15:30-35
On being dismissed (by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem) they (Paul and Barnabas etc) went down to Antioch. They assembled the multitude (of disciples) and handed them the letter (from Jerusalem). On having read it they (the multitude) rejoiced at the exhortation (i.e. telescoped laws). Judas and Silas (sent from Jerusalem) who were prophets themselves addressed the meeting
with much exhortation. They confirmed the brothers (in what they were doing). After having continued a time (at Antioch) these two were farewelled with peace from the brothers and sent back to those (in Jerusalem) who had sent them. But Paul and Barnabas stayed on in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord along with many others.
15:36-41 Now after some days Paul said to Barnabas "Let us return and visit the brothers throughout every city in which we announced the word of the Lord and see how they are." Barnabas wanted to take with them as well John who was called Mark. But Paul thought it fit not to take this person with them given his
withdrawal from them at Pamphylia and not continuing the work with them. There was sharp feeling, such as to separate them from each other. Barnabas took Mark to sail away to Cyprus. But Paul, having chosen Silas went out being commended to the grace (or life) of the Lord by the brothers. He went through Syria and Cilicia confirming the churches.
16:1-10 He (Paul) also came down to Derbe and to Lystra. Now there was a certain disciple there who was called Timothy. He was the son of a faithful Jewish woman. But his father was a Greek. He was well spoken of by the brothers in Lystra and Iconium. Paul wanted to take this man with him on his travels. So, taking him apart he circumcised him because of the Jews in that area. They knew that he (Timothy) had a Greek father. As they went through the cities they urged them (the disciples) to keep to the decrees decided upon by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem. The churches were therefore
strengthened in the faith and increased in number daily. As they went through the regions of Phrygia and Galatia they were prevented by the Holy Spirit from speaking the word in Asia. On coming opposite Mysia they attempted to go into Bithynia. But the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them. So passing by Mysia they came down to Troas. During the night Paul had a vision. A man from Macedonia appeared. He was begging him (Paul) and saying. Cross into Macedonia and help us. So after the vision that he saw we immediately sought to go forth to Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to evangelize them.
16:11-40 Setting sail from Troas we ran a straight course to Samothracia then on the next day to Neapolis and then to Phillippi. This is the first part of Macedonia, a colony city. We were in this city staying there for some days. On the Sabbath day we went outside the gate (of the city) by a river where we supposed there was a place of prayer. Sitting there we spoke to the women who had come together. Amongst them there was a certain woman whose name was Lydia. She was a dealer in purple dyed garments of the city of Thyatira. She worshipped God and when she heard the things spoken about by Paul the Lord opened up her heart to take heed. When she was baptized together with her household, she asked (us) saying “If you have judged that I am faithful to the Lord come into my house and stay there.” And so she urged us.
Now it happened that as we had gone up to the place of prayer there was a certain slave girl who had the spirit of a python and had come to meet us. She earned a lot of money for her masters by the practice of soothsaying. She followed after Paul and the rest of us crying out and saying "These men are slaves of the God Most High. They announce to you a way of salvation." She continued doing this over many days. Paul was becoming greatly troubled (about this) and turning to the spirit (of the python) he said "I order you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her." It did come out within the same hour. But the masters (of the slave girl), on seeing that their hope of earning money had gone, seized Paul and Silas. They dragged them to the marketplace before the rulers. Then bringing them to the magistrates they said "These men are troubling us greatly in the city. They are Jews and they announce customs which it is not lawful for us to take on because we are Romans. So the crowd rose up together against them. The magistrates tore off their clothes and commanded them to be flogged. There were many stripes laid upon them. Then they were thrown into prison. The jailor was ordered to
keep them secure. On receiving such an order (the jailor) threw them into the inner prison and secured their feet in the stocks. Then about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing a hymn to God. The prisoners listened to them. Then suddenly there was a great earthquake so that the foundations of the jail were shaken. At once all the doors were opened and the bonds of all were loosened. The jailor woke up. Seeing that the doors of the prison had been opened he drew his sword and was about to kill himself. He supposed that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul called out (to him) with a great voice saying "Do not do yourself harm. We are all here." So asking for lights he (the jailor) rushed in. Trembling he fell before Paul and Silas. Then he led them forward outside and said "Sirs what should I do to be saved?" They said. "Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved together with your household." So they spoke the word of God to him as well as to those in his household. And so taking them in that hour of the night he washed where they had been whipped. (Then) he and all of his household were baptised at once. Then bringing them into the house he set a table before them. He with all his household celebrated and believed in God.
