on us, as if we made him walk by our own power or godliness?
13
The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. He is the one whom you handed over and rejected before the face of Pilate, when he had decided to release him.
14
You rejected the Holy and Righteous One, and you asked instead for a murderer to be given to you.
15
You killed the Founder of life, whom God raised from the dead—and we are witnesses of this.
16
On the basis of faith in his name, his name made this man, whom you see and know, strong. The faith that is through Jesus has given him this perfect health in the presence of you all.
17
Now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers.
18
But the things which God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ should suffer, he has now fulfilled.
19
Repent, therefore, and turn, so that your sins may be blotted out,
20
so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord; and that he may send the Christ who has been appointed for you, Jesus.
21
He is the One heaven must receive until the time of the restoration of all things, about which God spoke from ancient times by the mouth of his holy prophets.
22
Moses indeed said, 'The Lord God will raise up a prophet like me from among your brothers. You must listen to everything he tells you.
23
It will happen that every person who does not listen to that prophet will be completely destroyed from among the people.'
24
Yes, and all the prophets from Samuel and those who came after him, they spoke out and announced these days.
25
You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your ancestors, as he said to Abraham, 'In your seed all the families of the earth will be blessed.'
26
After God raised up his servant, he sent him to you first, in order to bless you by turning every one of you from your wickedness."
Chapter 4
1
As Peter and John were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them.
2
They were deeply troubled because Peter and John were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead.
3
They laid hands on them and put them in custody until the next morning, since it was now evening.
4
But many of the people who had heard the message believed; and the number of the men who believed was about five thousand.
5
It came about on the next day that their rulers, elders, and scribes gathered together in Jerusalem.
6
Annas the high priest was there, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and all who were relatives of the high priest.
7
When they had set Peter and John in their midst, they asked them, "By what power, or in what name, have you done this?"
8
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "You rulers of the people, and elders,
9
if we are on trial today concerning a good deed done to a sick man, and by what means this man was healed,
10
let it be known to you all and to all the people of Israel that this man stands before you healthy in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, but whom God raised from the dead.
11
Jesus Christ is the stone which you builders rejected but which has been made the cornerstone.
12
There is no salvation in any other person, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."
13
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were ordinary, uneducated men, they were surprised, becoming aware that Peter and John had been with Jesus.
14
Because they saw the man who was healed standing with them, they had nothing to say against this.
15
But after they had commanded the apostles to leave the council meeting, they talked among themselves.
16
They said, "What should we do with these men? For a remarkable sign has been done through them, and this is evident to everyone who lives in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.
17
But in order that it spreads no further among the people, let us warn them not to speak anymore to anyone in this name."
18
Then they called them in and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.
19
But Peter and John answered and said to them, "Whether it is proper in the sight of God to obey you rather than him, you judge.
20
We are not able to stop speaking about the things we have seen and heard."
21
After further warning Peter and John, they let them go. They were unable to find any excuse to punish them, because all of the people were glorifying God for what had been done.
22
The man who had experienced this sign of healing was more than forty years old.
23
After they were set free, Peter and John came to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them.
24
When they heard it, they raised their voices with one purpose to God and said, "Lord, you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and all that is in them.
25
You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David,
'Why did the Gentile nations rage,
and the peoples imagine useless things?'
26
You said,
'The kings of the earth set themselves together,
and the rulers gathered together
against the Lord, and against his Christ.'
27
Indeed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, gathered together in this city against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed.
28
They gathered together to do all that your hand and your plan had decided in advance would happen.
29
Now, Lord, look upon their warnings and grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness.
30
Stretch out your hand to heal and to give signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus."
31
After they had prayed, the place where they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and they spoke the word of God with boldness.
32
The great number of those who believed were of one heart and soul. No one said that anything he possessed was his own, but they had everything in common.
33
With great power the apostles were proclaiming their testimony about the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.
34
There was no person among them who lacked anything, for all who owned title to lands or houses sold them and brought the money from the things that were sold
35
and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each one according to their need.
36
Joseph, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite, a man from Cyprus,
37
sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet.
Chapter 5
1
Now a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a piece of property,
2
and he kept back part of the sale money (his wife also knew it), and brought the other part of it and laid it at the apostles' feet.
3
But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back part of the price of the land?
4
While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own, and after it was sold, was it not under your authority? Why did you put it in your heart to do this? You have not lied to men, but to God."
5
Hearing these words, Ananias fell down and breathed his last, and great fear came upon all who heard it.
6
The young men arose and wrapped him up, and they carried him out and buried him.
7
After about three hours, his wife came in, not knowing what had happened.
8
Peter said to her, "Tell me whether you sold the land for so much." She said, "Yes, for so much."
9
Then Peter said to her, "How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out."
10
She immediately fell down at his feet and breathed her last. When the young men came in, they found her dead, and carried her out and buried her beside her husband.
11
Great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard these things.
12
Many signs and wonders were taking place among the people through the hands of the apostles. They were all together in Solomon's Porch.
13
But none of the rest had the courage to join them; however, they were held in high esteem by the people.
14
Still more believers were being added to the Lord, multitudes of men and women,
15
so that they even carried the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, so that as Peter came by, his shadow might fall on some of them.
16
There also came together a great number of people from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all healed.
17
But the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees); and they were filled with jealousy
18
and laid hands on the apostles, and held them in custody in the common prison.
19
Yet during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the prison and led them out, and said,
20
"Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life."
21
When they heard this, they entered into the temple about daybreak and taught. But the high priest came, and those who were with him, and called the council together, all the elders of the people of Israel, and sent to the prison to have the apostles brought.
22
But the officers that went did not find them in the prison, and they returned and reported,
23
"We found the prison securely shut and the guards standing at the door, but when we had opened it, we found no one inside."
24
Now when the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were much perplexed concerning them as to what would come of it.
25
Then someone came and told them, "The men whom you put in the prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people."
26
So the captain went with the officers and brought them back, but without violence, for they feared the people, that they might be stoned.
27
When they had brought them, they set them before the council. The high priest interrogated them,
28
saying, "We ordered you with a command not to teach in this name, and yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and desire to bring this man's blood upon us."
29
But Peter and the apostles answered, "We must obey God rather than men.
30
The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree.
31
God exalted him to his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
32
We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him."
33
When the council members heard this, they were furious and they wanted to kill the apostles.
34
But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law who was honored by all the people, stood up in the council and gave a command to take the men outside for a little while.
35
Then he said to them, "Men of Israel, pay close attention to what you propose to do with these people.
36
For before these days, Theudas rose up claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was killed, and all who had been obeying him were scattered and came to nothing.
37
After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census and drew away some people after him. He also perished, and all who had been obeying him were scattered.
38
Now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or work is of men, it will be overthrown.
39
But if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them; you may even find that you are fighting against God." So they were persuaded.
40
Then they called the apostles in and beat them and commanded them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
41
They went away from before the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name.
42
Thereafter every day, in the temple and from house to house, they were continuously teaching and proclaiming the good news that the Christ is Jesus.
Chapter 6
1
Now in these days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, a complaint by the Grecian Jews began against the Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of help.
2
The twelve called the multitude of the disciples to them and said, "It is not right for us to give up the word of God in order to serve tables.
3
You should therefore choose, brothers, seven men from among yourselves, men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
4
As for us, we will always continue in prayer and in the ministry of the word."
5
Their speech pleased the whole multitude. So they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte from Antioch.
6
The believers brought these men before the apostles, who prayed and then placed their hands upon them.
7
So the word of God continued to spread, and the number of disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly, and a large number of the priests became obedient to the faith.
8
Now Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people.
9
But there arose some people who belonged to the synagogue called the synagogue of the Freedmen, of the Cyrenians and Alexandrians, and some from Cilicia and Asia. These people were debating with Stephen.
10
But they were not able to stand against the wisdom and the Spirit with which Stephen spoke.
11
Then they bribed some men to say, "We have heard Stephen speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God."
12
They stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes, and they approached Stephen and seized him and brought him before the council.
13
They brought false witnesses, who said, "This man does not stop speaking words against this holy place and the law.
14
For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs that Moses handed down to us."
15
Everyone who sat in the council fixed their eyes on him and saw his face was like the face of an angel.
Chapter 7
1
The high priest said, "Are these things true?"
2
Stephen said,
"Brothers and fathers, listen to me: The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran;
3
he said to him, 'Leave your land and your relatives, and go into the land that I will show you.'
4
"Then he left the land of the Chaldeans and lived in Haran; from there, after his father died, God brought him into this land, where you live now.
5
He gave none of it as an inheritance to him, no, not even enough to set a foot on. But he promised—even though Abraham had no child yet—that he would give the land as a possession to him and to his descendants after him.
6
God was speaking to him like this, that his descendants would live for a while in a foreign land, and that the inhabitants there would bring them into slavery and mistreat them for four hundred years.
7
'But I will judge the nation that they serve,' said God, 'and after that they will come out and worship me in this place.'
8
Then God gave Abraham the covenant of circumcision, so Abraham became the father of Isaac and circumcised him on the eighth day; Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of the twelve patriarchs.
9
"Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him into Egypt; but God was with him
10
and rescued him from all his tribulation. He gave Joseph favor and wisdom in the presence of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, who appointed him governor over Egypt and over all his household.
11
"Now a famine and great tribulation came over all Egypt and Canaan, and our fathers could find no food.
12
But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent out our fathers on their first trip.
13
On their second trip Joseph made himself known to his brothers, and Joseph's family became known to Pharaoh.
14
Joseph sent his brothers back to invite Jacob his father to come to Egypt, along with all his relatives, seventy-five persons in all.
15
So Jacob went down into Egypt, and he died, he and our fathers.
16
They were carried over to Shechem and laid in the tomb that Abraham had bought for a price in silver from the sons of Hamor in Shechem.
17
"As the time of the promise approached, the promise that God had made to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt,
18
until there arose another king over Egypt, a king who did not know about Joseph.
19
He deceived our people and mistreated our fathers, forcing them to expose their newborn infants so they would not be kept alive.
20
"At that time Moses was born; he was very beautiful before God and was nourished for three months in his father's house.
21
When he was placed outside, Pharaoh's daughter adopted him and raised him as her own son.
22
Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and he was mighty in his words and works.
23
"But when he was about forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brothers, the descendants of Israel.
