 |
The 23rd
Chapter
Paul beheld the council and said: men and brethren, I have
lived in all good conscience before God until this day. The high
priest Ananias commanded them that stood by to smite him on the
mouth. Then said Paul to him: God smite you, you painted wall. Sit
you and judge me after the law? and commanded me to be smitten
contrary to the law? And they that stood by, said: revile you Gods
high Priest? Then said Paul: I wist not brethren, that he was the
high priest. For it is written, you shall not curse the ruler of
your people.
When Paul perceived that the one part were Saduces, and the
other Pharises: he cried out in the council. Men and brethren, I am
a Pharise, the son of a Pharisaye. Of the hope and resurrection from
death, I am Judged. And when he had so said, there arose a debate
between the Pharises and the Saduces, and the multitude was divided.
For the Saduces say that there is no resurrection, neither angel,
nor spirit. But the Pharises grant both. And there arose a great
cry, and the Scribes which were of the Pharises part, arose and
strove saying: we find none evil in this man. though a spirit or an
angel has appeared to him, let us not strive against God.
And when there arose great debate, the captain fearing least
Paul should have been plucked asunder of them, commanded the
soldiers to go down, and to take him from among them and to bring
him into the castle. The night following, God stood by him and said:
Be of good cheer Paul: for as you have testified of me in Jerusalem,
so must you bear witness at Rome. When day was come, certain of the
Jewes gathered themselves together, and made a vow, saying that they
would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. They were
about forty which had made this *conspiration. And they came to the
chief Priest and elders, and said: we have bound ourselves with a
vow, that we will eat nothing until we have slain Paul. Now
therefore give you knowledge to the uppercaptain and to the council,
that he bring him forth unto us tomorrow, as though we would know
something more perfectly of him. But we (or ever he come near) are
ready in the mean season to kill him.
When Pauls sisters son heard of their laying wait, he went and
entered into the castle, and told Paul. And Paul called one of the
under captains unto him, and said: bring this young man unto the
high Captain: for he has a certain thing to show him. And he took
him, and said: Paul the prisoner called me unto him, and prayed me
to bring this young man unto you, which has a certain matter to show
you.
The high captain took him by the hand, and went apart with him
out of the way: and asked him: what have you to say unto me? And he
said: the Jewes are determined to desire you that you would bring
forth Paul tomorrow into the council, as though they would enquire
somewhat of him more perfectly. But follow not their minds: for
there lie in wait for him of them, more than forty men, which have
bound themselves with a vow, that they will neither eat nor drink
till they have killed him. And now are they ready, and look for your
promise.
The uppercaptain let the young man depart and charged him: see
you tell it out to no man that you have showed these things to me.
And he called unto him two under Captains, saying: make ready two
hundred soldiers to go to Cesarea and horsemen threescore and ten,
and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night. And
deliver them beasts that they may put Paul on, and bring him safe
unto Felix the high *debite, and wrote a letter in this manner.
Claudius Lisias unto the most mighty ruler Felix, sends
greetings. This man was taken of the Jewes, and should have been
killed of them. Then came I with soldiers, and rescued him, and
perceived that he was a Roman. And when I would have known the
cause, wherefore they accused him, I brought him forth into their
council. There perceived I that he was accused of questions of their
law: but was not guilty of any thing worthy of death or of bonds.
Afterward when it was showed me how that the Jews laid wait for the
man, I sent him straightway to you, and gave commandment to his
accusers, if they had anything against him, to tell it unto you:
farewell. Then the soldiers as it was commanded them, took Paul, and
brought him by night to Antipatras. On the morrow they left horsemen
to go with him, and returned unto the castle. Which when they came
to Cesarea, they delivered the epistle to the *debite, and presented
Paul before him. When the *debits had read the letter, he asked of
what country he was. And when he understood that he was of Cicill. I
will hear you (said he) when your accusers are come also: and
commanded him to be kept in Herods palace.
*conspiration
(conspiracy) *debite (deputy; deputies )
|
 |
The 24th
Chapter
After five days, Ananias the high Priest descended, with elders
and with a certain Orator named Tartullus, and informed the ruler of
Paul. When Paul was called forth, Tartullus began to accuse him
saying: Seeing that we live in great quietness by the means of you,
and that many good things are done unto this nation through your
providence: that allow we ever and in all places most mighty Felix
with all thanks. Notwithstanding, that I be not tedious unto you, I
pray you, that you would hear us of your courtesy a few words.