When day came the magistrates sent the police saying "Release those men." The jailor announced this to Paul. The police had been sent to release you. Go now in peace. But Paul said to them (the jailor and police) "They (the magistrates) have beaten us publicly without our being condemned. And we are Roman citizens. (Then) they threw us into prison. Now they want to expel us secretly. No indeed. Rather let them come themselves to let us out." So the police reported these words to the magistrates. Now (the magistrates) were afraid on hearing that they (Paul and Silas) were Roman citizens. Coming they pleaded with them and bringing them out (of the prison) they asked them to go away from the city. And so going out from the prison (Paul and Silas) went to the house of Lydia. Then after seeing and exhorting the brothers, they departed.
17:1-34 Travelling through Amphipolis and Apollonia they came to Thessalonica where there was a Jewish synagogue. According to Paul's custom he entered it and over a period of three Sabbaths he lectured to them from the Scriptures. Opening these up he set (the Scriptures) before them showing that it was fitting that Christ should suffer and rise again from the dead. (He said) "This Jesus whom I am telling you about was and is, the Christ." Some of them were persuaded and threw in their lot with Paul and Silas. This included a great number of worshipping Greeks and not a few of the leading women. But the Jews became jealous. Taking aside some wicked men who were lounging around in the market place and gathering up a crowd they disturbed the city. (Then) coming on to the house of Jason they sought to bring them (Paul and Silas) out to the mob. But on not
finding them they dragged out Jason and some of the brothers (and took them) to the authorities crying "These men having turned the world upside down, have now arrived here and have been received by Jason. They are all acting contrary to the decrees of Caesar. They claim someone else called Jesus is king." And so they troubled the crowd. The authorities on hearing these things and charging Jason and the rest a fine, they released them.
Then during the night the brothers quickly sent out both Paul and Silas to Beroea. Then on arriving here they went to the Jewish synagogue. Here the people were more noble than those in Thessalonica. They received the word with all eagerness. They examined the Scriptures daily to see whether or not these things (claimed by Paul) were so. And so many of them believed. Also (believing) were honourable Greek women and not a few (Greek) men.
17:13-34 But when the Jews from Thessalonica found out
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that they (Paul and Silas) were also in Beroea and the word of God was announced by Paul, they came here also, stirring up and troubling the crowds. So the brothers immediately sent Paul away as far as the sea. But Silas and Timothy stayed on there. The people conducting Paul brought him as far as Athens. Then he directed them that Silas and Timothy should come as soon as possible. And so those who had brought him here departed.
In Athens, while Paul was waiting for them (Silas and Timothy) he was provoked within his spirit on seeing the city to be full of images (of gods). He therefore addressed the Jews in the synagogue and those who worshipped (c/f non-Jews outside the city) and also people in the market place who happened to be there. Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers fell into discussion with him. Some said "What does this ignorant plagiarist want to say?" Others said "He seems to be an announcer of foreign demons because he is preaching about Jesus and the resurrrection. And so taking hold of him they led him to the Areopagus saying "Can you help us to know about this new teaching you are talking about. For you are bringing startling things to our ears. We therefore want to know what these things may be." Now all Athenians and the foreigners who lived there, use their leisure to either talk about nothing that is different or they want to hear something new. So standing up in the midst of the Areopagus Paul said. "Athenian people I notice you are very religious in everything. Passing along and looking up at the objects of your
worship I found also an altar on which had been inscribed "To an unknown God." You (even) reverence what you are ignorant about. (So) I announce this to you. The God who made the world and all things in it, this one who is Lord of heaven and earth does not dwell in hand-made shrines. Nor is he served by human hands as he is not in need of anything. He gives life and breath and everything. He made every nation of people to live on the face of the earth out of one (man, Adam). He has appointed the seasons (for every nation) and the boundaries of their habitation. (He has made all people so that they) might sense God and may find him. Yet He is he is not far from every one of us. In him we live and move and have our being. Some of you who are poets have indeed said "We are his offspring." As offspring therefore of God, we should not supposed him to be made of gold or silver or stone or an engraved work of art. Nor is the divine nature like what man may consider. In times of ignorance God may have overlooked this. But God now declares to all people everywhere to repent. He set a day in which he is about the judge the inhabited earth according to righteousness. This is by a man whom he designated. He has offered a guarantee (of a just hearing) to all, by raising him out of the dead.
