\id ACT - The English New Testament According to Family 35 
\h Acts 
\toc3 Acts 
\toc2 Acts 
\toc1 Acts of the Apostles 
\mt1 ACTS  
\mt2 of the Apostles  
\c 1  
\ms1 Opening considerations  
\s1 A link to Luke  
\m
\v 1 \w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w first|strong="G4413"\w* \w account|strong="G3056"\w* \w I|strong="G3739"\w* prepared, \w Theophilus|strong="G2321"\w* [God-lover],\f + \fr 1:1 \ft Since in addressing Luke to Theophilus the author added the honorific ‘honorable’ or ‘excellent’, this was presumably a specific man, but I would like to think that the two books are also addressed to all lovers of God. Actually, Luke 1:4 makes clear that he was a specific man.\f* concerned \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* began \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w teach|strong="G1321"\w*\f + \fr 1:1 \ft Why “began”? Presumably because this book will relate what He continued to do and teach, through the Apostles. He is still at work in our world, through us.\f*  
\v 2 until \w the|strong="G1223"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w in|strong="G1223"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w He|strong="G3739"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* taken back,\f + \fr 1:2 \ft Jehovah the Son was given (John 3:16, Isaiah 9:6) to this earth for thirty some years, then He was taken back.\f* \w after|strong="G1223"\w* \w He|strong="G3739"\w* \w had|strong="G3739"\w* \w given|strong="G1781"\w* \w commandment|strong="G1781"\w*, \w by|strong="G1223"\w* \w Holy|strong="G4151"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w*,\f + \fr 1:2 \ft There is no definite article with “Holy Spirit”, and I hesitate to add it. Perhaps we should try thinking of ‘Holy Spirit’ as a proper name. To carry out the commands in Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 16:15-18, Luke 24:46-48 and John 20:21 would require the Holy Spirit's enabling.\f* \w to|strong="G4151"\w* \w the|strong="G1223"\w* apostles \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w He|strong="G3739"\w* \w had|strong="G3739"\w* \w chosen|strong="G1586"\w*;  
\v 3 \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* showed \w Himself|strong="G1438"\w* \w alive|strong="G2198"\w*, \w after|strong="G3326"\w* \w His|strong="G1438"\w* \w suffering|strong="G3958"\w*, \w by|strong="G1223"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w convincing|strong="G5039"\w* evidences, \w appearing|strong="G3700"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w during|strong="G1722"\w* \w forty|strong="G5062"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w speaking|strong="G3004"\w* \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w* pertaining \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* Kingdom \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*.\f + \fr 1:3 \ft I get the impression that the Lord did a lot more appearing and teaching during those 40 days than has been recorded.\f*  
\v 4 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w being|strong="G2532"\w* \w together|strong="G4871"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w directed|strong="G3853"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w go|strong="G3739"\w* away \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2414"\w*, \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w wait|strong="G4037"\w* \w for|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w promise|strong="G1860"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w*,\f + \fr 1:4 \ft Luke is repeating what he wrote in Luke 24:49, which in turn refers to John 14:16 and 26 (from John 14:31 it appears that what Jesus did started with the Father).\f* “\w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* heard \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*;  
\v 5 \w John|strong="G2491"\w* baptized \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w water|strong="G5204"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w will|strong="G4183"\w* \w be|strong="G3756"\w* baptized \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w Holy|strong="G4151"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w from|strong="G3756"\w* \w now|strong="G1161"\w*.”\f + \fr 1:5 \ft The grammar requires that the material within quotation marks be handled as a direct quote, even though it is a bit awkward, in English.\f*   
\s1 Jesus returns to Heaven  
\p
\v 6 \w Well|strong="G1722"\w* \w then|strong="G3767"\w*, \w being|strong="G1722"\w* \w together|strong="G4905"\w*\f + \fr 1:6 \ft The reference is to verse 4, which refers to Luke 24:49-50, which informs us that Jesus led them out to Bethany; so they had assembled in the city. A certain Greek particle is used in both verse 1 and verse 6, making them grammatically parallel; verses 1-5 refer to the former account, verse 6 begins the present account.\f* \w they|strong="G3588"\w* \w asked|strong="G2065"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G1487"\w* \w going|strong="G3778"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w restore|strong="G5550"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* kingdom \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w Israel|strong="G2474"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w time|strong="G5550"\w*?”\f + \fr 1:6 \ft Messiah and kingdom are closely linked in their minds. Jesus is the Messiah, now victorious over death, so where is the Kingdom? Jesus does not question the fact implicit in their question, but tells them that the \ft \+bd time\+bd* is classified information.\f*  
\v 7 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w It|strong="G1161"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w for|strong="G4314"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w know|strong="G1097"\w* \w times|strong="G2540"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w seasons|strong="G2540"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w* \w has|strong="G3962"\w* \w placed|strong="G5087"\w* \w within|strong="G1722"\w* \w His|strong="G1438"\w* \w own|strong="G2398"\w* \w authority|strong="G1849"\w*.  
\v 8 \w But|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w receive|strong="G2983"\w* \w power|strong="G1411"\w* \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Holy|strong="G4151"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w has|strong="G4151"\w* \w come|strong="G1904"\w* \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w witnesses|strong="G3144"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*\f + \fr 1:8 \ft A very small minority of Greek manuscripts (perhaps 2%), of inferior quality, read ‘my witnesses’ instead of ‘witnesses to me’. To my mind, at least, there is a significant difference in meaning—to be a witness \+bd to\+bd* Jesus involves \+nd being\+nd* like Him (Matthew 10:25) and \+nd doing\+nd* like Him (John 14:12).\f*—\w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2419"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w Judea|strong="G2449"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Samaria|strong="G4540"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w last|strong="G2078"\w* \it part\it* \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w earth|strong="G1093"\w*.”\f + \fr 1:8 \ft There is a strategy here: ‘both…and…and’ = simultaneously. If you stay in your ‘Jerusalem’ until you win everyone, you will never get to the world (there are many people who do not want God, period, so they will never be won). ‘Judea’ and ‘Samaria’ are treated as a unit, grammatically, so we have our town, our country and the world. “Last” is an adjective used as a noun, so we must supply ‘part’ or ‘place’, or else render ‘end’; note that the word is singular. I take it that no part of the world is to be left unreached.\f*   
\p
\v 9 \w Upon|strong="G3588"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w*, \w as|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* watched, \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w lifted|strong="G1869"\w* \w up|strong="G1869"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w cloud|strong="G3507"\w* \w took|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w out|strong="G2532"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w sight|strong="G3788"\w*.  
\v 10 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* staring \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w sky|strong="G3772"\w*, \w while|strong="G1722"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w going|strong="G4198"\w*, \w suddenly|strong="G2400"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w men|strong="G1417"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w white|strong="G3022"\w* \w clothing|strong="G2066"\w*\f + \fr 1:10 \ft I wonder if these were the same two angels who officiated at the empty tomb.\f* \w stood|strong="G3936"\w* \w beside|strong="G3936"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*;  
\v 11 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Men|strong="G3778"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Galilee|strong="G1057"\w*,\f + \fr 1:11 \ft Why do the angels emphasize that the men are from Galilee? The ‘men’ refers only to males, so presumably they were the Eleven. It does appear that none of the first apostles were from Judea, which I find to be curious. On the other hand, the Pharisee types had such a stranglehold on Jerusalem society that the Text refers to secret believers, ‘for fear of the Jews’. That stranglehold was a factor throughout Judea, but much less in Galilee. So much so that the Judeans tended to look down their spiritual noses at Galileans.\f* \w why|strong="G5101"\w* \w do|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w stand|strong="G2476"\w* \w gazing|strong="G2476"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sky|strong="G3772"\w*? \w This|strong="G3778"\w* \w very|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w being|strong="G2532"\w* taken \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w from|strong="G2064"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sky|strong="G3772"\w*, \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G5101"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \it again\it* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* precise \w manner|strong="G3779"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* observed \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w going|strong="G4198"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sky|strong="G3772"\w*.”\f + \fr 1:11 \ft The angels are emphatic; the return is going to be just like the departure. I take it that the Lord will return with the same glorified human body, visibly, come out of a cloud, and His feet will touch down at the same spot where they left (see Matthew 24:30, “coming on the clouds”, and Zechariah 14:4, “His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives”).\f*   
\p
\v 12 \w They|strong="G3588"\w* \w then|strong="G5119"\w* \w returned|strong="G5290"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2419"\w* \w from|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w mount|strong="G3735"\w* \w called|strong="G2564"\w* ‘\w of|strong="G3598"\w* Olives’, \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w near|strong="G1451"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2419"\w* (\w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w Sabbath|strong="G4521"\w* \w day|strong="G4521"\w*'\w s|strong="G2192"\w* \w journey|strong="G3598"\w*).\f + \fr 1:12 \ft Generally understood to be about 1,000 yards or ⅗ of a mile; just under a kilometer.\f*   
\s1 A replacement for Judas Iscariot  
\p
\v 13 \w When|strong="G3753"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w entered|strong="G1525"\w* [\w the|strong="G2532"\w* city] \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G1525"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w upper|strong="G5253"\w* \w room|strong="G5253"\w*\f + \fr 1:13 \ft Probably the same one that was used for the last Passover, since the Text has ‘\+nd the\+nd* upper room’. Both Mark 14:15 and Luke 22:12 inform us that the room was ‘large’, as it would have to be to hold 120 people (see verse 15 below).\f* \w where|strong="G3757"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w staying|strong="G2650"\w*: namely \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w James|strong="G2385"\w*, \w John|strong="G2491"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* Andrew, \w Philip|strong="G5376"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Thomas|strong="G2381"\w*, Bartholomew \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Matthew|strong="G3156"\w*, \w James|strong="G2385"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* Alphaeus \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Simon|strong="G4613"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Zealot, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Judas|strong="G2455"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w James|strong="G2385"\w*.\f + \fr 1:13 \ft Since there was more than one James, Simon and Judas, the last three require an added description. The Text presents the names in pairs, and so have I.\f*  
\v 14 \w All|strong="G3956"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w continuing|strong="G4342"\w* \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w one|strong="G3956"\w* purpose \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w prayer|strong="G4335"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* petition, \w along|strong="G4862"\w* \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w women|strong="G1135"\w*, \w including|strong="G4862"\w* \w Mary|strong="G3137"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w His|strong="G3956"\w* brothers.\f + \fr 1:14 \ft The reference is to His half brothers, presumably including at least James and Jude.\f*   
\p
\v 15 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w stood|strong="G3588"\w* \w up|strong="G1909"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w middle|strong="G3319"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w disciples|strong="G1510"\w*\f + \fr 1:15 \ft A very small minority of the Greek manuscripts [3%], of inferior quality, read ‘brothers’ for ‘disciples’ (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.). The original Eleven are now called ‘apostles’ (verse 2), and the 120 who were there are called ‘disciples’.\f* (\w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w number|strong="G3793"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w people|strong="G3793"\w* assembled \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w about|strong="G5613"\w* 120) \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*:  
\v 16 “\w Men|strong="G3588"\w*,\f + \fr 1:16 \ft The term used here refers exclusively to males—so also in 1:21, 2:5, 2:14, 2:22, 2:29, 2:37 and 3:12.\f* brothers: \w It|strong="G3739"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w necessary|strong="G1163"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w this|strong="G3588"\w* \w Scripture|strong="G1124"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* \w fulfilled|strong="G4137"\w*, \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w the|strong="G1223"\w* \w Holy|strong="G4151"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* spoke \w before|strong="G3588"\w* \w by|strong="G1223"\w* \w David|strong="G1138"\w*'s \w mouth|strong="G4750"\w*\f + \fr 1:16 \ft Notice that Peter evidently held to a ‘dictation’ view of Inspiration, the Holy Spirit used David's mouth.\f* \w concerning|strong="G4012"\w* \w Judas|strong="G2455"\w*, \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w guide|strong="G3595"\w* \w to|strong="G1163"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w arrested|strong="G4815"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*;  
\v 17 \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w numbered|strong="G2674"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w us|strong="G2249"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w obtained|strong="G2975"\w* \w his|strong="G1722"\w* \w share|strong="G2819"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w ministry|strong="G1248"\w*.”  
\v 18 (\w In|strong="G2532"\w* \w fact|strong="G3778"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w* \w acquired|strong="G2932"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w field|strong="G5564"\w* \w with|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w wages|strong="G3408"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w his|strong="G3956"\w* wickedness, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w falling|strong="G1096"\w* \w headlong|strong="G4248"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w burst|strong="G2997"\w* \w open|strong="G2997"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w middle|strong="G3319"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w his|strong="G3956"\w* innards \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w spilled|strong="G1632"\w* \w out|strong="G1537"\w*.\f + \fr 1:18 \ft Matthew 27:5 says that Judas hanged himself, and here it says he fell headlong—well, to fall headlong there has to be a cliff, and you would have to dive off. Putting the two accounts together we understand that there must have been a tree near the edge of the cliff, with a branch reaching out beyond the edge; Judas tied a cord around that branch and his neck and jumped—either the cord or the branch broke, and the impact was sufficient to split him open. Matthew also states that it was actually the chief priests who bought the field, using the money that Judas had thrown on the temple floor; so Judas made the purchase posthumously.\f*  
\v 19 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w became|strong="G1096"\w* \w known|strong="G1110"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w lived|strong="G2730"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2419"\w*, \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w own|strong="G2398"\w* \w language|strong="G1258"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w field|strong="G5564"\w* \w came|strong="G1096"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* \w called|strong="G2564"\w* ‘\it Akeldama\it*’, \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w*, ‘\w Field|strong="G5564"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* Blood’.)  
\v 20 “\w Because|strong="G1063"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* stands \w written|strong="G1125"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Book|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Psalms|strong="G5568"\w*:  
\q1 ‘\w Let|strong="G1096"\w* \w his|strong="G1722"\w* residence \w become|strong="G1096"\w* \w desolate|strong="G2048"\w*,  
\q2 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w no|strong="G3361"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w live|strong="G2730"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*’  
\m \w and|strong="G2532"\w*,  
\q1 ‘\w Let|strong="G1096"\w* \w another|strong="G2087"\w* \w take|strong="G2983"\w* \w his|strong="G1722"\w* \w office|strong="G1984"\w*.’\f + \fr 1:20 \ft See Psalms 69:25 and 109:8.\f*   
\m
\v 21 \w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w then|strong="G3767"\w*, \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w men|strong="G3956"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w accompanied|strong="G4905"\w* \w us|strong="G2249"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w time|strong="G5550"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w went|strong="G1831"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w us|strong="G2249"\w*,  
\v 22 beginning \w from|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* baptism \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w* \w until|strong="G2193"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w when|strong="G1096"\w* \w He|strong="G3739"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w taken|strong="G1096"\w* up \w from|strong="G3588"\w* \w us|strong="G2249"\w*, \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w must|strong="G1096"\w* \w become|strong="G1096"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w witness|strong="G3144"\w* \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w us|strong="G2249"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w His|strong="G3739"\w* resurrection.”\f + \fr 1:22 \ft Notice that the crucial thing is the resurrection. ‘Let another take his office’ would appear to be the basis for Peter's assertion.\f*   
\p
\v 23 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* nominated \w two|strong="G1417"\w*, \w Joseph|strong="G2501"\w* \w called|strong="G2564"\w* Barsabas, \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w surnamed|strong="G1941"\w* \w Justus|strong="G2459"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Matthias|strong="G3159"\w*.  
\v 24 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w praying|strong="G4336"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w You|strong="G4771"\w*, \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, Knower \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w hearts|strong="G2589"\w*, show \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w You|strong="G4771"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w chosen|strong="G1586"\w*\f + \fr 1:24 \ft Wait a minute! How do we, or Peter, know that holding that election was God's idea? If it was not God's idea then Matthias was not really God's choice. (Perhaps Peter did like we so often do, bring our ideas to God and ask Him to bless them, although Peter's idea was evidently based on Psalm 109:8.) In any case, this is the first and last time Matthias is mentioned in the New Testament. The original twelve were personally chosen by Jesus; the only other one so chosen was Saul/Paul.\f*  
\v 25 \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w receive|strong="G2983"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* portion \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w ministry|strong="G1248"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* apostleship, \w out|strong="G2532"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w Judas|strong="G2455"\w* \w turned|strong="G3845"\w* \w aside|strong="G2398"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w go|strong="G4198"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w his|strong="G1519"\w* \w own|strong="G2398"\w* \w place|strong="G5117"\w*.”\f + \fr 1:25 \ft Judas turned aside “out of” Jesus' group, to go “into” his own place. Peter does not name the place, but the Lord Jesus had declared in their hearing that Judas was lost (John 17:12; see also Matthew 26:24).\f*  
\v 26 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w cast|strong="G2532"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w lots|strong="G2819"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w lot|strong="G2819"\w* \w fell|strong="G4098"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w Matthias|strong="G3159"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w numbered|strong="G4785"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w eleven|strong="G1733"\w* Apostles.   
\c 2  
\ms1 Pentecost  
\m
\v 1 \w When|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w Pentecost|strong="G4005"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G1510"\w*,\f + \fr 2:1 \ft This was no more than eight days after the Ascension. In John 14:18 the Lord had said, “I will not leave you orphans”—they only had to wait one week for the Holy Spirit; albeit on resurrection night Jesus had breathed on them at least a portion of the Holy Spirit (John 20:22).\f* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w together|strong="G3674"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w one|strong="G3956"\w* purpose.\f + \fr 2:1 \ft See 1:14 above. What was that ‘purpose’? I assume that they were obeying the Lord's command, they were waiting for ‘the promise of the Father’, the baptism with Holy Spirit.\f*  
\v 2 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* suddenly \w a|strong="G1096"\w* roar \w came|strong="G1096"\w* \w out|strong="G1537"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sky|strong="G3772"\w*, \w like|strong="G5618"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w rushing|strong="G5342"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* violent \w wind|strong="G4157"\w*,\f + \fr 2:2 \ft Why the noise? Presumably to attract attention—God wanted to impact the whole city. Since everyone moved on foot, people would be arriving for a number of minutes, depending on where they started (the city was small in those days).\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w filled|strong="G4137"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w whole|strong="G3650"\w* \w house|strong="G3624"\w* \w where|strong="G3757"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w sitting|strong="G2521"\w*.\f + \fr 2:2 \ft They were sitting, so presumably the ‘house’ wasn't the temple; I imagine it was the ‘upper room’.\f*  
\v 3 \w Fiery|strong="G4442"\w* \w tongues|strong="G1100"\w* \w appeared|strong="G3708"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G2532"\w* distributed \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3708"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* [\w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w tongue|strong="G1100"\w*] landed\f + \fr 2:3 \ft I understand from the grammar that the tongue actually touched down on the person, there was contact.\f* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w each|strong="G1538"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3708"\w*.  
\v 4 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \nd \+w all|strong="G3956"\+w*\nd* \w filled|strong="G4130"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w Holy|strong="G4151"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* began \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w speak|strong="G2980"\w* \w different|strong="G2087"\w* \w languages|strong="G1100"\w*,\f + \fr 2:4 \ft These are human languages, spoken somewhere on earth, as the following context makes clear.\f* \w as|strong="G2531"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w granting|strong="G1325"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w speak|strong="G2980"\w* \w out|strong="G2532"\w*.\f + \fr 2:4 \ft “Speak out” translates a different word than the “speak” in the middle of the verse; the idea is to proclaim or project the voice. Notice that the speaking was controlled by the Spirit. The Text is emphatic that they were all filled, but they did not all start spouting languages; the languages were directed to specific hearers, as the following context makes clear. As the crowd began to gather the Spirit presumably sent the disciples (probably the same 120, at least) out to mingle with the people, and the Spirit proclaimed ‘the great works of God’ to each one in his mother tongue, using the mouths of the disciples. But there would also need to be a miracle in the ear of each hearer, to filter his own language out from the welter of sound (many languages being proclaimed at the same time). I would imagine that this activity lasted at least 10 or 15 minutes.\f*   
\s1 People from all over  
\p
\v 5 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w there|strong="G1161"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w devout|strong="G2126"\w* \w men|strong="G3956"\w*, \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w*, \w from|strong="G5259"\w* \w every|strong="G3956"\w* \w nation|strong="G1484"\w* \w under|strong="G5259"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w*, \w dwelling|strong="G2730"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2419"\w*.\f + \fr 2:5 \ft If these were people who had come for a short time, they would not be tied to business activities, and might even be bored, so any promise of something different would be welcome. So the ‘foreigners’ probably outnumbered the local citizens in that crowd.\f*  
\v 6 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* roar \w occurred|strong="G1096"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowd|strong="G4128"\w* \w came|strong="G1096"\w* \w together|strong="G4905"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w bewildered|strong="G4797"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w each|strong="G1538"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* hearing \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w speaking|strong="G2980"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G2398"\w* \w own|strong="G2398"\w* \w dialect|strong="G1258"\w*.\f + \fr 2:6 \ft The word rendered ‘dialect’ is different from the word rendered ‘language’. What each one heard was what was spoken in his home town, complete with peculiarities—the only explanation for what was happening was supernatural activity.\f*  
\v 7 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w amazed|strong="G2296"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w marveled|strong="G2296"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G3956"\w* \w another|strong="G3588"\w*:\f + \fr 2:7 \ft I gather that the material within quotes represents a sampling from a variety of speakers.\f* “Hey, aren'\w t|strong="G3588"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w speaking|strong="G2980"\w* \w Galileans|strong="G1057"\w*?  
\v 8 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w how|strong="G4459"\w* \w can|strong="G4459"\w* \w each|strong="G1538"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w us|strong="G2249"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* hearing \w our|strong="G2532"\w* \w own|strong="G2398"\w* \w dialect|strong="G1258"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w born|strong="G1080"\w*?  
