Acts 15

 ¹And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved. While Paul and Barnabas were in Antioch, some men from Judea (Legalist of the old law), arrived and started to teach the believers that unless one is not circumcised, they could not be saved. (Colossians 2:8-17). Circumcision of the heart applies to us today. (It is the spiritual circumcision that is important for salvation).

 ²When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question. After arguing a while on the subject, Paul and Barnabas were sent up to Jerusalem to talk with the apostles about the matter.

 ³And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren. On the way to Jerusalem they stopped by Phenice and Samaria to visit some of the believers, telling them that the gentiles were being converted also.

 ⁴And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them. They reported to the others about what God had been doing through their ministry.

 ⁵But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. Some that were Pharisees before they were converted declared that all gentiles must be circumcised and follow the Jewish customs and ceremonies. (Follow the law of Moses).

 ⁶And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter. They came together for a discussion.

 ⁷And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. Peter stood up and said to the others; God chose me from long ago to preach the Good News to the gentiles, so that they could also believe.

 ⁸And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us. God has given the gentiles the Holy Spirit, just as he did for us. (We heard the gentiles speak in the Pentecostal tongue). A language heard in every dialect that was spoken. "Not an unknown tongue."

 ⁹And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. God cleansed their lives through faith just as He did ours. (No difference).

 ¹⁰Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? Don't burden the gentiles with a yoke that we were not able to bear. (Its not there any longer).

 ¹¹But we believe that through the grace of the LORD Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. All are saved the same way, by the free gift of God.

 ¹²Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them. The discussion was over, and Paul and Barnabas told them about all the miracles God had done through them among the gentiles. (Remember it is God doing the miracles, not man).

 ¹³And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me. When they finished, James stood up and said; Brothers, listen to me.

 ¹⁴Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. Peter told you about God visiting the gentiles to take from them people to honor His name.

 ¹⁵And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written. The fact that the gentiles were converted agrees with what the prophets predicted. (Isaiah 11:10).

 ¹⁶After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up. I will renew the broken contract with David. (Amos 9:11).

 ¹⁷That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things. So that the gentiles (whom so-ever will), also find the Lord.

 ¹⁸Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. The Lord revealing His plan right from the beginning.

 ¹⁹Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God. Don't insist that the gentiles who turn to God need to be bothered with our Jewish laws.

 ²⁰But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood. However, they should obey the health laws. (You don't want to eat unhealthy foods because they are not prepared correctly).

 ²¹For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day. Speaking of the law of Moses.

 ²²Then pleased it the apostles and elders with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas and Silas, chief men among the brethren. The apostles and elders along with the whole congregation sent Judas and Silas to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas as delegates to report on this decision.

 ²³And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia. They took a written letter with them from the apostles and elders at Jerusalem.

 ²⁴Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment. These men who troubled you with their teachings came on their own accord, they were not sent by us. (Don't listen to them).

 ²⁵It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul. We sent you representatives along with Paul and Barnabas.

 ²⁶Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. They stuck to the Word and risked their lives for the Lord Jesus Christ. (They were truthful teachers).

 ²⁷We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth. Sent to confirm what they have decided about their question.

 ²⁸For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things. To give you no greater burden than these few requirements from the law.

 ²⁹That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well. Abstain from food offered to idols, blood or meat from strangled animals, and from sexual immorality. (Harlotry, adultery, incest, idolatry). Why? So not to offend the unlearned.

 ³⁰So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle. The four messengers went to Antioch, called a general meeting and gave them the letter.

 ³¹Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation. They read the letter and they all rejoiced.

 ³²And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them. Judas and Silas were both gifted speakers who preached to the believers, strengthening their faith.

 ³³And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles. Judas and Silas stayed several days and went with the apostles.

 ³⁴Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still. Silas was against it, but it still pleased him to stay in Antioch.

 ³⁵Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also. Paul and Barnabas stayed at Antioch to assist the others who were teaching there.

 ³⁶And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the LORD, and see how they do. Paul suggested to Barnabas that they return to Turkey, and visit each city where they had preached the Word to see how the new believers were doing. (The Holy Spirit sent them on a mission from God).

 ³⁷And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. Barnabas wanted to take John Mark with them.

 ³⁸But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. Paul didn't like the idea since John Mark deserted them in Pamphylia. (Mark didn't hang around when the going got tough).

 ³⁹And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus. They disagreed on this matter and split up. Barnabas took Mark with him and went to Cyprus. (The Holy Spirit divided them for a reason).

 ⁴⁰And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God. Paul took Silas with the blessings of the believers.

 ⁴¹And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches. They left for Syria and Cilicia, to encourage the churches there. (Doing the work of the Holy Spirit).

Acts 16

 ¹Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek. Paul and Silas went to Derbe and then on to Lystra where they met Timothy. Son of a Jewish woman and Greek father. (A Hellenist is of the Greek culture, but still under Roman rule and a Roman citizen).

 ²Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium. Timothy was well liked by the brethren at Lystra and Iconium.

 ³Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek. Paul asked Timothy to join them on their mission, and circumcised him because of the Jews that were present. (They knew that Timothy's father was a Greek).

 ⁴And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem. They were bringing the Word of God to the gentiles.

 ⁵And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily. The church grew in faith and numbers. (When you teach the truth of the Word, your ministry will grow).

 ⁶Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia. Now when Paul, Silas and Timothy traveled through Phrygia and Galatia, the Holy Spirit told them not to go into the Turkish province of Asia (Asia Minor), at the time.

 ⁷After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not. Traveling along the borders of Mysia, they headed north towards the province of Bithynia, but again the Holy Spirit told them not to go there. (Bithynia was an ancient region of Anatolia and Roman province in the northwest of Asia Minor). "Listen to God, He is always in control."

 ⁸And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas. So they went through Mysia province to the city of Troas. (Paul's home town).

 ⁹And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us. Paul had a vision in a dream and he saw a man over in Macedonia, Greece, pleading with him to come over and help them. (It has been suggested that Paul had met Luke, and that it was Luke that was seen in Paul's vision). Luke was doing most of the scribing for Paul at this time.

 ¹⁰And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them. They came to the conclusion that the Lord wanted them to go into Macedonia and preach the Good News.

 ¹¹Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis. They took a boat at Troas, and sailed straight across to Samothrace and Neapolis.

 ¹²And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days. They finally reached Philippi, a Roman colony just inside the Macedonian border.

 ¹³And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither. On the Sabbath, they went outside the city to a river bank where some people met for prayer. (Most of them were women).

 ¹⁴And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. One of the women named Lydia, who was a saleswomen from Thyatira, who sold purple material. She was a worshipper of God and listened and accepted the teachings of Paul.

 ¹⁵And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us. She was baptized along with her whole household, and asked them to be her guests; if they agreed that she was faithful to the Lord.

 ¹⁶And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying. This girl was a demon possessed (serpent spirit), fortune teller (soothsayer), that earned money for her master.

 ¹⁷The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. She followed Paul and the others shouting. Building them up using scripture, probably a little on the sarcastic side. (Just as Satan does). Do not be deceived by Satan!

 ¹⁸And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour. Paul commanded the demon out of her in Jesus name. (We have power over evil spirits in Jesus name).

 ¹⁹And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers. Their livelihood was at stake here and they wanted Paul and Silas stopped.

 ²⁰And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city. The whole city is in an uproar over these Jews.

 ²¹And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans. Their teaching customs that are illegal for us Romans to practice. (Keep in mind that Paul was of the tribe of Benjamin "Romans 11:1," and a Roman citizen). It is said that "Silas" was a Roman citizen like Paul. (Also known as Silvanus, a Roman cognomen meaning “wood,” and the same name as the Roman god Silvanus).

 ²²And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them. A mob quickly formed and the officials ordered them to be stripped of their clothes and beaten with wooden rods. "There is a big problem here." (They broke the law by beating a Roman citizen without a trial).

 ²³And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely. They were cast into prison and the jailer was held responsible that they did not escape.

 ²⁴Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. The jailer put them into the inner dungeon and clamped their feet in chains. (He did not want them to escape, or it would be his but on the line).

 ²⁵And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. They prayed to the Lord and the other prisoners understood with belief.

 ²⁶And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed. Here we have direct intervention of the Holy Spirit that caused the earthquake and freed the prisoners.

 ²⁷And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. The jailer woke up and assumed the prisoners had all escaped and wanted to kill himself. (It would have been a death sentence for him anyway).

 ²⁸But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here. Paul cried out to him to stop! Don't kill yourself, we are all here.

 ²⁹Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas. The jailer called for a light to see and entered the jail trembling. (He didn't know what to expect).

 ³⁰And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? The jailer brought them out of the prison and asked Paul and Silas what he must do to be saved. (Sometimes it takes a little shaking up for one to become a believer).

 ³¹And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And so it is; "All who believe upon the Lord Jesus Christ shall be saved." (John 3:16).