24
Seeing an Israelite being mistreated, Moses defended him and avenged him who was oppressed by striking the Egyptian:
25
he thought that his brothers would understand that God, by his hand, was giving them salvation, but they did not understand.
26
On the next day he appeared to them when they were fighting, and he tried to make peace between them, saying, 'Men, you are brothers; why are you wronging one another?'
27
"But the one who had wronged his neighbor pushed him away, and said, 'Who appointed you a ruler and a judge over us?
28
Would you like to kill me, as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?'
29
Moses ran away after hearing this statement; he became a foreigner in the land of Midian, where he became the father of two sons.
30
"When forty years were past, an angel appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, in a flame of fire in a bush.
31
When Moses saw the fire, he marveled at the sight; and as he approached to look at it, the voice of the Lord came, saying,
32
'I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob.' Moses trembled and did not dare to look.
33
"The Lord said to him, 'Take off the sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.
34
I have certainly seen the oppression of my people who are in Egypt; I have heard their groaning, and I have come down to rescue them; now come, I will send you to Egypt.'
35
"This Moses whom they rejected, when they said, 'Who appointed you a ruler and a judge?'—he was the one whom God sent as both a ruler and deliverer. God sent him by the hand of the angel who appeared to Moses in the bush.
36
Moses led them out of Egypt, after doing miracles and signs in Egypt and at the Sea of Reeds, and in the wilderness during forty years.
37
"It is the same Moses who said to the people of Israel, 'God will raise up a prophet for you from among your brothers, a prophet like me.'
38
This is the man who was in the assembly in the wilderness with the angel who had spoken to him on Mount Sinai, who was with our fathers, and who received living words to give to us.
39
"But our fathers refused to obey him; they pushed him away from themselves, and in their hearts they turned back to Egypt.
40
At that time they said to Aaron, 'Make us gods who will lead us. As for this Moses, who led us out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has happened to him.'
41
So they made a calf in those days and brought a sacrifice to the idol, and rejoiced because of the work of their hands.
42
But God turned and gave them up to worship the stars in the sky, as it is written in the book of the prophets,
'Did you bring me offerings and sacrifices
during the forty years in the wilderness, house of Israel?
43
You accepted the tabernacle of Molech
and the star of the god Rephan,
and the images that you made to worship them:
and I will carry you away beyond Babylon.'
44
"Our fathers had the tabernacle of the testimony in the wilderness, just as God commanded when he spoke to Moses, that he should make it like the pattern that he had seen.
45
Later, our fathers, under Joshua, received the tabernacle and brought it with them when they took possession of the land. God took the land from the nations and drove them out before the face of our fathers. The tabernacle remained in the land until the time of David,
46
who found favor in the sight of God, and he asked if he might find a dwelling place for the house of Jacob
.
47
But it was Solomon who built the house for God.
48
"However, the Most High does not live in houses made with hands, as the prophet says,
49
'Heaven is my throne,
and the earth is the footstool for my feet.
What kind of house can you build for me? says the Lord,
or what is the place for my rest?
50
Did my hand not make all these things?'
51
"You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit; you act just as your fathers acted.
52
Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? They killed the prophets who appeared in advance of the coming of the Righteous One; and you have now become the betrayers and murderers of him also,
53
you people who received the law that angels had ordained, but you did not keep it."
54
Now when the council members heard these things, they were furious in their hearts and they ground their teeth at Stephen.
55
But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked up intently into heaven and saw the glory of God; and he saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God.
56
Stephen said, "Look, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God."
57
At this the council members covered their ears, and shouting out with a loud voice, they rushed at him with one purpose.
58
They forced him out of the city and began to stone him. The witnesses laid down their outer clothing at the feet of a young man named Saul.
59
As they were stoning Stephen, he was calling out to the Lord and saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."
60
He knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep.
Chapter 8
1
Saul was in agreement with his death.
So there began on that day a great persecution against the church that was in Jerusalem; and the believers were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.
2
Devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him.
3
But Saul tried to destroy the church. He would enter house after house, drag off both men and women, and put them in prison.
4
Yet the believers who had been scattered went about preaching the word.
5
Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ.
6
Crowds of people were giving close attention to what was being said by Philip; with one mind they heard him, and they saw the signs he did.
7
Unclean spirits came out of many who were possessed, crying out with a loud voice, and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed.
8
So there was much joy in that city.
9
But there was a certain man in the city named Simon, who had earlier been practicing sorcery; he used to astonish the people of Samaria while claiming that he was an important person.
10
All the Samaritans, from the least to the greatest, paid attention to him; they said, "This man is that power of God which is called Great."
11
They listened to him because he had astonished them for a long time with his sorceries.
12
But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the gospel about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
13
Even Simon himself believed, and after he was baptized he stayed with Philip constantly. When he saw signs and mighty works taking place, he was amazed.
14
Now when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John.
15
When they had come down, they prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit.
16
For until that time, the Holy Spirit had not come upon any of them; they had only been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.
17
Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
18
Now when Simon saw that the Holy Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money.
19
He said, "Give me this authority, too, that whoever I place my hands on might receive the Holy Spirit."
20
But Peter said to him, "May your silver perish along with you, because you thought to obtain the gift of God with money.
21
You have no part or allotted portion in this matter, because your heart is not right with God.
22
Therefore repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord, so that he might perhaps forgive you for the intention of your heart.
23
For I see that you are in the poison of bitterness and in the bonds of unrighteousness."
24
Simon answered and said, "Pray to the Lord for me, so that nothing you have said may happen to me."
25
When they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, Peter and John returned to Jerusalem, proclaiming the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans.
26
Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip and said, "Arise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." (This road is in a desert.)
27
He arose and went. Behold, there was a man from Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. He was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship.
28
He was returning and sitting in his chariot, and was reading the prophet Isaiah.
29
The Spirit said to Philip, "Go over and stay close to this chariot."
30
So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and said, "Do you understand what you are reading?"
31
Then he said, "How can I, unless someone guides me?" He invited Philip to come up into the chariot and sit with him.
32
Now the passage of the scripture which the Ethiopian was reading was this,
"He was led like a sheep to the slaughter,
and like a lamb before his shearer is silent,
so he did not open his mouth.
33
In his humiliation
justice was taken away from him.
Who can give a full account of his descendants?
For his life was taken from the earth."
34
So the eunuch asked Philip, and said, "I beg you, tell me who is the prophet speaking about, himself, or someone else?"
35
Philip began to speak, and beginning with this scripture he proclaimed the gospel about Jesus to him.
36
As they went on the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, "Look, there is water here. What prevents me from being baptized?"
37
38
So the Ethiopian commanded the chariot to stop. They went down into the water, both Philip and the eunuch, and Philip baptized him.
39
When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord took Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, but went on his way rejoicing.
40
But Philip appeared at Azotus and he went through that region, proclaiming the gospel to all the cities until he came to Caesarea.
Chapter 9
1
But Saul, still speaking threats even of murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest
2
and asked him for letters for the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.
3
As he was traveling, it happened that as he came near to Damascus, suddenly there shone all around him a light out of heaven;
4
and he fell upon the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?"
5
Saul replied, "Who are you, Lord?" The Lord said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting;
6
but rise, enter into the city, and it will be told you what you must do."
7
The men who traveled with Saul stood speechless, hearing the voice, but seeing no one.
8
Saul arose from the ground, and when he opened his eyes, he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus.
9
For three days he was without sight, and he neither ate nor drank.
10
Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias!" He said, "See, I am here, Lord."
11
The Lord said to him, "Arise, and go to the street which is called Straight, and at the house of Judas ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying.
12
He has seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in and laying his hands on him, so that he might see again."
13
But Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem.
14
He has authority from the chief priests to put in bonds everyone here who calls upon your name."
15
But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine, to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel;
16
for I will show him how much he must suffer for the cause of my name."
17
So Ananias departed, and entered into the house. Laying his hands on him, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road when you were coming, has sent me so that you might receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit."
18
Immediately something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he received his sight; he arose and was baptized;
19
and he ate and was strengthened.
He stayed with the disciples in Damascus for several days.
20
Right away he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying that he is the Son of God.
21
All who heard him were amazed and said, "Is not this the man who destroyed those in Jerusalem who called on this name? He has come here to take them bound to the chief priests."
22
But Saul became more and more powerful, and he was causing distress among the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ.
23
After many days, the Jews planned together to kill him.
24
But their plan became known to Saul. They watched the gates day and night in order to kill him.
25
But his disciples took him by night and let him down through the wall, lowering him in a basket.
26
When he had come to Jerusalem, Saul attempted to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple.
27
But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles, and he told them how Saul had seen the Lord on the road and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how at Damascus Saul had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus.
28
He was with them, going in and out around Jerusalem. He spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus
29
and debated with the Grecian Jews; but they kept trying to kill him.
30
When the brothers learned of this, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him away to Tarsus.
31
So then, the church throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and was built up; and, walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, the church grew in numbers.
32
Now it came about that, as Peter went throughout the whole region, he came down also to God's holy people who lived in the town of Lydda.
33
There he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had been in his bed for eight years, for he was paralyzed.
34
Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and make your bed," and right away he got up.
35
So everyone who lived in Lydda and in Sharon saw the man and they turned to the Lord.
36
Now there was in Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha (which is translated "Dorcas"). This woman was full of good works and merciful deeds that she did for the poor.
37
It came about in those days that she fell sick and died; when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room.
38
Since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, pleading with him, "Come to us without delay."
39
Peter arose and went with them. When he had arrived, they brought him to the upper room, and all the widows stood by him weeping, showing him the tunics and garments that Dorcas had made while she had been with them.
40
Peter put them all out of the room, knelt down, and prayed; then, turning to the body, he said, "Tabitha, arise." Then she opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up.
41
Peter then gave her his hand and raised her up; and when he called God's holy people and the widows, he presented her alive to them.
42
This matter became known throughout all Joppa, and many people believed on the Lord.
43
It happened that Peter stayed for many days in Joppa with a man named Simon, a tanner.
Chapter 10
1
Now there was a certain man in the city of Caesarea, Cornelius by name, a centurion of what was called the Italian Company of Soldiers.
2
He was a devout man, one who feared God with all his household, gave many alms to the people, and prayed to God constantly.
3
About the ninth hour of the day, he clearly saw in a vision an angel of God coming to him. The angel said to him, "Cornelius!"