\v 9 \w Parthians|strong="G3934"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Medes|strong="G3370"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Elamites|strong="G1639"\w*; \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w dwelling|strong="G2730"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w Mesopotamia|strong="G3318"\w*, \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w Judea|strong="G2449"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Cappadocia|strong="G2587"\w*, \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w Pontus|strong="G4195"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Asia|strong="G3588"\w*,  
\v 10 \w in|strong="G2596"\w* \w Phrygia|strong="G5435"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Pamphylia|strong="G3828"\w*, \w in|strong="G2596"\w* Egypt \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w parts|strong="G3313"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Libya|strong="G3033"\w* adjoining \w Cyrene|strong="G2957"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w visitors|strong="G1927"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w Rome|strong="G4514"\w*—\w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w proselytes|strong="G4339"\w*—  
\v 11 \w Cretans|strong="G2912"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* Arabians; \w we|strong="G2532"\w* hear \w them|strong="G3588"\w* declaring \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w great|strong="G2980"\w* \w works|strong="G3167"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w our|strong="G2316"\w* own \w languages|strong="G1100"\w*.”  
\v 12 \w Yes|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w amazed|strong="G1839"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w perplexed|strong="G1280"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w one|strong="G3956"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w another|strong="G1161"\w*, “\w Whatever|strong="G3956"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w going|strong="G2532"\w* \w on|strong="G1161"\w*?”  
\v 13 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w different|strong="G2087"\w* \w ones|strong="G3748"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* jeering, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w They|strong="G1161"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w full|strong="G3325"\w* \w of|strong="G3004"\w* \w sweet|strong="G1098"\w* \w wine|strong="G1098"\w*!”\f + \fr 2:13 \ft In ‘sweet’ wine the fermentation process was just beginning, so the alcohol content was still low; but if you drank enough of it you got ‘happy’. So the mockers are saying that the disciples had tanked up and were feeling the effects. (On the other hand, 120 bellyfuls would represent a respectable quantity of liquid, much more than would normally be available, so the mockers' hypothesis is not very plausible—and being drunk does not give you the ability to speak a different language [in fact, you don't even speak your own correctly].) But as Peter points out in verse 15, it was 9:00 a.m., too early for anyone to be drunk.\f*   
\s1 Peter's proclamation  
\p
\v 14 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w*, \w standing|strong="G2476"\w* \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w eleven|strong="G1733"\w*,\f + \fr 2:14 \ft Many versions render ‘standing up’, as if Peter and the others had been sitting in the house all this time (did the crowd invade the house?). The basic meaning of the verb here is more like ‘standing still’ (stopping)—I take it that the Eleven had been mingling with the crowd too, but Peter now gathers them to form a nucleus upon which the crowd can focus its attention.\f* \w raised|strong="G1869"\w* \w his|strong="G3956"\w* \w voice|strong="G5456"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* proclaimed \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Men|strong="G3956"\w*—\w Jews|strong="G2453"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w dwelling|strong="G2730"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2419"\w*—\w let|strong="G1161"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w known|strong="G1110"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*; \w indeed|strong="G2532"\w*, listen \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w my|strong="G3956"\w* speech!  
\v 15 \w Because|strong="G1063"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w drunk|strong="G3184"\w*, \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w suppose|strong="G5274"\w* (\w since|strong="G5613"\w* \w it|strong="G1063"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w only|strong="G3756"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w third|strong="G5154"\w* \w hour|strong="G5610"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w*),  
\v 16 \w but|strong="G3588"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w what|strong="G3588"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w spoken|strong="G3004"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G1223"\w* \w prophet|strong="G4396"\w* \w Joel|strong="G2493"\w*:   
\q1
\v 17 ‘\w It|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w last|strong="G2078"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w*, \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*:  
\q2 \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* \w pour|strong="G1632"\w* \w out|strong="G1632"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w my|strong="G3708"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w flesh|strong="G4561"\w*;  
\q1 \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w sons|strong="G5207"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w daughters|strong="G2364"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* \w prophesy|strong="G4395"\w*;  
\q2 \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w young|strong="G3495"\w* \w men|strong="G3956"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w visions|strong="G3706"\w*;  
\q2 \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w old|strong="G4245"\w* \w men|strong="G3956"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* \w dream|strong="G1797"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w dream|strong="G1797"\w*.\f + \fr 2:17 \ft “Visions” is plural, but “dream” is singular, in the Text (albeit 15% of the Greek manuscripts do have ‘dreams’). When I was young I had all sorts of ‘visions’ of what I thought I was going to achieve in my lifetime. Now that I am old I am pretty well reduced to one ‘dream’. One's focus must accompany his energy level. (My personal experience is probably not the intended meaning of the Text, but I am not sure what it might be—do all old men have the same dream?)\f*   
\q1
\v 18 \w In|strong="G1722"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w indeed|strong="G2532"\w* \w pour|strong="G1632"\w* \w out|strong="G1632"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w my|strong="G1722"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* \w my|strong="G1722"\w* male \w slaves|strong="G1401"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* \w my|strong="G1722"\w* female \w slaves|strong="G1401"\w*,  
\q2 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w prophesy|strong="G4395"\w*.\f + \fr 2:18 \ft As is typical in Hebrew, verse 18 repeats part of verse 17. Similarly, verse 20 complements verse19. I take it that verses 19 and 20 will be fulfilled during the Great Tribulation, literally, so it was verses 17 and 18 that were immediately applicable to what was happening there. So why did Peter quote the material in 19 and 20? Perhaps he (and the others) thought that ‘the day of the Lord’ had already started—so much so that no one went home; the believers stayed on in Jerusalem until the persecution sent them running (Acts 8:1).\f*   
\q1
\v 19 \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w show|strong="G1325"\w* \w wonders|strong="G5059"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w* \w above|strong="G1909"\w*  
\q2 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w signs|strong="G4592"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w earth|strong="G1093"\w* \w below|strong="G2736"\w*:  
\q2 blood \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w fire|strong="G4442"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w smoke|strong="G2586"\w* vapor.   
\q1
\v 20 \w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w sun|strong="G2246"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w turned|strong="G3344"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w darkness|strong="G4655"\w*  
\q2 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w moon|strong="G4582"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* ‘blood’  
\q2 \w before|strong="G4250"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w great|strong="G3173"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w glorious|strong="G2016"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \sc \+w Lord|strong="G2962"\+w*\sc* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w*.   
\q1
\v 21 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w*: \w whoever|strong="G3739"\w* \w calls|strong="G1941"\w* \w on|strong="G1941"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \sc \+w Lord|strong="G2962"\+w*\sc*\f + \fr 2:21 \ft To call on the ‘name’ of the Lord is to call on Him. To ‘call’ on Him is to place yourself under His protection, which involves a recognition of His rulership.\f*  
\q2 \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w saved|strong="G4982"\w*!’   
\p
\v 22 “\w Men|strong="G3778"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w Israel|strong="G2475"\w*, \w listen|strong="G1492"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w words|strong="G3056"\w*: \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* Natsorean,\f + \fr 2:22 \ft ‘Natsorean’, not ‘Nazarene’. The Text has ‘the’ Natsorean, the Branch-man (see Matthew 2:23 and Isaiah 11:1). In Acts 22:8 the glorified Jesus identifies Himself to Saul as ‘\+nd the\+nd* Natsorean’, which Saul would understand as being the Messiah.\f* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* attested \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w by|strong="G1223"\w* \w miracles|strong="G1411"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w wonders|strong="G5059"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w signs|strong="G4592"\w*, \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w did|strong="G4160"\w* \w by|strong="G1223"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w your|strong="G1223"\w* \w midst|strong="G3319"\w*, \w as|strong="G2531"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w yourselves|strong="G4771"\w* \w well|strong="G2532"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w*,\f + \fr 2:22 \ft Peter here addresses specifically the Israelites, presumably residents of Jerusalem and Judea, since they had been eyewitnesses of what Jesus did.\f*  
\v 23 \nd \+w Him|strong="G3588"\+w*\nd*—\w being|strong="G2532"\w* \w delivered|strong="G1560"\w* \w up|strong="G2532"\w* \w by|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* established \w purpose|strong="G1012"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w foreknowledge|strong="G4268"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*—\w you|strong="G2532"\w* murdered, \w having|strong="G2532"\w* taken \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w with|strong="G1223"\w* lawless \w hands|strong="G5495"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w crucified|strong="G4362"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*;\f + \fr 2:23 \ft “You took with lawless hands”—‘take’ and ‘lawless’ clearly give the idea that they were responsible for their actions. “Being delivered up by the established purpose and foreknowledge of God” is a clear statement of God's sovereignty in action. So here we have divine sovereignty and human responsibility side by side; they are both true, whether we understand it or not. (Less than 3% of the Greek manuscripts, of inferior quality, omit ‘having taken’.)\f*  
\v 24 \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w raised|strong="G2316"\w* \w up|strong="G3089"\w*, ending \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w labor|strong="G5604"\w* \w pains|strong="G5604"\w* \w of|strong="G5259"\w* \w death|strong="G2288"\w*,\f + \fr 2:24 \ft In Revelation 1:5 Jesus is called “the firstborn from among the dead”. Death is pictured as a huge womb, pregnant with all the dead, and Jesus Christ was the first one out, literally the ‘firstborn’. Resurrection is the process by which one is ‘born’ out of physical death. The figure of death as a womb is strong, but effective. That ‘womb’ had been holding people for thousands of years, but now finally ‘gives birth’. (People like Lazarus who were returned to this life for a while had to die all over again; they have to wait for the resurrection like the rest of us.)\f* \w because|strong="G2530"\w* \w it|strong="G3739"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w possible|strong="G1415"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w He|strong="G3739"\w* \w should|strong="G2316"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w held|strong="G2902"\w* \w by|strong="G5259"\w* \w it|strong="G3739"\w*.  
\v 25 \w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w David|strong="G1138"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w concerning|strong="G1519"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*:  
\q1 ‘\w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w always|strong="G3956"\w* \w saw|strong="G4308"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \sc \+w Lord|strong="G2962"\+w*\sc* \w before|strong="G1799"\w* \w my|strong="G3956"\w* face,  
\q2 \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w He|strong="G3754"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w at|strong="G1519"\w* \w my|strong="G3956"\w* \w right|strong="G1188"\w* \w side|strong="G1188"\w* \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w shaken|strong="G4531"\w*.\f + \fr 2:25 \ft Nothing like having God at your side, literally, to give you confidence, but nothing like the awareness that He is looking at you to keep you in line! The quote is from Psalm 16:8-11.\f*   
\q1
\v 26 \w Therefore|strong="G1223"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w heart|strong="G2588"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w glad|strong="G2165"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w tongue|strong="G1100"\w* \w rejoiced|strong="G2165"\w*.  
\q2 \w Furthermore|strong="G2532"\w*, \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w flesh|strong="G4561"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* repose \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* \w hope|strong="G1680"\w*,\f + \fr 2:26 \ft I take it that the emphasis here is upon the physical body; Jesus' body was preserved from decay by divine intervention—there was no bad smell in the empty tomb. The resurrection accounts refer to the wrappings, but not to the 100 pounds of spices—I wonder what happened to them (you know, that much spice would be hard to ignore).\f*   
\q1
\v 27 \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w You|strong="G4771"\w* \w will|strong="G1473"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w abandon|strong="G1459"\w* \w my|strong="G3708"\w* \w soul|strong="G5590"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* Hades,\f + \fr 2:27 \ft This is the other side of the coin: for the body not to see decay, it would have to be resurrected; but for resurrection to happen the soul must be reunited with the body, and therefore could not remain in Hades. David had no way of knowing that, so evidently wrote under divine inspiration.\f*  
\q2 \w nor|strong="G3761"\w* \w will|strong="G1473"\w* \w You|strong="G4771"\w* \w allow|strong="G1325"\w* \w Your|strong="G3708"\w* \w Holy|strong="G3741"\w* \w One|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w decay|strong="G1312"\w*.   
\q1
\v 28 \w You|strong="G4771"\w* \w have|strong="G1473"\w* \w made|strong="G1107"\w* \w known|strong="G1107"\w* \w to|strong="G3326"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w roads|strong="G3598"\w* \w of|strong="G3598"\w* \w life|strong="G2222"\w*;\f + \fr 2:28 \ft Life, not death.\f*  
\q2 \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w Your|strong="G4137"\w* \w presence|strong="G4383"\w* \w You|strong="G4771"\w* \w make|strong="G1107"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w full|strong="G4137"\w* \w of|strong="G3598"\w* \w gladness|strong="G2167"\w*.’\f + \fr 2:28 \ft If you are a God-lover there is nothing like His presence to make you glad (on the other hand, for a God-hater that Presence is the worst thing in the universe [which is why a God-hater would rather be in hell than in heaven]).\f*   
\p
\v 29 “\w Men|strong="G3778"\w*, brothers, \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w permitted|strong="G1832"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w speak|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w plainly|strong="G3954"\w* \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w patriarch|strong="G3966"\w* \w David|strong="G1138"\w*, \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w died|strong="G5053"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w buried|strong="G2290"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G4012"\w* \w tomb|strong="G3418"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w*.\f + \fr 2:29 \ft David was buried in Jerusalem, and evidently his tomb could still be identified at that time.\f*  
\v 30 \w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w then|strong="G3767"\w*, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w being|strong="G5225"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w prophet|strong="G4396"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w knowing|strong="G1492"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w sworn|strong="G3660"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w with|strong="G1537"\w* \w an|strong="G2532"\w* \w oath|strong="G3727"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w fruit|strong="G2590"\w*, \w according|strong="G2316"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* flesh,\f + \fr 2:30 \ft Peter is being theologically precise here; David's genes contributed only to the Messiah's body, not to His soul and spirit.\f* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w his|strong="G1909"\w* \w loins|strong="G3751"\w*\f + \fr 2:30 \ft The term rendered ‘loins’ when singular refers to the waist, where a belt is worn. When plural it was used to refer to the place of the reproductive organs—actually, the prostate gland is not all that far below the waist.\f* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w would|strong="G2532"\w* \w raise|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Messiah\f + \fr 2:30 \ft The Text, being Greek, has ‘Christ’, but king David spoke Hebrew and to him it was ‘Messiah’ (and Peter was presumably speaking in Hebrew). Peter makes the overt connection to Jesus in verse 32. Two percent of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit “according to flesh, He would raise up the Messiah” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w sit|strong="G2523"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w his|strong="G1909"\w* \w throne|strong="G2362"\w*,  
\v 31 \w he|strong="G3754"\w* foreseeing \w this|strong="G3588"\w*\f + \fr 2:31 \ft “He foreseeing this” is parallel to “he being a prophet” in verse 30.\f* \w spoke|strong="G2980"\w* \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* resurrection \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w Messiah|strong="G5547"\w*, \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* soul\f + \fr 2:31 \ft Two percent of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit “His soul” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.). The omission weakens the point of the argument.\f* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w not|strong="G3777"\w* \w abandoned|strong="G1459"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* Hades, \w nor|strong="G3777"\w* \w did|strong="G3708"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w flesh|strong="G4561"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w decay|strong="G1312"\w*.\f + \fr 2:31 \ft Peter's reasoning is impressive, a prime instance of illumination. (By ‘illumination’ we mean divine assistance in interpreting divinely inspired writing. ‘Inspiration’ attaches to the writing, ‘illumination’ attaches to the interpretation of inspired writing.)\f*   
\p
\v 32 “\w This|strong="G3778"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w raised|strong="G2316"\w*, \w to|strong="G2316"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w witnesses|strong="G3144"\w*.  
\v 33 \w Therefore|strong="G3767"\w*, \w having|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G2532"\w* \w exalted|strong="G5312"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*'s \w right|strong="G1188"\w* \w hand|strong="G1188"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w having|strong="G2532"\w* \w received|strong="G2983"\w* \w from|strong="G3844"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w promise|strong="G1860"\w* \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Holy|strong="G4151"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w*, \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w poured|strong="G1632"\w* \w out|strong="G1632"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w now|strong="G2532"\w* see \w and|strong="G2532"\w* hear.  
\v 34 Further, \w David|strong="G1138"\w* \w did|strong="G3588"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w ascend|strong="G1537"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w heavens|strong="G3772"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w himself|strong="G1519"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w*:  
\q1 ‘\w The|strong="G1519"\w* \sc \+w Lord|strong="G2962"\+w*\sc* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*:\f + \fr 2:34 \ft Peter was there when Jesus used this text to silence the Pharisees (Matthew 22:41-46).\f*  
\q2 \w Sit|strong="G2521"\w* \w at|strong="G1519"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w right|strong="G1188"\w* \w hand|strong="G1188"\w*   
\q2
\v 35 \w until|strong="G2193"\w* \w I|strong="G2193"\w* \w make|strong="G5087"\w* \w your|strong="G5087"\w* \w enemies|strong="G2190"\w* \w a|strong="G5087"\w* \w footstool|strong="G5286"\w* \w for|strong="G4228"\w* \w your|strong="G5087"\w* \w feet|strong="G4228"\w*.’   
\m
\v 36 \w Therefore|strong="G3767"\w*, \w let|strong="G1097"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w house|strong="G3624"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w Israel|strong="G2474"\w* \w know|strong="G1097"\w* \nd assuredly\nd* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w has|strong="G2316"\w* \w made|strong="G4160"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*, \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \bd \+w you|strong="G5210"\+w*\bd* \w crucified|strong="G4717"\w*!”\f + \fr 2:36 \ft Nothing like making sure your audience gets the point! But why “\+nd both\+nd* Lord and Christ”? Perhaps there were a variety of ideas about the ‘Messiah’ out there and Peter nails down His identity as the \+nd Lord\+nd*.\f*   
\s1 The reaction  
\p
\v 37 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w upon|strong="G1161"\w* hearing \w this|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w cut|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w heart|strong="G2588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w rest|strong="G3062"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Apostles, “\w Men|strong="G3588"\w*, brothers, \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w shall|strong="G2532"\w* \w we|strong="G2532"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w*?!”  
\v 38 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w said|strong="G5346"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Repent|strong="G3340"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* baptized, \w each|strong="G1538"\w* \w one|strong="G1538"\w* \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*,\f + \fr 2:38 \ft This is the first use of the title, Jesus Christ, after the Gospels; the Lord had Himself inaugurated the title fifty days before (John 17:3)—it affirms that Jesus is the Messiah. Anyone being baptized upon that name would be publicly declaring allegiance to Jesus \+bd as the Messiah\+bd*. Notice that Peter promises forgiveness of sin and the gift of the Holy Spirit to any who enter into that \+nd commitment\+nd*.\f* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* forgiveness \w of|strong="G4151"\w* sins, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w receive|strong="G2983"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w gift|strong="G1431"\w* \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Holy|strong="G4151"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w*.  
\v 39 \w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w promise|strong="G1860"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \nd \+w to|strong="G1519"\+w* \+w you|strong="G5210"\+w*\nd*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w your|strong="G2962"\w* \w children|strong="G5043"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w far|strong="G3588"\w* away\f + \fr 2:39 \ft I assume that “all who are far away” is a reference to Gentiles, and the promise applies only to the ‘called’.\f*—\w as|strong="G3745"\w* \w many|strong="G3745"\w*, \it that is\it*, \w as|strong="G3745"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w our|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w call|strong="G4341"\w*.”  
\v 40 \w With|strong="G2532"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w different|strong="G2087"\w* \w words|strong="G3056"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w testified|strong="G1263"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w kept|strong="G2532"\w* \w exhorting|strong="G3870"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “Escape \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w perverse|strong="G4646"\w* \w generation|strong="G1074"\w*!”\f + \fr 2:40 \ft The ‘generation’ in question was the one that had crucified the Messiah. By being baptized upon the name of \ft \+bd Jesus Christ\+bd* they would be formally disassociating themselves from that generation, and the judgment that was coming upon it. The worst curse in all human history is recorded in Matthew 27:25, “And all the people answered and said, ‘His blood be on us and on our children’.” Terrible, terrible, terrible—just terrible! (The persecutions later sent them scattering and probably very few were in Jerusalem when it was destroyed in AD 70.)\f*   
\ms1 The beginning of the Church  
\p
\v 41 \w Then|strong="G3767"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* gladly\f + \fr 2:41 \ft Perhaps 3% of the Greek manuscripts, of inferior quality, omit “gladly” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.). The word is significant and should not be omitted on such flimsy evidence. It emphasizes sincerity and commitment.\f* received \w his|strong="G1722"\w* \w word|strong="G3056"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* baptized, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w about|strong="G5616"\w* \w three|strong="G5153"\w* \w thousand|strong="G5153"\w* \w souls|strong="G5590"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w added|strong="G4369"\w*.  