 ³²And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. Paul and Silas shared the Word with him and his whole family. (The whole family becoming believers and wanted to be saved).

 ³³And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. The jailer cared for their wounds and him and his whole family were baptized.

 ³⁴And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house. The jailer fed them, and they all rejoiced because they all believed in God. (The whole household converted by the Holy Spirit).

 ³⁵And when it was day, the magistrates sent the serjeants, saying, Let those men go. The next morning, the officials sent the police to tell the jailer to let them go. (All arranged by the Holy Spirit). When God wants to turn heads and change minds, He does it... "God is in control." (Lets see what happens now).

 ³⁶And the keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul, The magistrates have sent to let you go: now therefore depart, and go in peace. The officials told me to let you and Silas free. Go in peace.

 ³⁷But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out. Paul said; "No way." They broke the law by having us beaten and thrown in jail without a trial. "We are Roman citizens." Let them come themselves to release us. Paul knew how the Romans persecuted Christians (He was a Roman soldier himself), and He wanted to protect them by not being so quick to judge Christians in the future.

 ³⁸And the serjeants told these words unto the magistrates: and they feared, when they heard that they were Romans. When the police became aware they were Roman citizens, they got a little nerves. (They knew they arrested the wrong guys).

 ³⁹And they came and besought them, and brought them out, and desired them to depart out of the city. The magistrates came to the jail and apologized to them and begged them to leave the city.

 ⁴⁰And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed. So, Paul and Silas left the city and returned to Lydia. There they met with the other believers and encouraged them once more. Remember, when you are falsely accused, trust in the Heavenly Father. "He always takes care of His own."

Acts 17

 ¹Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews. Paul and Silas traveled through the cities and came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue.

 ²And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures. It was Paul's custom to go there and preach on the Sabbath days teaching the Word.

 ³Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ. Paul explained the prophecies about the sufferings of Jesus and His coming back to life, proving He was the Messiah. (The Anointed One).

 ⁴And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few. Many of the Greeks believed and became converts along with many important women of the city.

 ⁵But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people. Of course the Jewish leaders were jealous and incited some unbelievers from the streets to start a riot. Attacking the home of Jason, planning to take Paul and Silas to the city council for punishment.

 ⁶And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also. They did not find Paul or Silas, so they took Jason and some of the other believers before the council instead. (They were accusing Paul and Silas of turning things upside down). They were drawing people away from the religionist by teaching the truth and they did not like it.

 ⁷Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus. The religionist were trying to say that Paul and Silas were claiming that Christ was another earthly king instead of Caesar. "Christ never claimed to be an earthly king such as Caesar." (Luke 20:25, Mark 12:17). However, He would become King of King's and Lord of Lord's. (Revelation 17:14, 19:16, 1 Timothy 6:15).

 ⁸And they troubled the people and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things. The people and the judges of the city were concerned of these reports.

 ⁹And when they had taken security of Jason, and of the other, they let them go. They let Jason and the other believers go after they posted bail.

 ¹⁰And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. Paul and Silas left for Berea (also known as Beroea), and headed for the synagogue to preach.

 ¹¹These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. The people of Berea were more open minded and listened to the teachings of Paul and Silas. Why? Because they searched the scriptures and found out what they were teaching was true. "A good lesson for all of us." (Never believe any man, or women without checking them out in the Word of God). If they teach a bunch of nonsense and traditions of men, get away from them.

 ¹²Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few. As a result, many of the prominent Greek men and women believed also.

 ¹³But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people. But as usual, when the Jews of Thessalonica heard that Paul was preaching the Word in Berea, they went to stir up trouble. (You will always have some trouble when you teach the truth). Most people set in their religious ways will not except the truth. They have already been deceived and will not listen to you.

 ¹⁴And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode there still. The believers acted quickly and sent Paul to the coast, while Silas and Timothy stayed behind to keep the Word going.

 ¹⁵And they that conducted Paul brought him unto Athens: and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed, they departed. Those who went with Paul brought him to Athens and then returned to Berea to get Silas and Timothy because they were needed there.

 ¹⁶Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry. Paul was troubled because of all the idols he saw throughout the city.

 ¹⁷Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him. Paul went to the synagogues for teaching with the Jews and the devout Gentiles, and spoke in the public square to all who would listen.

 ¹⁸Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection. When Paul met with some of the Epicureans (worldly ones), and Stoic philosophers, their reaction when Paul told them about Jesus and the resurrection was; "He is pushing some foreign religion."

 ¹⁹And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is? But, they invited Paul to the forum at Mars Hill to hear more about this new doctrine. (Here is a place that anything goes when it came to teaching).

 ²⁰For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean. They never heard this doctrine before and wanted to hear more.

 ²¹(For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.) Everyone here spends their time discussing their new ideas. (Always some new doctrine of men, never quite getting to the truth of Christianity). Sound familiar? How is your church doing?

 ²²Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. Paul addressed them saying; I see that you are very religious. (However, Christianity is not a religion, it is a reality).

 ²³For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. I found an altar "To The Unknown God." One you have been worshipping without knowing who He is. Now I will tell you about him.

 ²⁴God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands. God made the world and everything in it, and is the Lord of Heaven and earth. However, He does not live in man-made temples. (He is not an image, or house, He is real).

 ²⁵Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things. You can't minister to His needs, for He gives life and breath to everything.

 ²⁶And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation. This should be translated; He created all the nations "mankind" (Genesis 1:27), from the soil (clay) of the earth. God formed man from organic material, not blood. (Genesis 2:7). (You will not find the word "blood" in the original manuscripts). God created all the races on the sixth day. (All the races did not come from Adam and Eve as many believe). Read out study topic titled: "This Man Adam" for a better understanding.

 ²⁷That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us. His purpose is that they should seek after God. Even though He is not far away from us.

 ²⁸For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. For in Him we live and have our being. We are the sons of God! (We are of His kind), we are made in the image of God.

 ²⁹Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device. If this is true, we should not think of God as an image, or idol made from men. (God is real), just as we are real.

 ³⁰And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent. God tolerated mans ignorance in the past about these things, but now He commands us to put away these man made idols and to worship only Him.

 ³¹Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. He has set a day for justly judging the world through Christ, and pointed Him out by bringing Him back to life again. (Many of them didn't believe in life after death).

 ³²And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter. When Paul spoke of the resurrection of this one man (Christ), some laughed at him, while others wanted to hear more later.

 ³³So Paul departed from among them. So Paul ended his discussion with them.

 ³⁴Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them. However, a few joined Paul and became believers. Dionysius, (a member of city council), a woman named Damaris, and those who were with them. (Teach the truth and you will always find believers with the help of the Holy Spirit).

Acts 18

 ¹After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth. Moved on to Corinth. (Capital of Corinthia and a powerful commercial center).

 ²And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them. There Paul met a Jew named Aquila who had recently arrived from Italy with his wife Priscilla. (Under the order of Claudius Caesar to deport all Jews from Rome).

 ³And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers. They were tent makers just like Paul. (Paul earned his keep). Yes, he had a real job.

 ⁴And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks. Paul preached to the Jews and Greeks every Sabbath at the synagogue.

 ⁵And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ. After the arrival of Silas and Timothy, Paul spent his time testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah.

 ⁶And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean; from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles. The Jews opposed Paul's teachings and Paul just shook the dust from his robe and told them that their blood was upon their own heads. They would not listen to him, so Paul said that from now on he would preach to the gentiles. (When people do not want to hear the truth of the Word, don't waist you time with them). There are many people who are starving for truth that will listen.

 ⁷And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man's house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue. Paul stayed with Titus Justus, a Gentile who worshipped God and lived next to the synagogue.

 ⁸And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized. However, Crispus, the leader of the synagogue, and all his household believed in the Lord and they were all baptized (as Christians), along with many others in Corinth.

 ⁹Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace. The Lord told Paul in a vision not to be afraid. To speak out with the truth and don't stop.

 ¹⁰For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city. God was with Paul, and many people in the city that believed would protect him. (Paul didn't fear anything because the Holy Spirit was with him).

 ¹¹And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. So Paul remained their for the next year and a half, teaching the truth of Gods Word.

 ¹²And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat. When Gallio became governor of Achaia, the Jews rose against Paul and brought him before Gallio for judgment.

 ¹³Saying, This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law. They accused Paul of teaching men to worship God in ways that were contrary to Roman law. (Not Gods law).

 ¹⁴And when Paul was now about to open his mouth, Gallio said unto the Jews, If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O ye Jews, reason would that I should bear with you. Gallio said to the Jews that he would be glad to hear their case, if it was involving some crime against Paul.

 ¹⁵But if it be a question of words and names, and of your law, look ye to it; for I will be no judge of such matters. But, don't bother me with your silly Jewish laws. (The Romans thought that religion was a bunch of superstition at this time).

 ¹⁶And he drave them from the judgment seat. Gallio wanted nothing to do with it and drove them out of the courtroom. (The Holy Spirit being in control of the situation).