4
Cornelius stared at the angel and was very afraid and said, "What is it, sir?"
The angel said to him, "Your prayers and your alms have gone up as a memorial offering into God's presence.
5
Now send men to the city of Joppa to bring a man named Simon who is called Peter.
6
He is staying with a tanner named Simon, whose house is by the seaside."
7
When the angel who spoke to him had left, Cornelius called two of his house servants, and a devout soldier from among those who served him.
8
Cornelius told them all that had happened and sent them to Joppa.
9
Now on the next day at about the sixth hour, as they were on their journey and were approaching the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray.
10
He then became hungry and wanted something to eat, but while the people were cooking some food, a trance came on him,
11
and he saw the sky open and a certain container descending, something like a large sheet coming down to the earth, let down by its four corners.
12
In it were all kinds of four-footed animals and things that crawled on the earth, and birds of the sky.
13
Then a voice spoke to him: "Rise, Peter, kill and eat."
14
But Peter said, "Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that was defiled and unclean."
15
But the voice came to him again a second time: "What God has made clean, you must not call defiled."
16
This happened three times; then the container was immediately taken back up into the sky.
17
Now while Peter was very confused about what the vision that he had seen could mean, behold, the men who were sent by Cornelius stood before the gate, after they had asked their way to the house.
18
They called out and asked whether Simon, who was also called Peter, was staying there.
19
While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Behold, three men are looking for you.
20
Arise and go down and go with them. Do not hesitate to go with them, because I have sent them."
21
So Peter went down to the men and said, "I am he whom you are seeking. Why have you come?"
22
They said, "A centurion named Cornelius, a righteous man and one who fears God, and is well spoken of by all the nation of the Jews, was instructed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house, so he could listen to a message from you."
23
So Peter invited them to come in and stay with him.
On the next morning he got up and went with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa accompanied him.
24
On the following day they came to Caesarea. Cornelius was waiting for them; he had called together his relatives and his close friends.
25
It came about that when Peter entered, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet to worship him.
26
But Peter helped him up, saying, "Stand up! I too am a man."
27
While Peter was talking with him, he went in and found many people gathered together.
28
He said to them, "You yourselves know that it is not lawful for a Jewish man to associate with or to visit a foreigner. But God has shown me that I should not call any man defiled or unclean.
29
That is why I came without arguing, when I was sent for. So I ask you why you sent for me."
30
Cornelius said, "Four days ago at this very hour, I was praying at the ninth hour in my house; and see, a man stood before me in bright clothing.
31
He said, 'Cornelius, your prayer has been heard by God, and your alms have reminded God about you.
32
So send someone to Joppa, and call to you a man named Simon who is called Peter. He is staying in the house of a tanner named Simon, by the seaside.'
33
So at once I sent for you. You are kind to have come. Now then, we are all here present in the sight of God to hear everything that you have been instructed by the Lord to say."
34
Then Peter opened his mouth and said, "Truly I understand that God is not partial.
35
Instead, in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.
36
You know the message that he sent to the people of Israel, when he announced the good news about peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all—
37
you yourselves know the events that took place, which occurred throughout all Judea, beginning in Galilee, after the baptism that John announced;
38
the events concerning Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.
39
We are witnesses of all the things Jesus did, both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a tree,
40
but God raised him up on the third day and caused him to be seen,
41
not by all the people, but to the witnesses who were chosen beforehand by God—by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.
42
He commanded us to proclaim to the people and to testify that this is the one who has been chosen by God to be the Judge of the living and the dead.
43
About him all the prophets testify, that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name."
44
While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all of those who were listening to his message.
45
The people who belonged to the circumcision group of believers—all of those who came with Peter—were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out also on the Gentiles.
46
For they heard these Gentiles speaking in tongues and exalting God. Then Peter answered,
47
"Can anyone keep water from these people so they should not be baptized, these people who have received the Holy Spirit as well as we?"
48
Then he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay with them for several days.
Chapter 11
1
Now the apostles and the brothers who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God.
2
When Peter had come up to Jerusalem, they who belonged to the circumcision group criticized him;
3
they said, "You associated with uncircumcised men and ate with them!"
4
But Peter started to explain the matter to them in detail, saying,
5
"I was praying in the city of Joppa, and in a trance I saw a vision of a container coming down, like a large sheet let down from heaven by its four corners. It descended to me.
6
I gazed at it and I thought about it. I saw the four-legged animals of earth, wild beasts, things that crawled, and birds of the sky.
7
Then I heard a voice say to me, 'Get up, Peter; kill and eat!'
8
I said, 'Not so, Lord; for nothing unholy or unclean has ever entered into my mouth.'
9
But the voice answered again from heaven, 'What God has made clean, you must not call defiled.'
10
This happened three times, and then everything was taken back up into heaven again.
11
"Behold, right away there were three men standing in front of the house where we were; they had been sent from Caesarea to me.
12
The Spirit commanded me to go with them, and that I should make no distinction regarding them. These six brothers went with me, and we went into the man's house.
13
He told us how he had seen the angel standing in his house and saying, 'Send men to Joppa and bring back Simon who is called Peter.
14
He will speak to you a message by which you will be saved—you and all your household.'
15
As I began to speak to them, the Holy Spirit came on them, just as on us in the beginning.
16
I remembered the words of the Lord, how he said, 'John indeed baptized with water; but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.'
17
Then if God gave to them the same gift as he gave to us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I, that I could oppose God?"
18
When they heard these things, they said nothing in response, but they glorified God and said, "Then God has given repentance for life to the Gentiles also."
19
Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that arose over Stephen spread as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the word only to Jews.
20
But some of them, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, came to Antioch and spoke also to Greeks, proclaiming to them the gospel about the Lord Jesus.
21
The hand of the Lord was with them; a great number believed and turned to the Lord.
22
News about them came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas as far as Antioch.
23
When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad and he encouraged them all to remain with the Lord with purpose of heart.
24
For he was a good man and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith, and many people were added to the Lord.
25
Barnabas then went out to Tarsus to search carefully for Saul.
26
When he found him, he brought him to Antioch. It came about that for an entire year they gathered together with the church and taught many people. The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.
27
Now in these days some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch.
28
One of them, Agabus by name, stood up and indicated by the Spirit that a great famine would occur over all the world. This happened in the days of Claudius.
29
So the disciples, as each one was able, determined to send a contribution for the relief of the brothers in Judea.
30
They did this; they sent money to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.
Chapter 12
1
Now about that time Herod the king laid hands on some who belonged to the church so that he might mistreat them.
2
He killed James the brother of John with the sword.
3
After he saw that this pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. That was during the days of unleavened bread.
4
After arresting him, he put him in prison, assigning him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him; he was intending to bring him to the people after the Passover.
5
So Peter was kept in the prison, but prayer was made earnestly to God for him by those in the church.
6
On the night before Herod was going to bring him out for trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, while guards in front of the door were keeping watch over the prison.
7
Behold, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared by him, and a light shone in the prison cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him and said, "Get up quickly," and his chains fell off his hands.
8
The angel said to him, "Gird yourself and put on your sandals." Peter did so. The angel said to him, "Put on your outer garment and follow me."
9
So Peter followed the angel and went out. He did not know that what was done by the angel was real. He thought he was seeing a vision.
10
After they had passed by the first guard and the second, they came to the iron gate that led into the city; it opened for them by itself. They went out and went down a street, and the angel left him right away.
11
When Peter came to himself, he said, "Now I truly know that the Lord has sent his angel and delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from everything the Jewish people were expecting."
12
When he realized this, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying.
13
When he knocked at the door of the gate, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer.
14
When she recognized Peter's voice, out of joy she failed to open the gate; instead, she came running into the room; she reported that Peter was standing at the gate.
15
So they said to her, "You are insane." But she insisted that it was so. They said, "It is his angel."
16
But Peter continued knocking, and when they had opened the door, they saw him and were amazed.
17
Peter motioned to them with his hand to be silent, and he told them how the Lord had brought him out of prison. He said, "Report these things to James and the brothers." Then he left and went to another place.
18
Now when it became day, there was no small disturbance among the soldiers over what had happened to Peter.
19
After Herod had searched for him and could not find him, he questioned the guards and ordered them to be put to death.
Then Herod went down from Judea to Caesarea and stayed there.
20
Now Herod was very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon. They went to him with one purpose, and after persuading Blastus, the king's assistant, to help them, they asked for peace because their country received its food from the king's country.
21
On a set day Herod dressed himself in royal clothing and sat on a throne; he made a speech to them.
22
The people shouted, "This is the voice of a god, not of a man!"
23
Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he did not give God the glory; he was eaten by worms and died.
24
But the word of God increased and multiplied.
25
So when Barnabas and Saul had completed their mission, they returned from Jerusalem,
bringing with them John, also called Mark.
Chapter 13
1
Now in the church in Antioch, there were some prophets and teachers. They were Barnabas, Simeon (who is called Niger), Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (the foster brother of Herod the tetrarch), and Saul.
2
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul, to do the work to which I have called them."
3
After they had fasted, prayed, and laid their hands on these men, they sent them off.
4
So Barnabas and Saul, having been sent out by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia; from there they sailed away to Cyprus.
5
While they were in the city of Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. They also had John for an assistant.
6
When they had gone through the whole island to Paphos, they found a certain magician, a Jewish false prophet, whose name was Bar-Jesus.
7
This magician associated with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, who was an intelligent man. This man summoned Barnabas and Saul, because he sought to hear the word of God.
8
But Elymas "the magician" (that is how his name is translated) opposed them; he tried to turn the proconsul away from the faith.
9
But Saul, who is also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, stared at him intensely
10
and said, "You son of the devil, you are full of all kinds of deceit and wickedness. You are an enemy of every kind of righteousness. You will never stop twisting the straight paths of the Lord, will you?
11
Now look, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will become blind. You will not see the sun for a while." Immediately there fell on Elymas a mist and darkness; he started going around seeking people to lead him by the hand.
12
After the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, because he was astonished at the teaching about the Lord.
13
Now Paul and his friends set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. But John left them and returned to Jerusalem.
14
Paul and his friends traveled from Perga and came to Antioch of Pisidia. There they went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day and sat down.
15
After the reading of the law and the prophets, the leaders of the synagogue sent them a message, saying, "Brothers, if you have any message of encouragement for the people here, say it."
