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.
This chapter records an event, commonly known as the "Ascension," when Jesus returned to heaven after he became alive again. He will not come back until he returns at his "second coming." (See: heaven and resurrection)
The UDB has set the words "Dear Theophilus" apart from the other words. This is because English speakers often start letters this way. You might want to start this book the way people start letters in your culture.
Some translations set quotations from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. The ULB does this with the two quotes from Psalms in 1:20.
The word "baptize" has two meanings in this chapter. It refers to the water baptism of John and to the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:5). (See: baptize)
Some scholars believe that when Jesus "spoke about the kingdom of God," he explained to the disciples why the kingdom of God did not come before he died. Others believe that the kingdom of God did begin while Jesus was alive and that here Jesus was explaining that it was beginning in a new form.
The following are the lists of the twelve disciples:
In Matthew:
Simon (Peter), Andrew, James son of Zebedee, John son of Zebedee, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot.
In Mark:
Simon (Peter), Andrew, James the son of Zebedee and John the son of Zebedee (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, sons of thunder), Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot.
In Luke:
Simon (Peter), Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon (who was called the Zealot), Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot.
Thaddaeus is probably the same person as Jude, the son of James.
This is a phrase in Hebrew or Aramaic. Luke used Greek letters so his readers would know how it sounded, and then he told what it means. You should probably spell it the way it sounds in your language and then explain the meaning.
The "former account" is the Gospel of Luke.
Luke wrote this book to a man named Theophilus. Some translations follow their own culture's way of addressing a letter and write "Dear Theophilus" at the beginning of the sentence. Theophilus means "friend of God"
This refers to Jesus's ascension into heaven. Alternate translation: "until the day on which God took him up to heaven" or "until the day that he ascended into heaven"
The Holy Spirit had led Jesus to instruct his apostles on certain things.
This refers to Jesus's suffering and death on the cross.
Jesus appeared to his apostles and to many other disciples.
Here the word "he" refers to Jesus. Except where otherwise noted, the word "you" in the book of Acts is plural.
This event happened during the 40 days that Jesus appeared to his followers after he had risen from the dead.
"When Jesus was meeting together with his apostles"
This is a reference to the Holy Spirit. Alternate translation: "the Holy Spirit, whom the Father promised to send, about whom Jesus said"
Jesus contrasts how John baptized people in water with how God would baptize believers in the Holy Spirit.
"John indeed baptized people with water"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will baptize you"
Here the word "they" refers to the apostles.
"will you now make Israel a great kingdom again"
Possible meanings are 1) the words "times" and "seasons" refer to different kinds of time. Alternate translation: "the general period of time or the specific date" or 2) the two words are basically synonymous. Alternate translation: "the exact time"
The apostles will receive power that will enable them to be witnesses for Jesus. Alternate translation: "God will empower you ... to be my witnesses"
Possible meanings are 1) "all over the world" or 2) "to the places on earth that are farthest away"
"as they watched." The apostles "were looking" at Jesus because Jesus rose into the sky. Alternate translation: "as they were looking up at the sky"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he rose up into the sky" or "God raised him up into the sky"
"a cloud blocked their view so that they could no longer see him"
"staring at the sky" or "gazing at the sky"
"from Galilee"
Jesus ascended into the sky, through the clouds, and the clouds hid him Acts 1:9. He will return from the sky, through (or on) the clouds, and people will be able to see him.
"The apostles returned"
This refers to the distance which, according to Rabbinical tradition, a person was allowed to walk on a Sabbath day. Alternate translation: "about one kilometer away"
"When they reached their destination." Verse 12 says they were returning to Jerusalem.
"the room on the upper level of the house"
They all spent much time ... praying
The phrase "with one purpose" translates a word that speaks of people who agree with each other and who work together to accomplish a common purpose.
This event happened during the time that Peter and the other believers were staying together in the upper room.
These words mark the beginning of a new part of the story. They refer to the period of time after Jesus ascended. On many days after Jesus ascended, the disciples met in the upper chamber. Alternate translation: "During that time"
"one hundred and twenty names"
The word "names" is a metonym for the people whose names they were. Alternate translation: "people"
Here the word "brothers" refers to fellow believers and includes both men and women.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the things that we read about in scripture had to take place"
The word "mouth" refers to the words that David wrote. Alternate translation: "through the words of David"
Although Peter is addressing the entire group of people, here the word "us" refers only to the apostles.
In verse 17 Peter continues his speech to the believers that he began in Acts 1:16.
The author begins to tell the reader background information about how Judas died and what people called the field where he died. This is not part of Peter's speech.
The words "this man" refers to Judas Iscariot.
"the money that he earned from the evil thing that he did." The words "his wickedness" refer to Judas Iscariot's betraying Jesus to the people who killed him.
This suggests that Judas fell from a high place, rather than just falling down. The fall was severe enough to cause his body to burst open. Other passages of scripture mention that he hanged himself.
The author finishes telling the reader background information about how Judas died and what people called the field where he died. This is not part of Peter's speech.
When the people living in Jerusalem heard of the way in which Judas died, they renamed the field.
Based on the situation with Judas that Peter just recounted, he recalls two Psalms of David that relate to the incident. The quote ends at the end of this verse.
Peter continues his speech to the believers that he began in Acts 1:16.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "For David wrote in the Book of Psalms"
These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words.
Possible meanings are 1) that the word "field" refers to the field where Judas died or 2) that the word "field" refers to Judas's dwelling place and is a metaphor for his family line.
"become empty"
Here the word "us" refers to the apostles and does not include the audience to whom Peter is speaking.
Peter finishes his speech to the believers that he began in Acts 1:16.
Based on the scriptures that he quoted and on what Judas had done, Peter tells the group what they must do.
Going in and out among a group of people is a metaphor for openly being part of that group. Alternate translation: "the Lord Jesus lived among us"
The qualification for the new apostle that began with the words "It is necessary ... that one of the men who accompanied us" in verse 21 ends here. The subject of the verb "become" is thus "one of the men." Here is a reduced form of the sentence: "It is necessary ... that one of the men who accompanied us ... beginning from the baptism of John ... must become a witness with us."
The noun "baptism" can be translated as a verb. Possible meanings: 1) "beginning from when John baptized Jesus" or 2) "beginning from when John baptized people"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "until the day when Jesus left us and rose up to heaven" or "until the day that God took him up from us"
"must begin to testify with us about his resurrection"
Here the word "They" refers to all of the believers who were present. Alternate translation: "They proposed two men who fulfilled the requirements that Peter listed"
This can be translated with an active form. Alternate translation: "Joseph, whom people also called Barsabbas and Justus"
Here the word "They" refers to all of the believers, but it was probably one of the apostles who spoke these words. Alternate translation: "The believers prayed together and one of the apostles said"
Here the word "hearts" refers to the thoughts and motives. Alternate translation: "You, Lord, know the thoughts and motives of everyone"
Here the word "apostleship" defines what kind of "ministry" this is. Alternate translation: "to take Judas's place in this apostolic ministry" or "to take Judas's place in serving as an apostle"
Here the expression "turned away" means that Judas stopped performing this ministry. Alternate translation: "which Judas stopped fulfilling"
This phrase refers to Judas's death and likely to his judgment after death. Alternate translation: "to go where he belongs"
The apostles cast lots to decide between Joseph and Matthias.
The lot indicated that Matthias was the one to replace Judas.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the believers considered him to be an apostle with the other eleven"
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.
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry that is quoted from the Old Testament in 2:17-21, 25-28, and 34-35.
Some translations set quotations from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. The ULB does this with the quoted material in 2:31.
The events described in this chapter are commonly called "Pentecost." Many people believe that the church began to exist when the Holy Spirit came to live inside believers at Pentecost.
The word "tongues" has two meanings in this chapter. Luke describes what came down from heaven (Acts 2:3](../../act/02/03.md)) as tongues that looked like fire. This is different from "a tongue of flame," which is a fire that looks like a tongue. Luke also uses the word "tongues" to describe the languages that the people spoke after the Holy Spirit filled them ([Acts 2:4).
No one knows for sure when the "last days" (Acts 2:17) began. Your translation should not say more than the ULB does about this. (See: lastday)
The word "baptize" in this chapter refers to Christian baptism (Acts 2:38-41). Though the event described in Acts 2:1-11 is the baptism of the Holy Spirit that Jesus promised in Acts 1:5, the word "baptize" here does not refer to that event. (See: baptize)
Many of the things that Joel said would happen did happen on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:17-18), but some things Joel spoke of have not happened yet (Acts 2:19-20). (See: prophet)
These words refer to things that only God could do, things that showed that Jesus was who the disciples said he was.
This is a new event; it is now the Day of Pentecost, 50 days after Passover. Here the word "they" refers to the apostles and the other 120 believers that Luke mentions in Acts 1:15.
This word explains that no one expected to hear the sound or to have it fill the house.
Possible meanings are 1) "heaven" refers to the place where God lives. Alternate translation: "a sound came from heaven" or 2) "heaven" refers to the sky. Alternate translation: "a sound came from the sky"
This may have been a house or a larger building.
These might have been something that looked like tongues or like fire, not actual tongues or fire. Possible meanings are 1) tongues that looked like they were made of fire or 2) small flames of fire that looked like tongues. When fire burns in a small space, such as on a lamp, the flame can be shaped like a tongue.
This means that the "tongues like fire" spread out so that there was one on each person.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The Holy Spirit filled all of those who were there and they"
They were speaking in languages that they did not already know.
The Holy Spirit gave them the ability to speak; they were dependent on the Spirit to speak in different languages.
Here the word "them" refers to the believers; the word "his" refers to each person in the multitude. Verse 5 gives background information about the large number of Jews who were living in Jerusalem, many of whom were present during this event.
Here "godly men" refers to people who were devout in their worship of God and tried to obey all of the Jewish laws.
"every nation in the world." The word "every" is an exaggeration that emphasizes that the people came from many different nations. Alternate translation: "many different nations"
This refers to the sound that was similar to a strong wind. Alternate translation: "When they heard this sound"
"the large crowd of people"
These two words share similar meanings. Together they emphasize the intensity of amazement. Alternate translation: "They were greatly amazed"
The people ask this question to express their amazement. The question could be changed to an exclamation. Alternate translation: "All of these Galileans could not possibly know our languages!"
Possible meanings are 1) this is a rhetorical question that expresses how amazed they were or 2) this is a real question for which the people wanted an answer.
"in our own languages that we have learned from birth"
These are names of people groups.
These are names of large areas of land.
These are names of large areas of land.
These are names of people groups.
converts to the Jewish religion
These two words share similar meanings. Together they emphasize that the people could not understand what was happening. Alternate translation: "surprised and confused"
Some people accuse the believers of having drunk too much wine. Alternate translation: "They are drunk"
This refers to wine that is in the process of fermentation.
Peter begins his speech to the Jews who were there on the Day of Pentecost.
All the apostles stood up in support of Peter's statement.
This is an idiom for "spoke loudly."
Made a formal, important speech to them. See how you translated "make declarations" in Acts 2:4.
This means that Peter is about to explain the meaning of what the people had witnessed. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "know this" or "let me explain this to you"
Peter was referring to what he was saying. Alternate translation: "listen carefully to what I am saying"
"It is only nine o'clock in the morning." Peter expected his audience to know that people do not get drunk that early in the day.
Here Peter tells them a passage about which the prophet Joel wrote in the Old Testament that relates to what is happening with the languages in which the believers spoke. This is written in the form of poetry as well as being a quotation.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "this is what God told the prophet Joel to write" or "this is that which the prophet Joel spoke"
"This is what will happen" or "This is what I will do"
Here the words "pour out" mean to give generously and abundantly. Alternate translation: "I will give my Spirit abundantly to all flesh"
This is a hyperbolic metonym that refers to all people by speaking of them as all living creatures, who have flesh. Alternate translation: "all people"
Peter continues to quote the prophet Joel.
"both my male and my female servants." These words emphasize that God will pour out his Spirit on all of his servants, both men and women.
Here the words "pour out" mean to give generously and abundantly. See how you translated this in [Acts 2:17]
"thick smoke" or "clouds of smoke"
Peter finishes quoting the prophet Joel.
This means that the sun will appear to be dark instead of light. Alternate translation: "The sun will become dark"
This means that the moon will appear to be red like blood. Alternate translation: "the moon will be turned to blood" or "the moon will appear to be red"
The words "great" and "remarkable" share similar meanings and emphasize the intensity of greatness. Alternate translation: "the very great day"
great and beautiful
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the Lord will save everyone who calls on him"
Peter continues his speech to the Jews that he began in Acts 1:16.