 ¹⁷Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. And Gallio cared for none of those things. Then the mob took Sosthenes (the new leader of the synagogue), and beat him outside the synagogue. Gallio didn't care less. (Sosthenes was a good man).

 ¹⁸And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow. After that, Paul said bye to the Christians and sailed for the coast of Syria, taking Priscilla and Aquila with him. "Paul had taken the vow of a Nazarite." (Numbers 6). He had to attend the feast of Pentecost.

 ¹⁹And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews. When he came to Ephesus, Paul went to the synagogue for a discussion with the Jews.

 ²⁰When they desired him to tarry longer time with them, he consented not. They wanted Paul to stay a while, but he felt that he had no time to lose.

 ²¹But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus. Paul wanted to arrive in Jerusalem in time for the holiday. But, he promised to return if it be God's will. (Always do things in God's will when your working for Him).

 ²²And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up, and saluted the church, he went down to Antioch. When Paul reached the port of Caesarea, he visited the church there and then sailed to Antioch.

 ²³And after he had spent some time there, he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples. After preaching the Word there for a while, Paul left for Turkey, going through Galatia and Phrygia, encouraging the believers to grow in the Lord.

 ²⁴And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. A Jew named Apollos, who was a believer and well equipped in the scriptures, arrived in Ephesus from Alexandria in Egypt.

 ²⁵This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. He was familiar with the teachings of John the Baptist about Jesus, but that is all he knew. (Word of mouth took a while to travel in those days).

 ²⁶And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly. He preached boldly in the synagogue that "The Messiah is coming; Get ready to receive Him!" Priscilla and Aquila heard him preach and after his powerful sermon, met with him and explained to him what had happened to Jesus since the time of John.

 ²⁷And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace. Apollos went to Greece with the encouragement of the believers. When he arrived he was welcome and was greatly used by God to strengthen the church.

 ²⁸For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publicly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ. Apollos convinced the Jews in public debates, and by the scriptures, he showed them that Jesus was indeed the Messiah. (Refuted all the Jewish arguments by showing them in the scriptures). The Word of God changes minds and lives when one hears the truth.

Acts 19

 ¹And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples. Paul went on the road again to Ephesus and met up with several disciples.

 ²He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. Paul asked them; Did they received the Holy Spirit when they became believers? No, they replied; what is the Holy Spirit?

 ³And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. What belief did you acknowledge when you were baptized? We believed what John the Baptist taught.

 ⁴Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. Paul explained to them that those receiving his baptism must go on to believe in Jesus. "John told them that Jesus would be the one to come later as the Messiah."

 ⁵When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

 ⁶And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. Paul laid his hand upon their head and the Holy Spirit came upon them. They spoke in other languages and prophesied. (This would be the same Holy Spirit like on Pentecost day). It was a cloven (thoroughly distributed) tongue, not an unknown tongue. Everyone heard the prophecies in their own dialect, or language. (Acts 2:3-8).

 ⁷And all the men were about twelve. Twelve disciples were present.

 ⁸And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God. Paul preached boldly in the synagogue each Sabbath day for the next three months telling them what he believed and why. With his boldness (not holding anything back), Paul persuaded many to believe in Jesus.

 ⁹But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus. Some rejected Paul's teachings and publicly spoke against Christ, so Paul left and refused to preach to them again. Paul took the believers and started his own meeting right in the main lecture hall of Tyrannus.

 ¹⁰And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks. For the next two years Paul preached the Good News to everyone in the Turkish province of Ausia. Both Jews and Greeks heard the Lords message.

 ¹¹And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul. God gave Paul the power through the Holy Spirit to perform wonderful miracles among the people.

 ¹²So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them. Even when parts of his clothes were placed upon the sick, they were healed, and demons came out of them. (Remember it was God doing the healing, not Paul). Don't listen to these false teachers that think they have healing power. Their fakes! It is only God that can give you a healing through the Holy Spirit, not any man.

 ¹³Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the LORD Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth. Then certain vagabond Jews (residents of Judah), who were probably Kenites, and were known for casting out demons, planned to experiment. They were going to try and use the name of Jesus like Paul. (This is a big mistake for an unbeliever to try). You can't con God!

 ¹⁴And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. It was a Jewish priest that was going to try an exorcism. However, he really wasn't a believer.

 ¹⁵And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? When he tried it on a man that was possessed by a demon, the demon replied that he knew Jesus and Paul. Then the demon asked; who are you? This demon wasn't afraid of this priest. We as believers have power over Satan and his demons (Luke 10:19), but these guys had nothing. Again, they were not true believes, just a bunch of fakes.

 ¹⁶And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. This demon leaped out of the man and onto the two exorcist and tore them up, so that they fled form the house naked and badly injured. (Don't mess with demons if your not a true believer and have God on your side).

 ¹⁷And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. The story of what happened spread quickly all through Ephesus to both Jews and the Greeks, and fear descended on the city. Then the name of the Lord was greatly honored.

 ¹⁸And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds. Many that believed came to confess their deeds.

 ¹⁹Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. Thos who used black magic also confessed their evil deeds and burned their books and charms in a public bonfire.

 ²⁰So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed. The whole area was stirred up by the Word of God. (Always teach the truth of the Word). If a church begins to dry up and fail it is because there is no truth being taught there. (People are getting wiser in the end times). Well, at least some of us are.

 ²¹After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome. Paul was impelled by the Holy Spirit to go to Greece, before returning to Jerusalem. After that he said that he must go to Rome.

 ²²So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season. Paul sent his two assistants, Timothy and Erastus ahead to Greece. Paul stayed a while longer in Asia. (God was needed there).

 ²³And the same time there arose no small stir about that way. There was some trouble stirring up concerning the Christians in Ephesus.

 ²⁴For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen. The trouble started with Demetrius, who was a silversmith that employed many craftsmen. There main product was making silver shrines of the Greek goddess Diana. (The goddess of hunt to the Greeks, and goddess of the moon in Roman mythology).

 ²⁵Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth. This was their income and they wanted to keep it that way.

 ²⁶Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands. Paul persuaded many people that handmade gods were not gods at all. (The goddess Diana was a fraud and just a part of their mythology and false worship).

 ²⁷So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth. They were in jeopardy of the great goddess Dianna losing influence among the people. (A bunch of false worshippers when they had the true Word right there with them).

 ²⁸And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. They became even more upset when they heard this and started praising their false god.

 ²⁹And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre. The crowds began to gather and the whole city was in confusion. (A bunch of babble going on). They took Gaius and Aristarchus into the amphitheatre for trial.

 ³⁰And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not. Paul wanted to go into the amphitheatre, but the other disciples would not let him. (The disciples knew it was trouble there).

 ³¹And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre. Even some of the Roman officers that knew Paul sent him a message not to enter the amphitheatre. (They knew that Paul could be risking his life if he entered the theatre).

 ³²Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused: and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together. Inside the theatre was nothing but confusion; the people did not even know what they were there for.

 ³³And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto the people. Alexander was spotted by some of the Jews and dragged him forward to speak in his defense.

 ³⁴But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. When the crowd realized that Alexander was also a Jew, they started shouting and praising the great goddess Diana again for about two hours.

 ³⁵And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter? Then the mayor came in and was able to calm down the crowd. He told the crowd that everyone knows that Ephesus is the center of the religion of the great goddess Diana, whose image fell from Jupiter.

 ³⁶Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly. Since this is a fact among us, you should not let it bother you about what is said. Calm down and don't do anything rash. (The Romans were nearby watching).

 ³⁷For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess. These men did not steal anything from the temple, or say anything about your goddess Diana.

 ³⁸Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another. If these craftsmen have anything against these men, the courts are in session and let the judges take care of it.

 ³⁹But if ye enquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly. If there are other matters, they can be settled at the city council meetings.

 ⁴⁰For we are in danger to be called in question for this day's uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse. We are in danger and could be held accountable by the Romans for today's riot, since there is no cause for it. (God is always in control).

 ⁴¹And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly. Then he dismissed them and they all went home. (Again, God is always in control and knows how to manipulate people to His advantage).

Acts 20

 ¹And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia. When the commotion was all over Paul called the disciples together for a farewell message and headed for Greece.

 ²And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece. He preached in all the cities that he passed through on his way to Greece. (Bringing them to the truth in the word).

 ³And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia. After Paul stayed in Greece for three months, he was preparing to sail for Syria when he discovered a plot by the Jews to kill him. Paul them decided to evade them and head north to Macedonia first.

 ⁴And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus. These group of men traveled with Paul as they were returning home to Turkey.

 ⁵These going before tarried for us at Troas. They went ahead of Paul and waited for them at Troas.

 ⁶And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days. When the Passover ceremonies were over, they boarded a ship at Philippi in northern Greece and five days later ended up in Troas. There he remained for seven days.

 ⁷And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. Paul preached to the disciples at the Passover meeting.