\v 42 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w continued|strong="G4342"\w* steadfastly \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Apostles' \w teaching|strong="G1322"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w fellowship|strong="G2842"\w*, \w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w breaking|strong="G2800"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* bread \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w prayers|strong="G4335"\w*.\f + \fr 2:42 \ft I take “the breaking of \+nd the\+nd* bread” to refer to the Lord's Supper, which with the “prayers” gives the content of the “fellowship”, but that fellowship cannot be disassociated from the Apostles' teaching.\f*  
\v 43 \w Fear|strong="G5401"\w* \w came|strong="G1096"\w* \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* \w every|strong="G3956"\w* \w soul|strong="G5590"\w*—\w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w wonders|strong="G5059"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w signs|strong="G4592"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w taking|strong="G1096"\w* \w place|strong="G1096"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* Apostles.\f + \fr 2:43 \ft Evidently it was not just Peter; the others were also producing.\f*   
\s1 All things in common  
\p
\v 44 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w believed|strong="G4100"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w together|strong="G1909"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2192"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w in|strong="G1909"\w* \w common|strong="G2839"\w*;  
\v 45 \w they|strong="G2532"\w* started \w selling|strong="G4097"\w* \w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w possessions|strong="G2933"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w goods|strong="G5223"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w distributing|strong="G1266"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w according|strong="G5100"\w* \w as|strong="G2532"\w* \w anyone|strong="G5100"\w* \w had|strong="G2192"\w* \w need|strong="G5532"\w*.\f + \fr 2:45 \ft No one wanted to go home to his own area; they did not want to miss anything (it appears that they were expecting the Lord's return at any moment). But what happens after all the goods and possessions have been sold? God sends persecution, and if there is nothing to leave behind it is easier to go somewhere else and start over.\f*  
\v 46 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w continued|strong="G4342"\w* steadfastly \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* purpose \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w temple|strong="G2413"\w*\f + \fr 2:46 \ft Since Jesus had formally abandoned the temple, Matthew 23:38-24:1, why were they still using it? It was probably the largest structure in town, and the only one that could hold their increasing number. It would also be strategic for evangelizing unconverted Jews. But it later became a snare, as illustrated by the episode that resulted in Paul's imprisonment.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w broke|strong="G2806"\w* bread \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w house|strong="G3624"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w house|strong="G3624"\w*;\f + \fr 2:46 \ft Here we have the regular meals.\f* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* received \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w share|strong="G3335"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w food|strong="G5160"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* gladness \w and|strong="G2532"\w* singleness \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w heart|strong="G2588"\w*,\f + \fr 2:46 \ft This sort of thing can work for a while, but tends to go sour; see 6:1 below. [Many years ago I observed a community in Ann Arbor, Michigan try this, but they had trouble with free loaders and moochers.]\f*  
\v 47 praising \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w having|strong="G2192"\w* \w favor|strong="G5485"\w* \w with|strong="G4314"\w* \w all|strong="G3650"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w*. \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w by|strong="G2596"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w added|strong="G4369"\w*\f + \fr 2:47 \ft Notice who does the adding, and He cannot be deceived.\f* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Church\f + \fr 2:47 \ft Three percent of the Greek manuscripts, of inferior quality, omit “to the Church” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w being|strong="G2532"\w* \w saved|strong="G4982"\w*.   
\c 3  
\s1 A man lame from birth  
\m
\v 1 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w going|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w together|strong="G1909"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w temple|strong="G2411"\w* \w at|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w hour|strong="G5610"\w* (\w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w ninth|strong="G1766"\w*)\f + \fr 3:1 \ft If Luke is using Hebrew time, it was 3 p.m., if Roman, it was 9 a.m., both being Jewish times for prayer. But from 4:3 below, that says it was already evening, it appears that Luke uses Hebrew time here.\f* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w prayer|strong="G4335"\w*.\f + \fr 3:1 \ft But why did they go to the temple to pray? Since God had abandoned that temple, they might just as well have prayed at home.\f*  
\v 2 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w man|strong="G5100"\w*, \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w actually|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G2532"\w* \w lame|strong="G5560"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w his|strong="G1519"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w*'s \w womb|strong="G2836"\w*, \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w being|strong="G5225"\w* \w carried|strong="G2532"\w* (\w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w would|strong="G2532"\w* \w lay|strong="G5087"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w daily|strong="G2250"\w* \w at|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w temple|strong="G2413"\w* \w gate|strong="G2374"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G5100"\w* \w called|strong="G3004"\w* \w Beautiful|strong="G5611"\w*, \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w ask|strong="G3004"\w* \w alms|strong="G1654"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w entered|strong="G1531"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w temple|strong="G2413"\w*),  
\v 3 \w who|strong="G3739"\w*, \w upon|strong="G1519"\w* \w seeing|strong="G3708"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w* \w about|strong="G3195"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w go|strong="G1524"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w temple|strong="G2411"\w*, \w began|strong="G2983"\w* \w asking|strong="G2065"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w alms|strong="G1654"\w*.   
\s2 Peter heals him  
\p
\v 4 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w*, \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w*, fastening \w his|strong="G1519"\w* gaze \w on|strong="G1519"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “Look \w at|strong="G1519"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w*.”  
\v 5 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w gave|strong="G3588"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w his|strong="G2983"\w* \w attention|strong="G1907"\w*, \w expecting|strong="G4328"\w* \w to|strong="G5100"\w* \w receive|strong="G2983"\w* \w something|strong="G5100"\w* \w from|strong="G3844"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 6 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* silver \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w gold|strong="G5553"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w what|strong="G3739"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*. \w In|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* Natsorean, \w get|strong="G2192"\w* \w up|strong="G1325"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w walk|strong="G4043"\w*!”\f + \fr 3:6 \ft Alack! Many churches now have silver and gold, but can no longer say, “Get up and walk!”\f*  
\v 7 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* grasping \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w by|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G2532"\w* \w right|strong="G1188"\w* \w hand|strong="G5495"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w lifted|strong="G1453"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w up|strong="G1453"\w*;\f + \fr 3:7 \ft This was an act of faith on Peter's part; if nothing happened the man would fall back down.\f* \w immediately|strong="G3916"\w* \w his|strong="G2532"\w* feet \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w ankles|strong="G4974"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w strengthened|strong="G4732"\w*.  
\v 8 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* jumping \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w stood|strong="G2476"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* began \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w walk|strong="G4043"\w*!\f + \fr 3:8 \ft He had never learned to walk (lame from birth), so how could he just start walking, not to mention leaping? The miracle included his head, not just his limbs.\f* \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w entered|strong="G1525"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w temple|strong="G2411"\w* \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w walking|strong="G4043"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w leaping|strong="G2476"\w*\f + \fr 3:8 \ft Don't you know he had a bouncing good time!\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* praising \w God|strong="G2316"\w*.  
\v 9 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w walking|strong="G4043"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* praising \w God|strong="G2316"\w*;  
\v 10 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w recognized|strong="G1921"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*—\w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* used \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w sit|strong="G2521"\w* \w at|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Beautiful|strong="G5611"\w* \w Gate|strong="G4439"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w temple|strong="G2413"\w*, \w with|strong="G4314"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w view|strong="G1909"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w alms|strong="G1654"\w*—\w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w filled|strong="G4130"\w* \w with|strong="G4314"\w* \w wonder|strong="G2285"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w amazement|strong="G1611"\w* \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w what|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w happened|strong="G4819"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*.   
\s1 Peter preaches  
\p
\v 11 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w as|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* lame \w man|strong="G3956"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G2532"\w* healed \w held|strong="G2902"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w*\f + \fr 3:11 \ft I assume that he was literally hanging on to them, perhaps their clothes—for whatever reason he did not want to be separated from them. Some 11% of the Greek manuscripts omit ‘the lame man who had been healed’ (as in NIV [the beggar], NASB, LB, TEV [the man], etc.).\f* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w*, \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w* \w ran|strong="G4936"\w* \w together|strong="G1909"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w portico|strong="G4745"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G3956"\w* \w called|strong="G2564"\w* ‘\w Solomon|strong="G4672"\w*'s’, really \w wondering|strong="G1569"\w*.  
\v 12 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* observing \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* responded \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w*: “\w Men|strong="G3778"\w* \w of|strong="G1411"\w* \w Israel|strong="G2475"\w*, \w why|strong="G5101"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G3708"\w* \w marveling|strong="G2296"\w* \w at|strong="G1909"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w*, \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w why|strong="G5101"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G3708"\w* staring \w at|strong="G1909"\w* \w us|strong="G4160"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w if|strong="G5613"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w have|strong="G1473"\w* \w made|strong="G4160"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w walk|strong="G4043"\w* \w by|strong="G1909"\w* \w our|strong="G4160"\w* \w own|strong="G2398"\w* \w power|strong="G1411"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w godliness|strong="G2150"\w*?\f + \fr 3:12 \ft Well, what had happened was extraordinary, to say the least, and probably deserved a little staring.\f*  
\v 13 \w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* Abraham \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Isaac|strong="G2464"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jacob|strong="G2384"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w our|strong="G2316"\w* \w fathers|strong="G3962"\w*, \w glorified|strong="G1392"\w* \w His|strong="G2532"\w* \w Servant|strong="G3816"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*, \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \nd \+w you|strong="G5210"\+w*\nd* \w delivered|strong="G3860"\w* \w up|strong="G3860"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* repudiated \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Pilate|strong="G4091"\w*'s \w face|strong="G4383"\w*, \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* intending \w to|strong="G2532"\w* release \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.\f + \fr 3:13 \ft Comparing Matthew 27:11-26, Mark 15:2-19, Luke 23:3-25 and John 18:33-19:15 it becomes clear that Pilate wanted no part of killing Jesus and tried hard to release Him. But they not only repudiated Jesus, they repudiated their claim to the Messiah, saying, “We have no king but Caesar”.\f*  
\v 14 \w Yes|strong="G1161"\w* \nd \+w you|strong="G5210"\+w*\nd* repudiated \w the|strong="G2532"\w* holy \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w righteous|strong="G1342"\w* \w One|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* asked \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \bd \+w murderer|strong="G5406"\+w*\bd* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w granted|strong="G5483"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*,\f + \fr 3:14 \ft Peter does not mince words; he is emphatic about their guilt.\f*  
\v 15 \w while|strong="G1161"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* killed \w the|strong="G1537"\w* Originator \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* \w Life|strong="G2222"\w*,\f + \fr 3:15 \ft A curious expression! How could anyone kill the Originator of the Life? Well, it was certainly their intention to kill Jesus, and Peter declares their guilt, but Jesus gave up His own life, as John 10:17-18 makes clear.\f* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w raised|strong="G1453"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w among|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* \w dead|strong="G3498"\w*, \w to|strong="G1161"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w witnesses|strong="G3144"\w*.  
\v 16 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G3956"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w*, based \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w* \w in|strong="G1909"\w* \w His|strong="G3956"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w*,\f + \fr 3:16 \ft A name represents the person, so it was faith in Jesus that produced the healing; but Peter put his faith into action.\f* \w made|strong="G4732"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w* \w strong|strong="G4732"\w*, \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w see|strong="G1492"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w*. Yes, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*\f + \fr 3:16 \ft If the Lord Jesus is not the actual source of the faith, it is mediated through Him.\f* \w has|strong="G3739"\w* \w given|strong="G1325"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* wholeness \w in|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w presence|strong="G1223"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w*.   
\p
\v 17 “\w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w now|strong="G3568"\w*, brothers, \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w did|strong="G1492"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G2596"\w* ignorance, \w as|strong="G5618"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* rulers.  
\v 18 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w foretold|strong="G4293"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w mouth|strong="G4750"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w His|strong="G3956"\w* \w prophets|strong="G4396"\w*, \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w Messiah|strong="G5547"\w* \w would|strong="G2316"\w* \w suffer|strong="G3958"\w*, \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w has|strong="G2316"\w* \w thus|strong="G3779"\w* \w fulfilled|strong="G4137"\w*.  
\v 19 \w Repent|strong="G3340"\w* \w therefore|strong="G3767"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w turn|strong="G1994"\w* \w around|strong="G4314"\w*, \w so|strong="G3767"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w your|strong="G2962"\w* sins \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* erased, \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w order|strong="G3704"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w times|strong="G2540"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* refreshing \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w from|strong="G2064"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*'\w s|strong="G2962"\w* \w face|strong="G4383"\w*\f + \fr 3:19 \ft Although the Lord's return is still future, by His grace, and by walking in the Spirit, we have the privilege of experiencing our own little ‘times of refreshing’.\f*  
\v 20 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* send \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*, \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G2424"\w* \w been|strong="G2532"\w* \w ordained|strong="G2962"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2962"\w* \w Messiah|strong="G5547"\w*,\f + \fr 3:20 \ft That is what the Text says. There was God's side, ordaining, and there was their side, recognizing and receiving. If Jesus had been received as Messiah while He lived among them, presumably history would have been different. But now Jesus will only return when it is time to ‘restore all things’. But comparing the first clause of verse 19 with that of verse 20 it almost seems that Peter is saying that they could bring Jesus back right away.\f*  
\v 21 \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w Heaven|strong="G3772"\w* \w must|strong="G1163"\w* \w receive|strong="G1209"\w* until \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w times|strong="G5550"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* restoration \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w*,\f + \fr 3:21 \ft I take this to be a reference to the Messianic Kingdom, the Millennium.\f* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \it times\it*\f + \fr 3:21 \ft The relative pronoun here is ambiguous as to the antecedent, it could refer to ‘things’ or ‘times’, but verse 24 below makes clear that it is ‘times’.\f* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w spoke|strong="G2980"\w* \w long|strong="G5550"\w* \w ago|strong="G5550"\w* \w by|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w mouth|strong="G4750"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w His|strong="G3956"\w* holy \w prophets|strong="G4396"\w*.   
\p
\v 22 “\w For|strong="G3754"\w* example, \w Moses|strong="G3475"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* fathers:\f + \fr 3:22 \ft Some 4% of the Greek manuscripts omit “to the fathers” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* ‘\w The|strong="G3956"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w our|strong="G2316"\w*\f + \fr 3:22 \ft Instead of ‘our’, perhaps 40% of the Greek manuscripts read ‘your’.\f* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* \w raise|strong="G2316"\w* \w up|strong="G1537"\w* \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w a|strong="G5613"\w* \w Prophet|strong="G4396"\w*, \w like|strong="G5613"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*, \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w among|strong="G1537"\w* \w your|strong="G2962"\w* brothers. \w You|strong="G5210"\w* \w must|strong="G3588"\w* listen \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \bd \+w Him|strong="G3588"\+w*\bd*, \w in|strong="G2596"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w He|strong="G3754"\w* \w may|strong="G3956"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*.  
\v 23 \w It|strong="G1161"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w every|strong="G3956"\w* \w person|strong="G5590"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* listen \w to|strong="G3361"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w Prophet|strong="G4396"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* extirpated \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w among|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w*.’\f + \fr 3:23 \ft See Deuteronomy 18:15-19. Peter is saying that those who did not listen to Jesus are under the sentence of an early death, and quite possibly with spiritual implications.\f*   
\p
\v 24 “\w Yes|strong="G1161"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w prophets|strong="G4396"\w*, \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w Samuel|strong="G4545"\w* \w on|strong="G1161"\w* down,\f + \fr 3:24 \ft Samuel was a prophet.\f* \w as|strong="G3745"\w* \w many|strong="G3745"\w* \w as|strong="G3745"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w spoken|strong="G2980"\w*, \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* foretold\f + \fr 3:24 \ft I follow the best line of transmission in reading “foretold”, rather than ‘proclaimed’, albeit representing only 25% of the Greek manuscripts, at this point.\f* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w*.  
\v 25 \w You|strong="G5210"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w sons|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w prophets|strong="G4396"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w covenant|strong="G1242"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w made|strong="G1303"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w our|strong="G2316"\w* \w fathers|strong="G3962"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* Abraham, ‘Yes, \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w seed|strong="G4690"\w*\f + \fr 3:25 \ft “Seed” is singular. Paul runs with this in Galatians 3:16.\f* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w families|strong="G3965"\w*\f + \fr 3:25 \ft The reference is to patriarchal families, units much smaller than whole tribes or ethnic nations; God emphasizes the importance of the family, while Satan works to destroy it.\f* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w earth|strong="G1093"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w blessed|strong="G1757"\w*.’  
\v 26 \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, \w having|strong="G2316"\w* \w raised|strong="G2316"\w* \w up|strong="G1722"\w* \w His|strong="G1722"\w* \w Servant|strong="G3816"\w* Jesus,\f + \fr 3:26 \ft Perhaps 4% of the Greek manuscripts, of inferior quality, omit “Jesus” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.). As is often the case, the eclectic text weakens the statement.\f* \w sent|strong="G2316"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1722"\w* \bd \+w you|strong="G5210"\+w*\bd* \w first|strong="G4413"\w*,\f + \fr 3:26 \ft Wait a minute! When did this ‘sending’ take place? It was after the resurrection, but Jesus never showed Himself to the people at large during the forty days. I take it that God is doing the ‘sending’ through the Apostles, who started their ministry in Jerusalem (‘to you first’).\f* \w to|strong="G1722"\w* \w bless|strong="G2127"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w turning|strong="G1722"\w* \w each|strong="G1538"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* away \w from|strong="G3588"\w* \w your|strong="G1722"\w* \w iniquities|strong="G4189"\w*.”\f + \fr 3:26 \ft To be turned away from one's iniquities is a major blessing, because of the consequences of those iniquities, both now and later.\f*   
\c 4  
\s1 Peter and John arrested  
\m
\v 1 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w as|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w speaking|strong="G2980"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w priests|strong="G2409"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w captain|strong="G4755"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w temple|strong="G2413"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Sadducees|strong="G4523"\w* \w came|strong="G2532"\w* \w at|strong="G4314"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*,  
\v 2 \w being|strong="G2532"\w* upset \w because|strong="G1223"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w teaching|strong="G1321"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w proclaiming|strong="G2605"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* resurrection \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w dead|strong="G3498"\w*.\f + \fr 4:2 \ft The high priest and family were Sadducees; they did not believe in resurrection (for anybody). So they were doubly disturbed, because the Apostles were affirming that Jesus had already done it, and in consequence others would too.\f*  
\v 3 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w laid|strong="G5087"\w* \w hands|strong="G5495"\w* \w on|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w put|strong="G5087"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* custody \w until|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w next|strong="G1519"\w* \w day|strong="G3588"\w*, \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w already|strong="G2235"\w* \w evening|strong="G2073"\w*.  
\v 4 (\w However|strong="G1161"\w*, \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* heard \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w message|strong="G3056"\w* \w believed|strong="G4100"\w*; \w the|strong="G2532"\w* number \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w men|strong="G3588"\w*\f + \fr 4:4 \ft The word used refers exclusively to males, so with women and children the total number of believers would have been several times larger. In 2:41 above it was 3,000 ‘souls’, which presumably included everybody. The total number has probably grown 4-5 times since Pentecost.\f* \w came|strong="G1096"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* \w about|strong="G5613"\w* \w five|strong="G4002"\w* \w thousand|strong="G5505"\w*.)  
\v 5 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w next|strong="G1519"\w* \w day|strong="G3588"\w* \w an|strong="G2532"\w* assembly \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* rulers, \w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w elders|strong="G4245"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w scribes|strong="G1122"\w*, \w occurred|strong="G1096"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2419"\w*,\f + \fr 4:5 \ft The impression one gets is that they were called in from surrounding areas.\f*  
\v 6 \w along|strong="G2532"\w* \w with|strong="G1537"\w* Annas \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w high|strong="G2532"\w* priest,\f + \fr 4:6 \ft Annas was the real high priest—once installed, the office was for life.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Caiaphas|strong="G2533"\w*, \w John|strong="G2491"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* Alexander, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G3745"\w* \w many|strong="G3745"\w* \w as|strong="G3745"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* high-priestly \w descent|strong="G1085"\w*.  
\v 7 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w having|strong="G2532"\w* \w placed|strong="G2476"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w middle|strong="G3319"\w* [\w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* assembly] \w they|strong="G2532"\w* started questioning: “\w By|strong="G1722"\w* \w what|strong="G4169"\w* \w power|strong="G1411"\w*, \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w what|strong="G4169"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w did|strong="G4160"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w*?”\f + \fr 4:7 \ft “This” suggests that the healed man was present, as verse 10 confirms.\f*   
\s2 Peter's defense  
\p
\v 8 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w*, \w full|strong="G4130"\w* \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w Holy|strong="G4151"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w*,\f + \fr 4:8 \ft Again, no definite article.\f* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “Rulers \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w elders|strong="G4245"\w* \w of|strong="G4151"\w* Israel:\f + \fr 4:8 \ft Perhaps 2% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit “of Israel” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f*  
\v 9 \w If|strong="G1487"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w are|strong="G3778"\w* \w being|strong="G1722"\w* examined \w today|strong="G4594"\w* \w about|strong="G1909"\w* \w a|strong="G1722"\w* \w good|strong="G5101"\w* deed \it done\it* \w to|strong="G1909"\w* \w a|strong="G1722"\w* helpless \w man|strong="G3778"\w*, \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w means|strong="G5101"\w* \w he|strong="G3778"\w* \w has|strong="G5101"\w* been \w made|strong="G4982"\w* \w well|strong="G4982"\w*,  
\v 10 \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w known|strong="G1110"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w Israel|strong="G2474"\w*, \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* Natsorean, \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \nd \+w you|strong="G5210"\+w*\nd* \w crucified|strong="G4717"\w*, \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w raised|strong="G1453"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w dead|strong="G3498"\w*,\f + \fr 4:10 \ft Peter is being neither cautious nor conciliatory! In affirming the resurrection he goes right to the sore point.\f* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \bd \+w Him|strong="G3588"\+w*\bd* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w* \w stands|strong="G3936"\w* \w here|strong="G3936"\w* \w before|strong="G1799"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w whole|strong="G3956"\w*.  
\v 11 \w This|strong="G3778"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* ‘\w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w stone|strong="G3037"\w* \w which|strong="G3588"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w despised|strong="G1848"\w* \w by|strong="G5259"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w builders|strong="G3618"\w*, \w which|strong="G3588"\w* \w has|strong="G1096"\w* \w become|strong="G1096"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w chief|strong="G2776"\w* \w cornerstone|strong="G2776"\w*.’  
\v 12 \w Also|strong="G2532"\w*, \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w salvation|strong="G4991"\w*\f + \fr 4:12 \ft The Text has the definite article; there may be many ‘salvations’ in life, but this is a very specific one. Notice that Peter makes an absolute statement: Jesus is the \+nd only\+nd* way.\f* \w does|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w exist|strong="G1510"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w anyone|strong="G3762"\w* \w else|strong="G2087"\w*, \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w no|strong="G3756"\w* \w other|strong="G2087"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w under|strong="G5259"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w*, \w given|strong="G1325"\w* \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w men|strong="G3588"\w*, \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w must|strong="G1163"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w saved|strong="G4982"\w*.”   