We have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of
debate unto all the Jewes throughout the world, and a maintainer of
the sect of the Nazarites, and has also enforced to pollute the
temple. Whom we took and would have judged according to our law: but
the high captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took
him away out of our hands commanding his accusers to come unto you.
Of whom you may (if you will enquire) know the certain of all these
things whereof we accuse him. The Jewes likewise affirmed, saying
that it was even so.
Then Paul (after that the ruler himself had beckoned unto him
that he should speak) answered: I shall with a more quiet mind
answer for myself, for as much as I understand that you have been of
many years a judge unto this people, because that you may know that
there are yet, but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to
pray, and that they neither found me in the temple disputing with
any man, either raising up the people neither in the Synagogues, nor
in the city. Neither can they prove the things whereof they accuse
me.
But this I confess unto you, that after that way (which they
call heresy) so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all
things which are written in the law and the Prophets, and have hope
towards God, that the same resurrection from death (which they
themselves look for also) shall be, both of just and unjust. And
therefore study I to have a clear conscience toward God, and toward
man also.
But after many years I came and brought alms to my people and
offerings, in the which they found me purified in the temple,
neither with multitude, nor yet with unquietness. Howbeit there were
certain Jewes out of Asia, which ought to be here present before
you, and accuse me, if they had anything against me: or else let
these same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while
I stand here in the council: except it be for this one voice, that I
cried standing among them, of the resurrection from death am I
judged of you this day.
When Felix heard these things, he deferred them, for he knew
very well of that way, and said: when Lysias the captain is come, I
will know the utmost of your matters. And he commanded an
undercaptain to keep Paul and that he should have rest, and that he
should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister unto him, or to
come unto him.
And after a certain days, came Felix and his wife Drusilla
which was a Jewess, and called forth Paul, and heard him of the
faith which is toward Christ. And as he preached of righteousness,
temperance and judgement to come, Felix trembled and answered: you
have done enough at this time, depart, when I have a convenient
time, I will send for you. He hoped also that money should have been
given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he called him
the oftener and communed with him. But after two year, Festus
Porcius came into Felix room. And Felix willing to show the Jewes a
pleasure, left Paul in prison bound.
|
 |
The 25th
Chapter
When Festus was come into the province, after three days, he
ascended from Cesarea unto Jerusalem. Then informed him the high
Priests and the chief of the Jews of Paul. And they besought him and
desired favour against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem:
and laid wait for him in the way to kill him. Festus answered that
Paul should be kept at Cesarea: but that he himself would shortly
depart over there. Let them therefore (said he) which among you are
able to do it, come down with us and accuse him, if there be any
fault in the man.
When he had tarried there more then ten days, he departed unto
Cesarea, and the next day sat down in the judgement seat, and
commanded Paul to be brought. When he was come, the Jewes which were
come from Jerusalem, came about him and laid many and grievous
complaints against Paul, which they could not prove as long as he
answered for himself, that he had neither against the law of the
Jewes, neither against the temple, nor yet against Cesar offended
any thing at all.
Festus willing to do the Jewes a pleasure answered Paul and
said: will you go to Jerusalem and there be judged of these things
before me? Then said Paul: I stand at Cesars judgement seat, where I
ought to be judged. To the Jewes have I no harm done, as you verily
well know. If I have hurt them, or committed any thing worthy of
death I refuse not to die. If none of these things are, where of
they accuse me, no man ought to deliver me to them. I appeal unto
Cesar. Then spoke Festus with deliberation, and answered. You have
appealed unto Cesar: unto Cesar shall you go.
After a certain days, king Agrippa and Bernice came unto
Cesarea to salute Festus. And when they had been there a good
season, Festus rehearsed Pauls cause unto the king saying: there is
a certain man left in prison of Felix, about whom when I came to
Jerusalem, the high Priests and elders of the Jewes informed me, and
desired to have judgement against him. To whom I answered: It is not
the manner of the Romans to deliver any man, that he should perish,
before that he which is accused, have the accusers before him, and
have license to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against
him: when they were come hither, without delay on the morrow I sat
to give judgement, and commanded the man to be brought forth.
Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none
accusation of such things as I supposed: but had certain questions
against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus which was
dead whom Paul affirmed to be alive. And because I doubted of such
manner questions, I asked him *whither he would go to Jerusalem, and
there be judged of these matters.
*whither=what ever place, result, or
condition. Then when Paul had
appealed to be kept unto the knowledge of Cesar, I commanded him to
be kept, till I might send him to Caesar. Agrippa said unto Festus:
I would also hear the man myself. Tomorrow (said he) you shall hear
him. And on the morrow when Agrippa was come and Bernice with great
pomp, and were entered into the council house with the captains and
chief men of the city, at Festus commandment Paul was brought forth.
And Festus said: king Agrippa, and all men which are here present
with us: you see this man about whom all the multitude of the Jewes
have been with me, both at Jerusalem, and also here, crying that he
ought not to live any longer. Yet found I nothing worthy of death
that he had committed. Nevertheless seeing that he has appealed to
Cesar, I have determined to send him. Of whom I have no certain
thing to write unto my Lord. Wherefore I have brought him unto you,
and specially unto you, king Agrippa, that after examination had, I
might have somewhat to write. For me thinks it unreasonable, for to
send a prisoner, and not to show the causes which are laid against
him.
|
 |
The 26th
Chapter
Agrippa said unto Paul: you are permitted to speak for
yourself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for
himself. I think myself happy King Agrippa, because I shall answer
this day before you, of all the things whereof I am accused of the
Jewes, namely because you are expert in all customs and questions,
which are among the Jewes. Wherefore I beseech you to hear me
patiently.
My living of a child, which was at the first among mine own
nation at Jerusalem know all the Jewes which knew me from the
beginning, if they would testify it. For after the most straitest
sect of our *lay, lived I a Pharisaye. And now I stand and am judged
for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers: unto which
promise our twelve tribes instantly serving God day and night hope
to come. For which hopes sake, king Agrippa, am I accused of the
Jewes. Why should it be thought a thing incredible unto you, that
God should raise again the dead? I also verily thought in myself,
that I ought to do many contrary things clean against the name of
Jesus of Nazareth: which things I also did in Jerusalem. Where many
of the saints I shut up in prison, and had received authority of the
high priests. And when they were put to death, I gave the sentence.
And I punished them often in every synagogue, and compelled them to
blaspheme: and was yet more mad upon them, and persecuted them even
unto strange cities. About the which things as I went to Damasco
with authority and license of the high Priests, even at midday (O
king) I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of
the sun, shine round about me and them, which journeyed with me.
When we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking
unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue: Saul, Saul, why persecute
you me? It is hard for you to kick against the prick. And I said:
Who are you Lord? And he said I am Jesus whom you persecute, but
rise and stand up on your feet. For I have appeared unto you for
this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness, both of those
things which you have seen, and of those things in you which I will
appear unto you, delivering you from the people, and from the
gentiles, unto which now I send you, to open their eyes, that they
might turn from darkness unto light, and from the power of Satan
unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and inheritance
among them which are sanctified by faith in me.
Wherefore king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly
vision: but showed first unto them of Damasco, and at Jerusalem, and
throughout all the coasts of Jewry, and to the gentiles, that they
should repent, and turn to God, and do the right works of
repentance. For this cause the Jews caught me in the temple, and
went about to kill me. Nevertheless I obtained help of God, and
continue unto this day witnessing both to small and to great saying
none other things, than those which the prophets and Moses did say
should come, that Christ should suffer, and that he should be the
first that should rise from death, and should show light unto the
people, and the gentiles. As he thus answered for himself: Festus
said with a loud voice: Paul, you are besides yourself. Much
learning has made you mad. And Paul said: I am not mad, most dear
Festus: but speak the words of truth and soberness. The king knows
of these things, before whom I speak freely: neither think I that
any of these things are hidden from him. For this thing was not done
in a corner. King Agrippa believe you the Prophets? I *wot well you
believe. Agrippa said unto Paul: Somewhat you bring me in mind for
to become a Christian. And Paul said: I would to God that not only
you: but also all that hear me today, were, not somewhat only, but
altogether such as I am, except these bonds. And when he had thus
spoken, the king rose up, and the *debite, and Bernice, and they
that sat with them. And when they were gone apart, they talked
between themselves saying: This man does nothing worthy of death,
nor of bonds. Then said Agrippa unto Festus: This man might have
been loosed, if he had not appealed unto Cesar.