 ⁸And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together. Teaching under the flickering lights on the third floor of the building. Three floors of preaching going on. For the deeper student; Paul also taught on three levels. Paul preached to the Gentiles, the kings, and to the children. (Acts 9:15).

 ⁹And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead. Eutychus kind of wondered off and fell asleep while sitting on the window ledge. He fell to the ground from the third floor to his death.

 ¹⁰And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him. Paul raced down to the man and took him in his arms. He told the crowd that the man was fine, and he was. (Touched by the Holy Spirit).

 ¹¹When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed. They all went back up stairs and ate the Lord's supper together, then Paul preached another long sermon.

 ¹²And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted. They all rejoiced because the man was brought back to life. Again, brought back to life by the Holy Spirit.

 ¹³And we went before to ship, and sailed unto Assos, there intending to take in Paul: for so had he appointed, minding himself to go afoot. The disciples sailed ahead to Assos and Paul went by foot.

 ¹⁴And when he met with us at Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene. They joined in Assos and sailed on to Mitylene.

 ¹⁵And we sailed thence, and came the next day over against Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next day we came to Miletus. After passing through Chios and Samos they arrived at Miletus.

 ¹⁶For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost. Paul didn't stop at Ephesus this time because he wanted to get to Jerusalem in time for the celebration of Pentecost. Again, keep in mind that Paul took the oath of a Nazarite. (Numbers 6:1-21).

 ¹⁷And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. Paul sent a message and called the elders of the church of Ephesus to come down and meet him.

 ¹⁸And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons. Paul greeted the men form Ephesus and explained to them about his work for the Lord.

 ¹⁹Serving the LORD with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews. Serving the Lord humbly and with tears, faced danger from the plots of the Jews trying to kill Paul. (Those who claimed to be Jews; but were more likely kenites). 

 ²⁰And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house. Paul never held anything back when teaching the Good News.

 ²¹Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. One message for Jews and Gentiles alike. Turning from sin to God through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ was the message.

 ²²And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there. Being drawn by the Holy Spirit to go to Jerusalem, even though they may want to kill me there.

 ²³Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. Paul knew that the Holy Spirit would be with him.

 ²⁴But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. Life is not worth anything unless I use it for the work assigned to me by Jesus Christ. The work of telling others about the Good News. (This is your purpose if you are a disciple of Christ). Paul was not afraid because God was with him, just as He will be with us in doing the work of the Lord. (Acts 18:10). "Have no fear when the Holy Spirit is here."

 ²⁵And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. Paul knew that he might never see those he taught again.

 ²⁶Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. No mans blood can be laid on me. (Paul did it the right way as according to Gods will).

 ²⁷For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Paul didn't fluff up the message from God to please people, he told it like it was and told the whole story.

 ²⁸Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. Make sure you "feed" the people the truth of the Word as the "Holy Spirit" will hold you responsible. (Those who teach traditions of men and false doctrine will answer to God). "Judgment begins at the pulpit."

 ²⁹For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Paul knew that after he was gone that false teachers would jump on the flock like vicious wolves. (Just as it is today, the holier than thou people spreading the traditions of men and false doctrine).

 ³⁰Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Even some of you yourselves will fall from the truth and try to draw people to you. (Always something new and fancy to believe giving people a sense of false security). Their new doctrine always seems to leave God out of the equation.

 ³¹Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. Watch out for the troublemakers, like I watched out for you for three years.

 ³²And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. I trust you to God and His care and His wonderful Word to build your faith. His inheritance is set aside for those who are sanctified. (The set aside ones).

 ³³I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. Paul never cared for money or fine clothes.

 ³⁴Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. Paul was a tent maker and was self sufficient in his ministry. He even supplied for those who were with him. He didn't beg for money, or need to depend on donations. He paid his own way... "That is why he could teach truth without tradition."

 ³⁵I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. Paul was an example in helping the poor and lifting people up sharing the truth. Like the Lord Jesus said; "It is better to give than to receive."

 ³⁶And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all. Then Paul prayed with the disciples to the Heavenly Father.

 ³⁷And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him. They were all sad that Paul was going away and not coming back.

 ³⁸Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship. It was hard for most of them because they knew they would not see Paul anymore. They all accompanied Paul down to the ship. These men were chosen scholars of the Word. According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love. (Ephesians 1:4). Chosen by God to go forth and preach the Good News to whom so-ever will. Are you a chosen one?

Acts 21

 ¹And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them, and had launched, we came with a straight course unto Coos, and the day following unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara. "Paul sent by the Holy Spirit." They traveled on to Patara. The city of Patara, with the rest of Lycia, surrendered to Alexander the Great in 333 BC. During the Wars of the Diadochi, it was occupied in turn by Antigonus and Demetrius, before finally falling to the Ptolemies.

 ²And finding a ship sailing over unto Phenicia, we went aboard, and set forth. From there they sailed for the Syrian province of Phoenicia.

 ³Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden. They landed at the harbor of Tyre, in Syria. Trading place of the kenites. (The name Tyre means "rock").

 ⁴And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem. After landing at Tyre, the disciples gathered together and warned Paul not to go to Jerusalem. However, the Holy Spirit told Paul to go on this mission.

 ⁵And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed. When they were ready to leave at the end of the week, the entire congregation followed them to the boat where they all prayed and said their farewells.

 ⁶And when we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship; and they returned home again. Boarded the ship and on their way.

 ⁷And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day. Stopped off at Ptolemais and greeted the believers, staying only one day.

 ⁸And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him. They went on to Caesarea and stayed at the home of Philip the evangelist, one of the seven to bring forth the truth in the Word. (Acts 6:3-5).

 ⁹And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy. Philip had four virgin daughters that were Evangelist also. (They taught and preached the word of God).

 ¹⁰And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus. After praying several days, a man came down from Judea named Agabus, who also had the gift of prophecy.

 ¹¹And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles. Agabus bound his hands and feet with the belt of Paul, and told them that teaching this Word would have Paul bound by the Jews in Jerusalem and turned over to the Romans.

 ¹²And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem. They all did not want Paul to go to Jerusalem (they loved Paul and didn't want him hurt), but the Holy Spirit had different plans for Paul. (He was going).

 ¹³Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. Remember that Paul was on a mission from God, and he was ready not only to be bound, but to die in Jerusalem if necessary for the name of the Lord Jesus. (Paul wasn't afraid and knew that the Lord was with him).

 ¹⁴And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done. By the will of God. They finally realized that Paul was going no matter what.

 ¹⁵And after those days we took up our carriages, and went up to Jerusalem. Packed up and headed to Jerusalem.

 ¹⁶There went with us also certain of the disciples of Caesarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge. When they arrived they were guests of Mnason (originally form Cyprus), who was one of the early believers.

 ¹⁷And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly. All the believers at Jerusalem gladly welcomed them.

 ¹⁸And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present. Paul took them to meet with James and the other elders of the Jerusalem church.

 ¹⁹And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry. Paul told them of the many things God had accomplished among the gentiles through his work. Paul being that chosen vessel commissioned by God. (Acts 9:15).

 ²⁰And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law. Thousands of Jews have believed, but they are still insistent that Jewish believers must continue to follow the Jewish traditions and customs. "They still didn't get it." (Just as it is today with many Christian churches who believe, but still follow traditions of men).

 ²¹And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs. They are saying that you teach against the laws of Moses and against the Jewish customs, forbidding circumcision. (It wasn't necessary for a Gentile to be circumcised, because now it is the circumcision of the heart that is important).

 ²²What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come. Now what? They heard that you have come and they are not to happy about it.

 ²³Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a vow on them. We have four men preparing to shave their heads and take some vows.

 ²⁴Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law. They suggested that Paul go to the temple with the four men and have his head shaved and also pay for the four men to have their heads shaved. By this being done, everyone will see that you approve of this custom and are in line with the Jewish laws.

 ²⁵As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication. The Gentile Christians are not a problem. We aren't asking them to follow Jewish customs. Just keep them from eating food from idols, un-bled meat from strangled animals, and not to commit fornication.

 ²⁶Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them. Paul agreed to their requests and attended the ceremony at the temple the next day for the purification.

 ²⁷And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him. When the seven days of purification almost ended, some Jews from Turkey saw Paul in the temple and rousted a mob against Paul and grabbed him. (The mob was breaking the law big time). You were to have sanctuary in the temple.

 ²⁸Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place. This is the man who preaches against our people and Jewish laws. He even defiles the temple by bringing in Gentiles. (Remember that God had opened salvation to the Gentiles as well as the Jews). Salvation was open to all who believe through Christ!

 ²⁹(For they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple). When they had seen Paul before with Trophimus, a Gentile, they "assumed" that Paul had brought him to the temple.

 ³⁰And all the city was moved, and the people ran together: and they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and forthwith the doors were shut. The whole city was upset by these accusations against Paul. Then they dragged him out of the temple and the gates to the temple were closed behind him. (The so called legalist always trying to stir up trouble).