16
So Paul stood up and motioned with his hand; he said, "Men of Israel and you who fear God, listen.
17
The God of this people Israel chose our fathers and exalted the people when they stayed in the land of Egypt, and with an uplifted arm he led them out of it.
18
For about forty years he put up with them in the wilderness.
19
After he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, he gave our people their land for an inheritance.
20
All these events took place over 450 years. After all these things, God gave them judges until Samuel the prophet.
21
Then the people asked for a king, and God gave them Saul son of Kish, a man from the tribe of Benjamin, to be king for forty years.
22
After God removed him from the kingship, he raised up David to be their king. It was about David that God testified, saying, 'I have found David son of Jesse to be a man after my heart, who does all I want him to do.'
23
From this man's descendants God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as he promised to do.
24
Before the arrival of Jesus, John proclaimed a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.
25
As John was finishing his work, he said, 'Who do you think I am? I am not the one. But listen, one is coming after me, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie.'
26
Brothers, children of the offspring of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, it is to us that the message about this salvation has been sent.
27
For they who live in Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognize him, and they fulfilled the voices of the prophets that are read every Sabbath by condemning him.
28
Even though they found no reason for the death penalty, they called on Pilate to kill him.
29
When they had completed all the things that were written about him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb.
30
But God raised him from the dead.
31
He was seen for many days by those who had come up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. These people are now his witnesses to the people.
32
So we tell you the good news: The promise that came to our fathers
33
God 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.'
34
As to his raising him from the dead, never to return to decay, he has spoken in this way:
'I will give you the holy and sure blessings
promised to David.'
35
This is why he also says in another Psalm,
'You will not allow your Holy One
to see decay.'
36
For when David had served the purpose of God in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was laid with his fathers and his body experienced decay.
37
But he whom God raised up experienced no decay.
38
So let it be known to you, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. The law of Moses could not make you righteous.
39
But by this man God makes righteous everyone who believes.
40
So then be careful that the thing the prophets spoke about does not happen to you:
41
'Look, you despisers,
and be astonished and then perish;
For I am doing a work in your days,
a work that you would never believe,
even if someone announces it to you.'"
42
As Paul and Barnabas left, the people begged them that they might speak these same words again the next Sabbath.
43
When the synagogue meeting ended, many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who were speaking to them and persuading them to continue in the grace of God.
44
On the next Sabbath, almost the whole city was gathered together to hear the word of the Lord.
45
When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with envy and spoke against the things that were said by Paul and insulted him.
46
But Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said, "It was necessary that the word of God should first be spoken to you. Seeing you push it away from yourselves and consider yourselves unworthy of eternal life, see, we will turn to the Gentiles.
47
For so has the Lord commanded us, saying,
'I have appointed you as a light for the Gentiles,
that you should bring salvation
to the uttermost parts of the earth.'"
48
As the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. As many as were appointed to eternal life believed.
49
The word of the Lord was spread out through the whole region.
50
But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas and threw them out of their region.
51
But Paul and Barnabas shook off the dust from their feet against them. Then they went to the city of Iconium.
52
And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
Chapter 14
1
It came about in Iconium that Paul and Barnabas entered together into the synagogue of the Jews and spoke in such a way that a great multitude both of Jews and of Greeks believed.
2
But the Jews who were disobedient stirred up the minds of the Gentiles and made them bitter against the brothers.
3
So they stayed there for a long time, speaking boldly with the Lord's power, while he gave evidence about the message of his grace. He did this by granting signs and wonders to be done by the hands of Paul and Barnabas.
4
But the people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews, others with the apostles.
5
Both Gentiles and Jews (together with their leaders) made an attempt to mistreat them and to stone them,
6
but as soon as they learned about this, they fled to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe and the surrounding region,
7
where they continued to proclaim the gospel.
8
At Lystra a certain man sat, powerless in his feet, a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked.
9
This man heard Paul speaking. Paul fixed his eyes on him and saw that he had faith to be made well.
10
So he said to him in a loud voice, "Stand up on your feet." Then the man jumped up and walked around.
11
When the multitude saw what Paul had done, they raised their voice, saying in the dialect of Lycaonia, "The gods have become like men and come down to us."
12
They called Barnabas "Zeus," and Paul "Hermes," because he was the main speaker.
13
The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought oxen and wreaths to the gates; he and the multitudes wanted to offer sacrifice.
14
But when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of it, they tore their clothing and quickly went out into the crowd, crying out,
15
"Men, why are you doing these things? We also are human beings, with the same nature as you. We are telling you good news that you should turn from these useless things to the living God, who made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything that is in them.
16
In the past ages, he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways.
17
But still, he did not leave himself without witness, in that he did good and gave you the rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling your hearts with food and gladness."
18
Even with these words, Paul and Barnabas barely kept the multitudes from sacrificing to them.
19
But some Jews from Antioch and Iconium came and persuaded the crowds. They stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, thinking that he was dead.
20
Yet as the disciples were standing around him, he got up and entered the city. The next day, he went to Derbe with Barnabas.
21
After they had proclaimed the gospel in that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, to Iconium, and to Antioch.
22
They kept strengthening the souls of the disciples and encouraging them to continue in the faith, saying, "We must enter into the kingdom of God through many tribulations."
23
When they had appointed for them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they entrusted them to the Lord, in whom they had believed.
24
Then they passed through Pisidia and came to Pamphylia.
25
When they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia.
26
From there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work which they had now completed.
27
When they arrived in Antioch and gathered the church together, they reported all the things that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith for the Gentiles.
28
They stayed for a long time with the disciples.
Chapter 15
1
Some men came down from Judea to Antioch and taught the brothers, saying, "Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved."
2
This brought Paul and Barnabas into a sharp dispute and debate with them. So Paul and Barnabas, along with some others from among them, were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to meet with the apostles and elders about this question.
3
They therefore, being sent by the church, passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria and announced the conversion of the Gentiles. They brought great joy to all the brothers.
4
When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they reported all the things that God had done with them.
5
But certain men who believed, who belonged to the group of Pharisees, stood up and said, "It is necessary to circumcise them and to command them to keep the law of Moses."
6
So the apostles and the elders gathered together to consider this matter.
7
After much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, "Brothers, you know that a good while ago God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
8
God, who knows the heart, has testified to them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he did to us.
9
He made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith.
10
Now therefore why do you test God, that you should put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
11
But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they were."
12
All the multitude kept silent while they listened to Barnabas and Paul report the signs and wonders God had worked among the Gentiles through them.
13
After they stopped speaking, James answered, saying,
"Brothers, listen to me.
14
Simon has told how God first graciously helped the Gentiles in order to take from them a people for his name.
15
The words of the prophets agree with this, as it is written,
16
'After these things I will return,
and I will build again the tabernacle of David,
which has fallen down;
I will set up and restore its ruins again,
17
so that the remnant of men may seek the Lord,
including all the Gentiles called by my name.'
18
This is what the Lord says,
who has done these things
that have been known from ancient times.
19
Therefore, I have decided that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God.
20
But we will write to them that they must keep away from the pollution of idols, from sexual immorality, and from the meat of strangled animals, and from blood.
21
For Moses has been proclaimed in every city from ancient generations and he is preached in the synagogues every Sabbath."
22
Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, who were leaders of the brothers, and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas.
23
They wrote this with their hands,
24
Because we have heard that certain men have gone out from us, with no orders from us, and have disturbed you with words that upset your souls,
25
it seemed good to us, who have come to one mind, to choose men and to send them to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
26
men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
27
Therefore we have sent Judas and Silas, who will report to you the same things in their own words.
28
For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things:
29
that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols, blood, things strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you avoid these things, you will do well.
30
So they, when they were dismissed, came down to Antioch; after they gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter.
31
When they had read it, they rejoiced because of the encouragement.
32
Judas and Silas, also prophets, encouraged the brothers with many words and strengthened them.
33
After they had spent some time there, they were sent away in peace from the brothers to those who had sent them.
34
35
But Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch, teaching and preaching (along with many others) the word of the Lord.
36
After some days Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us return now and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are."
37
Barnabas wanted to also take with them John, who was called Mark.
38
But Paul thought it was not good to take Mark, who had left them in Pamphylia and did not go further with them in the work.
39
Then there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus.
40
But Paul chose Silas and left, after he was entrusted by the brothers to the grace of the Lord.
41
Then he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
Chapter 16
1
Paul also came to Derbe and to Lystra, and behold, a certain disciple named Timothy was there, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek.
2
He was well spoken of by the brothers who were at Lystra and Iconium.
3
Paul wanted him to travel with him, so he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews that were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek.
4
As they were going along through the cities, they were passing along the decrees to obey that were decided on by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem.
5
So the churches were strengthened in the faith and increased in number daily.
6
Paul and his companions went through the regions of Phrygia and Galatia, since they had been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to proclaim the word in the province of Asia.
7
When they came near Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus prevented them.
8
So passing by Mysia, they came down to the city of Troas.
9
A vision appeared to Paul in the night: A man of Macedonia was standing there, begging him and saying, "Come over into Macedonia and help us."
10
When Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
11
Setting sail therefore from Troas, we made a straight course to Samothrace, and the next day we came to Neapolis.
12
From there we went to Philippi, which is a city of Macedonia, the most important city in the district and a Roman colony, and we stayed in this city for several days.
13
On the Sabbath day we went outside the gate by the river, where we thought there would be a place of prayer. We sat down and spoke to the women who had come together.
14
A certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God, listened to us. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul.
15
When she and her house were baptized, she pleaded with us, saying, "If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come and stay in my house." And she persuaded us.
16
It came about that, as we were going to the place of prayer, a certain slave girl who had a spirit of divination encountered us. She brought her masters much gain by fortunetelling.
17
This woman followed after Paul and us and shouted, saying, "These men are servants of the Most High God. They proclaim to you the way of salvation."
18
She did this for many days. But Paul, being greatly annoyed by her, turned and said to the spirit, "I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her." And it came out at that same hour.
19
When her masters saw that their hope of profit was now gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace before the authorities.
20
When they had brought them to the magistrates, they said, "These men are causing trouble in our city. They are Jews.
21
They proclaim customs that are not lawful for Romans to accept or practice."
22
Then the crowd rose up together against Paul and Silas; the magistrates tore their garments off them and commanded them to be beaten with rods.