Now on hearing about a resurrection of someone from the dead some (Greeks) scoffed. Others said "We will hear you about this another time."
So Paul went out from amongst them. But some people kept with him and believed. Amongst these were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman whose name was Damaria and others with them.
18:1-6 After this he (Paul) left Athens and came to Corinth. He found a certain Jew called Aquila, a native of Pontus. (Aquila) had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla because Claudius had commanded that all the Jews were to leave Rome. He (Paul) went to see them because he was of the same trade as himself that is, they were tent-makers. And so he remained with them. On every Sabbath day he lectured in
the synagogue and persuaded both Jew and Greeks (towards his position). (Then), when both Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia. Paul was urged by the word to give solemn witness to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ. But when they resisted and blasphemed he shook off his garments and said to them. "Your blood be upon your own head. I am clean of it and from now on I will go to the nations (non-Jews).
18:7-23 And so on leaving from there (the synagogue in Corinth) he went into the house of a person named Titus Justus who worshipped God. His house was actually next door to the synagogue. Now Crispus the synagogue ruler believed in the Lord (Jesus) as well as all his household. (In fact) many of the Corinthians on hearing (Paul) believed and were baptized. (Then) one night the Lord spoke to Paul through a vision. "Do not be afraid but speak out and do not keep silent. I am with you. Nobody will set upon you to ill treat you because people in this city mean much to me. So (Paul) sat a year and six months teaching the word of God amongst them. When Gallio was proconsul of Achaia the Jews set upon Paul with one mind and brought him to the tribunal saying. This man urges men to worship God differently from the law. When Paul was about to open his mouth Gallio said to the Jews. "If indeed this was a crime or some villainous evil Jews (who were brought by you), I would rightly heed you. But if this is a matter
concerning a word and names and the law according to yourselves you will need to see to it yourselves. I do not intend to be a judge over it. And so he drove them away from the tribunal. But they all seized Sosthenes the synagogue ruler and they struck him in front of the tribunal. But none of this mattered to Gallio. Paul stayed on for many days but then he bade farewell to the brothers and sailed away to Syria. With him were Priscilla and Aquila. (Paul) had taken on a vow at Cenchrea and so shore his head. They came down to Ephesus. He left them (Priscilla and Aquila) there But he himself went into the synagogue and lectured to the Jews. They asked him to remain for a longer time but he did not consent to this. Rather he bade them farewell saying "God willing I will return to you." He then set sail from Ephesus and coming down to Caesarea he went and greeted the church. Then he went down to Antioch. Having spent some time there he departed in order to go through the district of Galatia and Phrygia and confirm all the disciples.
18:24 -19:41 There was a certain Jew called Apollos who was an Alexandrian by race. He was an eloquent man who was well versed in the Scriptures and who came to Ephesus. This man had been orally instructed in the way of the Lord. He was very keen and spoke and taught about Jesus in an accurate way. However he only had an understanding of the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. On hearing about him Priscilla and Aquila took him aside and explained the way of God to him more accurately. When he intended to go on through Achaia he was encouraged by the brothers who wrote to the disciples telling them to welcome him. When he arrived he greatly contributed to those who had believed (in salvation) through grace (the life of God). He argued with the Jews vehemently in public and proved, through the Scriptures, to be the Christ. 19:1 Now it happened that while Apollos was in Corinth Paul had passed through the upper parts of the country and came to Ephesus where he found some disciples. He said to them. Have you believed in and received the Holy Spirit?" They said to him We have not even heard of the Holy Spirit." He said “To what therefore were you baptised? (c/f converted)?” They said "To the baptism of John."