*lay : means
worldly order of men. See here that this word is NOT "religion"
neither is the word religion found in any of the original text. *wot
(know) *debite (deputy),
|
 |
The 27th
Chapter
When it was concluded that we should sail into Italy, they
delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, an undercaptain of Cesars soldiers. And we entered into a ship of
Adramicium, and loosed from land, appointed to sail by the coasts of
Asia, one Aristarcus out of Macedonia, of the country of Thessalia,
being with us. And the next day we came to Sidon. And Julius
courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his
friends, and to refresh himself. And from that place launched we,
and sailed hard by Cypers, because the winds were contrary. Then
sailed we over the sea of Cilicia, and Pamphilia, and came to Myra a
city in Lycia.
And there the undercaptain found a ship of Alexander, ready to
sail into Italy, and put us therein. And when we had sailed slowly
many days, and scarce were come over against Gnidon (because the
wind withstood us) we sailed hard by the coast of Candy, over
against Salmo, and with much work sailed beyond it, and came unto a
place called good port. Near whereunto was a city called Lasea. When
much time was spent and sailing was now jeopardous, because also
that we had overlong fasted, Paul put them in remembrance, and said
unto them Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and
much damage, not of the lading and ship only: but also of our lives.
Neverthelater the undercaptain believed the governor and the master,
better than those things which were spoken of Paul. And because the
haven was not commodious to winter in, many took counsel to depart
from that place, if by any means they might attain to Phenices and
there to winter, which is an haven of Candy, and serves to the
southwest and northwest wind. When the south wind blew, they
supposing to obtain their purpose, loosed unto Asson, and sailed
past all Candy.
But *anon after, there arose against their purpose, a flaw of
wind out of the northeast. And when the ship was caught, and could
not resist the wind, we let her go and drove with the weather. And
we came unto an isle named Clauda, and had much work to come by a
boat, which they took up and used help, undergirding the ship,
fearing least we should have fallen into Syrtes, and we let down a
vessel and so were carried. The next day when we were tossed with an
exceeding tempest, they lightened the ship, and the third day we
cast out with our own hands, the tackling of the ship. When at the
last neither sun nor star in many days appeared and no small tempest
lay upon us, all hope that we should be saved, was then taken away.
Then after long abstinence, Paul stood forth in the midst of them
and said: Sirs you should have hearkened to me, and not have loosed
from Candy, neither to have brought unto us this harm and loss. And
now I exhort you to be of goad cheer. For there shall be no loss of
any mans life among you, save of the ship only. For there stood by
me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,
saying: fear not Paul for you must be brought before Cesar. And lo,
God has given unto you all that sail with you. Wherefore sirs be of
good cheer: for I believe God, that so it shall be even as it was
told me. How be it we must be cast into a certain island.
But when the fourteenth night was come as we were carried in
Adria about midnight, the shipmen deemed that there appeared some
country unto them: and sounded, and found it twenty fathoms. And
when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found
fifteen fathoms. Then fearing least they should have fallen on some
rock, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the
day. As the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, and had let
down the boat into the sea, under a colour as though they would have
cast anchors out of the foreship: Paul said unto the undercaptain
and the Soldiers: except these abide in the ship, you cannot be
safe. Then the Soldiers cut off the rope of the boat, and let it
fall away.
And in the meantime between that and day, Paul besought them
all to take meat, saying: this is the fourteenth day that you have
tarried and continued fasting, receiving nothing at all. Wherefore I
pray you to take meat: for this no doubt is for your health: for
there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you. And when
he had thus spoken, he took bread and gave thanks to God in presence
of them all, and brake it, and began to eat. Then were they all of
good cheer, and they also took meat. We were altogether in the ship,
two hundred three score and sixteen souls. And when they had eaten
enough, they lightened the ship and cast out the wheat into the sea.