"listen to what I am about to say"
This means that God proved that he had appointed Jesus for his mission, and proved who he was by his many miracles.
The nouns "plan" and "foreknowledge" can be translated as verbs. This means that God planned out and knew beforehand what would happen to Jesus. Alternate translation: "because God planned out and knew beforehand everything that would happen"
Possible meanings: 1) "you handed Jesus over into the hands of his enemies" or 2) "Judas betrayed Jesus to you."
Although "lawless men" actually crucified Jesus, Peter accuses the crowd of having killed him because they demanded his death.
Here "hand" refers to the actions of the lawless men. Alternate translation: "through the actions of lawless men" or "by what lawless men did"
Possible meanings are 1) the unbelieving Jews who accused Jesus of crimes or 2) the Roman soldiers who performed the execution of Jesus.
Here to raise up is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. Alternate translation: "But God caused him to live again"
He speaks of the agonies of dying as if God were freeing Christ from ropes that were binding Jesus. Alternate translation: "ending the pains of death"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "for death to hold him"
Peter speaks of Christ remaining dead as if death were a person who held him captive. Alternate translation: "for him to remain dead"
Here Peter quotes a passage that David wrote in a Psalm which relates to Jesus's crucifixion and resurrection. Since Peter says that David said these words about Jesus, the words "I" and "my" refer to Jesus and the words "Lord" and "he" refer to God.
The context makes it plain that this is an elliptical way of saying that David was speaking as if David were the Messiah. Alternate translation: "For David spoke these words as if he were the Christ: 'I saw"
"in front of me." Alternate translation: "in my presence" or "with me"
To be at someone's "right hand" often means to be in a position to help and sustain. Alternate translation: "right beside me" or "with me to help me"
Here the word "moved" means to be troubled. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people will not be able to cause me trouble" or "nothing will trouble me"
People consider the "heart" the center of emotions and the "tongue" voices those emotions. Alternate translation: "I was glad and rejoiced"
Possible meanings of the phrase "my flesh" are 1) it indicates that the writer is a mortal who will die. Alternate translation: "even though I am only mortal, I will live in hope" or 2) it is a synecdoche for the writer's entire person. Alternate translation: "I will live in hope"
Here the word "hope" refers to a person's confidence that what he desires will happen. Since the speaker hoped that God would rescue him, "in hope" could be translated as "in confidence in God." The phrase "live in hope" can also be translated with the phrases "confidently expect," "confidently wait," or "trust." Alternate translation: "will live with confidence in God" or "will confidently wait for God to rescue me"
Since Peter says that David said these words about Jesus, the words "my," "Holy One," and "me" refer to Jesus and the words "you" and "your" refer to God.
Peter finishes quoting David.
The Messiah, Jesus, refers to himself with the words "your Holy One." Alternate translation: "neither will you allow me, your Holy One, to see decay"
Here the word "see" means to experience something. The word "decay" refers to the decomposition of his body after death. Alternate translation: "to decay"
"the ways that lead to life"
Here the word "face" refers to the presence of God. Alternate translation: "very glad when I see you" or "very glad when I am in your presence"
joy, happiness
The words "he" and "his" refer to David.
Peter continues the speech to the Jews that surround him and the other believers in Jerusalem, which he began in Acts 1:16.
"My fellow Jews, it"
Or "it is possible." He is able to speak because it is proper for him to do so.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he died and people buried him"
"God would set one of David's fruit upon David's throne." Alternate translation: "God would appoint one of David's fruit to be king in David's place"
This is a metaphor for a child or other descendant. Alternate translation: "one of his children" or "one of his descendants"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Neither did God abandon him to Hades nor did his flesh see decay" or "God did not abandon him to Hades, and his flesh did not see decay"
Here the word "see" means to experience something. The word "decay" refers to the decomposition of his body after death. See how you translated this in [Acts 2:27]
Peter talks again about Jesus. Alternate Translation: "It is this Jesus whom God raised up" or "God raised up this Jesus"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "God caused him to live again"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "because God has exalted Jesus up to his right hand"
"Right hand of God" here is an idiom that means that Christ will rule as God, with God’s authority. Alternate translation: "Christ is in the position of God"
Here the words "poured out" mean that Jesus, who is God, made these events to happen. It is implicit that he did this by giving the Holy Spirit to the believers. Alternate translation: "he has caused to happen these things that"
"has given generously and abundantly." See how you translated a similar phrase in Acts 2:17. Alternate translation: "given abundantly"
Peter again quotes one of David's Psalms. David is not speaking of himself in this Psalm. "The Lord" and "my" refer to God; "my Lord" and "your" refer to Jesus the Messiah.
Peter finishes his speech to the Jews that he began in Acts 1:16.
To sit at the "right hand of God" is a symbolic action of receiving great honor and authority from God. Alternate translation: "Sit in the place of honor beside me"
This means that God will completely defeat the Messiah's enemies and make them subject to him. Alternate translation: "until I make you victorious over all of your enemies"
This refers to the entire nation of Israel. Alternate translation: "every Israelite"
Here the word "they" refers to the people in the crowd to whom Peter spoke.
The Jews respond to Peter's speech and Peter answers them.
"when the people heard what Peter had said"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Peter's words pierced their hearts, and they said"
This means that the people felt guilty and became very sad. Alternate translation: "deeply troubled"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "allow us to baptize you"
"In the name of" here is a metonym for "by the authority of" Alternate translation: "by the authority of Jesus Christ"
This means either 1) "all people who live far away" or 2) "all people who are far from God."
"he seriously told them." Here the word "testified" and "begged" share similar meanings and emphasize that Peter urged them strongly to respond to what he was saying. Alternate translation: "he strongly urged them"
or "pleaded with"
The implication is that God will punish "this perverse generation." Alternate translation: "Be saved from the punishment that these wicked people will suffer"
Possible meanings are 1) Peter was urging people to let God save them. Alternate translation: "Let God save you," or 2) Peter was simply urging them in a general way to avoid being punished. Alternate translation: "Save yourselves" or "Flee" or "Escape"
This is the end of the part of the story that happened on the Day of Pentecost.
Here the word "received" means that they accepted what Peter said to be true. Alternate translation: "they believed what Peter said"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people baptized them"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "about three thousand souls joined the believers on that day"
Here the word "souls" refers to people. Alternate translation: "about 3,000 people"
This section explains how the believers continued to live after the Day of Pentecost.
Bread was part of their meals. These words could refer to 1) any meals they might eat together. Alternate translation: "eating meals together" or 2) meals they would eat together in order to remember Christ's death and resurrection. Alternate translation: "eating the Lord's Supper together"
Here the word "Fear" refers to deep respect and awe for God. The word "soul" refers to the entire person. Alternate translation: "Each person felt a deep respect and awe for God"
Possible meanings are 1) "the apostles performed many wonders and signs" or 2) "God performed many wonders and signs through the apostles"
"miraculous deeds and supernatural events." See how you translated this in Acts 2:22.
Possible meanings are 1) "All of them believed the same thing" or 2) "All who believed were together in the same place."
"shared their belongings with one another"
"land and things they owned"
Here the word "them" refers to the profit that they made from selling their property and possessions. Alternate translation: "distributed the proceeds to all"
They distributed the proceeds that they earned from selling their property and possessions to any believer who had a need.
You may need to supply the words that have been omitted in this ellipse. What they devoted themselves to doing is stated in verse 42. Alternate translation: "they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching with one purpose in the temple"
This phrase translates a word that speaks of people who agree with each other and who work together to accomplish a common purpose.
Bread was part of their meals. Alternate translation: "They also ate meals together in their homes"
"praising God. All the people approved of them"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "those whom the Lord saved"
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."
This chapter explains that Jesus came to the Jews because God was fulfilling part of the covenant he had made with Abraham. Peter thought that the Jews were the ones who were truly guilty of killing Jesus, but he wanted them to understand that Jesus, by living and dying, had fulfilled God's promise to Abraham and that if they repented, God would forgive them.
The Romans were the ones who killed Jesus, but they killed him because the Jews captured him, brought him to the Romans, and told the Romans to kill him. For this reason Peter thought that they were the ones who were truly guilty of killing Jesus. But he tells them that they are also the first ones to whom God has sent Jesus's followers to invite them to repent (Acts 3:26). (See: repent)
One day Peter and John go to the temple.
They did not go into the temple building where only the priests were allowed. Alternate translation: "to the temple courtyard" or "into the temple area"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people were carrying a man who was lame from from his mother's womb"
"ever since he was born"
This was one of the gates in the high, strong wall that surrounded the temple. People sometimes gathered near the gate.
unable to walk
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Both Peter and John looked at the man, but only Peter spoke.
Possible meanings are 1) "looking directly at him" or 2) "looking intently at him"
Here the word "looked" means to pay attention to something. Alternate translation: "The lame man paid close attention to them"
"I do not own any silver or gold"
These words refer to money.
It is understood that Peter has the ability to heal the man.
Here the word "name" refers to power and authority. Alternate translation: "With the authority of Jesus Christ"
"Peter caused him to stand"
He did not go inside the temple building where only the priests were allowed. Alternate translation: "he entered ... the temple area" or "he entered ... into the temple courtyard"
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"realized that it was the man" or "recognized him as the man"
This was the name of one of the entrances to the temple area. See how you translated a similar phrase in Acts 3:2.
Here the words "wonder" and "amazement" share similar meanings and emphasize the intensity of the people's amazement. Alternate translation: "they were extremely amazed"
The phrase "in the porch that is called Solomon's" makes it clear that they were not inside the temple where only the priests were allowed to enter. Here the words "us" and "we" refer to Peter and John but not to the crowd to whom Peter is talking.
After healing the man who could not walk, Peter talks to the people.
"Solomon's Porch." This was a covered walkway that consisted of rows of pillars that supported a roof, and which people named after king Solomon. It was in the temple courtyard.
"extremely surprised"
Here the word "this" refers to the amazement of the people.
"Fellow Israelites." Peter was addressing the crowd.
Peter asks this question to emphasize that they should not be surprised by what had happened. Alternate translation: "you should not be surprised."
Peter asks this question to emphasize that the people should not think that he and John had healed the man by their own abilities. This could be written as two statements. Alternate translation: "Do not fix your eyes on us. We did not make him walk by our own power or godliness."
This means that they looked intently at them without stopping. Alternate translation: "stare at us" or "look at us"
Peter continues his speech to the Jews that he began in Acts 3:12.
Here the phrase "before the face of" means "in the presence of." Alternate translation: "rejected in Pilate's presence"
"when Pilate had decided to release Jesus"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "for Pilate to release a murderer to you"
Here the word "we" includes just Peter and John.
This refers to Jesus. Possible meanings are 1) "the one who gives people eternal life" or 2) "the ruler of life" or 3) "the one who leads people to life"
Possible meanings are 1) this is the reason the man was made strong. Alternate translation: "Because of faith in his name" or 2) this is how the man was made strong. Alternate translation: "By faith in his name"
The word "his" refers to the Founder of life, Jesus. The abstract noun "faith" can be translated with the verb "believe." Possible meanings are 1) the lame man had faith in Jesus. Alternate translation: "Because he believed in Jesus name" or 2) Peter and John, and perhaps the lame man, had faith in Jesus. Alternate translation: "Because we believed in Jesus's name"
The phrase "his name" is a metonym either for Jesus or for Jesus's power.
"made this man ... well"
Possible meanings are 1) this is the faith that Jesus enables people to have. Alternate translation: "The faith that comes from Jesus" or 2) this is faith in Jesus.
Here Peter shifts the audience's attention from the lame man and continues to talk to them directly.
Possible meanings are 1) that the people did not know that Jesus was the Messiah or 2) that the people did not understand the significance of what they were doing.
When the prophets spoke, it was as though God himself was speaking because he told them what to say. Alternate translation: "God foretold by telling all of the prophets what to speak"
"God spoke about ahead of time" or "God told about before they happened"
Here the word "mouth" refers to the words that the prophets spoke and wrote down. Alternate translation: "the words of all the prophets"
"and turn to the Lord." Here "turn" is a metaphor for starting to obey the Lord. Alternate translation: "and start obeying the Lord"
Here "blotted out" is a metaphor for forgiving. Sins are spoken of as if they are written in a book and God erases them from the book when he forgives them. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so that God will forgive you for sinning against him"
Possible meanings are 1) "times when God will strengthen your spirits" or 2) "times when God will revive you"
Here the words "presence of the Lord" is a metonym for the Lord himself. Alternate translation: "from the Lord"
"that he may again send the Christ." This refers to Christ's coming again.
This may be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom he has appointed for you"
Peter continues the speech that he began in Acts 3:12 to the Jews who stood in the temple area.