Paul said "John baptized a baptism of repentance to the people, telling them they should believe in the one coming after him. This one is Jesus." On hearing this they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Paul laid his hands on them and the Holy Spirit came upon them. They spoke in tongues and prophesied.
All told, there were about twelve men there. And then entering into the synagogue he (Paul) spoke boldly over three months lecturing and persuading people concerning the kingdom of God. But as some people were hardened and disobeyed (the Spirit?), speaking ill of 'the way' before the multitude, he (Paul) withdrew. He lectured the disciples separately every day in the school of Tyrannus. This went on over two years so that all who inhabited Asia came to hear the word of the Lord. This included both Jews and Greeks.
19:11-20 And God worked powerful deeds that were not ordinary, through the hands of Paul. These works were such that even things that had touched his skin such as handkerchiefs or aprons which were put onto people, rid them of their diseases and evil spirits went out of them.
But there were also some itinerate Jews who attempted exorcism. They pronounced the name of the Lord Jesus over evil
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spirits saying "I adjure you (to leave) by the Jesus that Paul proclaims." There was a Jewish chief priest named Sceva with seven sons who were doing this. But the evil spirit answered and said to them "Jesus indeed I know and Paul I understand. But who are you?" And the (possessed), man
leapt upon them He was strong against them and overpowered them. (But) they escaped out of that house naked and wounded. This (event) became known to all the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus. Fear fell upon all of them and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. There were many people who believed and came confessing and talking about what they had done. A considerable number of them who practised magic brought their rolls (c/f books) together and burned them before all. They reckoned the prices of these (rolls) and found them to be worth five thousand pieces of silver. Thus by the might of the Lord the word increased and was strong.
19:21-41 And when these things were completed Paul decided within his spirit to pass through Macedonia and Achaia and go to Jerusalem. He was saying "What should I do? It behoves me to see Rome as well." And sending two of the people ministering to him, that is Timothy and Erastus, into Macedonia he stayed for a time in Asia. Now there was at about that time no small amount of trouble concerning 'the way'. There was someone called Demetrius who was a silversmith. He made silver shrines of Artemis and provided the artisans with no small amount of trade. He assembled the workmen connected with this and said "Men you understand that this trade is our livelihood. You see and hear that not only in Ephesus but in almost all of Asia Paul has persuaded a considerable crowd of people saying that what we make are not gods. Now this is endangers our livelihood bringing it into disrepute. Also the temple of the great goddess Artemis is reckoned as nothing and her greatness is diminished. Yet all of Asia and the inhabited earth worship her. On hearing (this) and becoming full of anger they (the workmen) cried out saying "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians." Thus the city was filled with confusion and they (the crowd) rushed with one mind into the theatre keeping a firm grip on the Macedonians, Gaius and Aristarchus; who were traveling companions of Paul. Paul intended to go into the mob but the disciples would not allow him. There were also some of the Asiarchs who were his friends who
sent messages to him and begged him not to go into the theatre himself. Others indeed cried out something different. For the assembly was in confusion and most people did not know why they had come together. Some of the crowd instructed Alexander whom the Jews put forward (to speak to the crowd). Alexander waved his hand wanting to make a defence. But knowing that he was a Jew there was the one voice from all, over a period of about two hours, crying out "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians." (Eventually) the town clerk quietened the crowd saying "Fellow Ephesians who indeed amongst men does not know that (people of) the city of the Ephesians are not the temple wardens of the great Artemis and the image that has fallen from the sky? These things are undeniable and necessary. Therefore you should be quiet and do nothing rash. You have brought these men here and they are neither temple robbers nor blasphemers against your goddess. If therefore Demetrius and those artisans with him have an account against anyone, the courts are held and proconsuls are there. Let them bring a charge against (these men). But if there is anything further that you want, it will be settled in the lawful assembly. Indeed we are in danger of being charged with insurrection to-day (by the Romans). For there is no cause of concern that we can account for to justify (all) this commotion.) And so, after saying these things he dismissed the assembly.