23
When they had laid many blows upon them, they threw them into prison and commanded the jailer to guard them securely.
24
After he got this command, the jailer threw them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.
25
Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.
26
Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's chains were unfastened.
27
The jailer was awakened from sleep and saw the open prison doors; he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, because he thought that the prisoners had escaped.
28
But Paul shouted with a loud voice, saying, "Do not harm yourself, because we are all here."
29
The jailer called for lights and rushed in and, trembling for fear, fell down before Paul and Silas,
30
and brought them out and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"
31
They said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household."
32
They spoke the word of the Lord to him, together with everyone in his house.
33
Then the jailer took them at the same hour of the night, and washed their wounds, and he and those in his entire house were baptized immediately.
34
Then as he brought Paul and Silas up into his house and he set food before them, he rejoiced greatly with those of his house, that he had believed in God.
35
Now when it was day, the magistrates sent word to the guards, saying, "Let those men go."
36
The jailer reported the words to Paul, saying, "The magistrates have sent word to me to let you go. Now therefore come out, and go in peace."
37
But Paul said to them, "They have publicly beaten us without a trial, even though we are Roman citizens—and they threw us into prison. Do they now want to send us away secretly? No! Let them come themselves and lead us out."
38
The guards reported these words to the magistrates, and when they heard that Paul and Silas were Romans, they were afraid.
39
The magistrates came and apologized to them and brought them out, asking them to go away from the city.
40
So Paul and Silas went out of the prison and came to the house of Lydia. When Paul and Silas saw the brothers, they encouraged them and then departed from the city.
Chapter 17
1
Now when they had passed through the cities of Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to the city of Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews.
2
Paul, as his custom was, went to them, and for three Sabbath days reasoned with them from the scriptures.
3
He was opening the scriptures and explaining that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise again from the dead. He said, "This Jesus whom I proclaim to you is the Christ."
4
Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, including a large number of devout Greeks, and not a few of the leading women.
5
But the unbelieving Jews, being moved with jealousy, took certain wicked men from the marketplace, gathered a crowd together, and set the city in an uproar. Assaulting the house of Jason, they were seeking to bring Paul and Silas out to the people.
6
But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and certain other brothers before the officials of the city, crying, "These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also.
7
These men whom Jason has welcomed act against the decrees of Caesar; they say that there is another king—Jesus."
8
They troubled the crowd and the officials of the city who heard these things.
9
But after they took security from Jason and the rest, they let them go.
10
That night the brothers sent Paul and Silas to Berea. When they arrived there, they went into the synagogue of the Jews.
11
Now these people were more noble than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with all readiness of mind, examining the scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.
12
Therefore many of them believed, including some influential Greek women and many men.
13
But when the Jews of Thessalonica learned that Paul was also proclaiming the word of God at Berea, they went there and stirred up and troubled the crowds.
14
Then immediately, the brothers sent Paul to go to the sea, but Silas and Timothy stayed there.
15
Those who were leading Paul took him as far as the city of Athens. As they left Paul there, they received from him instructions for Silas and Timothy to come to him as quickly as possible.
16
Now while Paul was waiting for them in Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw the city full of idols.
17
So he reasoned every day in the synagogue with the Jews and others who worshiped God, as well as in the marketplace with those who happened to be there.
18
But also some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers encountered him. Some said, "What is this babbler trying to say?" Others said, "He seems to be one who calls people to follow strange gods," because he was proclaiming the gospel about Jesus and the resurrection.
19
They took Paul and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, "May we know this new teaching which you were speaking?
20
For you bring some strange things to our ears. Therefore, we want to know what these things mean."
21
(Now all the Athenians and the strangers living there spent their time in nothing but either telling or listening about something new.)
22
So Paul stood in the middle of the Areopagus and said,
"You men of Athens, I see that you are very religious in every way.
23
For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found an altar with this inscription, 'TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.' What therefore you worship in ignorance, this I announce to you.
24
The God who made the world and everything in it, since he is Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples built with hands.
25
Neither is he served by men's hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives people life and breath and everything else.
26
From one man he made every nation of people to live on the surface of the earth, having determined their appointed seasons and the boundaries of their living areas,
27
so that they should search for God and perhaps they may feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is not far from each one of us.
28
For in him we live and move and have our being, just as one of your own poets has said: 'For we also are his offspring.'
29
"Therefore, since we are God's offspring, we ought not to think that the qualities of deity are like gold, or silver, or stone—images created by the art and imagination of man.
30
Therefore God overlooked the times of ignorance, but now he commands all men everywhere to repent.
31
This is because he has set a day when he will judge the world in righteousness by the man he has appointed. God has given proof of this man to everyone by raising him from the dead."
32
Now when the men of Athens heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked Paul; but others said, "We will listen to you again about this matter."
33
After that, Paul left them.
34
But certain men joined him and believed, including Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others with them.
Chapter 18
1
After these things Paul left Athens and went to Corinth.
2
There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to them,
3
and because he worked at the same trade, he stayed with them and labored, for they were tentmakers by trade.
4
So Paul reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, trying to persuade both Jews and Greeks.
5
Now when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself to the word, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ.
6
But when the Jews opposed and insulted him, Paul shook out his garment at them and said to them, "May your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles."
7
Then he left from there and went to the house of a man named Titius Justus, a man who worshiped God. His house was next to the synagogue.
8
Crispus, the leader of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, together with all his household; and many of the Corinthians who heard about it believed and were baptized.
9
The Lord said to Paul in the night in a vision, "Do not be afraid, but speak and do not be silent.
10
For I am with you, and no one will try to harm you, for I have many people in this city."
11
Paul lived there for a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
12
But when Gallio became governor of Achaia, the Jews rose up with one mind against Paul and brought him before the judgment seat;
13
they said, "This man persuades people to worship God contrary to the law."
14
Yet when Paul was about to speak, Gallio said to the Jews, "You Jews, if indeed it were a matter of wrong or a wicked crime, it would be reasonable to put up with you.
15
But since these are questions about words and names and your own law, settle it yourselves. I do not wish to be a judge of these matters."
16
Gallio made them leave the judgment seat.
17
So they all seized Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him in front of the judgment seat. But Gallio did not care what they did.
18
Paul, after staying there for many more days, left the brothers and sailed for Syria with Priscilla and Aquila. Before he left the seaport, Cenchreae, he had his hair cut off because of a vow he had taken.
19
When they came to Ephesus, Paul left Priscilla and Aquila there, but he himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews.
20
When they asked Paul to stay a longer time, he declined.
21
But taking his leave of them, he said, "I will return again to you if it is God's will." He then set sail from Ephesus.
22
When Paul had landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the Jerusalem church and then went down to Antioch.
23
After having spent some time there, Paul departed and went through the regions of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.
24
Now a certain Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by birth, came to Ephesus. He was eloquent in speech and mighty in the scriptures.
25
Apollos had been instructed in the teachings of the Lord. Being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, but he knew only the baptism of John.
26
Apollos began to speak boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.
27
When he desired to pass over into Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples in Achaia to welcome him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those who believed by grace.
28
Apollos powerfully refuted the Jews in public debate, showing by the scriptures that Jesus is the Christ.
Chapter 19
1
It came about that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the upper country and came to the city of Ephesus, and found certain disciples there.
2
Paul said to them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?"
They said to him, "No, we did not even hear about the Holy Spirit."
3
Paul said, "Into what then were you baptized?"
They said, "Into John's baptism."
4
So Paul replied, "John baptized with the baptism of repentance. He told the people that they should believe in the one who would come after him, that is, in Jesus."
5
When the people heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
6
Then when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.
7
In all they were about twelve men.
8
Paul went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God.
9
But when some Jews were hardened and disobedient, they began to speak evil of the Way before the crowd. So Paul left them and took the disciples with him, reasoning with them every day in the lecture hall of Tyrannus.
10
This continued for two years, so that all who lived in Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.
11
God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul,
12
so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick and their illnesses left them and the evil spirits came out of them.
13
But there were Jewish exorcists traveling through the area. They called on the name of the Lord Jesus so they could have power over evil spirits when they said, "By the Jesus whom Paul proclaims, I command you to come out."
14
The Jewish high priest, whose name was Sceva, had seven sons who were doing this.
15
An evil spirit answered them, "Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?"
16
The evil spirit in the man leaped on the exorcists and subdued them and beat them up. Then they fled out of that house naked and wounded.
17
This became known to all, both Jews and Greeks, who lived at Ephesus. They became very afraid, and the name of the Lord Jesus was honored.
18
Also, many of the believers came and confessed and gave a full account of the evil things they had done.
19
Many who practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of everyone. When they counted the value of them, it was fifty thousand pieces of silver.
20
So the word of the Lord spread very widely in powerful ways.
21
Now after these things were completed, Paul decided in the Spirit to pass through Macedonia and Achaia on his way to Jerusalem; he said, "After I have been there, I must also see Rome."
22
Paul sent to Macedonia two of those who served him, Timothy and Erastus. But he himself stayed in Asia for a while.
23
At about that time there was no small disturbance in Ephesus concerning the Way.
24
A certain silversmith named Demetrius, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought in much business for the craftsmen.
25
So he gathered together the workmen of that occupation and said, "Men, you know that in this business we make much money.
26
You see and hear that, not only at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away many people. He is saying that gods made by hands are not gods.
27
Not only is there danger that our trade will be discredited, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis might be regarded as worthless, and her greatness would be brought to nothing, she whom all Asia and the world worship."
28
When they heard this, they were filled with anger and cried out, saying, "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians."
29
The whole city was filled with confusion, and the people rushed with one mind into the theater. They had seized Paul's travel companions, Gaius and Aristarchus, who came from Macedonia.
30
Paul wanted to enter in among the crowd of people, but the disciples prevented him.
31
Also, some of the officials of the province of Asia who were his friends sent him a message pleading with him not to enter the theater.
32
Some people were shouting one thing, and some another, for the crowd was in confusion. Most of them did not even know why they had come together.
33
Some of the crowd advised Alexander, whom the Jews were pushing forward. So Alexander motioned with his hand, wanting to give a defense to the assembly.
34
But when they recognized that he was a Jew, they all cried out for about two hours with one voice, saying, "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians."
35
When the town clerk had quieted the crowd, he said, "You men of Ephesus, what man is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is temple keeper of the great Artemis and of the image which fell down from heaven?