"He is the One heaven must welcome." Peter speaks of heaven as if it were a person who welcomes Jesus into his home.
This means that it is necessary for Jesus to remain in heaven because that is what God has planned.
Possible meanings are 1) "until the time when God will restore all things" or 2) "until the time when God will fulfill everything that he foretold."
When the prophets spoke long ago, it was as if God himself was speaking because he told them what to say. Alternate translation: "about which things God spoke long ago by telling his holy prophets to speak about them"
Here the word "mouth" refers to the words that the prophets spoke and wrote down. Alternate translation: "the words of his holy prophets"
Peter begins to quote something Moses told the Israelites before the Messiah came.
"will cause one of your brothers to become a true prophet, and everyone will know about him"
"your nation"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that prophet, God will completely destroy"
Peter finishes his speech to the Jews that he began in Acts 3:12.
"In fact, all the prophets." Here the word "Yes" adds emphasis to what follows.
"beginning with Samuel and continuing with the prophets who lived after he did"
"these times" or "the things that are happening now"
Here the word "sons" refers to heirs who will receive what the prophets and the covenant promised. Alternate translation: "You are the heirs of the prophets and heirs of the covenant"
"Because of your offspring"
Here the word "families" refers to people groups or nations. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will bless all the people groups in the world"
"After God caused Jesus to become his servant and made him famous"
This refers to the Messiah, Jesus.
Here "turning ... from" is a metaphor for causing someone stop doing something. Alternate translation: "causing every one of you to stop doing wicked things" or "causing every one of you to repent from your wickedness"
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.
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry that is quoted from the Old Testament in 4:25-26.
The first Christians wanted very much to be united. They wanted to believe the same things and share everything they owned and help those who needed help.
This phrase refers to things that only God can do. The Christians wanted God to do what only he can do so that people would believe that what they said about Jesus was true.
The cornerstone was the first piece of stone that people put down when they were building a building. This is a metaphor for the most important part of something, the part on which everything depends. To say that Jesus is the cornerstone of the church is to say that nothing in the church is more important than Jesus and that everything about the church depends on Jesus. (See: and faith)
"There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). With these words Peter was saying that no other person who has ever been on the earth or will ever be on earth can save people.
The religious leaders arrest Peter and John after Peter's having healed the man who was born lame.
"approached them" or "came to them"
"They were very angry." The Sadducees, in particular, would have been angry about what Peter and John were saying because they did not believe in resurrection.
Peter and John were saying that God would raise people from the dead in the same way as he had raised Jesus from among the dead. Translate this in a way that allows "the resurrection" to refer to both Jesus's resurrection and the general resurrection of other people.
From among all those who have died. This expression describes all dead people together in the underworld. To come back from among them speaks of becoming alive again.
"The priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees arrested Peter and John"
It was common practice not to question people at night.
This refers only to men and does not include how many women or children believed.
"grew to about five thousand"
Here the word "their" refers to the Jewish people as a whole.
The rulers question Peter and John, who answer without fear.
This phrase is used here to mark where the action starts. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.
This is a reference to the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling court, which consisted of these three groups of people.
These two men were members of the high priest's family. This is not the same John as the apostle.
"Who gave you power"
Here the word "name" refers to authority. Alternate translation: "by whose authority"
This can be stated in active form. See how you translated this in [Acts 2:4]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you are questioning us today"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "by what means we have made this man well"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "May all of you and all of the people of Israel know this"
"to you who are questioning us and to all the other people of Israel"
Here the word "name" refers to power and authority. Alternate translation: "by the power of Jesus Christ of Nazareth"
Here to raise up is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. Alternate translation: "whom God caused to live again"
Peter completes his speech to the Jewish religious rulers that he began in Acts 4:8.
Peter is quoting from the Psalms. This is a metaphor that means the religious leaders, like builders, rejected Jesus, but God will made him the most important in his kingdom, as a cornerstone in a building is important.
"you builders thought was worth nothing"
Here the word "we" refers to Peter as well as those to whom he is speaking.
The noun "salvation" can be translated as a verb. This can be stated positively. Alternate translation: "He is the only person who is able to save"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "no other name under heaven that God has given among men"
The phrase "name ... given among men" refers to the person of Jesus. Alternate translation: "no other person under heaven, who is given among men, by whom"
This is a way of referring to everywhere in the world. Alternate translation: "in the world"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "which can save us" or "who can save us"
Here the second instance of "they" refers to Peter and John. All other occurrences of the word "they" in this section refer to the Jewish leaders.
Here the abstract noun "boldness" refers to the way in which Peter and John responded to the Jewish leaders, and can be translated with an adverb or an adjective. Alternate translation: "how boldly Peter and John had spoken" or "how bold Peter and John were"
bravery, courage, lack of fear. A person with boldness is not afraid.
The Jewish leaders "realized" this because of the way Peter and John spoke.
"and understood"
The words "ordinary" and "uneducated" share similar meanings. They emphasize that Peter and John had received no formal training in Jewish law.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the man whom Peter and John had healed"
"nothing to say against Peter and John's healing of the man." Here the word "this" refers to what Peter and John had done.
This refers to Peter and John.
The Jewish leaders ask this question out of frustration because they could not think of what to do with Peter and John. Alternate translation: "There is nothing that we can do with these men!"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "For God has done a remarkable sign through them, and everyone who lives in Jerusalem has seen it" or "For everyone who lives in Jerusalem knows that they have done a remarkable sign"
The miracle of healing was a sign that Peter and John were obeying God, who did the healing.
This is a generalization. It may also be an exaggeration to show that the leaders think that this is a very big problem. Alternate translation: "many of the people who live in Jerusalem" or "people who live throughout Jerusalem"
Here the word "it" refers to any miracles or teaching Peter and John might continue to do. Alternate translation: "in order that news of this miracle spreads no further" or "in order that no more people hear about this miracle"
Here the word "name" refers to the person of Jesus. Alternate translation: "not to speak anymore to anyone about this person, Jesus"
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Here the phrase "in the sight of God" refers to God's opinion. Alternate translation: "Whether God thinks it is right"
Here the word "we" refers to Peter and John but not to those whom they are addressing.
The Jewish leaders again threatened to punish Peter and John.
Although the Jewish leaders threatened Peter and John, they could not find a reason to punish them without causing the people to riot.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "for what Peter and John had done"
This verse gives background information about the age of the lame man who was healed.
"The man whom Peter and John had miraculously healed"
The miracle of healing was a sign that Peter and John were obeying God, who did the healing.
The phrase "their own people" refers to the rest of the believers. Alternate translation: "went to the other believers"
Speaking together, the people quote a Psalm of David from the Old Testament. Here the word "they" refers to the rest of the believers, but not to Peter and John.
To raise the voice is an idiom for speaking. "they began speaking with one purpose to God"
This phrase translates a word that speaks of people who agree with each other and who work together to accomplish a common purpose.
This means that the Holy Spirit caused David to speak or write down what God said.
Here the word "mouth" refers to the words that David spoke or wrote down. Alternate translation: "by the words of your servant, our father David"
Here the word "father" refers to an ancestor.
This is a rhetorical question that emphasizes the futility of opposing God. Alternate translation: "The Gentile nations should not have raged, and the peoples should not have imagined useless things."
These "useless things" consist of plans to oppose God. Alternate translation: "the peoples imagine useless things against God"
people groups
The believers complete their quotation from King David in the Psalms that they began in Acts 4:25.
These two lines mean basically the same thing. The two lines emphasize the combined effort of the earth's rulers to oppose God.
These two phrases mean that they joined their armies together to fight a battle. Alternate translation: "set their armies together ... gathered their troops together"
Here the word "Lord" refers to God. In the Psalms, the word "Christ" refers to the Messiah or God's anointed one.
The believers continue praying.
"this city" refers to Jerusalem.
"Jesus, who serves you faithfully"
Here the word "hand" is used to mean God's power. Additionally, the phrase "your hand and your desire decided" shows God's power and plan. Alternate translation: "to do all that you in your power had decided and planned they would do"
Here the words "look upon" are a request for God to take notice of the way in which the Jewish leaders threatened the believers. Alternate translation: "notice how they threaten to punish us"
The word "word" here is a metonym for God's message. The abstract noun "boldness" can be translated as an adverb. Alternate translation: "speak your message boldly" or "be bold when we speak your message"
The believers complete the prayer that they began in Acts 4:24.
Here the word "hand" refers to God's power. This is a request for God to show how powerful he is. Alternate translation: "Show your power by healing people and by giving"
Here the word "name" refers to power and authority. Alternate translation: "through the power of your holy servant Jesus"
"Jesus, who serves you faithfully." See how you translated this in Acts 4:27.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the place ... shook"
This can be stated in active form. See how you translated this in Acts 2:4. Alternate translation: "the Holy Spirit had filled them all" or "God had filled them all with the Holy Spirit"
Here the word "heart" refers to the thoughts and the word "soul" refers to the emotions. Together they refer to the total person. Alternate translation: "thought the same way and wanted the same things"
"they shared their belongings with one another." See how you translated this in Acts 2:44.
Possible meanings are: 1) that God was greatly blessing the believers or 2) that the people in Jerusalem held the believers in very high esteem.
The word "all" here is a generalization. Alternate translation: "Many people who owned title to lands or houses" or "People who owned title to lands or houses"
"owned land or houses"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the money that they received from the things that they sold"
This means that they presented the money to the apostles. Alternate translation: "presented it to the apostles" or "gave it to the apostles"
The noun "need" can be translated with a verb. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they distributed the money to each believer who needed it"
Luke introduces Barnabas into the story.
The apostles used this name to show that Joseph was a person who encouraged others. "Son of" is an idiom used to describe a person's behavior or character. Alternate translation: "Encourager" or "one who encourages"
This means that they presented to money to the apostles. See how you translated this in [Acts 4:35]
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.
No one knows for sure if Ananias and Sapphira were truly Christians when they decided to lie about the land that they sold (Acts 5:1-10), because Luke does not say. However, Peter knew that they lied to the believers, and he knew that they had listened to and obeyed Satan.
When they lied to the believers, they also lied to the Holy Spirit. This is because the Holy Spirit lives inside believers.
Continuing the story of how the new Christians shared their belongings with other believers, Luke tells about two believers, Ananias and Sapphria.
This word is used here to mark a stop in the main story to tell a new part of the story.
"his wife also knew that he kept back part of the sale money"
This means that they presented to money to the apostles. See how you translated this in [Acts 4:35]
If your language does not use rhetorical questions, you may reword these as statements.
Peter uses this question to rebuke Ananias. Alternate translation: "you should not have let Satan fill your heart to lie ... land."
Here the word "heart" is a metonym for the will and emotions. The phrase "Satan filled your heart" is a metaphor. Possible meanings of the metaphor are 1) "Satan completely controlled you" or 2) "Satan convinced you"
This implies that Ananias had told the apostles that he was giving the entire amount that he had received from selling his land.
Peter uses this question to rebuke Ananias. Alternate translation: "While it remained unsold, it was your own ... authority."
"Before you sold it"
Peter uses this question to rebuke Ananias. Alternate translation: "after it was sold, you had control over the money that you received."
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "after you sold it"
Peter used this question to rebuke Ananias. Here the word "heart" refers to the will and emotions. Alternate translation: "You should not have thought of doing this thing." or "It is Satan who has put this activity in your heart."
Here "breathed his last" means "breathed his final breath" and is a polite way of saying that he died. Ananias fell down because he died; he did not die because he fell down. Alternate translation: "died and fell to the ground"
This means that they began to act. This does not necessarily mean that they had been sitting or that Peter and Ananias had been at the front of the room or a meeting hall. If your language has a phrase that speaks of people responding to something by beginning to act, you may use it.
"Ananias' wife came in" or "Sapphira came in"
"that her husband had died"
"for this much money." This refers to the amount of money that Ananias had given to the apostles.
Here the word "you" is plural and refers to both Ananias and Sapphira.
Peter asks this question to rebuke Sapphira. Alternate translation: "You should not have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord!"
"the two of you have agreed together"
Here the word "test" means to challenge or to prove. They were trying to see if they could get away with lying to God without receiving punishment.
The word "Look" is an idiom for "Pay attention!" Peter is probably telling Sapphira to pay attention to the sound of the men's footsteps, which indicate that they are about to enter the building, not to look at their feet. Here the phrase "the feet" can be either a synecdoche for the men whose feet they are or a metonym for the sound that they make. Alternate translation: "Pay attention! The men" or "Listen! The footsteps of the men"
"the men will carry"
This is the end of the part of the story about Ananias and Sapphira.