\s2 Rulers impressed  
\p
\v 13 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w upon|strong="G2424"\w* \w observing|strong="G2334"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w boldness|strong="G3954"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w perceiving|strong="G1921"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* uneducated \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w unskilled|strong="G2399"\w* \w men|strong="G3588"\w*,\f + \fr 4:13 \ft The disciples had not received a theological education nor been trained in verbal skills (of course Peter was a skilled fisherman, but that is not the point here).\f* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w marveled|strong="G2296"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w recognized|strong="G1921"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2424"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*.  
\v 14 Further, \w seeing|strong="G2192"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w man|strong="G3762"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G2192"\w* \w been|strong="G2192"\w* \w healed|strong="G2323"\w* \w standing|strong="G2476"\w* \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w they|strong="G3588"\w* \w could|strong="G2192"\w* say \w nothing|strong="G3762"\w* \w against|strong="G3762"\w* \w it|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 15 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w ordering|strong="G2753"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* go \w out|strong="G1854"\w* \w from|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w council|strong="G4892"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w began|strong="G1161"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w confer|strong="G4820"\w* \w among|strong="G4314"\w* \w themselves|strong="G1438"\w*,  
\v 16 \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w What|strong="G5101"\w* \w can|strong="G1410"\w* \w we|strong="G3754"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w men|strong="G3956"\w*? \w Because|strong="G3754"\w*, \w indeed|strong="G2532"\w*, \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w notable|strong="G1110"\w* \w miracle|strong="G4592"\w* \w has|strong="G5101"\w* \w been|strong="G1096"\w* \w done|strong="G4160"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w evident|strong="G5318"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w who|strong="G5101"\w* \w dwell|strong="G2730"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2419"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w we|strong="G3754"\w* \w cannot|strong="G1410"\w* \w deny|strong="G3588"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*.\f + \fr 4:16 \ft They knew that Jesus was the Messiah but had repudiated Him anyway. Here again the facts are clear, but they are determined to maintain their repudiation of Jesus, and to impose their view on the people. Having committed the unpardonable sin, they were under satanic control.\f*  
\v 17 \w But|strong="G3361"\w* \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w it|strong="G3778"\w* spreads \w no|strong="G3361"\w* \w further|strong="G4119"\w* \w among|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w*, \w let|strong="G2443"\w* \w us|strong="G1519"\w* \w severely|strong="G4183"\w* threaten \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w no|strong="G3361"\w* \w longer|strong="G3371"\w* \w speak|strong="G2980"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w anyone|strong="G3367"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w*.”   
\s2 They are forbidden to use the name ‘Jesus’  
\p
\v 18 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* summoning \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w commanded|strong="G3853"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* absolutely \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w speak|strong="G5350"\w* \w or|strong="G2532"\w* \w teach|strong="G1321"\w* \w in|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* ‘\w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*’.  
\v 19 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* answer \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Whether|strong="G1487"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w right|strong="G1342"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sight|strong="G1799"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* listen \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w rather|strong="G3123"\w* \w than|strong="G2228"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, \w judge|strong="G2919"\w* \w for|strong="G4314"\w* \w yourselves|strong="G1438"\w*;  
\v 20 \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w cannot|strong="G1410"\w* help \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w speak|strong="G2980"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w things|strong="G3739"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w seen|strong="G3708"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* heard.”\f + \fr 4:20 \ft There are times when we must \+nd not\+nd* obey those in authority; mainly when they demand that we deny God's truth and His values.\f*  
\v 21 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* threatening \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w some|strong="G3588"\w* \w more|strong="G3956"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* released \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w not|strong="G3367"\w* \w finding|strong="G2147"\w* \w any|strong="G3956"\w* \w way|strong="G1223"\w* \w to|strong="G1909"\w* \w punish|strong="G2849"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w*, \w since|strong="G3754"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w glorifying|strong="G1392"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w over|strong="G1909"\w* \w what|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G2316"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w*;  
\v 22 \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w the|strong="G1909"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w miracle|strong="G4592"\w* \w of|strong="G1909"\w* \w healing|strong="G2392"\w* \w had|strong="G1510"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* \w performed|strong="G1096"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w over|strong="G1909"\w* \w forty|strong="G5062"\w* \w years|strong="G2094"\w* \w old|strong="G2094"\w*.\f + \fr 4:22 \ft He had been lame for over forty years.\f*   
\s1 The reaction of the believers  
\p
\v 23 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w upon|strong="G2064"\w* \w being|strong="G2532"\w* released \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w their|strong="G1438"\w* \w own|strong="G2398"\w* \it group\it* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w reported|strong="G3004"\w* \w all|strong="G3745"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w chief|strong="G2532"\w* priests \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w elders|strong="G4245"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 24 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w upon|strong="G1722"\w* hearing \w it|strong="G2532"\w*, \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w one|strong="G3956"\w* \w mind|strong="G3661"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w called|strong="G3004"\w* \w out|strong="G2532"\w*\f + \fr 4:24 \ft The Text actually says ‘they lifted voice to God’ (since God is not deaf, there is no need to shout).\f* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “O Sovereign!\f + \fr 4:24 \ft Our ‘despot’ is a transliteration of the Greek word here. The term is stronger than ‘master’ or ‘lord’. But ‘despot’ by itself has a negative connotation to us, so we sometimes say ‘benevolent despot’, but not as a form of direct address! Hence, ‘sovereign’.\f* \w You|strong="G4771"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*,\f + \fr 4:24 \ft Perhaps 2% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit “God” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* Maker \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w sky|strong="G3772"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w earth|strong="G1093"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* ocean, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*;  
\v 25 \it You\it* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w mouth|strong="G4750"\w* \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w Your|strong="G1223"\w* \w servant|strong="G3816"\w* \w David|strong="G1138"\w*:\f + \fr 4:25 \ft Some 8% of the Greek manuscripts replace the opening clause with, “You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f*  
\q1 ‘\w Why|strong="G1223"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w nations|strong="G1484"\w* snort\f + \fr 4:25 \ft One can ‘snort’ in anger or in disdain, or perhaps both. There is no definite article with either ‘nations’ or ‘peoples’ (and so in verse 27).\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w peoples|strong="G2992"\w* \w plot|strong="G3191"\w* \w vain|strong="G2756"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w*?   
\q1
\v 26 \w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w kings|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w earth|strong="G1093"\w* \w took|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w stand|strong="G3936"\w*,  
\q2 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* rulers \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w gathered|strong="G4863"\w* \w together|strong="G4863"\w*,  
\q1 \w against|strong="G2596"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \sc \+w Lord|strong="G2962"\+w*\sc* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w against|strong="G2596"\w* \w His|strong="G1909"\w* \w Messiah|strong="G5547"\w*.’\f + \fr 4:26 \ft See Psalm 2:1-2.\f*   
\m
\v 27 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w*, \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w fact|strong="G3778"\w*, \w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w Herod|strong="G2264"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Pontius|strong="G4194"\w* \w Pilate|strong="G4091"\w*, \w together|strong="G4863"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w Gentiles|strong="G1484"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w peoples|strong="G2992"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Israel|strong="G2474"\w*, \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w gathered|strong="G4863"\w* \w together|strong="G4863"\w*\f + \fr 4:27 \ft Perhaps 10% of the Greek manuscripts add ‘in this city’ (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w against|strong="G1909"\w* \w Your|strong="G2532"\w* holy \w Servant|strong="G3816"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*, \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w You|strong="G4771"\w* \w anointed|strong="G5548"\w*,  
\v 28 \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w whatever|strong="G3745"\w* \nd \+w Your|strong="G2532"\+w*\nd* \w hand|strong="G5495"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \nd \+w Your|strong="G2532"\+w*\nd* \w counsel|strong="G1012"\w* foreordained \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w happen|strong="G1096"\w*.\f + \fr 4:28 \ft They have a clear understanding that God's Plan prevailed, while not denying human responsibility.\f*  
\v 29 \w As|strong="G2532"\w* \w for|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w present|strong="G3568"\w*, \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, \w consider|strong="G3056"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* threats, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w grant|strong="G1325"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Your|strong="G2962"\w* \w slaves|strong="G1401"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w speak|strong="G2980"\w* \w Your|strong="G2962"\w* \w word|strong="G3056"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w boldness|strong="G3954"\w*,  
\v 30 \w while|strong="G1722"\w* \w You|strong="G4771"\w* \w stretch|strong="G1614"\w* \w out|strong="G2532"\w* \w Your|strong="G1223"\w* \w hand|strong="G5495"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w heal|strong="G2392"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w signs|strong="G4592"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w wonders|strong="G5059"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w occur|strong="G1096"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w Your|strong="G1223"\w* holy \w Servant|strong="G3816"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*.”  
\v 31 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w prayed|strong="G1189"\w*, \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w place|strong="G5117"\w* \w where|strong="G3739"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w gathered|strong="G4863"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w shaken|strong="G4531"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w all|strong="G2532"\w* \w filled|strong="G4130"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w Holy|strong="G4151"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w spoke|strong="G2980"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Word|strong="G3056"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w boldness|strong="G3954"\w*.\f + \fr 4:31 \ft Their request was granted. Notice that the Holy Spirit's filling is not once for all, and is not automatic. Notice further that they did not ask for a free ride. (Again, there is no definite article with Holy Spirit.) But where did they do the speaking? Presumably out among the people.\f*   
\ms1 The young Church consolidates  
\p
\v 32 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w multitude|strong="G4128"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w believed|strong="G4100"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w heart|strong="G2588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w soul|strong="G5590"\w*; \w indeed|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3761"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w any|strong="G5100"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G3956"\w* belongings \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w his|strong="G3956"\w* \w own|strong="G2398"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w common|strong="G2839"\w*.  
\v 33 (\w Also|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Apostles \w were|strong="G1510"\w* giving \w witness|strong="G3142"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* resurrection \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w great|strong="G3173"\w* \w power|strong="G1411"\w*.\f + \fr 4:33 \ft So how did that work? It was power in action, presumably signs and wonders (see 5:12 below), performed in the name of the resurrected Jesus—if He were rotting in a grave, what could He do?\f*) Yes, \w great|strong="G3173"\w* \w grace|strong="G5485"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w*,  
\v 34 \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w there|strong="G1063"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3761"\w* \w any|strong="G5100"\w* \w needy|strong="G1729"\w* \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*—\w as|strong="G3745"\w* \w many|strong="G3745"\w* \w as|strong="G3745"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w owners|strong="G2935"\w* \w of|strong="G5100"\w* \w lands|strong="G5564"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w houses|strong="G3614"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w selling|strong="G4453"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G5092"\w* \w bringing|strong="G5342"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w proceeds|strong="G5092"\w* \w of|strong="G5100"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w sold|strong="G4453"\w* items  
\v 35 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w placing|strong="G5087"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w at|strong="G3844"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Apostles' \w feet|strong="G4228"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w distributed|strong="G1239"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w each|strong="G1538"\w* \w according|strong="G1538"\w* \w as|strong="G1161"\w* \w anyone|strong="G5100"\w* \w had|strong="G2192"\w* \w need|strong="G5532"\w*.   
\p
\v 36 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* Joses, \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* named Barnabas \w by|strong="G3739"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* Apostles (\w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w*, \w being|strong="G1510"\w* \w translated|strong="G3177"\w*, ‘\w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w encouragement|strong="G3874"\w*’), \w a|strong="G1510"\w* \w Levite|strong="G3019"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* country \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w Cyprus|strong="G2953"\w*,  
\v 37 \w having|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* field, \w sold|strong="G4453"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*, \w brought|strong="G5342"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w money|strong="G5536"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w placed|strong="G5087"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w at|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Apostles' \w feet|strong="G4228"\w*.\f + \fr 4:37 \ft Since many were doing it, one wonders why Luke singled out Barnabas; perhaps because he would be an important player later on.\f*   
\c 5  
\s1 Ananias and Sapphira  
\m
\v 1 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w a|strong="G1161"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w man|strong="G5100"\w* \w named|strong="G3686"\w* Ananias, \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w Sapphira|strong="G4551"\w* \w his|strong="G3588"\w* \w wife|strong="G1135"\w*, \w sold|strong="G4453"\w* \w a|strong="G1161"\w* \w possession|strong="G2933"\w*  
\v 2 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w kept|strong="G5087"\w* \w back|strong="G3557"\w* \w part|strong="G3313"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w price|strong="G5092"\w* \w for|strong="G2532"\w* himself, \w his|strong="G2532"\w* \w wife|strong="G1135"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w being|strong="G2532"\w* \w party|strong="G3313"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*; \w bringing|strong="G5342"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w part|strong="G3313"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w placed|strong="G5087"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w at|strong="G3844"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Apostles' \w feet|strong="G4228"\w*.  
\v 3 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “Ananias, \w on|strong="G1161"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* basis\f + \fr 5:3 \ft The familiar ‘why’ is not adequate here; Satan needs no reason for attacking us. But by asking ‘because of what’ Peter is saying that Ananias gave Satan an entrance into his life (which evidently is not a very good idea). So what sort of thing gives Satan an entrance? One way is to harbor an attitude contrary to God's will and character.\f* \w has|strong="G5101"\w* \w Satan|strong="G4567"\w* \w filled|strong="G4137"\w* \w your|strong="G1223"\w* \w heart|strong="G2588"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w lie|strong="G5574"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Holy|strong="G4151"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w keep|strong="G3557"\w* \w back|strong="G3557"\w* \w for|strong="G1223"\w* \w yourself|strong="G4771"\w* \w part|strong="G2532"\w* \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w price|strong="G5092"\w* \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w land|strong="G5564"\w*?  
\v 4 \w While|strong="G1722"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w remained|strong="G3306"\w* \it unsold\it* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w yours|strong="G4771"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* once \w sold|strong="G4097"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w your|strong="G4674"\w* \w power|strong="G1849"\w*? \w How|strong="G5101"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w conceived|strong="G5087"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w thing|strong="G3778"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w your|strong="G4674"\w* \w heart|strong="G2588"\w*? \w You|strong="G4771"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w lie|strong="G5574"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w men|strong="G3778"\w* \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*.”\f + \fr 5:4 \ft As the context makes clear, the problem was that Ananias lied. He wanted the credit for doing like the others, but he was hedging his bet. If he had honestly stated that it was only a part, he would have lived on. He evidently figured it was only a little ‘white’ lie that would not do anybody any harm (no victim)—it did not occur to him that he was really challenging God.\f*  
\v 5 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* hearing \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w words|strong="G3056"\w* Ananias \w fell|strong="G4098"\w* \w down|strong="G4098"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* expired! (\w Great|strong="G3173"\w* \w fear|strong="G5401"\w* \w came|strong="G1096"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* heard \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w*.)  
\v 6 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w young|strong="G3501"\w* \w men|strong="G3501"\w* got \w up|strong="G4958"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w wrapped|strong="G4958"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w carrying|strong="G1627"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w out|strong="G1627"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w buried|strong="G2290"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*.\f + \fr 5:6 \ft Apparently they did not have a coroner. The two were buried without ceremony and without mourning. Was there no family?\f*   
\p
\v 7 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w after|strong="G1161"\w* \w an|strong="G2532"\w* \w interval|strong="G1292"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w some|strong="G3588"\w* \w three|strong="G5140"\w* \w hours|strong="G5610"\w* \w his|strong="G2532"\w* \w wife|strong="G1135"\w* \w came|strong="G1096"\w* \w in|strong="G1525"\w*, \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w knowing|strong="G1492"\w* \w what|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w*.\f + \fr 5:7 \ft She was probably looking for him, wondering why he had not come home.\f*  
\v 8 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* addressed \w her|strong="G1438"\w*, “\w Tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w whether|strong="G1487"\w* \w you|strong="G1487"\w* sold \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w land|strong="G5564"\w* \w for|strong="G4314"\w* \w so|strong="G1161"\w* \w much|strong="G5118"\w*.” \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w she|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Yes|strong="G3483"\w*, \w for|strong="G4314"\w* \w so|strong="G1161"\w* \w much|strong="G5118"\w*.”  
\v 9 \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w said|strong="G1161"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w her|strong="G1438"\w*: “\w How|strong="G5101"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w agreed|strong="G4856"\w* \w together|strong="G1909"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w test|strong="G3985"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*? \w Look|strong="G2400"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w feet|strong="G4228"\w* \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G5101"\w* \w buried|strong="G2290"\w* \w your|strong="G2962"\w* husband \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w at|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w door|strong="G2374"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G5101"\w* \w carry|strong="G1627"\w* \nd \+w you|strong="G5210"\+w*\nd* \w out|strong="G1627"\w*!”  
\v 10 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w immediately|strong="G3916"\w* \w fell|strong="G4098"\w* \w down|strong="G4098"\w* \w at|strong="G4314"\w* \w his|strong="G1438"\w* \w feet|strong="G4228"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* expired! \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w upon|strong="G1161"\w* \w entering|strong="G1525"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w young|strong="G3495"\w* \w men|strong="G3495"\w* \w found|strong="G2147"\w* \w her|strong="G1438"\w* \w dead|strong="G3498"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w carrying|strong="G1627"\w* \w her|strong="G1438"\w* \w out|strong="G1627"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w buried|strong="G2290"\w* \w her|strong="G1438"\w* \w beside|strong="G4314"\w* \w her|strong="G1438"\w* husband.\f + \fr 5:10 \ft There are times when ‘togetherness’ is not all that good an idea.\f*  
\v 11 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w great|strong="G3173"\w* \w fear|strong="G5401"\w* \w came|strong="G1096"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w whole|strong="G3650"\w* \w assembly|strong="G1577"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* heard \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w*.\f + \fr 5:11 \ft Really. Can you imagine if this sort of thing started happening in our churches today?\f*   
\s1 The Apostles distinguish themselves  
\p
\v 12 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w signs|strong="G4592"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w wonders|strong="G5059"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w being|strong="G1510"\w* \w performed|strong="G1096"\w* \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w* \w by|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w hands|strong="G5495"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* Apostles; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w all|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Solomon|strong="G4672"\w*'s \w Porch|strong="G4745"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* purpose.\f + \fr 5:12 \ft I take it that the primary reference is to the Apostles; they were holding court, as it were, in Solomon's Porch where there was plenty of room.\f*  
\v 13 \w None|strong="G3762"\w* \w of|strong="G2992"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w rest|strong="G3062"\w* \w dared|strong="G5111"\w* \w to|strong="G1161"\w* \w join|strong="G2853"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*,\f + \fr 5:13 \ft The Eleven had a stature that set them apart; no one else was pretending to be an Apostle.\f* \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* magnifying \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 14 \w Believers|strong="G4100"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* increasingly \w added|strong="G4369"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, \w multitudes|strong="G4128"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w men|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w women|strong="G1135"\w*,\f + \fr 5:14 \ft After Pentecost we find the expression ‘both men and women’—the participation of women in the Church is overtly stated.\f*  
\v 15 \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w point|strong="G1909"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w kept|strong="G5087"\w* \w carrying|strong="G1627"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* sick \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w streets|strong="G4113"\w*, \w placing|strong="G5087"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* cots \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w pallets|strong="G2895"\w*, \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w by|strong="G1909"\w* \w at|strong="G1909"\w* \w least|strong="G2579"\w* \w his|strong="G1519"\w* \w shadow|strong="G4639"\w* \w might|strong="G2532"\w* \w fall|strong="G2064"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w some|strong="G5100"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.\f + \fr 5:15 \ft Well now, the Lord Jesus recuperated Peter with a vengeance. This would appear to be one of the “greater things” of John 14:12, since we have no record of Jesus using His shadow. Evidently people kept getting healed in this way, and once healed their places would be taken by new arrivals. The local residents had the first chance, and if they were all healed it would be the ones from outlying areas that maintained the flow.\f*  
\v 16 Further, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w multitude|strong="G4128"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* surrounding \w cities|strong="G4172"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w kept|strong="G2532"\w* \w coming|strong="G4905"\w* \w into|strong="G4172"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2419"\w*, \w bringing|strong="G5342"\w* \w sick|strong="G5342"\w* \w people|strong="G4128"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* tormented \w by|strong="G5259"\w* unclean \w spirits|strong="G4151"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w all|strong="G2532"\w* \w healed|strong="G2323"\w*.\f + \fr 5:16 \ft This is reminiscent of the Lord's ministry, when all who came were healed. Should we be able to do this today, or is this a ‘special occasion’ sort of thing? How about when we introduce the Gospel to a new area or culture? Would not overt demonstrations of God's power speed up the process?\f*   
\s1 Sadducees X Apostles  
\p
\v 17 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w high|strong="G3956"\w* priest \w rose|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G2532"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* (\w being|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* sect \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Sadducees|strong="G4523"\w*); \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w filled|strong="G4130"\w* \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w jealousy|strong="G2205"\w*\f + \fr 5:17 \ft They were being upstaged, and how, and did not like it—the true merits of the case were beside the point.\f*  
\v 18 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w laid|strong="G5087"\w* \w their|strong="G1438"\w* \w hands|strong="G5495"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* Apostles \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w put|strong="G5087"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w common|strong="G1219"\w* \w prison|strong="G5084"\w*.  
\v 19 \w But|strong="G1161"\w*, \w during|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w night|strong="G3571"\w* \w an|strong="G1161"\w* angel \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* opened \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w doors|strong="G2374"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w prison|strong="G5438"\w*, \w and|strong="G1161"\w* leading \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w out|strong="G1806"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*,  
\v 20 “\w Go|strong="G4198"\w*, \w stand|strong="G2476"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w temple|strong="G2413"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w speak|strong="G2980"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w words|strong="G4487"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w Life|strong="G2222"\w*.”\f + \fr 5:20 \ft That is what the Text says, “this Life”. To belong to Jesus not only means spiritual life in the place of spiritual death, but it means a way of life—a system of values, a set of presuppositions, a worldview.\f*  
\v 21 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w upon|strong="G1519"\w* hearing \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w entered|strong="G1525"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w temple|strong="G2411"\w* \w about|strong="G1519"\w* \w daybreak|strong="G3722"\w*\f + \fr 5:21 \ft From the prison they went ‘home’, for a little refreshment. During the night there would be no one to teach.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w started|strong="G1525"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w teach|strong="G1321"\w*.  