36
Seeing then that these things are undeniable, you ought to be quiet and do nothing rash.
37
For you have brought these men to this court who are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of our goddess.
38
Therefore, if Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have an accusation against anyone, the courts are open and there are proconsuls. Let them accuse one another.
39
But if you are seeking anything more, it should be resolved in the regular assembly.
40
For we are in danger of being accused of rioting today, and there is no cause we can give to justify this uproar." When he had said this, he dismissed the assembly.
Chapter 20
1
After the uproar was over, Paul sent for the disciples and after he encouraged them, he said farewell and left to go into Macedonia.
2
When he had gone through those regions and had spoken many words of encouragement to them, he came to Greece.
3
After he had spent three months there, a plot was formed against him by the Jews as he was about to sail for Syria, so he decided to return through Macedonia.
4
Accompanying him as far as Asia were Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea; Aristarchus and Secundus, both from the Thessalonian believers; Gaius of Derbe; Timothy; and Tychicus and Trophimus from Asia.
5
But these men had gone before us and were waiting for us at Troas.
6
We sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and in five days we came to them in Troas. There we stayed for seven days.
7
On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul spoke to the believers. He was planning to leave the next day, so he prolonged his message until midnight.
8
There were many lamps in the upper room where we had come together.
9
In the window was sitting a young man named Eutychus, who fell into a deep sleep. As Paul spoke even longer, this young man, still sleeping, fell down from the third story and was picked up dead.
10
But Paul went down, stretched himself out on him, and embraced him. Then he said, "Do not be upset any more, for he is alive."
11
Then he went upstairs again and broke bread and ate. After talking with them much longer until dawn, he left.
12
They brought back the boy alive and were greatly comforted.
13
We ourselves went ahead of Paul by ship and sailed away to Assos, where we planned to take Paul on board. This is what he himself desired to do, because he planned to go by land.
14
When he met us at Assos, we took him onto the ship and went to Mitylene.
15
Then we sailed from there and arrived the next day opposite the island of Chios. The following day we touched at the island of Samos, and the day after we came to the city of Miletus.
16
For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he would not spend any time in Asia; for he was hurrying to be in Jerusalem for the day of Pentecost, if it were at all possible for him to do so.
17
From Miletus he sent men to Ephesus and called to himself the elders of the church.
18
When they had come to him, he said to them, "You yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, how I always spent my time with you.
19
I kept serving the Lord with all lowliness of mind and with tears, and in trials that happened to me because of the plots of the Jews.
20
You know how I did not keep back from declaring to you anything that was useful, and how I taught you in public and from house to house,
21
testifying to both Jews and Greeks about repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus.
22
Now look, I am going to Jerusalem, compelled by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there,
23
except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that chains and afflictions await me.
24
But I do not consider my life valuable to myself, if only I may finish the race and complete the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
25
Now look, I know that you all, among whom I went about proclaiming the kingdom, will see my face no more.
26
Therefore I testify to you this day, that I am innocent of the blood of any man.
27
For I did not hold back from declaring to you the whole will of God.
28
Therefore be careful about yourselves, and about all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers. Be careful to shepherd the church of God, which he purchased with his own blood.
29
I know that after my departure, vicious wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock.
30
Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth to draw away the disciples after them.
31
So be on guard. Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each one of you night and day with tears.
32
Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are being sanctified.
33
I coveted no man's silver, gold, or clothing.
34
You yourselves know that these hands served my own needs and the needs of those who were with me.
35
In all things I gave you an example of how you should help the weak by laboring, and of how you should remember the words of the Lord Jesus, words that he himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"
36
After he had spoken in this way, he knelt down and prayed with them all.
37
There was a lot of crying and they embraced Paul and kissed him.
38
They were in anguish most of all because of what he had said, that they would never see his face again. Then they escorted him to the ship.
Chapter 21
1
When we had gone away from them and set sail, we took a straight course to the city of Cos, and the next day to the city of Rhodes, and from there to the city of Patara.
2
When we found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail.
3
After sighting Cyprus, leaving it on the left side of the boat, we sailed on to Syria and landed at Tyre, where the ship was to unload its cargo.
4
After we found the disciples, we stayed there seven days. Through the Spirit they kept urging Paul not to go to Jerusalem.
5
When our days there were over, we left and went on our way, and they all, with their wives and children, accompanied us out of the city. Then we knelt down on the beach, prayed,
6
and said farewell to each other. Then we went on board the ship, and they returned home.
7
When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais. There we greeted the brothers and stayed with them for one day.
8
On the next day we left and went to Caesarea. We entered the house of Philip, the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and we stayed with him.
9
Now this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied.
10
As we stayed there for some days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea.
11
He came to us and took Paul's belt. With it he tied his own feet and hands and said, "Thus says the Holy Spirit, 'This is how the Jews in Jerusalem will tie up the man who owns this belt, and they will hand him over into the hands of the Gentiles.'"
12
When we heard these things, both we and the people who lived in that place pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem.
13
Then Paul answered, "What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready, not only to be tied up, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."
14
Since Paul would not be persuaded, we remained silent and then we said, "May the will of the Lord be done."
15
After these days, we picked up our bags and went up to Jerusalem.
16
There also went with us some of the disciples from Caesarea. They brought with them a man named Mnason, a man from Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we would stay.
17
When we had arrived in Jerusalem, the brothers welcomed us gladly.
18
The next day Paul went with us to James, and all the elders were present.
19
When he had greeted them, he reported one by one the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.
20
When they heard it, they glorified God, and they said to him, "You see, brother, how many thousands have believed among the Jews. They are all zealous to keep the law.
21
They have been told about you, that you teach all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to abandon Moses, and that you tell them not to circumcise their children, and not to walk according to the traditional ways.
22
What should we do? They will certainly hear that you have come.
23
So do what we say to you. We have four men who made a vow.
24
Take these men and purify yourself with them, and pay their expenses for them, so that they may shave their heads. So everyone will know that the things they have been told about you are false. They will learn that you also live correctly, obeying the law.
25
But concerning the Gentiles who have believed, we wrote about our decision that they should keep themselves from things sacrificed to idols, from blood, from what is strangled, and from sexual immorality."
26
Then Paul took the men, and the next day he purified himself along with them. Then they went into the temple, giving notice when the days of purification would be fulfilled and the offering would be presented for each of them.
27
When the seven days were almost finished, some Jews from Asia, seeing Paul in the temple, stirred up the whole crowd and laid hands on him.
28
They were shouting, "Men of Israel, help us. This is the man who teaches all men everywhere things that are against the people, the law, and this place. Besides, he has also brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place."
29
For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, and they thought that Paul had brought him into the temple.
30
All the city was excited, and the people ran together and laid hold of Paul. They dragged him out of the temple, and the doors were immediately shut.
31
As they were trying to kill him, news came up to the chief captain of the company of soldiers, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.
32
Right away he took soldiers and centurions and ran down to the crowd. When the people saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul.
33
Then the chief captain approached and laid hold of Paul, and commanded him to be bound with two chains. Then he asked who he was and what he had done.
34
Some in the crowd were shouting one thing and others another. Since the captain could not learn the truth because of all the noise, he ordered that Paul be brought into the fortress.
35
When he came to the steps, he was carried by the soldiers because of the crowd's violence.
36
For the crowd of people followed after and kept shouting out, "Away with him!"
37
As Paul was about to be brought into the fortress, he said to the chief captain, "Is it permitted for me to say something to you?"
The captain said, "Do you know Greek?
38
Are you not then the Egyptian who some time ago started a rebellion and led the four thousand men of the 'Assassins' out into the wilderness?"
39
Paul said, "I am a Jew, from the city of Tarsus in Cilicia. I am a citizen of no unimportant city. I beg you, allow me to speak to the people."
40
When the captain had given him permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned with the hand to the people. When there was a deep silence, he spoke to them in the Hebrew language. He said,
Chapter 22
1
"Brothers and fathers, listen to my defense which I will now make to you."
2
When the crowd heard Paul speak to them in the Hebrew language, they became quiet. He said,
3
"I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but educated in this city at the feet of Gamaliel. I was instructed according to the strict ways of the law of our fathers. I am zealous for God, just as all of you are today.
4
I persecuted this Way to the death, binding up and delivering to prison both men and women,
5
as the high priest and all the elders can testify. I received letters from them for the brothers in Damascus, and I went there to bring them back in bonds to Jerusalem to be punished.
6
It happened that when I was traveling and nearing Damascus, about noon suddenly a great light from heaven began to shine around me.
7
I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?'
8
I answered, 'Who are you, Lord?'
He said to me, 'I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.'
9
Those who were with me saw the light, but they did not understand the voice of him who spoke to me.
10
I said, 'What should I do, Lord?'
The Lord said to me, 'Arise and go into Damascus. There you will be told everything that has been appointed for you to do.'
11
I could not see because of that light's brightness, and being led by the hands of those who were with me, I came into Damascus.
12
There I met a man named Ananias, a devout man according to the law and well spoken of by all the Jews who lived there.
13
He came to me, stood by me, and said, 'Brother Saul, receive your sight.' In that very hour I saw him.
14
Then he said, 'The God of our fathers has appointed you to know his will, to see the Righteous One, and to hear the voice coming from his own mouth.
15
For you will be a witness for him to all men about what you have seen and heard.
16
Now why are you waiting? Arise, be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on his name.'
17
After I had returned to Jerusalem, and while I was praying in the temple, a trance came on me.
18
I saw him say to me, 'Hurry and leave Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about me.'
19
I said, 'Lord, they themselves know that I imprisoned and beat those who believed in you in every synagogue.
20
When the blood of Stephen your witness was spilled, I also was standing by and agreeing, and I was guarding the cloaks of those who killed him.'
21
But he said to me, 'Go, because I will send you far away to the Gentiles.'"
22
They listened to him until that statement. Then they raised their voices and said, "Away with such a fellow from the earth, for it is not right that he should live."
23
As they were shouting, throwing off their cloaks, and throwing dust into the air,
24
the chief captain commanded Paul to be brought into the fortress. He ordered that he should be questioned with scourging, so that he himself might know why they were shouting against him like that.
25
When they had tied him up with the thongs, Paul said to the centurion who was standing by, "Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman and who has not been put on trial?"