 ³¹And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar. They were trying to beat Paul to death and the word reached the commander of the Roman garrison what was going on. (Nice religious community; they wanted to kill Paul).

 ³²Who immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down unto them: and when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they left beating of Paul. When the Romans soldiers saw what was going on they ran towards the crowd. When the mob saw them coming, they quit beating Paul. God is in control, Paul was saved by the Holy Spirit using the Romans. (Remember, Paul was also a Roman citizen and a Roman soldier before his conversion). I'm sure he even knew some of the Roman soldiers that came to his rescue.

 ³³Then the chief captain came near, and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and demanded who he was, and what he had done. As Paul was bound in chains, the commander asked; What did this man do to stir up the crowd?

 ³⁴And some cried one thing, some another, among the multitude: and when he could not know the certainty for the tumult, he commanded him to be carried into the castle. One said one thing and one another, so the commander decided to have him taken to the armory.

 ³⁵And when he came upon the stairs, so it was, that he was borne of the soldiers for the violence of the people. The crowd became so violent that the soldiers had to lift Paul above the crowd and carry him in to protect him.

 ³⁶For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away with him. They wanted to kill him.

 ³⁷And as Paul was to be led into the castle, he said unto the chief captain, May I speak unto thee? Who said, Canst thou speak Greek? Paul asked the commander if he could have a word with him, and the commander asked if he could speak Greek. (Remember that Paul could speak about five languages). He spoke in many tongues (different languages).

 ³⁸Art not thou that Egyptian, which before these days madest an uproar, and leddest out into the wilderness four thousand men that were murderers? Aren't you that Egyptian who led a rebellion a few years ago, and took 4,000 members of the Assassins with him into the dessert?

 ³⁹But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people. No Paul replied, I am a Jew from Tarsus in Cilicia (Paul was also a Roman citizen), and I request to speak to these people.

 ⁴⁰And when he had given him licence, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying. When the commander agreed, Paul stood up and asked the crowd to be quite; and there was silence. Then Paul addressed the crowd in Hebrew. (He spoke in Hebrew because of all the legalist that were present).

Acts 22

 ¹Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence which I make now unto you. Brothers and Fathers, listen to me as I defend myself.

 ²(And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more silence: and he saith). When the crowd heard him speak in Hebrew, the silence was even greater. (Paul got their attention then).

 ³I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day. I am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, but educated here in Jerusalem under Gamaliel. (Gamaliel was a Pharisee and doctor of Jewish Law).

 ⁴And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women. I persecuted Christians, binding both men and women and delivering them to prison. (Paul was really against Christians before he was converted).

 ⁵As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished. It is all on record, and the High Priest, or any member of the council can verify this. It was by their letters of instruction that let me do this. (People he thought were breaking the law).

 ⁶And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me. Paul speaking of his conversion: As I was on the road to Damascus, a bright light (the Shekinah Glory), shone around me.

 ⁷And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? As I fell to the ground, a voice said to me; Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? (Christ speaking to Paul).

 ⁸And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest. Who is speaking to me Paul asked? Jesus of Nazareth, the one you are persecuting.

 ⁹And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me. The men with Paul seen the light, but did not understand what was being said.

 ¹⁰And I said, What shall I do, LORD? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do. I asked what I should do. And the Lord told me to go to Damascus and you will be told there what lies ahead for you. (The Holy Spirit giving him guidance).

 ¹¹And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus. Paul was blinded by the light and led to Damascus by those who were with him.

 ¹²And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there. There came a godly man who was well known by the Jews named Ananias.

 ¹³Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him. Ananias came to Paul and said receive your sight, and in the same hour Paul could see again.

 ¹⁴And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth. Chosen by God to know His will, and to hear the voice of Messiah speak.

 ¹⁵For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard. Chosen to take the message of Christ everywhere and telling them what you have seen and heard.

 ¹⁶And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. Go and be baptized, and be cleansed from your sins, calling on the name of the Lord. What was Paul's sin? Paul always arrested and persecuted Christians. (This stuck with Paul, even though he was converted).

 ¹⁷And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance. Fell into a trance while praying in the temple.

 ¹⁸And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me. Paul saw a vision of God saying; get out of Jerusalem, they will not believe you when you give your message.

 ¹⁹And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee. Paul said; Lord, They already know that I imprisoned and beat those in the synagogue who believed on you.

 ²⁰And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him. I was there when they beat your witness Stephen and he was killed as I stood by and watched, even holding his clothing.

 ²¹And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles. God told Paul to leave Jerusalem and would send him far away to the Gentiles.

 ²²And they gave him audience unto this word, and then lifted up their voices, and said, Away with such a fellow from the earth: for it is not fit that he should live. The crowd listened to Paul up till he mentioned the word (gentiles) and then shouted. Away with him... Kill him... He isn't fit to live!

 ²³And as they cried out, and cast off their clothes, and threw dust into the air. They just wanted Paul dead.

 ²⁴The chief captain commanded him to be brought into the castle, and bade that he should be examined by scourging; that he might know wherefore they cried so against him. The commander brought Paul inside and ordered him to be beaten, to make him confess his crime. He wanted to find out why the crowd was so furious with Paul.

 ²⁵And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said unto the centurion that stood by, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned? But, as they tied Paul down to lash him, Paul said to an officer standing there; "Is it legal for you to whip a Roman citizen who hasn't been tried yet? (There was no trial and Paul was not condemned yet). Hmmm... What did we do now?

 ²⁶When the centurion heard that, he went and told the chief captain, saying, Take heed what thou doest: for this man is a Roman. The officer went to the commander and asked; "What are you doing? This man is a Roman citizen." We will get in trouble with Caesar.

 ²⁷Then the chief captain came, and said unto him, Tell me, art thou a Roman? He said, Yea. The commander asked Paul, are you a Roman citizen? "Yes I am answered Paul."

 ²⁸And the chief captain answered, With a great sum obtained I this freedom. And Paul said, But I was free born. The commander muttered, I am a citizen too, and it cost me plenty. But Paul answered, I am (free born), a citizen by birth. (The Holy Spirit protecting Paul from the crowd by using the enemy). "God uses whom ever He wills." i.e. God will protect you even when you face the enemy. "Trust in Him!"

 ²⁹Then straightway they departed from him which should have examined him: and the chief captain also was afraid, after he knew that he was a Roman, and because he had bound him. The soldier ready to whip Paul quickly disappeared when he heard that Paul was a Roman. The commander was afraid because he had ordered him to be bound and whipped.

 ³⁰On the morrow, because he would have known the certainty wherefore he was accused of the Jews, he loosed him from his bands, and commanded the chief priests and all their council to appear, and brought Paul down, and set him before them. The next day the commander freed Paul form the chains and ordered the chief priests into the session of the Jewish council. He brought Paul before them to find out what the trouble was all about. (Remember the word that upset the crowds was Gentiles, and the Romans were Gentiles themselves). Kind of got the Jews in a pickle here.

Acts 23

 ¹And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day. Paul, staring the council down, tells them he has always lived for God.

 ²And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth. Then Ananias (a fake), commanded those who were close to Paul to slap him on the mouth.

 ³Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law? Paul said to Ananias, "God will slap you, you whitewash fraud." What kind of judge are you that would break the law and have me slapped like that.

 ⁴And they that stood by said, Revilest thou God's high priest? Is that the way you talk to the high priest? (Ananias was never chosen by God, he was appointed by the Romans).

 ⁵Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people. I didn't realize that he was the high priest Paul replied. The scriptures say not to speak bad about any of your rulers.

 ⁶But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question. Paul knew that some of the council were Pharisees (those who believe in the resurrection), and some were Sadducees (those who do not believe in the resurrection). Paul shouted out to them that he was of the Pharisees as were his ancestors. Paul knew just what to say, and told them that he was being tried because he believed in the resurrection of the dead. (Now he has both the Romans and the Pharisees on his side protecting him).

 ⁷And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided. They were divided right down the middle.

 ⁸For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both. Again, the Sadducees didn't believe in the resurrection of the eternal spirit within us, but the Pharisees did.

 ⁹And there arose a great cry: and the scribes that were of the Pharisees' part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God. Now the some of the Jewish leaders that were Pharisees jumped up and said that we find no wrong with Paul. Maybe an angel did speak with him on the road to Damascus. If chosen by God, we don't want to go against him.

 ¹⁰And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle. The shouting grew louder among the crowd and they began tugging at Paul from both sides. The commander fearing that they would tear him apart, ordered the soldiers to take him away and bring him back to the armory.

 ¹¹And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome. In the night the Lord came to Paul to comfort him. The Lord told him; just as you have told the people about me in Jerusalem, you must also go to Rome with the same message.

 ¹²And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. Some of the Jews banded together and made a vow not to eat nor drink till they killed Paul.

 ¹³And they were more than forty which had made this conspiracy. There were more than forty that were against Paul and wanted to kill him. (Kenites fueled by Satan).