This means that when she died, she fell on the floor in front of Peter. This expression should not be confused with falling down at a person's feet as a sign of humility.
Here "breathed his last" means "breathed her final breath" and is a polite way of saying "she died." See how you translated a similar phrase in [Acts 5:5]
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It is not clear whether here the word "They" refers to the believers or only to the apostles.
Luke continues to tell what happens in the early days of the church.
"Many signs and wonders took place among the people through the hands of the apostles." This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people"
"supernatural events and miraculous deeds." See how you translated these terms in Acts 2:22
Here the word "hands" refers to the apostles. Alternate translation: "through the apostles"
This phrase translates a word that speaks of people who agree with each other and who work together to accomplish a common purpose. The people were more than just in the same place at the same time.
This was a covered walkway that consisted of rows of pillars that supported a roof, and which people named after king Solomon. See how you translated "the porch that is called Solomon's" in Acts 3:11.
The words "them" and "they" refer to the apostles.
Possible meanings are 1) the apostles were in Solomon's Porch, but the rest of the believers were afraid to join them there, or 2) all the believers were in Solomon's Porch, and the word "none" is a hyperbole that means that most of the people who were not believers were afraid to join them.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the people held the believers in high esteem"
This could be stated in active form. See how you translated "were added" in [Acts 2:41]
Here the word "they" refers to the people who lived in Jerusalem.
It is implied that God would heal them if Peter's shadow touched them.
"those whom unclean spirits had afflicted"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God healed them all" or "the apostles healed them all"
The religious leaders began to persecute the believers.
This begins a contrasting story. You may translate this in the way that your language introduces a contrasting narrative.
Here the phrase "rose up" means that the high priest decided to take action, not that he stood up from a seated position. Alternate translation: "the high priest took action"
The abstract noun "jealousy" can be translated as an adjective. This could be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they became very jealous"
This means they had the believers arrested. See how you translated this in [Acts 4:3]
Here the word "them" refers to the apostles.
This phrase here refers to the temple courtyard, not to the temple building, where only the priests were allowed. Alternate translation: "in the temple courtyard"
The word "words" here is a metonym for the message that the apostles had already proclaimed. Possible meanings are 1) "all this message of eternal life" or 2) "the whole message of this new way of living"
Here the word "they" refers to the apostles.
They went into the temple courtyard, not into the temple building, where only the priests were allowed. Alternate translation: "into the temple courtyard"
"as it began to be light." Although the angel led them out of the jail during the night, the sun was rising by the time the apostles reached the temple courtyard.
This implies someone went to the jail. Alternate translation: "sent someone to the jail to bring the apostles"
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Possible meanings are 1) they found no one inside the apostles' cell Alternate translation: "we did not find them inside" or 2) the apostles had been the only prisoners and now there were no prisoners at all in the jail.
Here the word "you" is plural and refers to the captain of the temple and the chief priests.
"they were very puzzled" or "they were very confused"
"concerning the words they had just heard" or "concerning these things"
"and what would happen as a result" or "what would happen next"
Here the word "you" is plural and refers to the captain of the temple and the chief priests.
They did not go into the part of the temple building where only the priests were allowed. Alternate translation: "standing in the temple courtyard"
The captain and the officers bring the apostles before the Jewish religious council.
"brought the apostles back"
This can be expressed with an active form. Alternate translation: "they feared that the people might stone them"
"the captain and officers had brought the apostles, the captain and the officers set the apostles ... interrogated the apostles"
questioned to find out what was true
The speakers were referring to themselves, but not to the apostles, so these words are exclusive.
These words refer to the apostles and so are plural.
Here the word "name" refers to the person of Jesus. See how you translated this in [Acts 4:17]
Teaching many people in a city is spoken of as if they were filling the city with a teaching. Alternate translation: "you have taught many people in Jerusalem about him" or "you have taught about him throughout the Jerusalem"
Here the word "blood" is a metonym for death, and to bring someone's blood on people is a metaphor for saying that they are guilty of that person's death. Alternate translation: "desire to make us responsible for this man's death"
Here the word "We" refers to the apostles, and not to the audience.
Peter spoke on behalf of all of the apostles when he said the following words.
Here "raised up" is an idiom. Alternate translation: "The God of our fathers caused Jesus to live again"
Here Peter uses the word "tree" to refer to the cross, which was made of wood. Alternate translation: "by hanging him on a cross"
To be at the "right hand of God" is a symbolic action of receiving great honor and authority from God. Alternate translation: "God exalted him to the place of honor beside him"
The words "repentance" and "forgiveness" can be translated as verbs. Alternate translation: "give the people of Israel an opportunity to repent and have God forgive their sins"
The word "Israel" refers to the Jewish people.
"those who submit to God's authority"
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Gamaliel addresses the council members.
Luke introduces Gamaliel and provides background information about him.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom all the people honored"
The words "the men" refers to the apostles.
"think carefully about" or "be cautious about." Gamaliel was warning them not to do something that they would later regret.
Possible meanings are 1) "Theudas rebelled" or 2) "Theudas appeared."
"claiming to be somebody important"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "People killed him"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "all the people scattered who had been obeying him" or "all who had been obeying him went in different directions"
This means that they did not do what they had planned to do.
"After Theudas"
"during the time of the census"
This means that he persuaded some people to rebel with him against the Roman government. Alternate translation: "caused many people to follow him" or "caused many people to join him in rebellion"
Gamaliel is telling the Jewish leaders not to punish the apostles any more and not to put them back in jail.
"if men have devised this plan or are doing this work"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone will overthrow it"
Gamaliel finishes addressing the council members.
Here the word "it" refers to "this plan or work." Alternate translation: "if God has devised this plan or commanded these men to do this work"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "So Gamaliel persuaded them"
Here the word "they" refers to the council members and all instances of "them" refer to the apostles.
The council members would have ordered the temple guards to do these things.
Here "name" refers to the authority of Jesus. See how you translated a similar phrase in Acts 4:18. Alternate translation: "to speak anymore in the authority of Jesus"
All instances of "they" refer to the apostles.
The apostles rejoiced because God had honored them by letting the Jewish leaders dishonor them. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God had counted them worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name"
Here "the Name" refers to Jesus. Alternate translation: "for Jesus"
The word "they" refers to the apostles.
"After that day, every day." This phrase marks what the apostles did every day through the following days.
They did not go into the temple building where only the priests went. Alternate translation: "in the temple courtyard and in different people's houses"
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.
The believers in Jerusalem gave help—probably money but possibly food—every day to women whose husbands had died. All of these widows had been raised as Jews, but some of them had lived in Judea and spoke Hebrew. Others had lived in Gentile areas and spoke Greek. Those who gave out the money or food gave it to the Hebrew-speaking widows but not to the Greek-speaking widows. To please God, the church leaders appointed Greek-speaking men to make sure the Greek-speaking widows received their share of help. One of these Greek-speaking men was Stephen.
No one knows for sure what it was about Stephen's face that was like the face of an angel, because Luke does not tell us. It is best for the translation to say only what the ULB says about this.
This is the beginning of a new part of the story. Luke gives important background information to understand the story.
Consider how new parts of a story are introduced in your language.
"was greatly increasing"
These were both groups of Jews who had become believers. The writer assumes that the reader understands that these people were all believers because at this point all believers had grown up as Jews.
These were believers who had grown up as Jews or become converts living somewhere in the Roman Empire outside of Israel and speaking Greek. Their language and culture were somewhat different from those who had grown up in Israel.
These were believers who had grown up as Jews or become converts in Israel speaking Hebrew or Aramaic.
A widow is a woman who has not remarried since her husband died.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the Hebrew believers were overlooking the Grecian widows"
"being ignored" or "being forgotten." There were so many who needed help that some were missed.
The disciples were able to help the widows because believers were giving money to the apostles Acts 4:34-35. Possible meanings are 1) the disciples used the money to buy food, which they would give to the widows, or 2) the disciples gave the money directly to the widows.
Here the word "us" refers to the 12 apostles and not to their hearers, so it is exclusive.
This refers to the eleven apostles plus Matthias, who was selected in Acts 1:26.
"all of the disciples" or "all the believers"
This is an exaggeration in order to emphasize the importance of their task of teaching the word of God. Alternate translation: "stop preaching and teaching the word of God"
This is a phrase meaning to serve food to the people.
Here the word "you" refers to the believers and so is plural.
Possible meanings are 1) the men have three qualities—a good reputation, being full of the Spirit, and being full of wisdom or 2) the men have a reputation for two qualities—being full of the Spirit, and being full of wisdom .
"men that people know are good" or "men whom people trust"
"to be responsible to do this task"
Here the word "us" refers to the 12 apostles and not to their hearers, so it is exclusive.
"the ministry of teaching and preaching the message"
"All the disciples liked their suggestion"
These are Greek names, so it seems that all of the men elected were from the Grecian Jewish group of believers.
a Gentile who converted to the Jewish religion
This represented giving a blessing and imparting responsibility and authority for the work to the seven.
This verse gives an update on the church's growth.
The writer speaks of the growing number of people who believed the word as if the word of God itself were covering a larger area. Alternate translation: "the number of people who believed the word of God increased" or "the number of people who believed the message from God increased"
"followed the teaching of the new belief"
Possible meanings are 1) the gospel message of trust in Jesus or 2) the teaching of the church or 3) the Christian teaching.
The writer begins to give background information about Stephen and other people that is important to understanding the story.
This is the beginning of a new part of the story.
This introduces Stephen as the main character in this part of the story.
The words "grace" and "power" here refer to power from God. This could be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "God was giving Stephen power to do"
The writer continues giving background information about Stephen and other people that is important to understanding the story.
The word "arose" is an idiom that represents beginning to act. These people did not begin to rise into the air, nor did they necessarily get up from a sitting position. Alternate translation: "some people ... Asia, began to debate against Stephen"
Possible meanings are 1) the Cyrenians, the Alexandrians and those from Cilicia and Asia were all members of the synagogue of the Freedmen; 2) the Cyrenians and the Alexandrians were members of the synagogue of the Freedmen, but those from Cilicia and Asia were not; or 3) there were three separate groups of people: those from the synagogue, those from Cyrene and Alexandria, and those from Cilicia and Asia.
"Freedmen" were probably ex-slaves from these different locations. It is unclear if the other people listed were part of the synagogue or just participated in the debate with Stephen.
"people from Cyrene and Alexandria." Cyrene and Alexandria were cities in Northern Africa. They were south of the Mediterranean Sea.
Cilicia was a city and Asia was a Roman province, both north of the Mediterranean Sea.
"arguing with Stephen"
The writer finishes giving background information about Stephen and other people that is important to understanding the story.
This phrase means they could not prove false what he said. Alternate translation: "could not argue against"
this refers to the Holy Spirit
Here the word "We" refers only to the men they persuaded to lie. The word "they" refers back to the people from the synagogue of the freemen
They were given money to give false testimony. Alternate translation: "some men to lie and say"
"bad things about"
The word "they" most likely refers back to the people from the synagogue of the Freedmen (Acts 6:9). They were responsible for the false witnesses and for inciting the council, the elders, the scribes, and the other people.
"caused the people, the elders, and the scribes to be very angry at Stephen"
"grabbed him and held him so he could not get away"
The word "they" most likely refers back to the people from the synagogue of the Freedmen (Acts 6:9).
"continually speaks"
The words "we" and "us" refer only to the speakers, not to the hearers, and so is exclusive.
The phrase "handed down" means "passed on." Alternate translation: "taught our ancestors"
This is an idiom that means they looked intently at him. Here "eyes" is a metonym for sight. Alternate translation: "looked intently at him" or "stared at him"
This phrase compares his face to that of an angel but does not say specifically what they have in common.
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 [1] . 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.
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry that is quoted from the Old Testament in 7:42-43 and 49-50.
It appears that 8:1 is part of the narrative of this chapter.
Stephen told the history of Israel very briefly. He paid special attention to the times that the Israelites had rejected the people God had chosen to lead them. At the end of the story, he said that the Jewish leaders he was talking to had rejected Jesus just as the evil Israelites had always rejected the leaders God had appointed for them.
The Holy Spirit completely controlled Stephen so that he said only and all of what God wanted him to say.
When an author speaks of something that is not important at that time but will be important later in the story, this is called foreshadowing. Luke mentions Saul, also known as Paul, here, even though he is not an important person in this part of the story. This is because Paul is an important person in the rest of the Book of Acts.
Stephen was talking to Jews who knew the law of Moses well, so he did not explain things that his hearers already knew. But you may need to explain some of these things so that your readers will be able to understand what Stephen was saying. For example, you may need to make explicit that when Joseph's brothers "sold him into Egypt"
Stephen spoke of Joseph ruling "over Egypt" and over all of Pharaoh's household. By this he meant that Joseph ruled over the people of Egypt and of the people and possessions in Pharaoh's household.