26
When the centurion heard this, he went to the chief captain and told him, saying, "What are you about to do? For this man is a Roman citizen."
27
The chief captain came and said to him, "Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?"
Paul said, "Yes."
28
The chief captain answered, "It was only with a large amount of money that I acquired citizenship."
But Paul said, "I was born a Roman citizen."
29
Then the men who were going to question him left him immediately. The chief captain also was afraid, when he learned that Paul was a Roman citizen, because he had tied him up.
30
On the next day, the chief captain wanted to know for certain about the Jews' accusations against Paul. So he untied his bonds and ordered the chief priests and all the council to meet. Then he brought Paul down and placed him in their midst.
Chapter 23
1
Paul looked directly at the council members and said, "Brothers, I have lived before God in all good conscience until this day."
2
The high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth.
3
Then Paul said to him, "God will strike you, you whitewashed wall. Are you sitting to judge me by the law, yet order me to be struck, against the law?"
4
Those who stood by said, "Is this how you insult God's high priest?"
5
Paul said, "I did not know, brothers, that he was high priest. For it is written, 'You must not speak evil of a ruler of your people.'"
6
When Paul saw that the one part of the council were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he spoke loudly in the council: "Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. It is because I have the hope of the resurrection of the dead that I am being judged."
7
When he said this, an argument began between the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the crowd was divided.
8
For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, no angels, and no spirits, but the Pharisees acknowledge all of them.
9
So a large uproar occurred, and some of the scribes belonging to the Pharisees stood up and argued, saying, "We find nothing wrong with this man. What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?"
10
When there arose a great argument, the chief captain feared that Paul would be torn to pieces by them, so he commanded the soldiers to go down and take him by force from among the council members, and bring him into the fortress.
11
The following night the Lord stood beside him and said, "Have courage, for as you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome."
12
When it became day, some Jews formed a conspiracy and put themselves under an oath, saying that they would not eat or drink anything until they had killed Paul.
13
There were more than forty men who formed this conspiracy.
14
They went to the chief priests and the elders and said, "We have sworn a great oath to eat nothing until we have killed Paul.
15
Now, therefore, let the council formally request the chief captain to bring him down to you, as if you would decide his case more precisely. As for us, we are ready to kill him before he comes here."
16
But Paul's sister's son heard that they were lying in wait, so he went and entered the fortress and told Paul.
17
Paul called one of the centurions and said, "Take this young man to the chief captain, for he has something to report to him."
18
So the centurion took the young man and brought him to the chief captain and said, "Paul the prisoner called me to him, and asked me to bring this young man to you. He has something to say to you."
19
The chief captain took him by the hand to a private place and asked him, "What is it that you have to report to me?"
20
The young man said, "The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring down Paul tomorrow to the council, as if they were going to ask more precisely about his case.
21
But do not be persuaded by them, because there are more than forty men who are lying in wait for him. They have put themselves under oath neither to eat nor to drink until they have killed him. Even now they are ready, waiting for your approval."
22
So the chief captain let the young man go, after instructing him, "Tell no one that you have reported these things to me."
23
Then he called to him two of the centurions and said, "Get two hundred soldiers ready to go as far as Caesarea, and seventy horsemen also, and two hundred spearmen. You will leave at the third hour of the night."
24
He also ordered them to provide animals which Paul could ride and to take him safely to Felix the governor.
25
Then he wrote a letter like this:
26
"Claudius Lysias,
27
This man was arrested by the Jews and was about to be killed by them when I came upon them with soldiers and rescued him, since I learned that he was a Roman citizen.
28
I wanted to know why they accused him, so I took him down to their council.
29
I learned that he was being accused about questions concerning their own law, but that there was no accusation against him that deserved death or imprisonment.
30
Then it was reported to me that there was a plot against the man, so I immediately sent him to you and instructed his accusers also to bring their charges against him in your presence.
31
So the soldiers obeyed their orders. They took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris.
32
On the next day, most of the soldiers left the horsemen to go with him and they themselves returned to the fortress.
33
When the horsemen reached Caesarea and delivered the letter to the governor, they also presented Paul to him.
34
When the governor read the letter, he asked what province Paul was from. When he learned that he was from Cilicia,
35
he said, "I will hear you fully when your accusers come here." Then he commanded him to be kept in Herod's government headquarters.
Chapter 24
1
After five days, Ananias the high priest, certain elders, and an orator named Tertullus went there. These men brought charges against Paul before the governor.
2
When Paul stood before the governor, Tertullus began to accuse him and said to the governor, "Because of you we have great peace, and your foresight brings good reform to our nation;
3
so with all thankfulness we welcome everything that you do, most excellent Felix.
4
So that I detain you no more, I beg you in your kindness to hear us briefly.
5
For we have found this man to be a pest and one who causes all the Jews throughout the world to rebel. He is a leader of the Nazarene sect.
6
He even tried to desecrate the temple, so we arrested him.
7
8
When you examine Paul about all these matters, you will be able to learn about all the things of which we are accusing him."
9
The Jews also joined in the accusation, affirming that these charges were true.
10
But when the governor motioned for Paul to speak, Paul answered, "I understand that for many years you have been a judge to this nation, and so I gladly explain myself to you.
11
You can learn for yourself that it has not been more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem.
12
When they found me in the temple, I did not argue with anyone, and I did not stir up a crowd, either in the synagogues, or in the city.
13
They cannot prove to you the accusations they are now making against me.
14
But I confess this to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I serve the God of our fathers, believing all things that are according to the law and that has been written in the prophets.
15
I have a hope in God, which these men also have, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.
16
So I always strive to have a blameless conscience before God and human beings.
17
Now after many years I came to give alms to my nation and present sacrifices.
18
When I did this, certain Jews from Asia found me in a purification ceremony in the temple, not with a crowd or an uproar.
19
These men ought to be before you now and accuse me, if they have anything.
20
Or else, these same men should say what wrong they found in me when I stood before the Jewish council,
21
unless it is about this one thing that I shouted out when I stood among them, 'It is concerning the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.'"
22
Then Felix, who was well informed about the Way, postponed the hearing. He said, "When Lysias the commander comes down from Jerusalem, I will decide your case."
23
Then he commanded the centurion that Paul should be kept in custody, but to have some freedom so that none of his friends would be prevented from attending to his needs.
24
After some days, Felix returned with Drusilla his wife, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and he heard from him about faith in Christ Jesus.
25
But when Paul reasoned with him about righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix became frightened and said, "Go away for now. But when I have time later on, I will send for you."
26
At the same time he hoped that Paul would give money to him, so he often sent for him and spoke with him.
27
But when two years passed, Porcius Festus became the governor after Felix, but Felix wanted to gain favor with the Jews, so he left Paul bound.
Chapter 25
1
Now, Festus entered the province, and after three days, he went from Caesarea up to Jerusalem.
2
The chief priests and the prominent Jews brought their charges against Paul, and they asked Festus earnestly—
3
asking him to do them a favor against Paul—to summon him to Jerusalem, for they were preparing an ambush to kill him along the way.
4
Festus answered that Paul was being held in custody at Caesarea, and that he himself was going there soon.
5
"Therefore, those who can," he said, "should go there with us. If there is something wrong with the man, you should accuse him."
6
Festus stayed not more than eight or ten days and then he went down to Caesarea, and on the next day he sat on the judgment seat and commanded Paul to be brought to him.
7
When he arrived, the Jews from Jerusalem stood nearby, and they brought many serious charges which they could not prove.
8
Paul defended himself and said, "I have committed no sin against the law of the Jews or against the temple or against Caesar."
9
But Festus wanted to gain the favor of the Jews, and so he answered Paul and said, "Do you want to go up to Jerusalem and to be judged by me about these things there?"
10
Paul said, "I stand before the judgment seat of Caesar where I must be judged. I have wronged no Jews, just as you also very well know.
11
Though if I have done wrong and if I have done what is worthy of death, I do not refuse to die. But if their accusations are nothing, no one can hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar."
12
After Festus talked with the council, he answered, "You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you will go!"
13
Now after some days, King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea to pay an official visit to Festus.
14
After they had been there for many days, Festus presented Paul's case to the king; he said, "A certain man was left behind here by Felix as a prisoner.
15
When I was in Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews brought charges against this man to me, and they asked for a sentence of condemnation against him.
16
I answered them that it was not the custom of the Romans to hand over anyone before the accused had faced his accusers and received an opportunity to defend himself against the charges.
17
Therefore, when they came together here, I did not wait, but the next day I sat in the judgment seat and I ordered the man to be brought in.
18
When the accusers stood up, they charged him with nothing that I considered wickedness.
19
Instead, they had certain disputes with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus who was dead, whom Paul claims to be alive.
20
I was perplexed about how to investigate this matter, and so I asked him if he would be willing to go to Jerusalem to stand trial there about these charges.
21
But when Paul appealed to be kept in custody while awaiting the decision of the emperor, I ordered him to be held in custody until I could send him to Caesar."
22
Agrippa spoke to Festus: "I would also like to listen to this man." "Tomorrow," Festus said, "you will hear him."
23
So on the next day, Agrippa and Bernice came with much ceremony; they came into the hall with the military officers and with the prominent men of the city. When Festus spoke the command, Paul was brought to them.
24
Festus said, "King Agrippa, and all you men who are here with us, you see this man; all the multitude of Jews appealed to me in Jerusalem and here also, and they shouted to me that he should no longer live.
25
I found he had done nothing worthy of death; but because he appealed to the emperor, I decided to send him to Rome.
26
But I do not have anything certain to write to my lord. For this reason, I have brought him to you, especially to you, King Agrippa, so that I might have something more to write about the case.
27
For it seems unreasonable for me to send a prisoner and to not also state the charges against him."
Chapter 26
1
So Agrippa said to Paul, "You may speak for yourself." Then Paul stretched out his hand and made his defense.
2
"I consider myself happy, King Agrippa, to make my case before you today against all the accusations of the Jews,
3
especially because you are an expert in all the Jewish customs and questions. So I beg you to hear me patiently.
4
Truly, all the Jews know how I lived from my youth in my own nation and at Jerusalem.
5
They have known about me from the beginning, if they are willing to admit it, that I lived as a Pharisee, the strictest party of our religion.
6
Now I stand here to be judged because of my hope in the promise made by God to our fathers.