\p \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w high|strong="G3956"\w* priest \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w arrived|strong="G3854"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* convened \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Sanhedrin|strong="G4892"\w*, \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w council|strong="G4892"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* elders \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sons|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w Israel|strong="G2474"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w sent|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w prison|strong="G1201"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w brought|strong="G1519"\w*.  
\v 22 \w Well|strong="G1722"\w*, \w upon|strong="G1722"\w* arriving \w the|strong="G1722"\w* operatives \w did|strong="G2147"\w* \nd \+w not|strong="G3756"\+w*\nd* \w find|strong="G2147"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* jail, \w so|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* returned \w and|strong="G1161"\w* reported,  
\v 23 \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w We|strong="G3754"\w* \w certainly|strong="G1909"\w* \w found|strong="G2147"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w prison|strong="G1201"\w* securely \w locked|strong="G2808"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w guards|strong="G5441"\w* \w standing|strong="G2476"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* front \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w doors|strong="G2374"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* opening \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w we|strong="G3754"\w* \w found|strong="G2147"\w* \w no|strong="G3762"\w* \w one|strong="G3762"\w* \w inside|strong="G2080"\w*!”  
\v 24 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w high|strong="G2532"\w* priest,\f + \fr 5:24 \ft Some 9% of the Greek manuscripts omit “the high priest” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w captain|strong="G4755"\w* \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w temple|strong="G2413"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w chief|strong="G4755"\w* priests heard \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w words|strong="G3056"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* really \w perplexed|strong="G1280"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* implications \w might|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w*.\f + \fr 5:24 \ft Come now, the only possible explanation was supernatural intervention. There is no one more blind than he who refuses to see.\f*   
\p
\v 25 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w someone|strong="G5100"\w* \w came|strong="G3854"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* told \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, “Hey, \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w men|strong="G5100"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w put|strong="G5087"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* jail \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w standing|strong="G2476"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w temple|strong="G2413"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w teaching|strong="G1321"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w*!”  
\v 26 \w Then|strong="G5119"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w captain|strong="G4755"\w* \w went|strong="G5119"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* operatives \w and|strong="G2992"\w* brought \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w without|strong="G3361"\w* violence, \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w they|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w afraid|strong="G5399"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w* might \w stone|strong="G3034"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 27 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* bringing \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w set|strong="G2476"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w before|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Sanhedrin|strong="G4892"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w high|strong="G2532"\w* priest addressed \w them|strong="G3588"\w*  
\v 28 \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Did|strong="G2532"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* emphatically \w command|strong="G3853"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w teach|strong="G1321"\w* \w in|strong="G1909"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w*? \w Just|strong="G2532"\w* \w look|strong="G2400"\w*, \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w filled|strong="G4137"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2419"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w teaching|strong="G1321"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w intend|strong="G1014"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w bring|strong="G1863"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w*'s blood \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w*!”\f + \fr 5:28 \ft Those very men had said, “His blood be upon us, and upon our children!” But of course, a good memory is not always convenient. However, in this case the priest was just being perverse. Well, actually, having committed the unpardonable sin he was under satanic control.\f*   
\s2 Apostles infuriate Sadducees  
\p
\v 29 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* answer \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Apostles \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w One|strong="G3588"\w* \w must|strong="G1163"\w* \w obey|strong="G3980"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w rather|strong="G3123"\w* \w than|strong="G2228"\w* \w men|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 30 \w The|strong="G1909"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w our|strong="G2316"\w* \w fathers|strong="G3962"\w* \w raised|strong="G1453"\w* \w up|strong="G1453"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*, \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* murdered \w by|strong="G1909"\w* \w hanging|strong="G2910"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w a|strong="G1909"\w* \w tree|strong="G3586"\w*.  
\v 31 \bd \+w Him|strong="G3588"\+w*\bd* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w has|strong="G2316"\w* \w exalted|strong="G5312"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G2532"\w* \w right|strong="G1188"\w* \w hand|strong="G1188"\w* \w as|strong="G2532"\w* Prince \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Savior|strong="G4990"\w*, \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w repentance|strong="G3341"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Israel|strong="G2474"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* forgiveness \w of|strong="G2532"\w* sins.\f + \fr 5:31 \ft I was tempted to render, “to give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel”, but the Text does not have that order (though it could have), perhaps so as not to limit the forgiveness of sins to Israel.\f*  
\v 32 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w witnesses|strong="G3144"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* statements \w about|strong="G3588"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w as|strong="G2532"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Holy|strong="G4151"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w has|strong="G2316"\w* \w given|strong="G1325"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* obeying \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.”\f + \fr 5:32 \ft The Apostles are impressive—no fear, no apology, no toning down. “You murdered Him!” “God raised Him!” “He is Prince and Savior!” “The Holy Spirit exists!” All these affirmations were things they absolutely did not want to hear, as their reaction attests. Many in our day do not want to hear that the Holy Spirit is given to those who \+nd obey\+nd* God.\f*   
\s2 Gamaliel counsels Sadducees  
\p
\v 33 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w upon|strong="G1161"\w* hearing \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w became|strong="G3588"\w* infuriated \w and|strong="G2532"\w* started plotting \w to|strong="G2532"\w* kill \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 34 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w someone|strong="G5100"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w council|strong="G4892"\w* \w stood|strong="G3588"\w* \w up|strong="G1722"\w*\f + \fr 5:34 \ft I gather that Gamaliel just took over, and something about his demeanor made the high priest let him do it.\f* (\w a|strong="G1722"\w* \w Pharisee|strong="G5330"\w* \w named|strong="G3686"\w* \w Gamaliel|strong="G1059"\w*, \w a|strong="G1722"\w* \w teacher|strong="G3547"\w* \w of|strong="G3686"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w law|strong="G3547"\w* \w respected|strong="G5093"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w*) \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w commanded|strong="G2753"\w* \w to|strong="G1722"\w* \w put|strong="G4160"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* Apostles \w out|strong="G1854"\w* \w for|strong="G1161"\w* \w a|strong="G1722"\w* bit.  
\v 35 \w He|strong="G3778"\w* \w then|strong="G5037"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Men|strong="G3778"\w*, \w Israelites|strong="G2475"\w*, \w take|strong="G4337"\w* \w heed|strong="G4337"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w yourselves|strong="G1438"\w* \w concerning|strong="G1909"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w men|strong="G3778"\w*, \w as|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G3004"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w about|strong="G3195"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w do|strong="G4238"\w*.  
\v 36 \w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w some|strong="G5100"\w* \w time|strong="G2250"\w* \w ago|strong="G4253"\w* \w Theudas|strong="G2333"\w* \w rose|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w*, \w claiming|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* \w somebody|strong="G5100"\w*; \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w about|strong="G5613"\w* \w four|strong="G5071"\w* \w hundred|strong="G5071"\w* \w men|strong="G3956"\w* \w joined|strong="G1096"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w*; \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* killed, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w obeyed|strong="G3982"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w scattered|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G1096"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w nothing|strong="G3762"\w*.  
\v 37 \w Later|strong="G3326"\w* \w Judas|strong="G2455"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Galilean|strong="G1057"\w* \w rose|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G1722"\w*, \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* census, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w drew|strong="G2532"\w* \w away|strong="G3326"\w* \w many|strong="G3745"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w* \w after|strong="G3326"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*. \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* perished, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w obeyed|strong="G3982"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w dispersed|strong="G1287"\w*.  
\v 38 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w now|strong="G3568"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, keep away \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w men|strong="G3778"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* leave \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w alone|strong="G1438"\w*; \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w if|strong="G1437"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w counsel|strong="G1012"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w work|strong="G2041"\w* \w should|strong="G3588"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w men|strong="G3778"\w*, \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* abolished;  
\v 39 \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*,\f + \fr 5:39 \ft The conditional clauses are not the same—the first is a condition of doubt, the second is a condition of fact. Gamaliel makes clear that he personally thinks it is of God.\f* \w you|strong="G1487"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w able|strong="G1410"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w overthrow|strong="G2647"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*—\w lest|strong="G3379"\w* \w you|strong="G1487"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w found|strong="G2147"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w fighting|strong="G2314"\w* \w against|strong="G1537"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*!”\f + \fr 5:39 \ft Of course they were fighting against God, and presumably knew it, but Gamaliel gives them the benefit of the doubt.\f*   
\s2 Sadducees beat and threaten Apostles  
\p
\v 40 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w persuaded|strong="G3982"\w* \w by|strong="G1909"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*,\f + \fr 5:40 \ft Up to a point—they did not kill them, but still beat and threatened them. They had known all along that they were in fact fighting against God, but for some reason they decided to humor Gamaliel.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w summoned|strong="G4341"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Apostles; \w after|strong="G1161"\w* \w beating|strong="G1194"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w commanded|strong="G3853"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w speak|strong="G2980"\w* \w in|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w let|strong="G1161"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w go|strong="G2532"\w*.  
\v 41 \w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w they|strong="G3588"\w* \w went|strong="G4198"\w* \w out|strong="G3754"\w* \w rejoicing|strong="G5463"\w*\f + \fr 5:41 \ft The impression I get is that they started rejoicing right there in the council. What do you suppose the effect was upon the members?\f* \w from|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w presence|strong="G4383"\w* \w of|strong="G3686"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w council|strong="G4892"\w*, \w in|strong="G3686"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w they|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* counted \w worthy|strong="G2661"\w* \w to|strong="G4198"\w* suffer dishonor \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w of|strong="G3686"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* Christ.\f + \fr 5:41 \ft I here follow what I consider to be the best line of transmission, albeit making up only some 35% of the manuscripts, at this point. But the evidence is badly split: 35% have ‘of the Christ’, 14% have ‘of Jesus’, 10% have ‘of the Lord Jesus’, 20% have ‘his’, and 21% omit.\f*  
\v 42 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w every|strong="G3956"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w*, \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w temple|strong="G2413"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w house|strong="G3624"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w house|strong="G3624"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w stop|strong="G3973"\w* \w teaching|strong="G1321"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w preaching|strong="G2097"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*.\f + \fr 5:42 \ft It bears repeating: the Apostles are impressive.\f*   
\c 6  
\s1 Enter deacons  
\m
\v 1 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w*, \w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w multiplying|strong="G4129"\w*, \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w complaint|strong="G1112"\w* \w arose|strong="G1096"\w* \w from|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* Hellenists \w against|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Hebrews|strong="G1445"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w their|strong="G1722"\w* \w widows|strong="G5503"\w*\f + \fr 6:1 \ft Wait a minute! Where did all those foreign widows come from? (There must have been a fair number, to have caused the problem.) Would a widow have traveled alone from Asia to Jerusalem to attend the Passover? Had their husbands died in Jerusalem? I would imagine more probably the latter, since time was passing and there were many thousands of believers; people would be dying, getting married, etc. as usual.\f* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w being|strong="G1096"\w* \w overlooked|strong="G3865"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w daily|strong="G2250"\w* distribution.  
\v 2 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w summoning|strong="G4341"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w multitude|strong="G4128"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w twelve|strong="G1427"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w It|strong="G1161"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* advantageous \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w should|strong="G2316"\w* forsake \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w Word|strong="G3056"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w serve|strong="G1247"\w* \w at|strong="G1161"\w* \w tables|strong="G5132"\w*.  
\v 3 \w Therefore|strong="G1161"\w*, brothers, \w select|strong="G1980"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w among|strong="G1537"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w seven|strong="G2033"\w* \w men|strong="G3778"\w*\f + \fr 6:3 \ft The term here refers only to males.\f* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \it good\it* \w reputation|strong="G3140"\w*, \w full|strong="G4134"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w Holy|strong="G4151"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w wisdom|strong="G4678"\w*, \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w we|strong="G3739"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w appoint|strong="G2525"\w* \w over|strong="G1909"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w need|strong="G5532"\w*.  
\v 4 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w give|strong="G1473"\w* \w ourselves|strong="G2249"\w* \w continually|strong="G4342"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w prayer|strong="G4335"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w ministry|strong="G1248"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Word|strong="G3056"\w*.”\f + \fr 6:4 \ft Prayer and the ministry of the Word—how many pastors, missionaries, ‘apostles’ and such today would fit that description? Don't you suppose we ought to start moving back in that direction?\f*   
\p
\v 5 \w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w statement|strong="G3056"\w* pleased \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w whole|strong="G3956"\w* \w multitude|strong="G4128"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w chose|strong="G1586"\w* \w Stephen|strong="G4736"\w*, \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w man|strong="G3956"\w* \w full|strong="G4134"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Holy|strong="G4151"\w*\f + \fr 6:5 \ft Perhaps 3% of the Greek manuscripts, of inferior quality, omit “Holy” (as in NIV and NASB.).\f* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Philip|strong="G5376"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Prochorus|strong="G4402"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Nicanor|strong="G3527"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Timon|strong="G5096"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Parmenas|strong="G3937"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* Nicholas, \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w proselyte|strong="G4339"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* Antioch,\f + \fr 6:5 \ft Nicholas is declared to be a foreigner, but some of the other names also sound foreign, so the plaintiffs were well represented. Here we see love and grace in action.\f*  
\v 6 \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w set|strong="G2476"\w* \w before|strong="G1799"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Apostles; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w after|strong="G2532"\w* \w praying|strong="G4336"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w laid|strong="G2007"\w* \w hands|strong="G5495"\w* \w on|strong="G5495"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.   
\p
\v 7 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Word|strong="G3056"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w kept|strong="G2532"\w* spreading, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w number|strong="G3793"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2419"\w* \w kept|strong="G2532"\w* \w multiplying|strong="G4129"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w great|strong="G4183"\w* rate, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w large|strong="G4183"\w* \w company|strong="G3793"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w priests|strong="G2409"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* obeying \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w*.  
\v 8 \w While|strong="G1722"\w* \w Stephen|strong="G4736"\w*, \w full|strong="G4134"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* faith\f + \fr 6:8 \ft For ‘faith’ some 20% of the Greek manuscripts have ‘grace’ (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w power|strong="G1411"\w*, \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w doing|strong="G4160"\w* \w great|strong="G3173"\w* \w wonders|strong="G5059"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w signs|strong="G4592"\w* \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w*.\f + \fr 6:8 \ft Would not signs and wonders already be miraculous, without being “great”? Stephen was something else! Please notice that Stephen was not an Apostle, so the doing of miracles was not limited to them. Stephen and Philip (chapter 8 below) were deacons.\f*   
\s1 Stephen in a kangaroo court  
\p
\v 9 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* arose \w some|strong="G5100"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w what|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w called|strong="G3004"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Synagogue|strong="G4864"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Freedmen|strong="G3032"\w* (\w Cyrenians|strong="G2956"\w*, Alexandrians, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w Cilicia|strong="G2791"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Asia|strong="G3588"\w*), \w disputing|strong="G4802"\w* \w with|strong="G1537"\w* \w Stephen|strong="G4736"\w*.  
\v 10 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w able|strong="G2480"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* withstand \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w wisdom|strong="G4678"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w spoke|strong="G2980"\w*.   
\p
\v 11 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* instigated \w men|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w We|strong="G3754"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* heard \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w speaking|strong="G2980"\w* blasphemous \w words|strong="G4487"\w* \w against|strong="G1519"\w* \w Moses|strong="G3475"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*.”  
\v 12 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w stirred|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w elders|strong="G4245"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w scribes|strong="G1122"\w*;\f + \fr 6:12 \ft What follows is obviously a put up job; the Sanhedrin is waiting for him.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* coming \w upon|strong="G1519"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w seized|strong="G4884"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w brought|strong="G1519"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Sanhedrin|strong="G4892"\w*;  
\v 13 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w put|strong="G2476"\w* \w forward|strong="G2476"\w* \w false|strong="G5571"\w* \w witnesses|strong="G3144"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w This|strong="G3778"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w* \w never|strong="G3756"\w* stops \w speaking|strong="G2980"\w* blasphemous \w words|strong="G4487"\w* \w against|strong="G2596"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* holy \w place|strong="G5117"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w law|strong="G3551"\w*;  
\v 14 \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* heard \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Natsorean \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w destroy|strong="G2647"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w place|strong="G5117"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* change \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w customs|strong="G1485"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w Moses|strong="G3475"\w* \w delivered|strong="G3860"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w*.”\f + \fr 6:14 \ft Big deal! Those guys were really hard up.\f*  
\v 15 \w All|strong="G3956"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w sat|strong="G2516"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w council|strong="G4892"\w*, \w looking|strong="G2532"\w* intently \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w his|strong="G3956"\w* \w face|strong="G4383"\w* \w like|strong="G5616"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w face|strong="G4383"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w an|strong="G2532"\w* angel.\f + \fr 6:15 \ft I wonder how many of them had ever seen an angel, to know what one looked like. Perhaps his face had a supernatural shine. Something like that should have given them pause, but they were too far gone.\f*   
\c 7  
\s2 Stephen's discourse  
\m
\v 1 \w Then|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* high priest \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Can|strong="G3004"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w* \w be|strong="G3588"\w* \w so|strong="G3779"\w*?”\f + \fr 7:1 \ft The man knows it is all a farce, but he pretends astonishment.\f*  
\v 2 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G5346"\w*: “\w Men|strong="G3588"\w*, brothers \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w fathers|strong="G3962"\w*, listen:\f + \fr 7:2 \ft Stephen knows he is in a kangaroo court, so he wastes no time with the ridiculous charge; he delivers a prophetic, and condemnatory, sermon.\f* \w The|strong="G1722"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w glory|strong="G1391"\w* \w appeared|strong="G3708"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w our|strong="G2316"\w* \w father|strong="G3962"\w* Abraham \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Mesopotamia|strong="G3318"\w*, \w before|strong="G4250"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* resided \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Haran|strong="G5488"\w*,  
\v 3 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, ‘\w Leave|strong="G1831"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w country|strong="G1093"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w relatives|strong="G4772"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G1831"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w land|strong="G1093"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w I|strong="G3739"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w show|strong="G1166"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*.’  
\v 4 \w Then|strong="G5119"\w* \w he|strong="G3739"\w* \w left|strong="G1831"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w land|strong="G1093"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Chaldeans|strong="G5466"\w* \w and|strong="G3962"\w* resided \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Haran|strong="G5488"\w*.\f + \fr 7:4 \ft But he took his father and a nephew along, and Haran was not that land. ‘Our father Abraham’—the Jews began their history with Abraham, who started out with incomplete obedience.\f* \w From|strong="G1537"\w* \w there|strong="G2547"\w*, \w after|strong="G3326"\w* \w his|strong="G1519"\w* \w father|strong="G3962"\w* \w died|strong="G3588"\w*,\f + \fr 7:4 \ft There went fifteen years of his life. And he took his nephew Lot along, who would be a \ft \+bd big\+bd* headache (he fathered the Moabites and the Ammonites—not good news—under circumstances that would not have happened had he been left in Haran).\f* \it God\it* moved \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w land|strong="G1093"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w now|strong="G3568"\w* \w live|strong="G2730"\w*;\f + \fr 7:4 \ft Stephen ties his hearers into the story.\f*  
\v 5 \w yet|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w an|strong="G2532"\w* \w inheritance|strong="G2817"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*, \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* footstep. \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w promised|strong="G1861"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w possession|strong="G2697"\w*, \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w*, \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w his|strong="G1438"\w* \w seed|strong="G4690"\w* \w after|strong="G3326"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w though|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w no|strong="G3756"\w* \w child|strong="G5043"\w*.\f + \fr 7:5 \ft Abraham was 100 when he begot Isaac, who was 60 when he begot Jacob and Esau. Abraham died at 175, so lived to see his two grandsons. But before Isaac there was Ishmael…\f*  
\v 6 Further, \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w spoke|strong="G2980"\w* \w like|strong="G3779"\w* \w this|strong="G3588"\w*: \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w his|strong="G1722"\w* offspring \w would|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w aliens|strong="G3941"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* foreign \w land|strong="G1093"\w*—\w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w would|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w enslaved|strong="G1402"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* oppressed—\w four|strong="G5071"\w* \w hundred|strong="G5071"\w* \w years|strong="G2094"\w*.\f + \fr 7:6 \ft Stephen cites Genesis 15:13, which should be understood as a chiasmus, a frequent structure in the Bible: 
\fp A. his offspring would be aliens in a foreign land 
\fp B. and they would be enslaved 
\fp B. and oppressed 
\fp A. four hundred years. 
\fp A careful comparison of the relevant texts shows that the 400 years includes from the weaning of Isaac to the Exodus (1891 to 1491 \ft \+sc bc\+sc*); since Jacob moved to Egypt in 1706, Abraham's descendants were aliens in Canaan for 185 years, then were aliens in Egypt, where they came to be enslaved, for 215 years (the Exodus was 144 years after Joseph's death, so the period of slave labor was presumably somewhat less, perhaps around 100 years). (I owe the understanding given above to Dr. Floyd N. Jones.)\f*  
\v 7 ‘\w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* \w judge|strong="G2919"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w nation|strong="G1484"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w bondage|strong="G1398"\w*,’ \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*,\f + \fr 7:7 \ft And He did, with a vengeance. By wiping out the Egyptian army God guaranteed that Egypt would not be a threat to the developing nation of Israel for hundreds of years.\f* ‘\w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w after|strong="G3326"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* \w come|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w serve|strong="G1398"\w* \w Me|strong="G1473"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w place|strong="G5117"\w*.’  