 ¹⁴And they came to the chief priests and elders, and said, We have bound ourselves under a great curse, that we will eat nothing until we have slain Paul. The conspirators went to the chief priest and told them what they had done and that they wanted to kill Paul.

 ¹⁵Now therefore ye with the council signify to the chief captain that he bring him down unto you to morrow, as though ye would enquire something more perfectly concerning him: and we, or ever he come near, are ready to kill him. The conspirators wanted to set up Paul using the commander to bring him back to the council, then they were going to kill him on the way.

 ¹⁶And when Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul. Paul's nephew got wind of the conspiracy and told Paul what they were planning.

 ¹⁷Then Paul called one of the centurions unto him, and said, Bring this young man unto the chief captain: for he hath a certain thing to tell him. Paul told one of the officers to take his nephew to the commander. He has something important to tell him.

 ¹⁸So he took him, and brought him to the chief captain, and said, Paul the prisoner called me unto him, and prayed me to bring this young man unto thee, who hath something to say unto thee. Paul asked us to bring this young boy to you to tell you something.

 ¹⁹Then the chief captain took him by the hand, and went with him aside privately, and asked him, What is that thou hast to tell me? What is it you want to tell me son?

 ²⁰And he said, The Jews have agreed to desire thee that thou wouldest bring down Paul to morrow into the council, as though they would enquire somewhat of him more perfectly. The young boy told him that some of the Jews want you to bring Paul back to the council pretending that they want to ask him more questions.

 ²¹But do not thou yield unto them: for there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men, which have bound themselves with an oath, that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him: and now are they ready, looking for a promise from thee. But don't do it the boy said! There are more than forty men hiding and waiting for Paul to kill him. They made a vow to kill him and they are waiting for you to agree to their request.

 ²²So the chief captain then let the young man depart, and charged him, See thou tell no man that thou hast shewed these things to me. Don't tell anyone you told me this the chief captain told the boy.

 ²³And he called unto him two centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, and horsemen threescore and ten, and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night. The commander told two of his officers to get 200 soldiers ready to leave for Caesarea tonight. Also, take 200 spearmen and 70 mounted cavalry.

 ²⁴And provide them beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring him safe unto Felix the governor. Give Paul a horse to ride and escort him to Governor Felix. (A safe escort by the Romans).

 ²⁵And he wrote a letter after this manner. Claudius Lysias wrote a personal letter to Governor Felix.

 ²⁶Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix sendeth greeting. To his Excellency, Governor Felix.

 ²⁷This man was taken of the Jews, and should have been killed of them: then came I with an army, and rescued him, having understood that he was a Roman. This man was seized by the Jews and they wanted to kill him, but I would not allow it because he was a Roman citizen.

 ²⁸And when I would have known the cause wherefore they accused him, I brought him forth into their council. I took him to the council to find out what he had done wrong.

 ²⁹Whom I perceived to be accused of questions of their law, but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds. I soon discovered that they wanted to kill him over something about their Jewish beliefs. Nothing worth killing him over. (The Romans didn't care about their beliefs).

 ³⁰And when it was told me how that the Jews laid wait for the man, I sent straightway to thee, and gave commandment to his accusers also to say before thee what they had against him. Farewell. When I was informed that they wanted to kill him, I decided to send him to you and will tell his accusers to bring their charges before you.

 ³¹Then the soldiers, as it was commanded them, took Paul, and brought him by night to Antipatris. As ordered, the soldiers took Paul to Antipatris. (A city built by Herod the Great, and named in honour of his father, Antipater II of Judea). The city was destroyed in 363 CE by an earthquake.

 ³²On the morrow they left the horsemen to go with him, and returned to the castle. They returned with Paul to the armory leaving him with the cavalry to take him to Caesarea.

 ³³Who, when they came to Caesarea and delivered the epistle to the governor, presented Paul also before him. When they arrived in Caesarea, they turned Paul over to the governor along with the letter from the commander.

 ³⁴And when the governor had read the letter, he asked of what province he was. And when he understood that he was of Cilicia. The governor read the letter and asked Paul where he was from. Paul told him he was from Cilicia.

 ³⁵I will hear thee, said he, when thine accusers are also come. And he commanded him to be kept in Herod's judgment hall. Governor Felix told Paul he would here his case fully when his accusers arrived. Meanwhile, he ordered Paul to be kept in prison at King Herod's palace awaiting his trial.

Acts 24

 ¹And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul. Five days later Ananias and some of the Jewish leaders brought Tertullus (a scripture lawyer), to make their case against Paul.

 ²And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence. Terullus addressed the governor with charges against Paul.

 ³We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness. He is praising Felix for bringing peace and less discrimination against Jews. (We have a real slick lawyer here).

 ⁴Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words. Now he is going to bring his case against Paul with his lies.

 ⁵For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. Here comes the lies. We found this man to be a troublemaker among the Jews as well as the Romans. He is the ringleader of the sect know as the Nazarenes. (The first lie)! He wasn't a ring leader, he was there to fulfill his vow as a Nazarite.

 ⁶Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law. He was also trying to defile the temple when we arrested him. (The second lie)! We should have killed him then!

 ⁷But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands. Took him out of the hands of the kenites. (A bunch of phony troublemakers).

 ⁸Commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him. Demanding that he be tried by Roman law. Why not... Paul was a Roman citizen.

 ⁹And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so. The Jews that were present (probably all kenites), joined in and said that everything Tertullus said was true. (All a bunch of lies). Again, Paul was under the vow of a Nazarite. (Numbers 6:1-21).

 ¹⁰Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself. Now it was Paul's turn to speak. I know that you have been a fair judge of Jewish affairs for years Paul exclaimed.

 ¹¹Because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship. It has been no more than twelve days since I had arrived in Jerusalem to worship in the temple.

 ¹²And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city. I never incited a riot in the city or in the synagogue.

 ¹³Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me. These men cannot prove the things they accuse me of; their lying to you.

 ¹⁴But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets. However, I do confess that I believe in the way of salvation, which they refer to as a sect. I follow the system of serving the God of our ancestors. I believe in the Jewish law and everything written in the books of prophecy.

 ¹⁵And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. I even believe as these men do. "That there is a resurrection of both the righteous and ungodly."

 ¹⁶And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void to offence toward God, and toward men. I try to always maintain a clear conscience before God and men. (Paul always told it like it was with no regrets).

 ¹⁷Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings. Even after I was away for I while, I returned to Jerusalem with money to aid the Jews, and offerings to God.

 ¹⁸Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult. I presented offerings and obeyed their laws by being purified in the temple, never starting a riot. (These Jews from Asia were kenites, not real Jews).

 ¹⁹Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought against me. They should be here if they had anything against me.

 ²⁰Or else let these same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council. Ask these men right here today if their council found any wrong in me.

 ²¹Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day. I said one thing that maybe I shouldn't have said. Now I am here before the council to defend myself for believing that the dead will rise again.

 ²²And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter. Felix knew that Christians did not go around starting riots and knew that Paul was telling the truth. Then he told the Jews to wait for the arrival of Lysias (the garrison commander), and then he would decide the case.

 ²³And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him. He ordered Paul to prison with all liberties to make it more comfortable for him. (He knew Paul was innocent).

 ²⁴And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. After a few days, Felix and his wife Drusilla (daughter of Herod Agrippa I), sent for Paul and listened to him about his faith in Jesus Christ.

 ²⁵And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee. Paul laid the truth on them and reasoned with them about righteousness, self control, and the judgment to come. (Felix became a little terrified).

 ²⁶He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him. He was hoping that Paul would bribe him to let him free and sent for Paul pretty often. (He really enjoyed the Word that Paul was teaching).

 ²⁷But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound. Two years went by in this manner, until Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. Because Felix wanted to gain favor with the Jews, he left Paul bound in chains. (I believe Felix liked Paul because of his teachings and really wanted to protect Paul if he could).

Acts 25

 ¹Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem. Festus arrived in Caesarea to take over his new responsibilities.

 ²Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, and besought him. The chief priest and other Jewish leaders laid their false accusations on Festus about Paul.

 ³And desired favour against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem, laying wait in the way to kill him. They begged Festus to bring Paul to Jerusalem right away. (Their plan was to kill Paul).

 ⁴But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself would depart shortly thither. Festus was returning to Caesarea and suggested that Paul should be kept there till he arrived.

 ⁵Let them therefore, said he, which among you are able, go down with me, and accuse this man, if there be any wickedness in him. Festus told the others that those with authority should return with him for the trial to see if the accusations made against Paul were true.

 ⁶And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto Caesarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be brought. Ten days later he returned to Caesarea, and the following day opened Paul's trial.

 ⁷And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could not prove. When the Jews from Jerusalem came down to the trial, they started with all the false accusations. (Again, most of these Jews were probably kenites).

 ⁸While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Caesar, have I offended any thing at all. Paul denied the charges and replied; "I never opposed the Jewish laws, desecrated the temple, or rebelled against the Roman government."