The Jewish leaders to whom Stephen spoke already knew much about the events he was telling them about. They knew what Moses had written in the Book of Genesis. If the Book of Genesis has not been translated into your language, it may be difficult for your readers to understand what Stephen said.
The part of the story about Stephen, which began in Acts 6:8, continues. Stephen begins his response to the high priest and the council by talking about things that happened in Israel's history. Most of this history comes from Moses's writings.
The word "our" includes both Steven, the Jewish council to whom he spoke, and the entire audience.
Stephen was being very respectful to the council in greeting them as extended family.
The word "your" refers to Abraham and so is singular.
In verse 4 the words "he," "his," and "him" refer to Abraham. In verse 5 the words "He" and "he" refer to God, but the word "him" refers to Abraham. Here the word "you" refers to the Jewish council and audience.
"He did not give any of it"
Possible meanings for this phrase are 1) enough ground to stand on or 2) enough ground to take a step. Alternate translation: "a very tiny piece of ground"
"for Abraham to own and to give to his descendants"
It may be helpful to state that this occurred later than the statement in the previous verse. Alternate translation: "Later God told Abraham"
"400 years"
"nation" refers to the people in it. Alternate translation: "I will judge the people of the nation"
"the nation that they will serve"
The Jews would have understood that this covenant required Abraham to circumcise the males of his family. Alternate translation: "made a covenant with Abraham to circumcise the males of his family"
The story transitions to Abraham's descendants.
"Jacob became the father." Stephen shortened this.
"the founders of our tribes" or "our ancestors." A patriarch is a man who rules a family.
The Jews knew their ancestors sold Joseph to be a slave in Egypt. Alternate translation: "sold him as a slave in Egypt"
This is an idiom for helping someone. Alternate translation: "helped him"
This refers to the people of Egypt. Alternate translation: "over all the people of Egypt"
This refers to all his possessions. Alternate translation: "everything he owned"
"a famine came." The ground stopped producing food and this caused a terrible suffering.
This refers Jacob and his sons, who were the ancestors of the Jewish people.
Grain was the most common food at that time.
Here this phrase refers to Joseph's older brothers, who were Jacob's sons.
"On their next trip"
Joseph revealed to his brothers his identity as their brother.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Pharaoh learned that they were Joseph's family"
"sent his brothers back to Canaan" or "sent his brothers back home"
Make sure it does not sound as though he died as soon as he arrived in Egypt. Alternate translation: "eventually Jacob died"
"Jacob and his sons, who became our ancestors"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Jacob's descendants carried Jacob's body and his son's bodies over ... and buried them"
"with money"
In some languages it may be helpful to say that the people increased in number before saying that the time of the promise arrived.
It was close to the time that God would fulfill his promise to Abraham.
"another king began to rule"
"Egypt" refers to the people of Egypt. Alternate translation: "over the people of Egypt"
"Joseph" refers to the reputation of Joseph. Alternate translation: "who did not know that Joseph had helped Egypt"
The word "our" includes Stephen and his audience.
This introduces Moses into the story.
This phrase is an idiom that means Moses was very beautiful.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "his parents nourished him" or "his parents cared for him"
Moses was "placed outside" because of Pharaoh's command. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "When his parents placed him outside" or "When they abandoned him"
She did for him every good thing a mother would do for her own son. Use your language's normal word for what a mother does to make sure her son becomes a healthy adult.
If your language has a word for an informal procedure, not a formal legal procedure, in which one family takes a child in and raises him, you may want to use that here. Pharaoh's daughter did do for Moses what any mother would do for her child, but this involved no formal legal procedure.
"as if he were her own son"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The Egyptians educated Moses"
This is an exaggeration to emphasize that he was trained in the best schools in Egypt.
"effective in his speech and actions" or "influential in what he said and did"
Here "heart" is a metonym for "mind." The phrase "it came into his heart" is an idiom that means to decide something. Alternate translation: "it came into his mind" or "he decided"
This refers to his people, and not just to his family. Alternate translation: "see how his own people, the children of Israel, were doing"
This can be stated in active form by rearranging the order. Alternate translation: "Seeing an Egyptian mistreating an Israelite, Moses defended and avenged the Israelite by striking the Egyptian who was oppressing him"
Moses hit the Egyptian so hard that he died.
"he imagined"
Here "hand" refers to the actions of Moses. Alternate translation: "was giving them salvation through what he, Moses, was doing"
The abstract noun "salvation" can be translated using the verb "save." Alternate translation: "was saving them" or "was rescuing them"
Some translations make it clear that two men were fighting. Alternate translation: "when two men of Israel were fighting"
"make them stop fighting"
Moses was addressing the Israelites who were fighting.
Moses asked this question to encourage them to stop fighting. Alternate translation: "you should not do wrong to each other!"
Here the word "us" refers to the Israelites but does not include Moses.
The man used this question to rebuke Moses. Alternate translation: "No one appointed you ruler or judge over us." or "You have no authority over us!"
The man used this question to warn Moses that he and probably others knew Moses had killed the Egyptian.
Stephen's audience already knew that Moses had married a Midianite woman when he fled Egypt.
The implied information is that Moses understood that the Israelites knew that he had killed an Egyptian the day before (Acts 7:28).
"After 40 years passed." This was the amount of time Moses had been in Midian. Alternate translation: "Forty years after Moses fled from Egypt"
Stephen's audience knew that God spoke through the angel.
Moses was surprised that the bush was not burning up in the fire. This was previously known by Stephen's audience. Alternate translation: "because the bush was not burning up"
This may mean Moses initially drew close to the bush to investigate.
"I am the God whom your ancestors worshiped"
This may mean Moses drew back in fear when he heard the voice.
Moses shook from fear. This can be made clear. Alternate translation: "Moses trembled with fear"
God told Moses this so he would honor God.
The implied information is that where God is present, the immediate area around God is considered holy or is made holy by God.
"seen for sure." The word "certainly" adds emphasis to "seen."
The abstract noun "oppression" can be translated using the verb "oppress." Alternate translation: "the way the Egyptians are oppressing my people"
The word "my" emphasizes that these people belonged to God. Alternate translation: "the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob"
"will personally cause their release"
"get ready." God uses an order here.
Verses 35-38 contain a series of connected phrases referring to Moses. Each phrase begins with statements such as "This Moses" or "This same Moses" or "This is the man" or "It is the same Moses." If possible, use similar statements to emphasize Moses. After the Israelites left Egypt, they spent 40 years wandering around the wilderness before God led them into the land he had promised them.
This refers back to the events recorded in Acts 7:27-28.
"rescuer"
The hand is a metonym for the action performed by the person. In this case, the angel had commanded Moses to return to Egypt. Stephen speaks as if the angel had a physical hand. You may need to make explicit what action the angel did. Alternate translation: "by the action of the angel" or "by having the angel ... bush command him to return to Egypt"
Stephen's audience knew about the forty years the Israelites spent in the wilderness. Alternate translation: "during the 40 years that the Israelite people lived in the wilderness"
"cause a man to be a prophet"
"from among your own people"
"This is the man Moses who was among the Israelites"
The phrase "This is the man" throughout this passage refers to Moses.
God was the one who gave those words. Alternate translation: "to whom God spoke living words to give to us"
Possible meanings are 1) "a message that endures" or 2) "words that give life."
This metaphor emphasizes their rejection of Moses. Alternate translation: "they rejected him as their leader"
Here "hearts" is a metonym for people's thoughts. To do something in the heart means to desire do to something. Alternate translation: "they desired to turn back"
The quotation in this verse is from the writings of Moses.
"When they decided to return to Egypt"
Stephen's audience knew the calf they made was a statue. Alternate translation: "they made a statue that looked like a calf"
These phrases all refer to the same statue of the calf.
Stephen's quotation here is from the prophet Amos.
"God turned away." This action expresses that God was not pleased with the people and no longer helped them. Alternate translation: "God stopped correcting them"
"abandoned them"
Possible meanings for the original phrase are 1) the stars only or 2) the sun, moon, and stars.
This was apparently a collection of the writings of several of the Old Testament prophets into one scroll. It would also have included the writings of Amos.
God asked this question to show Israel they did not worship him with their sacrifices. Alternate translation: "You did not honor me when brought offerings and sacrifices ... Israel."
This refers to the whole nation of Israel. Alternate translation: "all you Israelites"
The quotation from the prophet Amos continues here.
Stephen continues his response to the high priest and the council which he began in Acts 7:2.
It is implied that they took these idols with them as they traveled in the wilderness. Alternate translation: "you carried with you from place to place"
the tent that housed the false god Molech
the star that is identified with the false god Rephan
They made statues or images of the gods Molech and Rephan in order to worship them.
"I will remove you to places even farther than Babylon." This would be God's act of judgment.
The tent that housed the ark (a box) with the 10 commandments carved in stone inside it
The phrase "under Joshua" means that their ancestors did these things in obedience to Joshua's direction. Alternate translation: "our fathers, in accordance with Joshua's instructions, received the tabernacle and brought it with them"
This sentence tells why the ancestors were able to take possession of the land. Alternate translation: "God forced the nations to leave the land before the face of our fathers"
Here "the face of our fathers" refers to the presence of their ancestors. Possible meanings are 1) "As our ancestors watched, God ... drove them out" or 2) "When our ancestors came, God ... drove them out"
This refers to the people who lived in the land before Israel. Alternate translation: "the people who previously lived here"
"forced them to leave the land"
Here "house" is probably a metonym for the ark of the covenant. David wanted to build a place for the ark, which represented God's presence, so people could go there to worship God. Alternate translation: "he might build a place where people could worship the God of Jacob"
Many versions read, "the God of Jacob."
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The hand is a synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: "made by people"
In verses 49 and 50, Stephen quotes from the prophet Isaiah. In the quotation, God is speaking about himself.
The prophet is comparing the greatness of God's presence to how impossible it is for man to build a place for God to rest on earth since the whole earth is nothing but a place for God to rest his feet.
God asks this question to show how useless man's efforts are to take care of God. Alternate translation: "You can not build a house adequate enough for me!"
God asks this question to show man that he cannot provide God any rest. Alternate translation: "There is no place of rest good enough for me!"
In verses 49 and 50, Stephen quotes from the prophet Isaiah. In the quotation, God is speaking about himself.
God asks this question to show that man did not create anything. Alternate translation: "My hand made all these things!"
With a sharp rebuke, Stephen finishes his response to the high priest and the council, which he began in Acts 7:2.
Stephen shifts from identifying with the Jewish leaders to rebuking them.
The Jews regarded uncircumcised people as disobedient to God. Stephen uses "hearts and ears" to represent to the Jewish leaders who acted the way Gentiles act when they do not obey or listen to God. Alternate translation: "you refuse to obey and hear"
Stephen asked this question to show them that they learned nothing from the errors of their forefathers. Alternate translation: "Your forefathers persecuted every prophet!"
This refers to the Christ, the Messiah.
"you have also betrayed and murdered him"
"murderers of the Righteous One" or "murderers of the Christ"
"the laws that God caused angels to give to our ancestors"
The council reacts to Stephen's words.
This is the turning point; the sermon ends and the council members react.
This means that they were extremely angry.
This action expressed their strong anger at Stephen or hatred of Stephen. Alternate translation: "they became so angry that they ground their teeth together" or "moved their teeth back and forth as they looked at Stephen"
"stared up into heaven." It appears that only Stephen saw this vision and not anyone else in the crowd.
People normally experienced the glory of God as a bright light. Alternate translation: "saw a bright light from God"
To stand at the "right hand of God" is a symbolic action of receiving great honor and authority from God. Alternate translation: "and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor and authority beside God"
Stephen refers to Jesus by the title "Son of Man."
"put their hands on their ears." They did this to show that they did not want to hear any more of what Stephen said.
This phrase translates a word that speaks of people who agree with each other and who work together to accomplish a common purpose.
"They seized Stephen and forcefully took him out of the city"
These are cloaks or robes they would wear outside to stay warm, similar in function to a jacket or coat.
"in front of." They were placed there so Saul could watch them.
Saul was probably around 30 years old at the time.
"take my spirit." It may be helpful to add "please" to show that this was a request. Alternate translation: "please receive my spirit"
This ends the story of Stephen.
This is an act of submission to God.
This can be stated in a positive way. Alternate translation: "forgive them for this sin"
Here to fall asleep is a euphemism for dying. Alternate translation: "died"
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[1]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.
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry that is quoted from the Old Testament in 8:32-33.