\v 8 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w gave|strong="G1325"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w covenant|strong="G1242"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w circumcision|strong="G4061"\w*;\f + \fr 7:8 \ft Women whose husbands are circumcised do not get cervical cancer—the procedure is not a sadistic bit of gore; there is a medical reason for it.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w so|strong="G3779"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* begot \w Isaac|strong="G2464"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w circumcised|strong="G4059"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w on|strong="G4061"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w eighth|strong="G3590"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w*;\f + \fr 7:8 \ft Modern medicine has verified that on the eighth day of a male's life his defenses against infection are at their peak—it is the best day in his whole life for minor surgery. Now then, 3900 years ago who but the Creator could know that?\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Isaac|strong="G2464"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w same|strong="G3779"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jacob|strong="G2384"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jacob|strong="G2384"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w twelve|strong="G1427"\w* \w patriarchs|strong="G3966"\w*.   
\s2 Down to Egypt  
\p
\v 9 “\w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w patriarchs|strong="G3966"\w*, \w being|strong="G1510"\w* \w envious|strong="G2206"\w*, \w sold|strong="G2532"\w* \w Joseph|strong="G2501"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* Egypt; \w yet|strong="G2532"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*  
\v 10 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w delivered|strong="G1807"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w out|strong="G1537"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w his|strong="G3956"\w* adversities, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w gave|strong="G1325"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w favor|strong="G5485"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w wisdom|strong="G4678"\w* \w before|strong="G1909"\w* \w Pharaoh|strong="G5328"\w*, \w king|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* Egypt; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w made|strong="G2525"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w governor|strong="G2233"\w* \w over|strong="G1909"\w* Egypt \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w his|strong="G3956"\w* \w house|strong="G3624"\w*.  
\v 11 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w famine|strong="G3042"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* \w all|strong="G3650"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* land \w of|strong="G2532"\w* Egypt \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Canaan|strong="G5477"\w*, \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w great|strong="G3173"\w* \w affliction|strong="G2347"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w our|strong="G2532"\w* \w fathers|strong="G3962"\w* \w could|strong="G2147"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w find|strong="G2147"\w* \w food|strong="G5527"\w*.  
\v 12 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w upon|strong="G1519"\w* hearing \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w there|strong="G1161"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w wheat|strong="G4621"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* Egypt, \w Jacob|strong="G2384"\w* \w first|strong="G4413"\w* \w sent|strong="G1821"\w* \w our|strong="G1821"\w* \w fathers|strong="G3962"\w*.  
\v 13 \w On|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w second|strong="G1208"\w* \it trip\it* \w Joseph|strong="G2501"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w made|strong="G1096"\w* \w known|strong="G5318"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G1722"\w* brothers, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Joseph|strong="G2501"\w*'s \w family|strong="G1085"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* presented \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Pharaoh|strong="G5328"\w*.  
\v 14 \w Joseph|strong="G2501"\w* \w sent|strong="G2532"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* summoned \w his|strong="G3956"\w* \w father|strong="G3962"\w* \w Jacob|strong="G2384"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w his|strong="G3956"\w* \w relatives|strong="G4772"\w*, \w seventy-five|strong="G1440"\w* \w souls|strong="G5590"\w*.\f + \fr 7:14 \ft Comparing this verse with Genesis 46:26-27 we get three numbers: 66, 70 and 75. The 66, being ‘out of his loins’, of course excludes Jacob himself and the wives (Joseph is already there). The 70 includes Jacob, Joseph and his two sons. The 75 excludes Jacob and Joseph, but includes nine wives; some had evidently already died in Canaan. For further discussion, please see the Appendix: “How many?”\f*  
\v 15 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jacob|strong="G2384"\w* \w went|strong="G2597"\w* \w down|strong="G2597"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* Egypt; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w died|strong="G5053"\w*, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w our|strong="G2532"\w* \w fathers|strong="G3962"\w*;  
\v 16 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* transferred \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Shechem|strong="G4966"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w placed|strong="G5087"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w tomb|strong="G3418"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* Abraham \w bought|strong="G5608"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w sum|strong="G5092"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w money|strong="G5092"\w* \w from|strong="G3844"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w sons|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w Hamor|strong="G1697"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w Shechem|strong="G4966"\w*.\f + \fr 7:16 \ft The only record we have of someone buying from Hamor is Jacob (Genesis 33:19); Abraham bought from Ephron (Genesis 23:17)—Shechem and Hebron are presumably different places. Assuming that Stephen's statement is correct (if he was full of the Spirit as he spoke, verse 55), then presumably Abraham actually bought both places, though Moses only records one, and Jacob was obliged to rebuy one or bought a larger area around it. A variety of historical records existed, made during OT times, that were not included in the Canon and of which we have no copies—but they were still available in Stephen's day. (For instance, Jude [verse 14] cites Enoch—we have no Hebrew copy of Enoch's prophecy today, but Jude must have had access to one.) In any case, notice that the Text says ‘they’ were taken to Shechem—this would refer to Jacob's sons, since he himself was buried at Hebron. Going back to Genesis 34:29, after killing all the men of Shechem, Jacob's sons kept the women, which is presumably where they got wives for so many men. They also got rich on the spoils of the town. So why not be buried there? For further discussion, please see the Appendix: “Who bought what from whom?”\f*   
\s2 Enter Moses  
\p
\v 17 “\w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w as|strong="G2531"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w time|strong="G5550"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w promise|strong="G1860"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w approaching|strong="G1448"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* sworn \w to|strong="G2532"\w* Abraham, \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w* \w increased|strong="G4129"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w multiplied|strong="G4129"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* Egypt,  
\v 18 until \w a|strong="G1909"\w* \w different|strong="G2087"\w*\f + \fr 7:18 \ft The word here suggests a different kind; either a different dynasty or a different race.\f* \w king|strong="G3588"\w* arose \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w had|strong="G3739"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w known|strong="G1492"\w* \w Joseph|strong="G2501"\w*.  
\v 19 \w This|strong="G3778"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w* \w took|strong="G4160"\w* \w advantage|strong="G2686"\w* \w of|strong="G3962"\w* \w our|strong="G4160"\w* \w race|strong="G1085"\w* \w and|strong="G3962"\w* oppressed \w our|strong="G4160"\w* \w fathers|strong="G3962"\w*, \w making|strong="G4160"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w expose|strong="G4160"\w* \w their|strong="G1519"\w* \w babies|strong="G1025"\w* \w so|strong="G1519"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G3588"\w* would \w not|strong="G3361"\w* stay alive.\f + \fr 7:19 \ft My rendering here is round about because the Text is round about.\f*  
\v 20 \w At|strong="G1722"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w time|strong="G2540"\w* \w Moses|strong="G3475"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w born|strong="G1080"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w well|strong="G2532"\w* pleasing \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*; \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* nurtured \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w his|strong="G1722"\w* \w father|strong="G3962"\w*'s \w house|strong="G3624"\w* \w for|strong="G1722"\w* \w three|strong="G5140"\w* \w months|strong="G3376"\w*.  
\v 21 \w When|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* exposed, \w Pharaoh|strong="G5328"\w*'s \w daughter|strong="G2364"\w* \w took|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w herself|strong="G1438"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w brought|strong="G1519"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w her|strong="G1438"\w* \w own|strong="G1438"\w* \w son|strong="G5207"\w*.  
\v 22 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w Moses|strong="G3475"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w educated|strong="G3811"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w wisdom|strong="G4678"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* Egyptians; \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w mighty|strong="G1415"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w words|strong="G3056"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w deeds|strong="G2041"\w*.  
\v 23 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w forty|strong="G5063"\w* \w years|strong="G5063"\w* \w old|strong="G5550"\w*, \w it|strong="G1161"\w* \w came|strong="G3588"\w* \w into|strong="G1909"\w* \w his|strong="G1909"\w* \w heart|strong="G2588"\w* \w to|strong="G1909"\w* \w visit|strong="G1980"\w* \w his|strong="G1909"\w* brothers, \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w sons|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w Israel|strong="G2474"\w*.\f + \fr 7:23 \ft Comparing Hebrews 11:24-26, it appears that Moses had formally refused the status of being the son of Pharaoh's daughter, with the political and other advantages pertaining to that status. This attitude probably did not sit well with Pharaoh, which is why he was prepared to kill Moses, when the opportunity presented itself.\f*  
\v 24 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w seeing|strong="G3708"\w* \w one|strong="G5100"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w being|strong="G2532"\w* wronged, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* defended \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w avenged|strong="G1557"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G5100"\w* \w being|strong="G2532"\w* \w oppressed|strong="G2669"\w*, \w striking|strong="G3960"\w* \w down|strong="G3960"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Egyptian.  
\v 25 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w supposed|strong="G3543"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w his|strong="G1223"\w* brothers \w understood|strong="G4920"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w giving|strong="G1325"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w deliverance|strong="G4991"\w* \w by|strong="G1223"\w* \w his|strong="G1223"\w* \w hand|strong="G5495"\w*,\f + \fr 7:25 \ft This evaluation of Moses' thinking is not in the OT, at least not at this juncture. Did Moses really suppose that killing an Egyptian would make a difference, or that God would give deliverance in that way? When we see him in heaven we can ask him. But comparing this with verse 23 above we may conclude that it was God who put the idea of visiting his people in his heart.\f* \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w did|strong="G1325"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w understand|strong="G4920"\w*.  
\v 26 \w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w next|strong="G1966"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w appeared|strong="G3708"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w fighting|strong="G3164"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w tried|strong="G4900"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* reconcile \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w Men|strong="G3588"\w*, \w you|strong="G3708"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* brothers; \w why|strong="G2444"\w* \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G3708"\w* wrong \w one|strong="G1438"\w* \w another|strong="G1438"\w*?’  
\v 27 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G5101"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* wronging \w his|strong="G1909"\w* \w neighbor|strong="G4139"\w* pushed Moses away, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: ‘\w Who|strong="G5101"\w* \w made|strong="G2525"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w ruler|strong="G2525"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w judge|strong="G1348"\w* \w over|strong="G1909"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w*?  
\v 28 \w Do|strong="G3361"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w want|strong="G2309"\w* \w to|strong="G2309"\w* kill \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w as|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w did|strong="G3361"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* Egyptian \w yesterday|strong="G5504"\w*?’  
\v 29 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w Moses|strong="G3475"\w* \w fled|strong="G5343"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w word|strong="G3056"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w became|strong="G1096"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w stranger|strong="G3941"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w land|strong="G1093"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w Midian|strong="G3099"\w*, \w where|strong="G3757"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* begot \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w sons|strong="G5207"\w*.\f + \fr 7:29 \ft I find Stephen's selection of details to be curious. Moses' two sons were not prominent in the history of Israel, so why mention them? Well, Moses' failure to circumcise them almost cost him his life! See Exodus 4:24-26. Although Moses himself was certainly circumcised as a baby, he was brought up as an Egyptian, and the importance of the procedure had not been ingrained in him; his wife was not an Israelite and was against it. But how could Moses lead the covenant people while ignoring the sign of the covenant?\f*   
\s2 Moses commissioned  
\p
\v 30 “\w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \it another\it* \w forty|strong="G5062"\w* \w years|strong="G2094"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w passed|strong="G4137"\w*, Angel \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \sc \+w Lord|strong="G3588"\+w*\sc*\f + \fr 7:30 \ft There is no definite article with “angel”. Comparing Exodus 3:2 and 4 it is clear that “the Angel of the \ft \+sc Lord\+sc*” was Jehovah Himself, presumably the Son. Perhaps 2% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit ‘of the Lord’ (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w appeared|strong="G3708"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w wilderness|strong="G2048"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Mount|strong="G3735"\w* \w Sinai|strong="G4614"\w*,\f + \fr 7:30 \ft Moses was in Midian, so the real Mount Sinai is in Midian, which is part of Arabia, not the peninsula between the ‘rabbit ears’ of the Red Sea. For a discussion of this, please see the Appendix: “Where is Mt. Sinai?”\f* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w flame|strong="G5395"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w fire|strong="G4442"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* bush.  
\v 31 Well \w upon|strong="G1096"\w* \w seeing|strong="G3708"\w* \w it|strong="G1161"\w* \w Moses|strong="G3475"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w amazed|strong="G2296"\w* \w at|strong="G2296"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w sight|strong="G3705"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w as|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w approached|strong="G4334"\w* \w for|strong="G1161"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* closer \w look|strong="G3708"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w voice|strong="G5456"\w* \w of|strong="G2962"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \sc \+w Lord|strong="G2962"\+w*\sc* \w came|strong="G4334"\w* \w to|strong="G4334"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*:  
\v 32 ‘\w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1473"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w fathers|strong="G3962"\w*—\w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* Abraham \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w Isaac|strong="G2464"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w Jacob|strong="G2384"\w*.’\f + \fr 7:32 \ft See Exodus 3:6. The Lord Jesus made use of this passage to demonstrate the fact of resurrection (Matthew 22:32). Perhaps 5% of the Greek manuscripts omit “the God” before Isaac and Jacob (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w Moses|strong="G3475"\w* \w started|strong="G1096"\w* \w trembling|strong="G1790"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w dare|strong="G5111"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w look|strong="G2657"\w*.  
\v 33 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \sc \+w Lord|strong="G2962"\+w*\sc* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1909"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*: ‘\w Take|strong="G3089"\w* \w your|strong="G2962"\w* \w sandals|strong="G5266"\w* \w off|strong="G3089"\w* \w your|strong="G2962"\w* \w feet|strong="G4228"\w*, \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w place|strong="G5117"\w* \w where|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w stand|strong="G2476"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* holy \w ground|strong="G1093"\w*.  
\v 34 \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* definitely \w seen|strong="G3708"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* mistreatment \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w my|strong="G3708"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* Egypt, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* heard \w their|strong="G1438"\w* \w groaning|strong="G4726"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G1204"\w* \w down|strong="G2597"\w*\f + \fr 7:34 \ft ‘Come down’ from where? From Heaven, presumably—I imagine that whenever God ‘comes down’ it is to intervene in human affairs.\f* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w deliver|strong="G1807"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*. \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w now|strong="G3568"\w* \w come|strong="G1204"\w*, \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* send \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* Egypt.’   
\p
\v 35 “\w This|strong="G3778"\w* \w Moses|strong="G3475"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* refused, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w Who|strong="G3739"\w* \w made|strong="G2525"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w ruler|strong="G2525"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w judge|strong="G1348"\w*?’—\w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w sent|strong="G2316"\w* \nd \+w him|strong="G3588"\+w*\nd* \w as|strong="G1722"\w* leader \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w deliverer|strong="G3086"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w hand|strong="G5495"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* Angel \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w appeared|strong="G3708"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* bush.  
\v 36 \w This|strong="G3778"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w* \w led|strong="G1806"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w out|strong="G1806"\w*, \w performing|strong="G4160"\w* \w wonders|strong="G5059"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w signs|strong="G4592"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w land|strong="G1093"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* Egypt \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Red|strong="G2063"\w* \w Sea|strong="G2281"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w for|strong="G1722"\w* \w forty|strong="G5062"\w* \w years|strong="G2094"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w wilderness|strong="G2048"\w*.   
\s2 Israel's rebellion  
\p
\v 37 “\w This|strong="G3778"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* \w Moses|strong="G3475"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* \w sons|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w Israel|strong="G2474"\w*, ‘\w The|strong="G1537"\w* \sc \+w Lord|strong="G3588"\+w*\sc* \w our|strong="G2316"\w*\f + \fr 7:37 \ft Perhaps 2% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit “the Lord”, and they are joined by another 3% in omitting ‘our’ (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* \w raise|strong="G2316"\w* \w up|strong="G1537"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w a|strong="G5613"\w* \w Prophet|strong="G4396"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w among|strong="G1537"\w* \w your|strong="G3588"\w* brothers, \w like|strong="G5613"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*.’\f + \fr 7:37 \ft I take it that here Stephen sets up the main thrust of his speech: God sent Moses, but his contemporaries rejected him; God sent the Prophet, but those present rejected Him. Both rejections resulted in judgment. Some 15% of the Greek manuscripts add ‘Him you shall hear’ (as in AV and NKJV).\f*  
\v 38 \w This|strong="G3778"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w assembly|strong="G1577"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w wilderness|strong="G2048"\w*, \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* Angel \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w spoke|strong="G2980"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w Mount|strong="G3735"\w* \w Sinai|strong="G4614"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w our|strong="G2532"\w* \w fathers|strong="G3962"\w*,\f + \fr 7:38 \ft I take it that Stephen is emphasizing that Moses was with \+nd both\+nd* the Angel and the people; he was a mediator, as would be ‘the Prophet’—“like me” (verse 37).\f* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w received|strong="G1209"\w* \w living|strong="G2198"\w* \w oracles|strong="G3051"\w*\f + \fr 7:38 \ft What makes an oracle ‘living’? It continues to function, to be applicable.\f* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w us|strong="G1325"\w*;  
\v 39 \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w our|strong="G2532"\w* \w fathers|strong="G3962"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w want|strong="G2309"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* \w obedient|strong="G5255"\w*; \w rather|strong="G3756"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* rejected \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w turned|strong="G4762"\w* \w back|strong="G1519"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w heart|strong="G2588"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* Egypt,  
\v 40 \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* Aaron, ‘\w Make|strong="G4160"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w* \w gods|strong="G2316"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* \w go|strong="G4313"\w* \w before|strong="G4313"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w*; \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w Moses|strong="G3475"\w*, \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w led|strong="G1806"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w* \w out|strong="G1537"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* \w land|strong="G1093"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* Egypt—\w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w has|strong="G2316"\w* \w become|strong="G1096"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*.’\f + \fr 7:40 \ft See Exodus 32:1.\f*  
\v 41 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w made|strong="G3447"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w calf|strong="G3447"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w brought|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w sacrifice|strong="G2378"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w idol|strong="G1497"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* started \w rejoicing|strong="G2165"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w works|strong="G2041"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w hands|strong="G5495"\w*.  
\v 42 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w turned|strong="G4762"\w* \w away|strong="G4762"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w gave|strong="G3860"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w over|strong="G3860"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w serve|strong="G3000"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w army|strong="G4756"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w*,\f + \fr 7:42 \ft Presumably the reference is to Satan's army of fallen angels, see Ephesians 2:2. Those who choose idolatry are really turning themselves over to Satan [even if they don't believe in him]. If God gives you over, what are your chances?\f* \w just|strong="G2531"\w* \w as|strong="G2531"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w written|strong="G1125"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Book|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Prophets|strong="G4396"\w*:  
\q1 ‘\w House|strong="G3624"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w Israel|strong="G2474"\w*, \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G1722"\w* \w offer|strong="G4374"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* slaughtered animals  
\q2 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w sacrifices|strong="G2378"\w* \w during|strong="G1722"\w* \w forty|strong="G5062"\w* \w years|strong="G2094"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w wilderness|strong="G2048"\w*?   
\q1
\v 43 \w Actually|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w took|strong="G2532"\w* \w along|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w tent|strong="G4633"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w Moloch|strong="G3434"\w*,  
\q2 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* star \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w god|strong="G2316"\w*, \w Rephan|strong="G4481"\w*,  
\q2 \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w images|strong="G5179"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w made|strong="G4160"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w worship|strong="G4352"\w*;  
\q1 \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w I|strong="G3739"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* relocate \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w beyond|strong="G1900"\w* Babylon.’\f + \fr 7:43 \ft See Amos 5:25-27. Amos appears to be saying that the Israelites took these gods with them out of Egypt, kept them all the time in the wilderness, and even took them into the Promised Land!\f*   
\s2 A dwelling for God  
\p
\v 44 “\w The|strong="G1722"\w* \w tent|strong="G4633"\w* \w of|strong="G3962"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w testimony|strong="G3142"\w*, \w according|strong="G2596"\w* \w to|strong="G2596"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w pattern|strong="G5179"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w Moses|strong="G3475"\w* \w had|strong="G1510"\w* \w seen|strong="G3708"\w*, \w just|strong="G2531"\w* \w as|strong="G2531"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w One|strong="G3739"\w* \w speaking|strong="G2980"\w* \w to|strong="G2596"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G1510"\w* \w commanded|strong="G1299"\w* \w to|strong="G2596"\w* \w make|strong="G4160"\w* \w it|strong="G4160"\w*, \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w our|strong="G2596"\w* \w fathers|strong="G3962"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w wilderness|strong="G2048"\w*;  
\v 45 \w which|strong="G3739"\w*, \w having|strong="G2532"\w* \w received|strong="G1237"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w turn|strong="G1237"\w*, \w our|strong="G2316"\w* \w fathers|strong="G3962"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w Joshua|strong="G2424"\w* \w brought|strong="G1521"\w* \w into|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w possession|strong="G2697"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w nations|strong="G1484"\w*, \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w drove|strong="G1856"\w* \w out|strong="G2532"\w* \w before|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w face|strong="G4383"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w our|strong="G2316"\w* \w fathers|strong="G3962"\w*, \w until|strong="G2193"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w David|strong="G1138"\w*;  
\v 46 \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w found|strong="G2147"\w* \w favor|strong="G5485"\w* \w before|strong="G1799"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* asked \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w find|strong="G2147"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w dwelling|strong="G4638"\w* \w for|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*\f + \fr 7:46 \ft The same handful of early manuscripts of inferior quality that NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc. usually follow have ‘house’ instead of ‘God’, but are abandoned by their usually faithful followers.\f* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jacob|strong="G2384"\w*,  
\v 47 \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w Solomon|strong="G4672"\w* \w built|strong="G3618"\w* Him \w a|strong="G1161"\w* \w house|strong="G3624"\w*.  
\v 48 However, \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Most|strong="G5310"\w* \w High|strong="G5310"\w* \w does|strong="G2730"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w dwell|strong="G2730"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* handmade sanctuaries, \w just|strong="G2531"\w* \w as|strong="G2531"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w prophet|strong="G4396"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w*:   
\q1
\v 49 ‘\w Heaven|strong="G3772"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w throne|strong="G2362"\w*,  
\q2 \w while|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w earth|strong="G1093"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w a|strong="G2228"\w* \w footstool|strong="G5286"\w* \w for|strong="G1161"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w feet|strong="G4228"\w*.  