7
It is this promise that our twelve tribes hope to receive as they worship God earnestly night and day, and it is for this hope, king, that the Jews are accusing me.
8
Why should any of you judge it to be incredible that God raises the dead?
9
Now indeed, I myself thought that I should do many things against the name of Jesus of Nazareth.
10
I did these in Jerusalem. I locked up in prison many of God's holy people by the authority I received from the chief priests; and when they were killed, I cast my vote against them.
11
I punished them many times in all the synagogues, and I tried to force them to blaspheme. I was furiously enraged against them, and I persecuted them even to foreign cities.
12
While I was doing this, I went to Damascus with authority and orders from the chief priests;
13
and on the way there, in the middle of the day, king, I saw a light from heaven that was brighter than the sun, and it shone around both me and the men who were traveling with me.
14
When we all fell to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me that said in the Hebrew language, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick a goad.'
15
Then I said, 'Who are you, Lord?' The Lord replied, 'I am Jesus whom you persecute.
16
Now get up and stand on your feet; because for this purpose I appeared to you, to appoint you to be a servant and a witness concerning the things that you know about me now and the things that I will show to you later;
17
and I will rescue you from the people and from the Gentiles to whom I am sending you,
18
to open their eyes and to turn them from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, so that they may receive from God the forgiveness of sins and the inheritance that I give to them who are sanctified by faith in me.'
19
Therefore, King Agrippa, I did not disobey the heavenly vision;
20
but, to those in Damascus first, and then at Jerusalem, and throughout all the country of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, I gave them the message that that they should repent and turn to God, doing deeds worthy of repentance.
21
For this cause the Jews arrested me in the temple and tried to kill me.
22
Therefore I have received the help that comes from God until this very day, and I stand and testify to both small and great about nothing more than what the prophets and Moses said would happen—
23
that Christ must suffer, and by being the first to rise from the dead he would proclaim light to our own people and to the Gentiles."
24
As Paul completed his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, "Paul, you are insane; your great learning makes you insane."
25
But Paul said, "I am not insane, most excellent Festus, but I am declaring words of truth and sound judgment.
26
For the king knows about these things; and so I speak boldly to him, for I am persuaded that none of this is hidden from him; for this has not been done in a corner.
27
Do you believe the prophets, King Agrippa? I know that you believe."
28
Agrippa said to Paul, "In a short time would you persuade me and make me a Christian?"
29
Paul said, "I pray to God, that whether in a short or long time, not you only, but also all that hear me today, would be like me, but without these prison chains."
30
Then the king stood up, and the governor, and Bernice also, and those who were sitting with them;
31
when they left the hall, they talked to one another and said, "This man does nothing worthy of death or of bonds."
32
Agrippa said to Festus, "This man could have been freed if he had not appealed to Caesar."
Chapter 27
1
When it was decided that we should sail for Italy, they committed Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion named Julius, who belonged to the Augustan company of soldiers.
2
We boarded a ship from Adramyttium which was about to sail along the coast of Asia. So we went to sea. Aristarchus from Thessalonica in Macedonia went with us.
3
The next day we landed at the city of Sidon, where Julius treated Paul kindly and allowed him to go to his friends to receive their care.
4
From there we went to sea and sailed under the lee of Cyprus, close to the island, because the winds were against us.
5
When we had sailed across the sea past Cilicia and Pamphylia, we landed at Myra, a city of Lycia.
6
There, the centurion found a ship from Alexandria that was going to sail to Italy. He put us on it.
7
When we had sailed slowly for many days and had finally arrived with difficulty near Cnidus and the wind no longer allowed us to go that way, we sailed along the sheltered side of Crete, opposite Salmone.
8
We sailed along the coast with difficulty, until we came to a certain place called Fair Havens, which is near the city of Lasea.
9
We had now taken much time, the time of the Jewish fast also had passed, and it had now become dangerous to sail. So Paul warned them,
10
and said, "Men, I see that the voyage we are about to take will be with injury and much loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives."
11
But the centurion was more persuaded by the master and by the owner of the ship than by those things that were spoken by Paul.
12
Because the harbor was not easy to spend the winter in, most of the sailors advised to sail from there, and if by any means we could reach the city of Phoenix, to spend the winter there. Phoenix is a harbor in Crete, facing both southwest and northwest.
13
When a south wind began to blow gently, the sailors thought that they had what they needed. So they weighed anchor and sailed along Crete, close to the shore.
14
But after a short time a wind of hurricane force, called the northeaster, began to beat down from the island.
15
When the ship was caught by the storm and could no longer head into the wind, we had to give way to the storm and were driven along by the wind.
16
We sailed along the lee of a small island called Cauda, and with difficulty we were able to secure the lifeboat.
17
When they had hoisted the lifeboat up, they used its ropes to bind the hull of the ship. They were afraid that they should run upon the sandbars of Syrtis, so they lowered the sea anchor and were driven along.
18
We took such a violent battering by the storm that the next day they began throwing the cargo overboard.
19
On the third day the sailors threw overboard the ship's equipment with their own hands.
20
When the sun and stars did not shine on us for many days, and the great storm still beat upon us, any more hope that we should be saved was abandoned.
21
When they had gone long without food, then Paul stood up among the sailors and said, "Men, you should have listened to me, and not have set sail from Crete, so as to get this injury and loss.
22
Now I urge you to take courage, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only the loss of the ship.
23
For last night an angel of the God to whom I belong, whom also I worship—his angel stood beside me
24
and said, 'Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand before Caesar, and see, God in his kindness has given to you all those who are sailing with you.'
25
Therefore have courage, men! For I trust God that it will happen just as it was told to me.
26
But we must run aground upon some island."
27
When the fourteenth night had come, as we were driven this way and that in the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors thought that they were approaching some land.
28
They took soundings and found twenty fathoms; after a little while, they took more soundings and found fifteen fathoms.
29
They were afraid that we might crash on the rocks, so they lowered four anchors from the stern and prayed that morning would come soon.
30
The sailors were looking for a way to abandon the ship and had lowered the lifeboat into the sea, and pretended that they would throw down the anchors from the bow.
31
But Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, "Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved."
32
Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the boat and let it drift away.
33
When daylight was coming on, Paul encouraged them all to take some food. He said, "This day is the fourteenth day that you have been on constant guard and have gone without food—you have not eaten anything.
34
So I urge you to share some food, for this is necessary for you to survive. For not one of you will lose a single hair from his head."
35
When he had said this, he took bread and he thanked God in the sight of everyone. Then he broke the bread and began to eat.
36
Then they were all encouraged and they also took food.
37
We were 276 souls on the ship.
38
When they had eaten enough, they made the ship lighter by throwing out the wheat into the sea.
39
When it was day, they did not recognize the land, but they saw a bay with a beach, and they discussed whether they could drive the ship onto it.
40
So they cut loose the anchors and left them in the sea. At the same time they loosed the ropes of the rudders and raised the foresail to the wind; and so they headed to the beach.
41
But the ship struck a sandbar and ran aground. The bow was stuck there and remained unmovable, and the stern was broken up by the force of the waves.
42
The soldiers' plan was to kill the prisoners so that none of them could swim away and escape.
43
But the centurion wanted to save Paul, so he stopped their plan; and he ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land.
44
Then the rest of the men should follow, some on planks, and some on other things from the ship. In this way it happened that all of us were brought safely to land.
Chapter 28
1
When we were brought safely through, we learned that the island was called Malta.
2
The native people offered to us not just ordinary kindness, but they lit a fire and welcomed us all because of the constant rain and cold.
3
But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and placed them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened onto his hand.
4
When the native people saw the animal hanging from his hand, they said one to another, "This man certainly is a murderer who has been saved from the sea; Justice does not permit him to live."
5
But then he shook the animal into the fire and suffered no harm.
6
They were waiting for him to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they watched him for a long time and saw that nothing was wrong with him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.
7
Now in a nearby place there were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, a man named Publius. He welcomed us and kindly provided for us for three days.
8
It happened that the father of Publius was lying afflicted with a fever and dysentery. When Paul went to him, he prayed, placed his hands on him, and healed him.
9
After this happened, the rest of the people on the island who were sick also came and were healed.
10
The people also honored us with many honors. When we were preparing to sail, they gave us what we needed.
11
After three months we set sail in a ship that had spent the winter at the island, a ship of Alexandria, with "the twin gods" as its figurehead.
12
After we landed at the city of Syracuse, we stayed there three days.
13
From there we sailed and arrived at the city of Rhegium. After one day a south wind sprang up, and in two days we came to the city of Puteoli.
14
There we found some brothers and were invited to stay with them for seven days. In this way we came to Rome.
15
From there the brothers, after they heard about us, came to meet us as far as the Market of Appius and the Three Taverns. When Paul saw the brothers, he thanked God and took courage.
16
When we entered Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself with the soldier who was guarding him.
17
Then it came about that after three days Paul called together those men who were the leaders among the Jews. When they had come together, he said to them, "Brothers, although I have done nothing wrong against the people or the customs of our fathers, I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.
18
After they questioned me, they wished to set me free, because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case.
19
But when the Jews spoke against their desire, I was forced to appeal to Caesar, although it is not as if I were bringing any accusation against my nation.
20
For this reason, therefore, I called upon you that I might see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am now wearing this chain."
21
Then they said to him, "We neither received letters from Judea about you, nor did any of the brothers come and report or say anything bad about you.
22
But we want to hear from you what you think about this sect, because it is known by us that it is spoken against everywhere."
23
When they had appointed a day for him, more people came to him at his dwelling place. He presented the matter to them, and testified about the kingdom of God. He tried to persuade them about Jesus, both from the law of Moses and from the prophets, from morning until evening.
24
Some were convinced about the things which were said, while others did not believe.
25
When they did not agree with one another, they left after Paul had spoken this one word: "The Holy Spirit spoke well through Isaiah the prophet to your fathers.
26
He said, 'Go to this people and say,
"Hearing you will hear, but you will never understand;
seeing, you will see, but you will never know.
27
For the heart of this people has become dull,
and with their ears they hardly hear,
and they have shut their eyes.
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
and hear with their ears,
and understand with their heart and turn again,
and I would heal them."'
28
Therefore, you should know that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen."
29
30
Paul lived for two whole years in his own rented house, and he welcomed all who came to him.
31
He was proclaiming the kingdom of God and was teaching the things about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness without being hindered.