The first sentence of verse 1 ends the description of the events in chapter 7. Luke begins a new part of his history with the words "So there began."
In this chapter for the first time Luke speaks of people receiving the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:15-19). The Holy Spirit had already enabled the believers to speak in tongues, to heal the sick, and to live as a community, and he had filled Stephen. But when the Jews started putting believers in prison, those believers who could leave Jerusalem did leave, and as they went, they told people about Jesus. When the people who heard about Jesus received the Holy Spirit, the church leaders knew that those people had truly become believers.
This chapter more than any other in the Book of Acts speaks of the believers proclaiming the word, proclaiming the good news, and proclaiming that Jesus is the Christ. The word "proclaim" translates a Greek word that means to tell good news about something.
It may be helpful to your audience to move these parts of the story about Stephen together by using a verse bridge as the UDB does.
The story shifts from Stephen to Saul in these verses.
This part of verse 1 is background information about the persecution that began after Stephen's death. This explains why Saul was persecuting the believers in verse 3.
This refers to the day that Stephen died (Acts 7:59-60).
The word "all" is a generalization to express that a large number of the believers left Jerusalem because of the persecution.
This statement implies that the apostles remained in Jerusalem even though they also experienced this great persecution.
"God-fearing men" or "Men who feared God"
"greatly mourned his death"
"houses one by one"
"took away both men and women by force." Saul forcefully took Jewish believers out of their homes and put them into prison.
This refers to men and women who believed in Jesus.
The cause for the scattering, the persecution, was stated previously. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "who had fled the great persecution"
This is a metonym for "the message." You may need to make explicit that the message was about Jesus. Alternate translation: "the message about Jesus"
This begins the story of Philip, whom the people had chosen as a deacon.
The phrase "went down" is used here because Samaria is lower in elevation than Jerusalem.
Possible meanings are 1) Luke expected the readers to know which city he was writing about. Alternate translation: "the main city in Samaria" or 2) Luke did not expect his readers to know which city he was writing about. Alternate translation: "a city in Samaria"
The title "Christ" refers to Jesus, the Messiah. Alternate translation: "told them about Jesus Christ" or "told them about Jesus the Messiah"
"Many people in the city of Samaria." The location was specified in Acts 8:5.
The reason people paid attention was because of all the healing Philip did.
This phrase translates a word that speaks of people who agree with each other and who work together to accomplish a common purpose.
"who had them" or "who were controlled by them"
The phrase "that city" refers to the people who were rejoicing. Alternate translation: "So the people of the city were rejoicing"
Simon is introduced to the story of Philip. This verse gives the beginning of the background information about Simon and who he was among the Samaritans.
This is a way of introducing a new person into the story. Your language may use different wording to introduce a new person into the story.
"the city in Samaria" (Acts 8:5)
Simon is introduced to the story of Philip. This verse continues to give the beginning of the background information about Simon and who he was among the Samaritans.
The word "all" is a generalization. Alternate translation: "Many of the Samaritans" or "The Samaritans in the city"
These two phrases refer to everyone from one extreme to the other. Alternate translation: "no matter how important they were"
People were saying that Simon was the divine power known as "The Great Power."
Possible meanings are 1) the powerful representative of God or 2) God or 3) the most powerful man or 4) an angel. Since the term is unclear, it may be best to simply translate it as "the Great power of God."
Simon is introduced to the story of Philip. This verse ends the background information about Simon and who he was among the Samaritans.
Verses 12 and 13 give more information about Simon and some of the Samaritans coming to believe in Jesus.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Philip baptized them" or "Philip baptized the new believers"
Verses 12 and 13 give more information about Simon and some of the Samaritans coming to believe in Jesus.
The word "himself" is here used to emphasize that Simon believed. Alternate translation: "Simon was also one of those who believed"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Philip baptized Simon"
Luke continues the news of what was happening in Samaria.
This marks the beginning of a new part of the story of the Samaritans.
This refers to the many people who had become believers throughout the district of Samaria.
"had believed" or "had accepted"
"when Peter and John had come down"
This phrase is used here because Samaria is lower in elevation than Jerusalem.
"Peter and John prayed for the Samaritan believers"
"that the Samaritan believers might receive the Holy Spirit"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Philip had only baptized the Samaritan believers"
Here "name" represents authority, and being baptized into his name represents being baptized in order to be under his authority. Alternate translation: "they had only been baptized to become disciples of the Lord Jesus"
The word "them" refers to the Samaritan people who believed Stephen's message of the gospel.
This symbolic action shows that Peter and John wanted God to give the Holy Spirit to the believers.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the apostles gave the Holy Spirit by laying their hands on people"
"that I can give the Holy Spirit to anyone on whom I place my hands"
Here the words him, your, you, and yours all refer to Simon.
"May you and your money be destroyed"
Here this refers to the ability of a person to give the Holy Spirit by laying his hands on someone.
The words "part" and "allotted portion" mean the same thing and are used for emphasis. Alternate translation: "You may not participate in this work"
Here "heart" is a metonym for a person's thoughts or motives. Alternate translation: "you are not right in your heart" or "the motives of your mind are not right"
"these evil thoughts"
"he may be willing to forgive"
Here "heart" is a metonym for a person's thoughts. Alternate translation: "for what you intended to do" or "for what you were thinking of doing"
Here "in the poison of bitterness" is a metaphor for being very envious. It speaks of envy as if it tastes bitter and poisons the person who is envious. Alternate translation: "very envious"
The phrase "bonds of unrighteousness" is spoken as if unrighteousness could make Simon a prisoner. It is metaphor that means Simon is not able to stop himself from sinning. Alternate translation: "because you continue sinning you are like a prisoner" or "sin has made you its prisoner"
Here the word "you" refers to Peter and John.
This refers to Peter's rebuke about Simon's silver perishing along with him.
This can be stated another way. Alternate translation: "the things you have said may not happen to me"
This is concludes the part of the story about Simon and the Samaritans.
Peter and John told what they personally knew about Jesus to the Samaritans.
Here "word" is a metonym for "message." Peter and John explained the message about Jesus to the Samaritans.
Here "villages" refers to the people in them. Alternate translation: "to the people in many Samaritan villages"
This begins the part of the story about Philip and the man from Ethiopia.
This marks a transition in the story.
These verbs work together to emphasize that he should get ready to start a long journey that will take some time. Alternate translation: "Get ready to travel"
The phrase "goes down" is used here because Jerusalem is higher in elevation than Gaza.
Most scholars believe Luke added this comment to describe the area through which Philip would travel.
This verse gives background information about the man from Ethiopia.
The word "behold" alerts us to a new person in the story. Your language may have a way of doing this.
The emphasis of "eunuch" here is about the Ethiopian's being a high government official, not so much his physical state of being castrated.
This was a title for the queens of Ethiopia. It is similar to the way the word Pharaoh was used for the kings of Egypt.
This implies that he was a Gentile who believed in God and had come to worship at the Jewish temple. Alternate translation: "He had come to worship God at the temple in Jerusalem"
Possibly "wagon" or "carriage" is more fitting in this context. Chariots are normally mentioned as a vehicle for war, not as a vehicle for long-distance travel. Also, people stood to ride in chariots.
This is the Old Testament book Isaiah. Alternate translation: "reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah"
Philip understood that this meant he was to stay close to the person riding in the chariot. Alternate translation: "accompany the man in this chariot"
This is the Old Testament book Isaiah. Alternate translation: "reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah"
The Ethiopian was intelligent and could read, but he lacked spiritual discernment. Alternate translation: "Do you understand the meaning of what you are reading?"
This question was asked to state emphatically that he could not understand without help. Alternate translation: "I cannot understand unless someone guides me."
It is implied here that Philip agreed to travel down the road with him to explain the scriptures.
Possible meanings are that 1) he offered a sincere invitation or 2) he made a sincere request.
This a passage from the book of Isaiah. Here the word "he" refers to the Messiah.
A shearer is a person who cuts the wool off the sheep so that it may be used.
This verse continues quoting a passage from the book of Isaiah. Here the words "his" and "him" refer to the Messiah.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "He was humiliated and they did not judge him fairly" or "He allowed himself to be humbled before his accusers and he suffered injustice"
This question was used to emphasize that he will not have descendants. Alternate translation: "No one will be able to speak about his descendants, for there will not be any."
This referred to his death. It can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "men killed him" or "men took his life from the earth"
"Please tell me"
This refers to Isaiah's writings in the Old Testament. Alternate translation: "the writings of Isaiah"
"they continued to travel along the road"
The eunuch uses this question as a way of asking Philip for permission to be baptized. Alternate translation: "Please allow me to be baptized."
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"told the driver of the chariot to stop"
This is the end of the part of the story about Philip and the man from Ethiopia. The story of Philip ends at Caesarea.
The words "took Philip away" imply that the Spirit took forceful, physical action, perhaps a miracle that moved Philip in an instant. The angel probably did not just suggest or even command that Philip leave the eunuch and go elsewhere.
"the eunuch did not see Philip again"
There was no indication of Philip's traveling between where he baptized the Ethiopian and Azotus. He just suddenly disappeared along the road to Gaza and reappeared at the town of Azotus.
This refers to the area around the town of Azotus.
"to all the cities in that region"
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.
No one knows for sure who first started calling believers "followers of the Way." This is probably what the believers called themselves, because the Bible often speaks of a person living his life as if that person were walking on a path or "way." If this is true, the believers were "following the way of the Lord" by living in a way that pleased God.
The "letters" Paul asked for were probably legal papers that permitted him to put Christians in prison. The synagogue leaders in Damascus would have obeyed the letter because it was written by the high priest. If the Romans had seen the letter, they also would have allowed Saul to persecute the Christians, because they permitted the Jews to do as they desired to people who broke their religious laws.
It is clear that Saul saw a light and that it was because of this light that he "fell upon the ground." Some people think that Saul knew that it was the Lord speaking to him without seeing a human form, because the Bible often speaks of God as being light and living in light. Other people think that later in his life he was able to say, "I have seen the Lord Jesus" because it was a human form that he saw here.
Verses 1-2 give background information telling us what Saul has been doing since the stoning of Stephen.
The story shifts back to Saul and his salvation.
The noun "murder" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "still speaking threats, even to murder the disciples"
Verses 1-2 give background information telling us what Saul has been doing since the stoning of Stephen. Here the word "him" refers to the high priest and "he" refers to Saul.
This refers to the people in the synagogues. Alternate translation: "for the people in the synagogues" or "for the leaders in the synagogues"
"when he found people" or "if he found people"
"who followed the teachings of Jesus Christ"
This term appears to have been a title for Christianity at that time.
"he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem." Paul's purpose can be made clear by adding "so that the Jewish leaders could judge and punish them"
After the high priest gave Saul the letters, Saul left for Damascus.
Saul left Jerusalem and now travels to Damascus.
This is an expression that marks a change in the story to show something different is about to happen.
"a light from heaven shone all around him"
Possible meanings are 1) out of heaven, where God lives or 2) out of the sky. The first meaning is preferable. Use that meaning if your language has a separate word for it.
Possible meanings are that 1) "Saul threw himself to the ground and heard" or 2) "the light caused Saul to fall to the ground, and he heard" or 3) "Saul fell to the ground the way one who faints falls, and he heard"
This rhetorical question communicates a rebuke to Saul. Alternate translation: "You are persecuting me!" or "Stop persecuting me!"
Every occurrence of the word "you" here is singular.
Saul was not acknowledging that Jesus is the Lord. He uses that title because he understood that he spoke to someone of supernatural power.
"get up and go into the city Damascus"
This can be stated in the active form. Alternate translation: "someone will tell you"
This can be stated as a new sentence. Alternate translation: "stood speechless. They heard the voice, but they did not see anyone"
"but they saw no one" or "but they did not see anyone." Apparently only Saul experienced the light.
This implies that he had closed his eyes because the light was too bright.
"he could not see anything." Saul was blind.
"was blind" or "could not see anything"
It is not stated whether he chose not to eat or drink as a form of worship, or if he had no appetite because he was too distressed from his situation. It is preferable not to specify the reason.
The story of Saul continues, and Luke introduces another man named Ananias. This is not the same Ananias who died earlier in Acts [Acts 5:3]
This introduces Ananias as a new character.
"Ananias said"
"go to Straight Street"
This Judas was not the disciple who had betrayed Jesus. This Judas was owner of a house in Damascus where Saul was staying.
"a man from the city of Tarsus named Saul" or "Saul of Tarsus"
This was a symbol of giving a spiritual blessing to Saul.