\q1 \w What|strong="G5101"\w* \w kind|strong="G4169"\w* \w of|strong="G3624"\w* \w house|strong="G3624"\w* \w will|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G3004"\w* \w build|strong="G3618"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*,’ \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \sc \+w Lord|strong="G2962"\+w*\sc*,  
\q2 ‘\w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w place|strong="G5117"\w* \w for|strong="G1161"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w rest|strong="G2663"\w*?   
\q1
\v 50 \w Did|strong="G4160"\w* \w not|strong="G3780"\w* \w my|strong="G3956"\w* \w hand|strong="G5495"\w* \w make|strong="G4160"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w*?’\f + \fr 7:50 \ft See Isaiah 66:1-2. This could be an oblique defense against their allegation that he had blasphemed the temple—if God does not dwell there (and in fact Jesus had formally abandoned it) [and Josephus says that the Ark was no longer there] it has lost its importance.\f*   
\s2 Stephen attacks  
\p
\v 51 “\w You|strong="G5210"\w* \w stiff-necked|strong="G4644"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* uncircumcised \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w heart|strong="G2588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w ears|strong="G3775"\w*! \w You|strong="G5210"\w* always oppose \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Holy|strong="G4151"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w*;\f + \fr 7:51 \ft In fact, the Sadducees even refused to acknowledge His existence!\f* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w fathers|strong="G3962"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w*, \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w do|strong="G2532"\w*.  
\v 52 \w Which|strong="G3739"\w* \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w prophets|strong="G4396"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w fathers|strong="G3962"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w persecute|strong="G1377"\w*? \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* killed \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w foretold|strong="G4293"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w coming|strong="G1660"\w* \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Righteous|strong="G1342"\w* \w One|strong="G3739"\w*, \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w now|strong="G3568"\w* \w become|strong="G1096"\w* \w betrayers|strong="G4273"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w murderers|strong="G5406"\w*;\f + \fr 7:52 \ft Stephen states plainly that they murdered the Messiah.\f*  
\v 53 \w you|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w received|strong="G2983"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Law|strong="G3551"\w* \w as|strong="G1519"\w* ‘ordinances \w of|strong="G2532"\w* angels’ \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w kept|strong="G5442"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*!”   
\s2 Stephen is martyred  
\p
\v 54 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* heard \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w hearts|strong="G2588"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w being|strong="G2532"\w* sawed \w in|strong="G1909"\w* half,\f + \fr 7:54 \ft That is what the Text says. It is a graphic figure of speech. If you are sliced with a sharp object you may scarcely feel it at the moment, but if someone starts sawing on you… No wonder they were mad! (They had long since figured out that Stephen was not being conciliatory.)\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* started \w gnashing|strong="G1031"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w teeth|strong="G3599"\w* \w at|strong="G1909"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 55 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w*, \w being|strong="G5225"\w* \w full|strong="G4134"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w Holy|strong="G4151"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w looking|strong="G2424"\w* intently \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w*, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w glory|strong="G1391"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w standing|strong="G2476"\w*\f + \fr 7:55 \ft There are several texts that have Jesus seated at the Father's right, not standing. Apparently the Lord stood up to receive Stephen—he got a hero's welcome.\f* \w on|strong="G1519"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*'s \w right|strong="G1188"\w*,  
\v 56 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “Wow! \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w heavens|strong="G3772"\w* \w opened|strong="G1272"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Man|strong="G5207"\w* \w standing|strong="G2476"\w* \w at|strong="G1537"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*'s \w right|strong="G1188"\w*!”  
\v 57 Yelling \w at|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* top \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w voice|strong="G5456"\w*\f + \fr 7:57 \ft They tried to drown out his voice, as well as covering their ears—they really did not want to hear any more! Not a few today do not want to hear the truth either.\f* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w covered|strong="G4912"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w ears|strong="G3775"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w rushed|strong="G3729"\w* \w at|strong="G1909"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w all|strong="G2532"\w* \w at|strong="G1909"\w* once,  
\v 58 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w throwing|strong="G1544"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w out|strong="G1544"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w city|strong="G4172"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w stoned|strong="G3036"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*!\f + \fr 7:58 \ft They were beside themselves with rage, and forgot all about getting permission from the Roman authorities—typical mob action, but doubtless demonically inspired.\f* (\w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w witnesses|strong="G3144"\w* placed \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w garments|strong="G2440"\w* \w at|strong="G3844"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w feet|strong="G4228"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w young|strong="G3494"\w* \w man|strong="G3494"\w* \w named|strong="G2564"\w* \w Saul|strong="G4569"\w*.)  
\v 59 Yes, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w stoned|strong="G3036"\w* \w Stephen|strong="G4736"\w* \w as|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w called|strong="G3004"\w* \w out|strong="G2532"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*, \w receive|strong="G1209"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w spirit|strong="G4151"\w*.”  
\v 60 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w kneeling|strong="G1119"\w* \w down|strong="G5087"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w called|strong="G3004"\w* \w out|strong="G2896"\w* \w at|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* top \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G2532"\w* \w voice|strong="G5456"\w*, “\w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w hold|strong="G2476"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* sin \w against|strong="G3361"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*!” \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w upon|strong="G1161"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w fell|strong="G2837"\w* \w asleep|strong="G2837"\w*.\f + \fr 7:60 \ft Sleep is frequently used as a figure for death in the Bible, especially with reference to believers. Stephen's death reminds me of the Lord's—both let out a shout, and then died. In the Lord's case we are explicitly told that He dismissed His spirit. I wonder if Stephen was somehow able to dismiss his (if he was able to shout he still had strength, and death by stoning took a while). Both also asked forgiveness for their murderers.\f* (Saul \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* full agreement \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G2532"\w* murder.)   
\c 8  
\ms1 Under persecution the Church moves out  
\m
\v 1 \w At|strong="G1722"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w time|strong="G2250"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* major \w persecution|strong="G1375"\w* \w arose|strong="G1096"\w* \w against|strong="G2596"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w church|strong="G1577"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2414"\w*, \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w*, \w except|strong="G4133"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* Apostles, \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w scattered|strong="G1289"\w* \w throughout|strong="G2596"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w regions|strong="G5561"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w Judea|strong="G2449"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Samaria|strong="G4540"\w*.  
\v 2 (\w Devout|strong="G2126"\w* \w men|strong="G3173"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w buried|strong="G4792"\w* \w Stephen|strong="G4736"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w made|strong="G4160"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w great|strong="G3173"\w* \w lamentation|strong="G2870"\w* \w over|strong="G1909"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*.)  
\v 3 \w As|strong="G1519"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w Saul|strong="G4569"\w*, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* trying \w to|strong="G1519"\w* destroy \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Church|strong="G1577"\w*; invading \w house|strong="G3624"\w* \w after|strong="G2596"\w* \w house|strong="G3624"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w dragging|strong="G4951"\w* \w away|strong="G4951"\w* \w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w men|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w women|strong="G1135"\w*, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w putting|strong="G3860"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w prison|strong="G5438"\w*.  
\v 4 \w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w on|strong="G3767"\w* \w their|strong="G3588"\w* part \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w scattered|strong="G1289"\w* \w abroad|strong="G1289"\w* \w went|strong="G1330"\w* \w about|strong="G1330"\w* \w preaching|strong="G2097"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w Word|strong="G3056"\w*.   
\s1 Philip's ministry  
\p
\v 5 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w Philip|strong="G5376"\w*, having gone \w down|strong="G2718"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G1519"\w* \w city|strong="G4172"\w* \w of|strong="G4172"\w* \w Samaria|strong="G4540"\w*,\f + \fr 8:5 \ft Perhaps 2% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, have ‘the city’, instead of “a city”, to be followed by most versions, including AV and NKJV.\f* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w proclaiming|strong="G2784"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*;  
\v 6 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w crowds|strong="G3793"\w* \w gave|strong="G4160"\w* \w heed|strong="G4337"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w one|strong="G3739"\w* \w accord|strong="G3661"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w what|strong="G3739"\w* \w Philip|strong="G5376"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, \w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* heard \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w words|strong="G2532"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* saw \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w signs|strong="G4592"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w kept|strong="G4160"\w* \w performing|strong="G4160"\w*.\f + \fr 8:6 \ft He did not just talk, he demonstrated God's power. So how about us—do we just talk?\f*  
\v 7 \w Because|strong="G1063"\w* unclean \w spirits|strong="G4151"\w* \w came|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* screaming \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G2192"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w paralyzed|strong="G3886"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w lame|strong="G5560"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w healed|strong="G2323"\w*.  
\v 8 \w Yes|strong="G1161"\w*, \w there|strong="G1161"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w great|strong="G4183"\w* \w joy|strong="G5479"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w city|strong="G4172"\w*!\f + \fr 8:8 \ft Not bad, for a deacon.\f*   
\s2 Simon, the sorcerer  
\p
\v 9 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w man|strong="G5100"\w* \w named|strong="G3686"\w* \w Simon|strong="G4613"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w city|strong="G4172"\w* \w first|strong="G1438"\w*, \w practicing|strong="G3096"\w* \w sorcery|strong="G3096"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* astounding \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w people|strong="G1484"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Samaria|strong="G4540"\w*, affirming \w himself|strong="G1438"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w someone|strong="G5100"\w* \w great|strong="G3173"\w*,  
\v 10 \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w they|strong="G3588"\w* used \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w pay|strong="G4337"\w* \w attention|strong="G4337"\w*, \w from|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w least|strong="G3398"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w greatest|strong="G3173"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w This|strong="G3778"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w great|strong="G3173"\w* \w power|strong="G1411"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*.”\f + \fr 8:10 \ft That is what the Text says. I would expect ‘has’ the power or ‘shows’ it, or whatever, but the Text has ‘is’. Perhaps the Samaritans thought he was the Messiah. Around 9% of the Greek manuscripts have ‘is called’.\f*  
\v 11 \w They|strong="G1161"\w* listened \w to|strong="G1161"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w because|strong="G1223"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w had|strong="G3588"\w* \w amazed|strong="G1839"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w with|strong="G1223"\w* \w his|strong="G1438"\w* \w sorceries|strong="G3095"\w* \w for|strong="G1223"\w* \w a|strong="G1161"\w* \w long|strong="G2425"\w* \w time|strong="G5550"\w*.  
\v 12 \w But|strong="G1161"\w*, \w when|strong="G3753"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w believed|strong="G4100"\w* \w Philip|strong="G5376"\w*, \w as|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w proclaimed|strong="G2097"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w good|strong="G2097"\w* \w news|strong="G2097"\w* \w concerning|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Kingdom \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w*, \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*,\f + \fr 8:12 \ft He was proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah.\f* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* baptized, \w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w men|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w women|strong="G1135"\w*.  
\v 13 \w Even|strong="G2532"\w* \w Simon|strong="G4613"\w* \w himself|strong="G1839"\w* \w believed|strong="G4100"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w having|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* baptized \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w stayed|strong="G1510"\w* right \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w Philip|strong="G5376"\w*; \w observing|strong="G2334"\w* \w miracles|strong="G1411"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w signs|strong="G4592"\w* occurring, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w amazed|strong="G1839"\w*.\f + \fr 8:13 \ft Why? If he himself had really been producing miracles and signs, he could have said, “business as usual”. Presumably he had been faking it (or else doing it by demonic power), so when he saw the real thing, by God's power, he was genuinely impressed.\f*   
\p
\v 14 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* Apostles \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2414"\w* heard \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w Samaria|strong="G4540"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w received|strong="G1209"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w word|strong="G3056"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w sent|strong="G2316"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*,  
\v 15 \w who|strong="G3748"\w* upon \w coming|strong="G2597"\w* \w down|strong="G2597"\w* \w prayed|strong="G4336"\w* \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w them|strong="G2983"\w*, \w so|strong="G3704"\w* \w that|strong="G3704"\w* \w they|strong="G3748"\w* might \w receive|strong="G2983"\w* \w Holy|strong="G4151"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w*,  
\v 16 \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w had|strong="G2424"\w* \w not|strong="G1510"\w* \w yet|strong="G1161"\w* \w fallen|strong="G1968"\w* \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* \w any|strong="G3762"\w* \w of|strong="G3686"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*; \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w had|strong="G2424"\w* \w only|strong="G3440"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* baptized \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w of|strong="G3686"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*, \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w Christ|strong="G2962"\w*.\f + \fr 8:16 \ft Some 30% of the Greek manuscripts read ‘Lord’ instead of ‘Christ’, as in most versions.\f*  
\v 17 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w laid|strong="G2007"\w* \w their|strong="G1438"\w* \w hands|strong="G5495"\w* \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w received|strong="G2983"\w* \w Holy|strong="G4151"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w*.   
\p
\v 18 Well, \w upon|strong="G5495"\w* observing \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w Holy|strong="G4151"\w*\f + \fr 8:18 \ft ‘Holy’ is omitted by two (2) manuscripts (against over 600), to be followed by NIV, NASB, TEV, etc. Those two are ancient, but of objectively inferior quality.\f* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w given|strong="G1325"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w laying|strong="G1936"\w* \w on|strong="G5495"\w* \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* Apostles' \w hands|strong="G5495"\w*, \w Simon|strong="G4613"\w* \w offered|strong="G4374"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w money|strong="G5536"\w*  
\v 19 \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Give|strong="G1325"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w power|strong="G1849"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w me|strong="G1325"\w* \w also|strong="G2504"\w*, \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w anyone|strong="G3739"\w* \w on|strong="G5495"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w I|strong="G3739"\w* \w lay|strong="G2007"\w* \w hands|strong="G5495"\w* \w may|strong="G2443"\w* \w receive|strong="G2983"\w* \w Holy|strong="G4151"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w*.”  
\v 20 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w May|strong="G2316"\w* \w your|strong="G1223"\w* silver \w go|strong="G1519"\w* \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* perdition,\f + \fr 8:20 \ft Peter is really upset and does not mince words; he evidently felt that the sin was so serious as to place Simon's eternal destiny in doubt (see verse 22, “in case”). Well, the Lord Jesus Himself had taught them that to blaspheme the Holy Spirit was unpardonable, and Peter evidently figured that Simon had come close.\f* \w for|strong="G3754"\w* thinking \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w gift|strong="G1431"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w could|strong="G3588"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w acquired|strong="G2932"\w* \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w money|strong="G5536"\w*!  
\v 21 \w You|strong="G4771"\w* \w have|strong="G1510"\w* \w neither|strong="G3761"\w* \w part|strong="G3310"\w* \w nor|strong="G3761"\w* \w portion|strong="G2819"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w matter|strong="G3056"\w*, \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w your|strong="G1722"\w* \w heart|strong="G2588"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w right|strong="G2117"\w* \w before|strong="G1722"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*.  
\v 22 Turn away \w therefore|strong="G3767"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w your|strong="G2962"\w* \w wickedness|strong="G2549"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w make|strong="G2532"\w* petition \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w God|strong="G2532"\w*,\f + \fr 8:22 \ft Some 5% of the Greek manuscripts read ‘Lord’ instead of ‘God’ (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w case|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* intent \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2962"\w* \w heart|strong="G2588"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* forgiven \w you|strong="G4771"\w*;  
\v 23 \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w being|strong="G1510"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w gall|strong="G5521"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w bitterness|strong="G4088"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* fetter \w of|strong="G2532"\w* unrighteousness.”\f + \fr 8:23 \ft The Text has ‘into’ not ‘in’, thereby emphasizing (I suppose) that this was a long-standing condition. Since gall is bitter, very, I take it that Peter is saying that Simon was controlled by a terrible bitterness. Isaiah 58:6 speaks of “fetters of wickedness”, where the fetters have been placed on the victim(s) by wicked men (or angels), presumably [the LXX uses the word that Peter uses here, ‘unrighteousness’]. We don't know if Peter was thinking of this text, and since Simon was into sorcery/spiritism, the fetter could have been of his own forging. The inspired author says that Simon believed, so I take it that he really did. But the consequences to his soul of years spent in sorcery/spiritism were not immediately, miraculously obliterated. Those in our day who have discipled people converted out of Satanism/spiritism (especially mediums—witches, warlocks) know that those consequences can hang around for quite a while, and be difficult to eliminate.\f*  
\v 24 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w in|strong="G1909"\w* answer \w Simon|strong="G4613"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\nd \+w You|strong="G5210"\+w*\nd*\f + \fr 8:24 \ft The Text is emphatic. Simon is not being disrespectful; he doubts that his own pleading will do much good, so he begs them to do it for him (God is much more likely to listen to them).\f* make petition \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w behalf|strong="G5228"\w*, \w so|strong="G1161"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w nothing|strong="G3367"\w* \w of|strong="G2962"\w* \w what|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w have|strong="G1473"\w* \w spoken|strong="G3004"\w* \w may|strong="G3004"\w* \w come|strong="G1904"\w* \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*!”   
\p
\v 25 \w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w both|strong="G2532"\w*\f + \fr 8:25 \ft This word goes with the verbs ‘testify’ and ‘speak’, not Peter and John. I suppose the ‘thorough testifying’ would be with reference to the Lord's ministry, teaching, death and resurrection (they were eye witnesses).\f* \w thoroughly|strong="G4183"\w* \w testified|strong="G1263"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w spoken|strong="G2980"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Word|strong="G3056"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w returned|strong="G5290"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2414"\w*; \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* evangelized \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w Samaritan|strong="G4541"\w* \w villages|strong="G2968"\w*.   
\s2 The Ethiopian treasurer  
\p
\v 26 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w an|strong="G2532"\w* \w angel|strong="G2597"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w spoke|strong="G2980"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Philip|strong="G5376"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Get|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w go|strong="G4198"\w* \w south|strong="G3314"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w road|strong="G3598"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w goes|strong="G4198"\w* \w down|strong="G2597"\w* \w from|strong="G2597"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2419"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Gaza|strong="G1048"\w*;\f + \fr 8:26 \ft From Samaria to the Gaza road would be a walk of at least 60 miles, over accidented terrain. Notice that God removes Philip from a very successful ministry to reach one man (albeit a very strategic one).\f* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w desolate|strong="G2048"\w*.”  
\v 27 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* got \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G4198"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w*, \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w man|strong="G3956"\w*, \w an|strong="G2532"\w* Ethiopian, \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w eunuch|strong="G2135"\w*, \w a|strong="G2532"\w* court-official \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Candace|strong="G2582"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* queen \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Ethiopians, \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w over|strong="G1909"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w her|strong="G1519"\w* \w treasury|strong="G1047"\w*, \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w worshiping|strong="G4352"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2419"\w*\f + \fr 8:27 \ft So how did this man know about Jehovah, and why had he learned to read Hebrew (unless he was reading a Greek translation)? Although nearly a millennium had intervened, this could be a result of the Queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon.\f*  
\v 28 —\w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w returning|strong="G5290"\w*, \w sitting|strong="G2521"\w* \w in|strong="G1909"\w* \w his|strong="G1909"\w* chariot \w and|strong="G2532"\w* reading aloud \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w prophet|strong="G4396"\w* \w Isaiah|strong="G2268"\w*.  
\v 29 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Philip|strong="G5376"\w*, “\w Go|strong="G4334"\w* \w forward|strong="G4334"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w join|strong="G2853"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* chariot.”  
\v 30 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w running|strong="G4370"\w* \w up|strong="G2532"\w* \w Philip|strong="G5376"\w* \w heard|strong="G1097"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* reading \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w prophet|strong="G4396"\w* \w Isaiah|strong="G2268"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Do|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* really \w understand|strong="G1097"\w* \w what|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* reading?”  
\v 31 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Well|strong="G1063"\w* \w how|strong="G4459"\w* \w can|strong="G1410"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w*, \w unless|strong="G1437"\w* \w someone|strong="G5100"\w* \w guides|strong="G3594"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*?” \w And|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w urged|strong="G3870"\w* \w Philip|strong="G5376"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* come \w up|strong="G3361"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w sit|strong="G2523"\w* \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*.\f + \fr 8:31 \ft The Holy Spirit was obviously in charge of this whole operation and moved upon the man to trust Philip.\f*   
\p
\v 32 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* portion \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Scripture|strong="G1124"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* reading \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w*:  
\q1 “\w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* led \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w a|strong="G5613"\w* \w sheep|strong="G4263"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w slaughter|strong="G4967"\w*;  
\q2 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w a|strong="G5613"\w* lamb \w before|strong="G1909"\w* its \w shearer|strong="G2751"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* silent,  
\q2 \w so|strong="G3779"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w does|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* open \w His|strong="G1909"\w* \w mouth|strong="G4750"\w*.   
\q1
\v 33 \w In|strong="G1722"\w* \w His|strong="G1722"\w* \w humiliation|strong="G5014"\w* \w His|strong="G1722"\w* \w justice|strong="G2920"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* removed,  
\q2 \w and|strong="G1093"\w* \w who|strong="G5101"\w* \w will|strong="G5101"\w* recount \w His|strong="G1722"\w* \w generation|strong="G1074"\w*?  
\q1 \w Because|strong="G3754"\w* \w His|strong="G1722"\w* \w life|strong="G2222"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* removed \w from|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w earth|strong="G1093"\w*.”\f + \fr 8:33 \ft See Isaiah 53:7-8.\f*   
\m
\v 34 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* continuing \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w eunuch|strong="G2135"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w Philip|strong="G5376"\w*, “\w I|strong="G1161"\w* \w ask|strong="G1189"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*, \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w whom|strong="G5101"\w* \w does|strong="G5101"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w prophet|strong="G4396"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w*, \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w himself|strong="G1438"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w someone|strong="G5100"\w* \w else|strong="G2228"\w*?”  
\v 35 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* opening \w his|strong="G2532"\w* \w mouth|strong="G4750"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* beginning \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w Scripture|strong="G1124"\w*, \w Philip|strong="G5376"\w* \w preached|strong="G2097"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*.   