20:1-38 After the uproar ceased Paul summoned the disciples and after exhorting them he took leave and left to go to Macedonia. Then having gone through those parts and having exhorted them with much speech he came into Greece. After spending three months there and because there was a plot against him by the Jews he was about to set sail for Syria. He had a mind to return through Macedonia. Accompanying him were Sopater (son) of Pyrrhus a Beroean, and the Thessalonians Aristarchus and Secundus, and Gaius who was a Derbean and Timothy. There were the Asians Tychicus and Trophimus. These men went forward and waited for us in Troas. After the days of unleavened bread we sailed away from Philippi and in five days we came to them at Troas where we stayed seven days. On the first day of the Sabbath we were assembled to break bread. Paul lectured to them (the assembly) because he was about to leave the next day. He continued his speech until midnight. Now there were a considerable number of lamps in the upper room (where) we were assembled. There was a certain young man named Eutychus sitting on the window sill. He was overcome by a deep sleep since Paul lectured for a longer time than usual. Overcome by sleep (Eutychus) fell from the third floor down onto the ground and was picked up dead. But going down Paul lay over him and embraced him closely. He said "Do not be terrified for life is in him." And going upstairs and breaking the bread and eating it he conversed for a considerable time until it was daylight. Then he departed. They brought (in) the lad who was alive and they were comforted (about this) in no small way. We got onto the ship (that was) setting sail to Assos. We then intended to pick up Paul as arranged because he was intending to go (there) on foot. Now when he met with us in Assos we brought him on board and we came to Mitylene. Sailing from there the next day we arrived off Chios and (then went on to) Samos. Next we came to Miletus. Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus so that he would not spend time in Asia for he was in a hurry. (He was hoping) if possible for him to be in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost. From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and summoned the elders of the church. When they came to him he said to them. "You understand that from the first day I set foot in Asia how I lived the whole time. (I was) serving the Lord with all humility and with the tears and trials that were happening to me because of the plots of the Jews. I kept nothing back of
things that would be beneficial to declare and publicly teach you from house to house. (I was) solemnly witnessing both to Jews and to Greeks (the need for) repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus. And now behold I have been bound by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem so I can meet with what is unknown, apart from the fact that the Holy Spirit has solemnly shown me in every city, that bonds and afflictions wait for me. But I make no account of my life. What is precious to me is that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus. This is to solemnly witness to the gospel (good news) of the grace (life) of God. So now behold I know that you will not see my face again, neither will you, nor all (those) amongst whom I went about proclaiming the kingdom. So I witness to you today that I am clean of the blood of all men. I did not refrain from declaring to you all the counsel of God. Take care of yourselves and also all the flock. The Holy Spirit has given it to you to oversee and shepherd the church of God which he acquired through the blood of his own (son). I know that after my departure wolves will come in causing grief amongst you and who will not spare the flock. (Also) men will rise up from amongst yourselves speaking perverted things (in order) to drag the disciples away after them. Therefore keep watch. Remember that for three years, night and day I did not cease admonishing with tears each one of you And now I commend you to the Lord and to the grace of his word. (This will) enable you to build and to pass on the inheritance of all those who have been sanctified (with the life of grace). I have not coveted anyone's silver or gold or clothing. You yourselves know that my own hands ministered to my needs and to those (of the people) who were with me. I showed you all things so that in thus labour it was fitting to help those ailing (in faith) and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that is, when he said "It is blessed to give rather than to receive." And so having said these things and kneeling down with all of them he (Paul) prayed. There was considerable weeping amongst all. They fell onto Paul's neck and fervently kissed him. They were suffering most over the word that he had said - that they would never see his face again. And so they escorted him to the ship
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(Note: Text is mainly a paraphrase of the Literal translation in the RSV Interlinear Greek-English New Testament, 1988)
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