"he might regain his ability to see"
Here "holy people" refers to Christians. Alternate translation: "the people in Jerusalem who believe in you"
It is implied that the extent of the power and authority granted Saul was limited to the Jewish people at this point in time.
Putting someone in bonds is a metonym for arresting that person. Alternate translation: "arrest"
Here "your name" refers to Jesus.
"chosen instrument" refers to something that is set apart for service. Alternate translation: "I have chosen him to serve me"
This is an expression for identifying or speaking out for Jesus. Alternate translation: "in order that he might speak about me"
This is an expression meaning "for telling people about me."
The word "you" here is singular and refers to Saul.
Ananias goes to the house where Saul is staying. After Saul is healed, the story shifts from Ananias back to Saul.
It may be helpful to state that Ananias went to the house before he entered into it. Alternate translation: "So Ananias went, and after he found the house where Saul was, he entered it"
Ananias put his hands on Saul. This was a symbol of giving a blessing to Saul.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so that you might see again and that the Holy Spirit might fill you"
"something that appeared like fish scales fell"
"he was able to see again"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he got up and Ananias baptized him"
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Here the first "he" refers to Saul. The second "he" refers to Jesus, the Son of God.
This is an important title for Jesus.
Here "him" and "He" refer to Saul.
The word "All" is a generalization. Alternate translation: "Those who heard him" or "Many who heard him"
This is a rhetorical and negative question that emphasizes that Saul was indeed the man who had persecuted the believers. Alternate translation: "This is the man who destroyed those in Jerusalem who called on this name Jesus!"
Here "name" refers to Jesus. Alternate translation: "the name of Jesus"
They were distressed in the sense that they could not find a way to refute Saul's arguments that Jesus was the Christ.
The word "him" in this section refers to Saul.
This refers to the leaders of the Jews. Alternate translation: "the Jewish leaders"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "But someone told their plan to Saul" or "But Saul learned about their plan"
This city had a wall surrounding it. People could normally only enter and exit the city through the gates.
people who believed Saul's message about Jesus and were following his teaching
"used ropes to lower him in a large basket through an opening in the wall"
Here the words "he" and "him" refer to Saul.
Here "they were all" is a generalization, but it is possible that it refers to every person. Alternate translation: "but they were afraid of him"
Here "him" refers to Saul and "he" refers to Barnabas.
This is a way of saying he preached or taught the gospel message of Jesus Christ without fear. Alternate translation: "had openly preached the message about Jesus"
Here the word "He" refers to Saul, and the word "them" probably refers to the apostles and other disciples in Jerusalem. This is an idiom meaning that Paul was able to associate freely with the believers in Jerusalem.
Possible meanings are 1) this simply refers to the Lord Jesus and tells who Paul spoke about. Alternate translation: "about the Lord Jesus" or 2) "name" is a metonym for authority. Alternate translation: "under the authority of the Lord Jesus" or "with the authority that the Lord Jesus gave him"
Saul tried to reason with the Jews who spoke Greek.
Here the words "the brothers" refer to the believers in Jerusalem.
The phrase "brought him down" is used here because Caesarea is lower in elevation than Jerusalem.
Caesarea was a seaport. They brothers probably sent Saul to Tarsus by ship.
Verse 31 is a statement that gives an update on the church's growth.
This is the first use of the singular "church" to refer to more than one local congregation. Here it refers to all the believers in all the groups throughout Israel.
"lived peacefully." This means the persecution that started with the murder of Stephen was finished.
The agent was either God or the Holy Spirit. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God helped them grow" or "the Holy Spirit built them up"
"Walking" here is a metaphor for "living." Alternate translation: "living in obedience to the Lord" or "continuing to honor the Lord"
"with the Holy Spirit strengthening and encouraging them"
Here the story shifts from Saul to a new part of the story about Peter.
This phrase is used to mark a new part of the story.
This is an generalization for Peter's visiting the believers in many places in the region of Judea, Galilee, and Samaria.
The phrase "came down" is used here because Lydda is lower in elevation than the other places where he was traveling.
Lydda is a city located about 18 kilometers southeast of Joppa. This city is called Lod in the Old Testament and in modern Israel.
Peter was not intentionally searching for a paralyzed person, but happened upon him. Alternate translation: "There Peter met a man"
This introduces Aeneas as a new character in the story.
This is background information about Aeneas.
This means he was unable to walk. He probably was unable to move any part of his body below his waist.
"roll up your mat"
This is a generalization referring to many of the people there. Alternate translation: "those who lived in Lydda and in Sharon" or "many people who lived in Lydda and Sharon"
The city of Lydda was located in the Plain of Sharon.
It may be helpful to state that they saw that he was healed. Alternate translation: "saw the man whom Peter had healed"
Here "turned to the Lord" is a metaphor for starting to obey the Lord. Alternate translation: "and they repented of their sins and started obeying the Lord"
Verses 36 and 37 give background information about the woman named Tabitha.
Luke continues the story with a new event about Peter.
This introduces a new part in the story.
Tabitha is her name in the Aramaic language, and Dorcas is her name in the Greek language. Both names mean "gazelle." Alternate translation: "Tabitha, which in the Greek language was Dorcas. This woman"
"doing many good things and performed merciful deeds"
Verses 36 and 37 give background information about the woman named Tabitha.
This refers to the time when Peter was in Joppa. This can be stated. Alternate translation: "It came about while Peter was nearby"
This was washing to prepare for her burial.
This was a temporary display of the body during the funeral process.
"the disciples sent two men to Peter"
"to the upstairs room where Dorcas' body was lying"
It is possible that all the widows of the town were there since it was not a large town.
women whose husbands had died and therefore needed help
"while she was still alive with the disciples"
"told them all to leave the room." Peter had everyone leave so he could be alone to pray for Tabitha.
Peter took hold of her hand and helped her to sit up in the bed and then stand up on the floor.
The widows were possibly also believers but are mentioned specifically because Tabitha was so important to them.
The story of Tabitha ends in verse 42. Verse 43 tells us what happens to Peter after the story ends.
This refers to the miracle of Peter's raising Tabitha from the dead. It can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "People throughout all Joppa heard about this matter"
"believed in the gospel of the Lord Jesus"
The story of Tabitha ends in verse 42. Verse 43 tells us what happens to Peter after the story ends.
"It came about that." This introduces the beginning of the next event in the story.
"a man named Simon who made leather from animal skins"
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. [1]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.' [2]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." [3]
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.
The Jews believed that they could become unclean in God's sight if they visited or ate food with a Gentile. This was because the Pharisees had made a law against it because they wanted to keep people from eating foods that the law of Moses said were unclean. The law of Moses did say that some foods were unclean, but it did not say that God's people could not visit or eat with Gentiles. (See: clean and lawofmoses)
The Holy Spirit "fell on" those who were listening to Peter. This showed the Jewish believers that Gentiles could receive the word of God and receive the Holy Spirit just as the Jewish believers had. After that, the Gentiles were baptized.
The writer begins to give background information about Cornelius.
This is the beginning of the part of the story about Cornelius.
This was a way of introducing a new person to this part of the historical account.
"from Caesarea whose name was Cornelius. He was an officer in charge of 60 soldiers from the Italian Company of Soldiers, in the Roman army"
The writer finishes giving background information about Cornelius.
a man who wanted to do what God expected of him
worshiped God with deep respect and awe
The word "constantly" is a generalization. Alternate translation: "prayed to God often" or "he prayed to God regularly"
"three o'clock in the afternoon." This was the normal afternoon prayer time for Jews.
"Cornelius clearly saw"
It is implied that his gifts and prayers had been accepted by God. Alternate translation: "God is pleased by your prayers and alms. They have gone up ... to him"
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a person who makes leather from animal skins
"When Cornelius' vision of the angel had ended."
a soldier who wanted to do what God expected of him. See how you translated "devout" in Acts 10:2.
Cornelius explained his vision to his two servants and to one of his soldiers.
"sent two of his two servants and the one soldier to Joppa."
Here the word "they" refers to Cornelius' two servants and the soldier under Cornelius' command (Acts 10:7).
The story shifts away from Cornelius to tell us what God is doing with to Peter.
"around noon"
The roofs of the houses were flat, and people often did many different activities on them.
"before the people finished cooking the food"
This metaphor means that Peter went into the trance without expecting it or desiring it. Alternate translation: "he went into a trance"
Peter saw things in his mind, not with his physical eyes.
This was the beginning of Peter's vision. It can be a new sentence.
The container holding the animals had the appearance of a large square piece of cloth.
"with its four corners suspended" or "with its four corners higher than the rest of it"
snakes and insects, as opposed to "four-footed animals"
The person speaking is not specified. The "voice" was probably God, although it could possibly have been an angel from God.
"I will not do that"
It is implied that some of the "four-footed animals and things that crawled on the earth, and birds of the sky"
This refers to the animals in the sheet.
If God is the speaker, he is referring to himself in the third person. Alternate translation: "What I, God, have made clean"
Possible meanings are 1) Peter heard the words "What God has made clean, you must not call defiled" three times or 2) a total of three times the sheet came down from heaven and Peter heard and responded to the voice. It would be best to translate without adding information here.
This means that Peter was having difficulty understanding what the vision meant.
The word "behold" here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows, in this case, the two men standing at the gate.
"stood before the gate to the house." It is implied that this house had a wall with a gate one would use to enter the property.
This happened before they arrived at the house. This could be stated earlier in the verse, as the UDB does.
Cornelius' men remained outside the gate while asking about Peter.
"wondering about the meaning of the vision"
"the Holy Spirit"
"Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important: three"
Some ancient texts have a different number of men.
"go down from the roof of the house"
It would be natural for Peter not to want to go with them, because they were strangers and they were Gentiles.
"I am the man you are looking for"
The word "They" here refer to the two servants and the soldier from Cornelius (Acts 10:7).
This can be divided into several sentences and stated in active form as the UDB does.
worships God with deep respect and awe
This number of people is exaggerated with the word "all" to emphasize how widely this was known among the Jews.
The word "them" here refer to the two servants and the soldier from Cornelius (Acts 10:7).
The journey to Caesarea was too long for them to begin that afternoon.
"be his guests"
This refers to believers who lived in Joppa.
This was the next day after they left Joppa. The journey to Caesarea took longer than one day.
"Cornelius expected them"
"when Peter entered the house"
"he knelt down and put his face close to Peter's feet." He did this to honor Peter.
He purposely did this to show that he was worshiping.
Peter was rebuking Cornelius mildly for worshiping Peter. Alternate translation: "Do not worship me! I am only a man, as you are"
The word "him" here refers to Cornelius, and "he" refers to Peter.
Peter addresses the people who are gathered in Cornelius' house.
"many Gentile people gathered together." It is implied that these people Cornelius had invited were Gentiles.
Here the words "You" and "yourselves" include Cornelius as well as the Gentiles who were present and so are plural.
"it is forbidden for a Jewish man." This refers to the Jewish religious law.
people who are not Jews
Here both instances of "you" include Cornelius as well as the Gentiles who were present and so are plural.
In verses 31 and 32 Cornelius quotes what the angel had said to him when he appeared to him at the ninth hour. The words "you" and "your" are all singular. The word "we" here does not include Peter.
Cornelius responds to Peter's question.
Cornelius is referring to the day before the third night before he is speaking to Peter. Biblical culture counts the current day, so the day before three nights ago is "four days ago." Current Western culture does not count the current day, so many Western translations read, "three days ago."
Some ancient authorities say "fasting and praying" instead of simply "praying."
The normal afternoon time that the Jews pray to God.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God has heard your prayer"
"brought you to God's attention." This does not imply that God had forgotten.
"tell Simon who is also called Peter to come to you"
"right away"
This expression is a polite way of thanking Peter for coming. Alternate translation: "I certainly thank you for coming"
This refers to Cornelius and his family but not to Peter, so this is exclusive.
"present with God"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that the Lord has told you to say"
Peter begins speaking to everyone in the house of Cornelius.
"began to speak"
This means that what he is about to say is especially important to know.
"God does not favor certain people"
"he accepts anyone who fears him and does what is right"
to God
worships with deep respect and awe
All instances of "he" here refers to God.
Peter continues to talk to Cornelius and his guests.
Here "all" means "all people."
The word "all" is a generalization. Alternate translation: "throughout Judea" or "in many places in Judea"
"after John preached to the people to repent and then baptized them"
This long sentence, which begins in verse 36, can be shortened into several sentences as in the UDB.
The Holy Spirit and God's power are spoken of as if they are something that can be poured out onto a person.
The word "all" is a generalization. Alternate translation: "those who were oppressed by the devil" or "many people who were oppressed by the devil"
The idiom "was with him" means "was helping him."