When it was day, they knew not the land but they spied a
certain haven with a bank into the which they were minded (if it
were possible) to thrust in the ship. And when they had taken up the
anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea, and loosed the
rudder bonds and hoised up the mainsail to the wind and drew to
land. But they chanced on a place, which had the sea on both the
sides, and thrust in the ship. And the fore part stuck fast and
moved not, but the hinder brake with the violence of the waves.
The Soldiers counsel was to kill the prisoners, least any of
them, when he had swum out, should flee away. But the undercaptain
willing to save Paul kept them from their purpose, and commanded
that they that could swim should cast themselves first in to the
sea, and scape to land. And the other he commanded to go, some on
boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to
pass, that they came all safe to land.
*anon (a little
while)
|
 |
The 28th
Chapter
And when they were scaped, then they knew that the isle was
called Mileta. And the people of the country showed us no little
kindness: for they kindled a fire and received us every one, because
of the present rain, and because of cold. And when Paul had gathered
a bundle of sticks, and put them into the fire, there came a viper
out of the heat and leapt on his hand. When the men of the country
saw the worm hang on his hand, they said among themselves: this man
must needs be a murderer: Whom (though he have escaped the sea) yet
vengeance allows not to live. But he shook off the vermin into the
fire, and felt no harm. How be it they waited when he should have
swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly. But after they had looked a
great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds,
and said that he was a God.
In the same quarters, the chief man of the isle whose name was
Publius, had a lordship: the same received us, and lodged us three
days courteously. And it fortuned that the father of Publius lay
sick of a fever, and of a bloody flux. To whom Paul entered in and
prayed, and laid his hands on him and healed him. When this was
done, other also which had diseases in the isle, came and were
healed. And they did us great honour. And when we departed, they
laded us with things necessary.
After three months we departed in a ship of Alexandry, which
had wintered in the isle, whose badge was Castor and Pollux. And
when we came to Cyracusa, we tarried there three days. And from that
place we fetched a compass and came to Regium. And after one day the
south wind blew, and we came the next day to Putiolus: where we
found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days, and
so came to Rome, and from that place, when the brethren heard of us,
they came against us to Apiphorum, and to the three taverns. When
Paul saw them, he thanked God, and waxed bold. And when he came to
Rome, the undercaptain delivered the prisoners to the chief captain
of the host: but Paul was *suffered to dwell by himself with one
Soldier that kept him.
And it fortuned after three days, that Paul called the chief of
the Jewes to gether. And when they were come, he said unto them: Men
and brethren though I have committed nothing against the people or
laws of our fathers: yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem
into the hands of the Romans. Which when they had examined me, would
have let me go, because they found no cause of death in me. But when
the Jewes cried contrary, I was constrained to appeal unto Cesar:
not because I had anything to accuse my people of. For this cause
have I called for you, even to see you, and to speak with you:
because that for the hope of Israel, I am bound with this chain.
And they said unto him: We neither received letters out of
Jewry pertaining unto you, neither came any of the brethren that
showed or spoke any harm of you. But we will hear of you what you
think. For we have heard of this sect, that everywhere it is spoken
against. And when they had appointed him a day, there came many unto
him into his lodging. To whom he expounded and testified the kingdom
of God, and preached unto them of *Jesu: both out of the law of
Moses and also out of the Prophets, even from morning to night. And
some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.
When they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after
that Paul had spoken one word. Well spoke the holy ghost by Esai the
Prophet unto our fathers, saying: Go unto this people and say: with
your ears shall you hear, and shall not understand: and with your
eyes shall you see and shall not perceive.
For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears
were thick of hearing, and their eyes have they closed: least they
should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand
with their hearts, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
Be it known therefore unto you, that this salvation of God is sent
to the gentiles, and they shall hear it. And when he had said that,
the Jewes departed, and had great *despitions among themselves.
And Paul dwelt two years full in his lodging, and received all
that came to him, preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those
things which concerned the Lord Jesus, with all confidence,
unforbidden.
Here ends the
Acts of the Apostles *suffered (allowed) *Jesu: Hebrew name of
Jesus. *despitions (disputations, disputing ) |
Chapters 1-6 |
7-10 |
11-16 |
17-22 |
23-end
| Next Book
|