 ⁹But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me? Festus asked Paul if he was willing to go to Jerusalem and stand trial before him. (They are trying to set him up here).

 ¹⁰Then said Paul, I stand at Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest. No way! Paul replied. You know very well I am not guilty. "I demand a hearing before the Emperor himself!" (Appealing to the highest court).

 ¹¹For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Caesar. If I had done something worthy of death, then I will not refuse to die. But I am innocent, and neither you, or anyone else has the right to turn me over to these men so that they can kill me. "I appeal to Caesar!"

 ¹²Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, Hast thou appealed unto Caesar? unto Caesar shalt thou go. You want Caesar? Then to Caesar you will go.

 ¹³And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Caesarea to salute Festus. A few days later, King Agrippa came with Bernice to visit with Festus.

 ¹⁴And when they had been there many days, Festus declared Paul's cause unto the king, saying, There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix. During their stay, Festus discussed Paul's case with the king.

 ¹⁵About whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, desiring to have judgment against him. These accusers of Paul wanted me to kill him.

 ¹⁶To whom I answered, It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die, before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face, and have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him. Roman law does not convict a man unless he faces his accusers and has a chance to defend himself.

 ¹⁷Therefore, when they were come hither, without any delay on the morrow I sat on the judgment seat, and commanded the man to be brought forth. When the accusers came here for the trial, I called the case and brought in Paul.

 ¹⁸Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed. But the accusations against him were not what I supposed they would be. (They were all lies).

 ¹⁹But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive. It was something about their religion and someone called Jesus who died, but Paul insists that He lives. (Teaching the resurrection).

 ²⁰And because I doubted of such manner of questions, I asked him whether he would go to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these matters. I asked him if he would go to Jerusalem to have his case tried.

 ²¹But when Paul had appealed to be reserved unto the hearing of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Caesar. But, Paul appealed to Caesar! So I kept him in jail until I could arrange to get him to the Emperor.

 ²²Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also hear the man myself. To morrow, said he, thou shalt hear him. "I'd like to hear the man myself," Agrippa said to Festus.

 ²³And on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with great pomp, and was entered into the place of hearing, with the chief captains, and principal men of the city, at Festus' commandment Paul was brought forth. The next day king Agrippa entered the courtroom and Festus had Paul brought in. (All were present at court).

 ²⁴And Festus said, King Agrippa, and all men which are here present with us, ye see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews have dealt with me, both at Jerusalem, and also here, crying that he ought not to live any longer. This is the man that the local Jews and those in Jerusalem want to kill.

 ²⁵But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and that he himself hath appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him. But, in my opinion Festus said; Paul has done nothing worthy of death. However, Paul appealed his case to Caesar, so I have no alternative but to send him.

 ²⁶Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my lord. Wherefore I have brought him forth before you, and specially before thee, O king Agrippa, that, after examination had, I might have somewhat to write. Now what? Festus had no charges to send to the Emperor against Paul and became a little nervous. (He was in a little trouble now trying to please the kenites). They were the enemy! So Festus figures he can tell king Agrippa to examine him and asks him what to do. (Just trying to pass the buck).

 ²⁷For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not withal to signify the crimes laid against him. It doesn't seem reasonable to send a prisoner to the Emperor without any charges. (If he did, he would be the one in trouble). Festus just wanted his hands clean of the matter.

Acts 26

 ¹Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself. Paul will now tell the true story.

 ²I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews. I will clear this matter all up for you Paul said to king Agrippa.

 ³Especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently. Paul knew that king Agrippa was familiar with not only roman law, but also the Jewish laws and customs.

 ⁴My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews. The Jews are aware I had thorough Jewish training since I was a child in Tarsus, then Jerusalem, and lived accordingly.

 ⁵Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. They know that I was always the strictest of Pharisees. (Paul was very strict; following their laws and persecuting the church and Christians to the max).

 ⁶And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God, unto our fathers. Their real argument with me in their accusations is because I am looking forward to the fulfillment of God's promise made to our ancestors.

 ⁷Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews. The twelve tribes of Israel believe the same as I do about this fulfillment of God's promise; but for me they say it is a crime.

 ⁸Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead? Is it a crime to believe in the resurrection of the dead? Does it seem incredible to you that God can bring men back to life again? (You see, the Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection and were upset that Paul was teaching this).

 ⁹I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. I used to believe that I should persecute the followers of Jesus of Nazareth.

 ¹⁰Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. I brought many Christians to prison and testified against them. Casting my vote when they were brought to death.

 ¹¹And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities. I tortured them and tried to make them curse against Christ. I even hounded them in distant cities when I could.

 ¹²Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests. I was on a mission to Damascus armed with authority by the chief priest to destroy the church.

 ¹³At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me. One day around noon, I seen a light from heaven shine down upon me and my companions. (The Shekinah Glory).

 ¹⁴And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. Paul heard the voice form Heaven. Why are you persecuting me? "You are only hurting yourself." (When you persecute the church, you persecute Christ and the plan of God).

 ¹⁵And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. Who are you I asked? I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting the Lord replied.

 ¹⁶But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee. The Lord told me that I was to be His servant and witness. To tell the world about this experience and about many other experiences when the Lord appeared to me.

 ¹⁷Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee. The Lord told me He would protect me from my own people as well as the Gentiles whom He will send me too.

 ¹⁸To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. The purpose is to open their eyes to the truth so that they may repent and live in the light of God, instead of Satan's darkness. So that they may receive forgiveness from God for their sins and receive God's inheritance along with all people everywhere whose sins are cleansed.

 ¹⁹Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision. I embraced that vision from Heaven and was not disobedient.

 ²⁰But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. I taught about Jesus Christ to the Jews and the Gentiles, and that all must come to repentance for their sins and turn to God by doing good deeds.

 ²¹For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me. This is why the Jews arrested me in the temple and tried to kill me. For teaching the truth!

 ²²Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come. God protected me so that I could tell these facts to everyone. I taught what the prophets and Moses taught.

 ²³That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles. That the Messiah would suffer and be the first to rise form the dead. "To bring the light to the Jews and Gentiles alike."

 ²⁴And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad. Are you insane Festus shouted out? All this studying has made you mad.

 ²⁵But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness. Paul replied, I am not insane, but speak only words of truth.

 ²⁶For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner. King Agrippa knows about these things. They were not done under wraps and these events should be familiar to him.

 ²⁷King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. Paul asked king Agrippa if he believed the prophets; then replied, I know you do.

 ²⁸Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. Agrippa said to Paul; Do you expect me to become a Christian with trivial proof like this? (They knew what was going on and knew about Christianity).

 ²⁹And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds. Paul replied, whether my arguments are trivial or strong, it is God's will that both you and everyone hear become the same as I am, except for these chains.

 ³⁰And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the governor, and Bernice, and they that sat with them. They all stood up and left.

 ³¹And when they were gone aside, they talked between themselves, saying, This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds. They all talked it over afterwards and came to the agreement that Paul had done nothing wrong worthy of death or imprisonment.

 ³²Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar. But, Agrippa said to Festus, "this man could have been set free if he hadn't appealed to Caesar." (They knew Paul was innocent, but Paul was going to Rome anyway, just as the Lord said).

Acts 27

 ¹And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus' band. On their way to Rome, Paul was placed under the custody of an officer named Julius, a member of the imperial guard.

 ²And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us. As they left for Rome by boat, there was a Greek from Thessalonica named Aristarchus that was with them. (Aristarchus was a Greek astronomer and mathematician).

 ³And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself. While docked at Sidon, Julius let Paul have some liberties and he went ashore to visit with some friends. (Julius probably knew Paul when Paul served as a Roman soldier). Keep in mind that our Heavenly Father is in control.

 ⁴And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary. Headed north of Cyprus between the island and mainland.

 ⁵And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia. They landed in Myra in the province of Lycia. In early Christian times, Myra was the metropolis of Lycia. The town is traditionally associated with Saint Paul, who changed ships in its harbor. (Also the earliest church of St. Nicholas at Myra was built in the 6th century).

 ⁶And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy; and he put us therein. Then they boarded an Egyptian ship that was bound for Italy.

 ⁷And when we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under Crete, over against Salmone. After several days of rough sailing (no wind), they came across to Crete, passing the port of Salmone. (With no winds, this took them a while to get there).

 ⁸And, hardly passing it, came unto a place which is called The fair havens; nigh whereunto was the city of Lasea. As they moved along the southern coast, they arrived at "Fair Havens" near the city of Lasea. (Modern name is Kali Limenes, meaning "Good Harbors," "Fair Havens" is a natural port near the southernmost point of Crete).

 ⁹Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them. The weather was becoming a little dangerous and Paul spoke to the officers about it. (Things were changing now with the weather).

 ¹⁰And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives. Paul warns them that they could ship wreck with loss of cargo and even their lives.