The word "We" refer to Peter and the apostles and believers who were with Jesus when he was on earth, not to his hearers. The word "him" here refers to Jesus.
This refers mainly to Judea at that time.
This is another expression that refers to crucifixion. Alternate translation: "nailing him to a wooden cross"
Both instances of "him" refer to Jesus.
Here to raise up is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. Alternate translation: "God caused him to live again"
"the third day after he died"
"permitted many people to see him after he was raised from the dead"
The word "us" refers to Peter and the apostles and believers who were with Jesus when he was on earth, not to his hearers. The words "him" and "he" here refers to Jesus.
From among all those who have died. This expression describes all dead people together in the underworld.
Here the word "us" includes Peter and believers. It excludes his audience.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that God chose this Jesus"
This refers to people who are still living and people who have died. Alternate translation: "the people who are alive and the people who are dead"
Peter finishes his speech to everyone in the house of Cornelius, which he began in Acts 10:34.
"All the prophets testify about Jesus"
This could be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will forgive the sins of everyone who believes in Jesus because of what Jesus has done"
Here "his name" refers to the actions of Jesus. His name means God who saves. Alternate translation: "through what Jesus has done for them"
Here the word "fell" indicates that the event happened suddenly. Alternate translation: "the Holy Spirit suddenly came"
Here "all" refers to all the Gentiles at the house who were listening to Peter.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God also poured out the Holy Spirit"
That is, the Holy Spirit himself was the gift.
The Holy Spirit is spoken of as if he were something that could be poured out upon people. It implies a generous amount. Alternate translation: "generously given"
"the free gift"
Here "also" refers to the fact that the Holy Spirit had already been given to the Jewish believers.
These were known spoken languages that caused the Jews to acknowledge that the Gentiles were indeed praising God.
Here "tongues" is a metonym for languages. Alternate translation: "speaking in other languages"
Peter uses this question to convince the Jewish Christians that the Gentile believers should be baptized. Alternate translation: "No one should keep water from these people! We should baptize them because they have received ... we!"
The words "he" and "him" refer to Peter.
This is the end of the part of the story about Cornelius.
It is implied that the Jewish Christians were the ones who would baptize them. Alternate translation: "Peter commanded the Gentile believers to allow the Jewish Christians to baptize them" or "Peter commanded the Jewish Christians to baptize them"
Here "in the name of Jesus Christ" expresses that the reason for their baptism was that they believed in Jesus. Alternate translation: "be baptized as believers in Jesus Christ"
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.
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, [1] bringing with them John, also called Mark.
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. [1]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.
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.
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. [1]
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,
"From the apostles and elders, your brothers,
to the Gentile brothers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia:
Greetings!
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.
Farewell."
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[2]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.
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.
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.
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.
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. [1]
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. [1]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.
In this chapter Luke describes Paul's last visits to believers in the provinces of Macedonia and Asia before he went to Jerusalem.
Paul spoke of living for Jesus as if he were running in a race. By this he meant that he needed to keep working hard even when things were difficult and he wanted to quit. (See: and discipline)
Paul thought that the Holy Spirit wanted him to go to Jerusalem even if Paul did not want to go there. The same Holy Spirit told other people that when Paul arrived in Jerusalem, people would try to harm him.
Paul leaves Ephesus and continues his travels.
"After the riot" or "Following the riot"
"he said goodbye"
"had greatly encouraged the believers" or "had said many things to encourage the believers"
"After he had stayed there three months." This speaks about time as if it were something a person could spend.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the Jews formed a plot against him" or "the Jews formed a secret plan to harm him"
This means only some of the Jews. Alternate translation: "by some of the Jews"
"as he was ready to sail for Syria"
"Traveling with him." Here the word "him" refers to Paul (Acts 20:1).
These are names of men.
These are names of places.
These are names of men. See how you translated these names in Acts 19:29.
"these men had traveled ahead of us"
Here "us" refers to the writer and Paul and those traveling with them, but not to the reader.
This is the name of a place.
All instances of "we" refer to the writer and Paul and those traveling with them, but not to the reader.
This refers to the Jewish religious feast time during the Passover season. See how you translated this in Acts 12:3.
Here the word "we" refers to the writer, Paul, and those traveling with them, but not to the reader. (See: and Acts 20:4-6)
Luke tells about Paul's preaching in Troas and about what happened to Eutychus.
"when the sun came up again." If the writer was using the Jewish system of determining days, Paul was planning to travel after sunrise on "the first day of the week." If the writer was using the Greek system, Paul was planning to travel on the second day of the week.
Bread was part of their meals. Possible meanings are 1) this refers simply to eating a meal together. Alternate translation: "to eat a meal" or 2) this refers to the meal they would eat together in order to remember Christ's death and resurrection. Alternate translation: "to eat the Lord's Supper"
"he continued to speak"
This may have been on the third floor of the house.
This was an opening in the wall with a ledge that was wide enough on which a person could sit.
This is the name of a man.
This speaks about sleep as if it were a deep hole into which a person could fall. Alternate translation: "who slept soundly" or "who became more and more tired until finally he was sleeping soundly"
When they went down to check his condition, they saw he was dead. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "third story; and when they went to pick him up, they found that he was dead"
This means two floors above the ground floor. If your culture does not count the ground floor, you may state this as the "second story."
Here "him" and "he" refers to the young man, Eutychus.
Here "he" refers to Paul.
Here the word "he" refers to Paul.
This is the end of the part of the story about Paul's preaching at Troas and about Eutychus.
Bread was a common food during meals. Here "broke bread" probably means that they shared a meal with more kinds of food than just bread.
"he went away"
This refers to Eutychus (Acts 20:9). Possible meanings are 1) he was a young man over 14 years old or 2) he was a boy between 9 and 14 years old or 3) the word "boy" implies that he was a servant or a slave.
Here the word "we" refers to the writer and those traveling with him, but not to the reader.
The writer Luke, Paul, and his other companions continue their travels; however, Paul goes separately for part of the trip.
The word "ourselves" adds emphasis and separates Luke and his traveling companions from Paul, who did not travel by boat.
Assos is a town located directly below present day Behram in Turkey on the coast of the Aegean sea.
Here "he himself" refers to Paul. "Himself" is used to emphasize that this is what Paul wanted.
"to travel on land"
Here "he" and "him" refer to Paul.
Here the words "we" and "us" refer to the writer and those traveling with him, but not to the reader.
Mitylene is a town located in present day Mitilini in Turkey on the coast of the Aegean sea.
Here the word "we" refers to Paul, the writer, and those traveling with them, but not to the reader.
"near the island" or "across from the island"
Chios is an island off the coast of modern day Turkey in the Aegean Sea.
"we arrived at the island of Samos"
Samos is an island south of Chios in the Aegean Sea off the coast of modern day Turkey.
Miletus was a port city in western Asia Minor near the mouth of the Meander River.
Paul sailed south past the port city of Ephesus, further south in order to land at Miletus.
This speaks about "time" as if it were a commodity that a person could spend or use up. Alternate translation: "so that he would not have to remain for a time" or "so that he would not have a delay"
Here the word "he" refers to Paul.
Paul calls the elders of the church of Ephesus and begins to speak to them.
Miletus was a port city in western Asia Minor near the mouth of the Meander River. See how you translated this in [Acts 20:15]
Here "yourselves" is used for emphasis.
Here "foot" stands for the entire person. Alternate translation: "I entered Asia"
This speaks about time as if it were something that a person could spend. Alternate translation: "how I always conducted myself when I was with you"
This speaks about something humble as if it were low to the ground. The word "mind" stands for a person's inner attitude. Alternate translation: "humility" or "humbleness"
Here "tears" stands for feeling sad and crying. Alternate translation: "with crying as I served the Lord"
"Trials" is an abstract noun. The meaning can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "while God was testing me"
This does not mean every Jew. This lets us know who plotted. Alternate translation: "of some of the Jews"
"You know how I was never silent, but I always declared to you"
"I also taught when I was in your homes"
The abstract nouns "repentance" and "faith" can be stated as verbs. Alternate translation: "that they need to repent before God and believe in our Lord Jesus Christ"
The word "our" refers to Paul and the elders to whom he is speaking.
Here the word "I" refers to Paul.
They can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "because the Spirit compels me to go there"
"and I do not know what will happen to me there"
Here "chains" refers to Paul's being arrested and put in prison. Alternate translation: "people will put me in prison and cause me to suffer"
This speaks about Paul's "race" and "ministry" as if they are objects that Jesus gives and Paul receives. Here "race" and "ministry" mean basically the same thing. Paul repeats this for emphasis. Alternate translation: "so that I may complete the work that the Lord Jesus has commanded me to do"
Paul speaks about completing the work that Jesus has commanded him to do as if he were running a race.
"to tell people the good news about God's grace." This is the ministry that Paul received from Jesus.
Paul continues to talk to the Ephesian elders (Acts 20:17).
"Now, pay careful attention, because I know"
"I know that all of you"
Here "kingdom" stands for God's rule as king. Alternate translation: "to whom I preached the message about God's reign as king" or "to whom I preached about how God will show himself as king"
The word "face" here represents Paul's physical body. Alternate translation: "will not see me anymore on this earth"
Here "blood" stands for a person's death, which, in this case, is not physical death but spiritual death when God declares a person guilty of sin. Paul had told them God's truth. Alternate translation: "I am not responsible for anyone whom God judges guilty of sin because they did not trust in Jesus"
Here this means any person whether male or female. Alternate translation: "any person"
"For I did not keep silent and not tell you." This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "For I certainly declared to you"
"Because what I have just said is true," referring to all that Paul has said so far in his speech about his leaving them.
Believers are likened to a "flock" of sheep here. Church leaders are entrusted by God with the care of the community of believers just as a shepherd would care for his flock of sheep and protect them from wolves. Alternate translation: "the group of believers the Holy spirit has entrusted to you. Be sure to take care of the church of God"
The shedding of the blood of Christ here is likened to a payment to God for our sins. Alternate translation: "the people Christ saved from their sins by shedding his blood on the cross"
Here "blood" stands for Christ's death.
This is a picture of people who teach false doctrine and who harm the community of believers as though they were wolves that eat the sheep of the flock. Alternate translation: "many enemies will come among you and try to harm the community of believers"
A false teacher convincing believers to start believing his false teaching is spoken of as if he were leading sheep away from the flock to follow him. Alternate translation: "in order to convince people who are disciples of Christ to become his disciples instead"
"be on guard and remember" or "be on guard as you remember"
"be awake and alert" or "watch out." Christian leaders being alert about anyone that may harm the community of believers is spoken of as if they were guards in an army watching out for the enemy army.
"Continue to remember that" or "Do not forget that"
Paul taught them over the space of three years, but not necessarily every day for three years.
This does not mean that the only words he spoke were words of warning. Rather, Paul is using hyperbole to remind them that he had told them often that evil men would try to deceive them. Alternate translation: "I warned ... you as often as I could"
Here "tears" refers to Paul's crying because of the strong emotion of concern he felt while he was warning the people.
Here "word" stands for a message. Alternate translation: "I ask God to take care of you and to help you to keep believing the message I spoke to you about his grace"
A person's faith becoming stronger is spoken of as if the person were a wall and someone were building him higher and stronger. Alternate translation: "which is able to make become stronger and stronger in your faith"
This speaks about the "word of his grace" as if the word itself would give the inheritance to believers. Alternate translation: "God will give you the inheritance"
The blessings that God gives believers are spoken of as if they were money or property that a child inherits from his father.
"I did not desire someone's silver" or "I did not want for myself anyone's silver"
Clothing was considered a treasure; the more you had, the richer you were.
The word "yourselves" is used here to add emphasis.
The word "hands" here represents the entire person. Alternate translation: "I worked to earn money and pay for my own expenses"
Paul finishes speaking to the elders of the church of Ephesus; he began to speak them in Acts 20:18.
"you should work so as to have money to help people who cannot earn it for themselves"
You can state this nominal adjective as an adjective. Alternate translation: "weak persons" or "those who are weak"
"sick"
Here "words" refers to what Jesus has said.
This means a person receives the favor of God and experiences more joy when he gives to other people rather than always receiving from other people.
Paul ends his time with the elders of the church of Ephesus by praying with them.
It was a common custom to kneel down while praying. It was a sign of humility before God.
"hugged him closely" or "put their arms around him"
Kissing someone on the cheek is an expression of brotherly or friendly love in the Middle East.
The word "face" here represents Paul's physical body. Alternate translation: "they would not see him anymore on this earth"
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 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,
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.
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,
To the most excellent Governor Felix,
Greetings.
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.
Farewell."
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.
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. [1]7[2]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.
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."
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."
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.
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[1]
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.