 ¹¹Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul. The officer didn't listen to Paul and listened to the captain and the owner of the ship instead.

 ¹²And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to depart thence also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice, and there to winter; which is an haven of Crete, and lieth toward the south west and north west. Fair Heavens was an exposed harbor and winter was moving in so they decided to go further up the coast to Phoenix (the palm tree), that had less exposure to the winter.

 ¹³And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete. They had a light wind and it seemed like a nice day for sailing. They pulled up anchor and sailed along close to shore. (Things look pretty good so far).

 ¹⁴But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon. A heavy wind came up called a Euroclydon, also known as a gregale (a Greece gale or northeaster), of typhoon strength.

 ¹⁵And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive. Not having control of the ship, they let the ship run before the gale.

 ¹⁶And running under a certain island which is called Clauda, we had much work to come by the boat. They sailed behind a small island called Clauda. (Now called Gozzo).

 ¹⁷Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so were driven. They banded the ship with ropes to strengthen the hull and lowered the top sails. They didn't want to enter the quick sands of the African coast and cast upon the Syrtis. (Two shallow sandy gulfs on the coast of Libya).

 ¹⁸And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship. The seas grew higher and they began to through the cargo overboard.

 ¹⁹And the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship. The following day they threw the tackle and anything else they could find overboard.

 ²⁰And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away. The storm lasted many days, until at last all hope was gone. "They were in some trouble now."

 ²¹But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss. Paul called the crew together and told them that they should have listened to him and not left fair heavens. They would have avoided all the injuries and loss if they would have listened to Paul.

 ²²And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship. Paul told them to cheer up! The ship may go down, but not one of us will lose their lives. (Paul knew it would be alright; he was on a mission from God). "Remember that God let Paul know what would go down."

 ²³For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve. I received a message from an angel of God Paul told them.

 ²⁴Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. The angel assured me that I would surely stand trial before Caesar and not to worry.

 ²⁵Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me. Have courage! I believe what God told me and it will be just as He said. (Paul had the faith in our Heavenly Father). How is your faith in God?

 ²⁶Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island. However, we will be shipwrecked on an island.

 ²⁷But when the fourteenth night was come, as we were driven up and down in Adria, about midnight the shipmen deemed that they drew near to some country. After fourteen nights of being driven up and down the Adriatic sea, the crew suspected that land was near.

 ²⁸And sounded, and found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms. They sounded and found 120 feet of water below, then a little further they found 90 feet of water below. (They were getting close to land now).

 ²⁹Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day. To avoid the rocks below, they anchored ship and waited for daylight. (I'm sure their was a little praying going on that night).

 ³⁰And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, under colour as though they would have cast anchors out of the foreship. Some of the soldiers wanted to abandon ship and take their chances in the lifeboat, so they started to lower it down. (Not a good idea).

 ³¹Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved. Paul told them they would all die unless they stayed aboard.

 ³²Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off. When the soldiers heard this, they cut the lifeboat free and let it fall.

 ³³And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take meat, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing. Paul wanted everyone to eat because they have been fasting for fourteen days.

 ³⁴Wherefore I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your health: for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you. Eat for your health, and not a hair on your heads will be touched. (Luke 21:18). "Serve God and listen to Him and no one can touch you."

 ³⁵And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all: and when he had broken it, he began to eat. Giving thanks to God before them all. (Always thank God when he pulls you out of trouble, or provides for you).

 ³⁶Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat. They all felt better now and began to eat.

 ³⁷And we were in all in the ship two hundred threescore and sixteen souls. 276 people were aboard the ship.

 ³⁸And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the sea. They threw all the wheat overboard to lighten the ship and get out of the storm.

 ³⁹And when it was day, they knew not the land: but they discovered a certain creek with a shore, into the which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship. They didn't recognize the coastline, but noticed the bay. (They were near St. Paul's Isles, which are situated in St Paul's Bay). The Maltese people believe that it was St. Paul who laid the foundations of Christianity on the island.

 ⁴⁰And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoised up the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore. Raised anchor, hoisted the main sails and headed for shore.

 ⁴¹And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable, but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves. But, the ship hit a sandbar and ran aground. The bow of the ship stuck, while the stern of the ship began to break apart.

 ⁴²And the soldiers' counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape. The soldiers wanted to kill the prisoners so they would not swim out and escape.

 ⁴³But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land. Julius the centurion told them no because he wanted to spare Paul. Then he ordered all the men who could swim to jump overboard and head for land.

 ⁴⁴And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land. The ones who could not swim were told to head for shore on planks and other debris form the ship. They all escaped the rough seas and safely made it ashore.

Acts 28

 ¹And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita. Also known as Malta.

 ²And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold. The people of the island were kind and built a bonfire on the beach to welcome them in the rain and cold.

 ³And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand. When Paul grabbed for some sticks to throw on the fire, a poisonous snake latched onto his hand. A deadly viper. (Sign of Satan).

 ⁴And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live. The people of the island thought that Paul was a murderer and that the snake would kill him.

 ⁵And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm. But Paul just shook of the snake into the fire and was unharmed. (This was a little strange to the barbarian people on the island). He just shook of a deadly snake and was not harmed. (God protected him). Why? "To show you we have power over Satan through the Holy Spirit."

 ⁶Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god. After waiting a while for Paul to start to swell up and die, the barbarians changed their minds and called Paul a god.

 ⁷In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously. A man named Publius (the govenor), had an estate on the island and put them up for three days.

 ⁸And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him. The father of Publius was very sick with fever and dysentery. Paul went in and prayed for him, and laying hands on him, healed him. Was it Paul who did the healing? No... He prayed to God and He did the healing. (Paul never took credit for what God allowed).

 ⁹So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed. So all the other people that were sick on the island came to Paul and were healed. (God touched the people of this Island with the Holy Spirit).

 ¹⁰Who also honoured us with many honours; and when we departed, they laded us with such things as were necessary. The people of the island showered them with gifts they would need for the trip when they left.

 ¹¹And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux. After three months on the island they set sail again on another ship. The Twin Brothers of Alexandria.

 ¹²And landing at Syracuse, we tarried there three days. First stop was Syracuse where they stayed three days.

 ¹³And from thence we fetched a compass, and came to Rhegium: and after one day the south wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli. After a day or so they ended up in Puteoli. (Pozzuoli is a city and comune of the province of Naples, in the Italian region of Campania). Christ told Paul he was going to Rome and hear we go.

 ¹⁴Where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome. They found some believers their that they stayed with for seven days before they headed for Rome.

 ¹⁵And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage. When the brothers in Rome had heard they were coming they met them at the forum on the Appian way. Others joined them at the Three Taverns. (Better known as The Three Shops). The general store, the blacksmith's, and the refreshment-house. (Kind of a reception area for travelers).

 ¹⁶And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him. When they arrived in Rome, Paul was permitted to stay anywhere he wanted as long as a guard was with him.

 ¹⁷And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. Paul spoke to the local Jewish leaders and told them that he was arrested by the Jews in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans for prosecution. Paul explained to them that he had harmed no one, nor violated the customs of their ancestors.

 ¹⁸Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me. The Romans wanted to release me Paul told them, because they found no cause for the death sentence demanded by the Jews.

 ¹⁹But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of. When the Jews protested the decision, I felt it necessary to appeal to Caesar.

 ²⁰For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain. Now I come to you to tell you why I am bound with these chains. It is because I believe that the Messiah has come and for teaching the truth of His Word.

 ²¹And they said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judaea concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came shewed or spake any harm of thee. The local Jewish leaders told Paul that they have had no letters, or reports from Jerusalem that were against him. (There were no Kenites who were the accusers here).

 ²²But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against. We want to hear more of what you believe they said to Paul. The only thing we know about these Christians is that they are denounced everywhere.

 ²³And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening. They appointed Paul a day for teaching and he told them about the Kingdom of God and taught them about Jesus from the Scriptures. Paul taught them from the five books of Moses and the books of prophecy. (Paul knew the Word, especially the books of the law and prophecy).

 ²⁴And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not. Some believed and some didn't. (So it is today when you teach the truth of the Word).

 ²⁵And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers. They argued among themselves about what they had heard. But, the one thing they left with ringing in their ear is when Paul said: The Holy Spirit was right when He said through Isaiah the prophet.

 ²⁶Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive. (Isaiah 6:9).

 ²⁷For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. (Isaiah 6:10).

 ²⁸Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it. Paul wanted them to realize that this salvation from God was available to the Gentiles too, and that they would accept it.

 ²⁹And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves. They left talking all about God.

 ³⁰And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him. Paul lived in his rented house for the next couple of years and welcomed all who would visit him. (Kind of like being on house arrest).

 ³¹Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him. Paul continued teaching with boldness about the Kingdom of God and about the Lord Jesus Christ; with no one trying to stop him. "THANKS BE TO GOD." Then the Apostles continued with great acts, such as Paul's citizenship as a Roman.

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