\p
\v 36 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w going|strong="G4198"\w* \w down|strong="G2596"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w road|strong="G3598"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* \w some|strong="G5100"\w* \w water|strong="G5204"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w eunuch|strong="G2135"\w* \w said|strong="G5346"\w*: “\w Look|strong="G2400"\w*, \w water|strong="G5204"\w*! \w What|strong="G5101"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* keeping \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w from|strong="G2064"\w* \w being|strong="G2532"\w* baptized?”\f + \fr 8:36 \ft The AV and NKJV have verse 37: Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” It is the sort of thing that makes us think, “If Philip did not say that, he should have”. And maybe he really did, but the question immediately before us is whether Luke wrote it. 88% of the Greek manuscripts, including the best line of transmission, do not have the verse—I imagine that the verse originated in the Latin tradition, during the second century. Philip doubtless recounted the event many times (his house in Caesarea received \+nd many\+nd* visitors), and if the exchange recorded in verse 37 actually took place it would be part of the story that he told, and could easily have been added to the Text of Acts. (The addition appears in eighteen slightly different forms, which does not inspire confidence.)\f*  
\v 38 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w ordered|strong="G2753"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* chariot \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w stop|strong="G2476"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2597"\w* \w down|strong="G2597"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w water|strong="G5204"\w*, \w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w Philip|strong="G5376"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w eunuch|strong="G2135"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* baptized \w him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 39 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G3753"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G1537"\w* \w out|strong="G1537"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w water|strong="G5204"\w*, \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*\f + \fr 8:39 \ft Again there is no definite article with ‘Spirit’, nor with ‘Lord’—I would like to translate ‘Spirit of Jehovah’, but God's personal name never occurs in the New Testament.\f* snatched \w Philip|strong="G5376"\w* \w away|strong="G4198"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w eunuch|strong="G2135"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w any|strong="G3756"\w* \w more|strong="G3765"\w*, \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G4198"\w* \w on|strong="G1537"\w* \w his|strong="G3708"\w* \w way|strong="G3598"\w* \w rejoicing|strong="G5463"\w*.\f + \fr 8:39 \ft He did not stop to look for Philip or attempt any further contact with him; Ethiopia was a long way away and he just kept on going. He doubtless understood that Philip's ‘visit’ was a supernatural present, and let it go at that.\f*   
\p
\v 40 \w Philip|strong="G5376"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w found|strong="G2147"\w* \w at|strong="G1519"\w* Azotus,\f + \fr 8:40 \ft The verb is in the passive voice, but I am tempted to translate, ‘found himself’. The Spirit put Philip down in a nearby town, perhaps 10-15 miles away. Caesarea was some 50 miles on up the coast; speaking of which, Philip evidently decided to settle there.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w passed|strong="G1330"\w* \w through|strong="G1330"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* evangelized \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w towns|strong="G4172"\w* \w until|strong="G2193"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Caesarea|strong="G2542"\w*.   
\c 9  
\s1 Saul of Tarsus  
\m
\v 1 \w Meanwhile|strong="G1161"\w* \w Saul|strong="G4569"\w*, \w still|strong="G2089"\w* exhaling murderous threats \w against|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, \w went|strong="G4334"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w high|strong="G2532"\w* priest  
\v 2 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* asked \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w letters|strong="G1992"\w* \w from|strong="G3844"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w synagogues|strong="G4864"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Damascus|strong="G1154"\w*, \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w if|strong="G1437"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w should|strong="G5100"\w* \w find|strong="G2147"\w* \w any|strong="G5100"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Way|strong="G3598"\w*, \w whether|strong="G1437"\w* \w men|strong="G5100"\w* \w or|strong="G2532"\w* \w women|strong="G1135"\w*, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w might|strong="G2532"\w* \w bring|strong="G1510"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w bound|strong="G1210"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2419"\w*.   
\s2 Jesus chooses Saul  
\p
\v 3 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w it|strong="G1161"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w*, \w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w going|strong="G4198"\w*, \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w got|strong="G1096"\w* \w close|strong="G1448"\w* \w to|strong="G1722"\w* \w Damascus|strong="G1154"\w*, \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w suddenly|strong="G1810"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w light|strong="G5457"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w* \w shone|strong="G4015"\w* \w around|strong="G4015"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*;  
\v 4 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w falling|strong="G4098"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w ground|strong="G1093"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* heard \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w voice|strong="G5456"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Saul|strong="G4549"\w*, \w Saul|strong="G4549"\w*, \w why|strong="G5101"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G3004"\w* \w persecuting|strong="G1377"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*?”  
\v 5 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Who|strong="G3739"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*, \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*?” \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1510"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*, \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w persecuting|strong="G1377"\w*;\f + \fr 9:5 \ft At this point AV and NKJV, following the TR, add: “It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do you want me to do?” Then the Lord said to him, “…” The addition comes from the Latin tradition; the Greek manuscripts do not have it. Some of the information may be found in the parallel accounts in Acts 22 and 26.\f*  
\v 6 \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w get|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w go|strong="G1525"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w city|strong="G4172"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w will|strong="G5101"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w told|strong="G2980"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w must|strong="G1163"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w*.”  
\v 7 \w The|strong="G1161"\w* \w men|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* traveling \w with|strong="G3588"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w stood|strong="G2476"\w* \w speechless|strong="G1769"\w*, hearing \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w sound|strong="G5456"\w* \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w seeing|strong="G2334"\w* \w no|strong="G3367"\w* \w one|strong="G3367"\w*.  
\v 8 \w Then|strong="G1161"\w* \w Saul|strong="G4569"\w* \w got|strong="G1453"\w* \w up|strong="G1453"\w* \w from|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w ground|strong="G1093"\w*, \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w upon|strong="G1519"\w* opening \w his|strong="G1519"\w* \w eyes|strong="G3788"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* saw \w no|strong="G3762"\w* \w one|strong="G3762"\w*; \w so|strong="G1161"\w* \w leading|strong="G1519"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w by|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w hand|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w brought|strong="G1521"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w Damascus|strong="G1154"\w*.  
\v 9 \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w without|strong="G3361"\w* sight \w for|strong="G2532"\w* \w three|strong="G5140"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w neither|strong="G3761"\w* \w ate|strong="G2068"\w* \w nor|strong="G3761"\w* \w drank|strong="G4095"\w*.\f + \fr 9:9 \ft Saul was in total shock; his world was being turned upside down.\f*   
\s2 Ananias sent to Saul  
\p
\v 10 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w disciple|strong="G3101"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w Damascus|strong="G1154"\w* \w named|strong="G3686"\w* Ananias, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w vision|strong="G3705"\w*, “Ananias!” \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Here|strong="G2400"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1510"\w*, \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*.”  
\v 11 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w said|strong="G1161"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Get|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G1909"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w go|strong="G4198"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w street|strong="G4505"\w* \w called|strong="G2564"\w* \w Straight|strong="G2117"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Judas|strong="G2455"\w* \w inquire|strong="G2212"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w Saul|strong="G4569"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Tarsus|strong="G5018"\w*; \w because|strong="G1063"\w*, \w you|strong="G1722"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w*, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w praying|strong="G4336"\w*,  
\v 12 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w vision|strong="G3705"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w has|strong="G3708"\w* \w seen|strong="G3708"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* man \w named|strong="G3686"\w* Ananias \w coming|strong="G1525"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w placing|strong="G2007"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w hand|strong="G5495"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w him|strong="G3708"\w*, \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3704"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w might|strong="G2532"\w* recover \it his\it* \w sight|strong="G3705"\w*.”  
\v 13 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* Ananias answered: “\w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, \w I|strong="G1161"\w* \w have|strong="G4160"\w* heard \w from|strong="G3588"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w*, \w how|strong="G3745"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w evil|strong="G2556"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w has|strong="G2962"\w* \w done|strong="G4160"\w* \w to|strong="G1722"\w* \w Your|strong="G2962"\w* saints \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2419"\w*.  
\v 14 \w Moreover|strong="G2532"\w* \nd \+w here|strong="G5602"\+w*\nd* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w has|strong="G2192"\w* \w authority|strong="G1849"\w* \w from|strong="G3844"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w chief|strong="G2532"\w* priests\f + \fr 9:14 \ft I find it to be curious that the authority of the chief priests extended all the way to Damascus, but how did Ananias know about that? I suppose that Saul's companions gave out that information.\f* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w bind|strong="G1210"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w calling|strong="G1941"\w* \w on|strong="G1941"\w* \w Your|strong="G2192"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w*.”  
\v 15 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Get|strong="G2532"\w* moving, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w chosen|strong="G1589"\w* \w vessel|strong="G4632"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*, \w to|strong="G4314"\w* carry \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w before|strong="G1799"\w* \w nations|strong="G1484"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w kings|strong="G3588"\w*, \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w children|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w Israel|strong="G2474"\w*;  
\v 16 \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w will|strong="G1473"\w* \w show|strong="G5263"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w how|strong="G3745"\w* \w many|strong="G3745"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w he|strong="G3588"\w* \w must|strong="G1163"\w* \w suffer|strong="G3958"\w* \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w*'s \w sake|strong="G5228"\w*.”  
\v 17 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* Ananias \w went|strong="G2064"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w entered|strong="G1525"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w placing|strong="G2007"\w* \w his|strong="G2007"\w* \w hands|strong="G5495"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “Brother\f + \fr 9:17 \ft That was a nice touch. At that moment it no doubt meant a lot to Saul to be called ‘brother’.\f* \w Saul|strong="G4549"\w*, \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*,\f + \fr 9:17 \ft Some 10% of the Greek manuscripts add ‘Jesus’, to be followed by most versions.\f* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w appeared|strong="G3708"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w road|strong="G3598"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w*, \w has|strong="G2962"\w* \w sent|strong="G4151"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* recover \w your|strong="G2962"\w* \w sight|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w filled|strong="G4130"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w Holy|strong="G4151"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w*.”  
\v 18 \w Immediately|strong="G2112"\w* \w something|strong="G3788"\w* \w like|strong="G5613"\w* \w scales|strong="G3013"\w* \w fell|strong="G2532"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G2532"\w* \w eyes|strong="G3788"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* recovered \w his|strong="G2532"\w* \w sight|strong="G3788"\w* \w forthwith|strong="G2112"\w*;\f + \fr 9:18 \ft Perhaps 70% of the Greek manuscripts do not have ‘forthwith’, and they are followed by printed editions of the Majority Text. However, the best line of transmission does have the word, as in AV and NKJV.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* getting \w up|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* baptized,\f + \fr 9:18 \ft Any water in the house had to be carried there, so it is improbable that there could have been enough to immerse Saul.\f*  
\v 19 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w upon|strong="G1722"\w* \w receiving|strong="G2983"\w* \w food|strong="G5160"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w strengthened|strong="G1765"\w*. \w So|strong="G2532"\w* Saul \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Damascus|strong="G1154"\w* \w for|strong="G1161"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* number \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w*.   
\s2 Saul starts preaching  
\p
\v 20 \w Immediately|strong="G2112"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* started \w proclaiming|strong="G2784"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*\f + \fr 9:20 \ft ‘Jesus’ is read by Family 35 and the earliest MSS, albeit representing only some 20% of the Greek MSS here; the rest have ‘the Christ’. To teach that the Messiah was the Son of God would be ‘old hat’, no problem—but Saul was showing that \+nd Jesus\+nd* was God's Son. Notice the end of verse 22, “\+nd this\+nd* One is the Christ”—what is the antecedent of “this”? To say that the Christ is the Christ would be stupid, which neither of the authors is.\f* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w synagogues|strong="G4864"\w*, \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*.  
\v 21 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w*, \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* heard \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w astounded|strong="G1839"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* started \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “Isn'\w t|strong="G3588"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w one|strong="G3956"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* tried \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w destroy|strong="G4199"\w*, \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2419"\w*, \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w called|strong="G3004"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w*? \w Even|strong="G2532"\w* \w here|strong="G5602"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* purpose, \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w might|strong="G2532"\w* \w take|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w bound|strong="G1210"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w high|strong="G3956"\w* priests.”  
\v 22 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w Saul|strong="G4569"\w* \w kept|strong="G2532"\w* \w growing|strong="G1722"\w* stronger \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w kept|strong="G2532"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w confounding|strong="G4797"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w lived|strong="G2730"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Damascus|strong="G1154"\w*, \w proving|strong="G4822"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* ‘\w This|strong="G3778"\w* \w One|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*.’   
\s2 Saul escapes death  
\p
\v 23 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w a|strong="G5613"\w* \w good|strong="G2425"\w* \w many|strong="G2425"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w had|strong="G3588"\w* \w passed|strong="G4137"\w*, \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w* \w plotted|strong="G4823"\w* \w to|strong="G1161"\w* kill \w him|strong="G3588"\w*;  
\v 24 \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w plot|strong="G1917"\w* \w became|strong="G1917"\w* \w known|strong="G1097"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Saul|strong="G4569"\w*. \w They|strong="G2532"\w* started \w watching|strong="G3906"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w gates|strong="G4439"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w night|strong="G3571"\w*, \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w might|strong="G2532"\w* kill \w him|strong="G3588"\w*;  
\v 25 \w so|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w*\f + \fr 9:25 \ft Evidently Ananias was not the only disciple of Jesus in Damascus, but we are not told how many there may have been. Of course, Saul's preaching may have added to the number. In fact some 3% of the Greek manuscripts add ‘his’ [i.e. Saul's] (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w took|strong="G2983"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w by|strong="G1223"\w* \w night|strong="G3571"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w passed|strong="G3588"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w wall|strong="G5038"\w*, \w lowering|strong="G2524"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G1722"\w* hamper.\f + \fr 9:25 \ft From Paul's mention of this in 2 Corinthians 11:32-3, I gather that he felt this to be humiliating.\f*   
\s2 Barnabas vouches for Saul  
\p
\v 26 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w upon|strong="G1519"\w* arriving \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2419"\w* Saul \w kept|strong="G4100"\w* \w trying|strong="G3985"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w join|strong="G2853"\w* \w himself|strong="G2853"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w*;\f + \fr 9:26 \ft I get the impression that he made repeated efforts; after all, he probably had a very good idea of where different groups could be found. Either he didn't know where the apostles were, or lacked the courage to approach them. It was probably after several efforts that Barnabas got wind of what was happening; however, the news doubtless spread through the community quite quickly.\f* \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w afraid|strong="G5399"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w believing|strong="G4100"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w disciple|strong="G3101"\w*.  
\v 27 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* Barnabas \w took|strong="G1949"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* tow \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w brought|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* apostles, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w described|strong="G1334"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w how|strong="G4459"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2424"\w* \w seen|strong="G3708"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w road|strong="G3598"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2424"\w* \w spoken|strong="G2980"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w how|strong="G4459"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Damascus|strong="G1154"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2424"\w* \w spoken|strong="G2980"\w* fearlessly \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*.\f + \fr 9:27 \ft How did Barnabas know all that? Perhaps he grilled Saul, before deciding he was on the up and up. I follow some 45% of the Greek manuscripts, including the best line of transmission, in reading ‘\+nd Lord\+nd* Jesus’.\f*  
\v 28 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2419"\w*, \w going|strong="G1607"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w out|strong="G1607"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w speaking|strong="G3955"\w* fearlessly \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G1510"\w*.\f + \fr 9:28 \ft Some 67% of the Greek manuscripts have ‘Lord Jesus’; I follow the best line of transmission (just 24% of the manuscripts here) in reading ‘Jesus’; (another 8% have only ‘Lord’).\f*  
\v 29 \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w kept|strong="G2532"\w* \w on|strong="G1161"\w* \w speaking|strong="G2980"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w debating|strong="G4802"\w* \w with|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Hellenists, \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* started trying \w to|strong="G4314"\w* kill \w him|strong="G3588"\w*.\f + \fr 9:29 \ft I imagine that it was at this juncture that Saul received the vision mentioned in Acts 22:17-21.\f*  
\v 30 \w Upon|strong="G1519"\w* finding \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w out|strong="G2532"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* brothers \w brought|strong="G2609"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w down|strong="G2609"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Caesarea|strong="G2542"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w sent|strong="G1821"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w off|strong="G1821"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Tarsus|strong="G5019"\w*.   
\s2 A brief respite  
\p
\v 31 \w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w then|strong="G3767"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* congregations\f + \fr 9:31 \ft 8% of the Greek manuscripts have ‘church’, singular (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.). The true Text emphasizes that there were groups of believers scattered throughout that whole area.\f* \w throughout|strong="G2596"\w* \w all|strong="G3650"\w* \w Judea|strong="G2449"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Galilee|strong="G1056"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Samaria|strong="G4540"\w*, \w had|strong="G2192"\w* \w peace|strong="G1515"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w built|strong="G3618"\w* \w up|strong="G3618"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* proceeding \w in|strong="G2596"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w fear|strong="G5401"\w* \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G2596"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* enabling \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Holy|strong="G4151"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w*\f + \fr 9:31 \ft Does the Holy Spirit enable those who do not fear the Lord? Probably not very often.\f* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w being|strong="G2532"\w* \w multiplied|strong="G4129"\w*.   
\s1 Peter's ministry  
\p
\v 32 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w*, \w as|strong="G1161"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w went|strong="G1330"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \it those parts\it*, \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G1330"\w* \w down|strong="G2718"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* saints \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w living|strong="G2730"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lydda|strong="G3069"\w*.   
\s2 Peter heals Aeneas  
\p
\v 33 \w And|strong="G1161"\w* \w there|strong="G1563"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w found|strong="G2147"\w* \w a|strong="G1510"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w man|strong="G5100"\w* \w named|strong="G3686"\w* Aeneas \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w paralyzed|strong="G3886"\w*—\w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w had|strong="G1510"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* \w lying|strong="G2621"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w a|strong="G1510"\w* \w pallet|strong="G2895"\w* \w for|strong="G1909"\w* \w eight|strong="G3638"\w* \w years|strong="G2094"\w*.  
\v 34 \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*: “Aeneas, \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Messiah|strong="G5547"\w*\f + \fr 9:34 \ft The Text being in Greek has “the Christ”, but Peter was probably speaking Hebrew, and he was declaring Jesus to be the Messiah. Perhaps 2% of the Greek manuscripts, of inferior quality, omit the definite article (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w healing|strong="G2390"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*. \w Get|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G2532"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w make|strong="G4766"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w bed|strong="G4766"\w*!”\f + \fr 9:34 \ft It had been eight years since the last time he could make a bed! You can believe that it gave him great pleasure.\f* \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w immediately|strong="G2112"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w stood|strong="G3588"\w* \w up|strong="G2532"\w*!  
\v 35 \w All|strong="G3956"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w living|strong="G2730"\w* \w in|strong="G1909"\w* \w Lydda|strong="G3069"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Sharon|strong="G4565"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w turned|strong="G1994"\w*\f + \fr 9:35 \ft The idea is of a change of direction in belief or course of conduct.\f* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*.   
\s2 Peter raises Dorcas  
\p
\v 36 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w disciple|strong="G3102"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Joppa|strong="G2445"\w* \w named|strong="G3686"\w* \w Tabitha|strong="G5000"\w*, \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w translated|strong="G1329"\w* \w Dorcas|strong="G1393"\w*. \w This|strong="G3778"\w* \w woman|strong="G3778"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w full|strong="G4134"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w good|strong="G2532"\w* \w works|strong="G2041"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* charitable \w deeds|strong="G2041"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w kept|strong="G4160"\w* \w doing|strong="G4160"\w*.  
\v 37 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w it|strong="G1161"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w she|strong="G1161"\w* \w took|strong="G1096"\w* sick \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w died|strong="G3588"\w*; \w so|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w had|strong="G3588"\w* \w washed|strong="G3068"\w* \w her|strong="G1438"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w placed|strong="G5087"\w* \w her|strong="G1438"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w upper|strong="G5253"\w* \w room|strong="G5253"\w*.\f + \fr 9:37 \ft The upper room of her house; she was presumably reasonably well off.\f*  
\v 38 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w Lydda|strong="G3069"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w near|strong="G1451"\w* \w Joppa|strong="G2445"\w*; \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w*, \w having|strong="G3361"\w* heard \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w there|strong="G1161"\w*, sent \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w imploring|strong="G3870"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w delay|strong="G3635"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w coming|strong="G1330"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 39 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* got \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2532"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*; \w upon|strong="G1519"\w* arriving \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w took|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w upper|strong="G5253"\w* \w room|strong="G5253"\w*; \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w widows|strong="G5503"\w* \w stood|strong="G3936"\w* around \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w weeping|strong="G2799"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w showing|strong="G1925"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w coats|strong="G2440"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w garments|strong="G2440"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w Dorcas|strong="G1393"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w making|strong="G4160"\w*\f + \fr 9:39 \ft That is what the Text says; I get the impression that Dorcas used a production line method, and left a variety of unfinished garments.\f* \w while|strong="G1161"\w* \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 40 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w put|strong="G5087"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w out|strong="G1544"\w*,\f + \fr 9:40 \ft You could not hear yourself think in there; he had to do that so he could hear the Holy Spirit.\f* \w kneeled|strong="G5087"\w* \w down|strong="G5087"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w prayed|strong="G4336"\w*. \w Turning|strong="G1994"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w body|strong="G4983"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Tabitha|strong="G5000"\w*, \w get|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G5087"\w*!” \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w she|strong="G2532"\w* opened \w her|strong="G3708"\w* \w eyes|strong="G3788"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w upon|strong="G1161"\w* \w seeing|strong="G3708"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w sat|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G5087"\w*.\f + \fr 9:40 \ft She had been dead for a number of hours.\f*  
\v 41 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w gave|strong="G1325"\w* \w her|strong="G1325"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w hand|strong="G5495"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w lifted|strong="G2532"\w* \w her|strong="G1325"\w* \w up|strong="G1325"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w calling|strong="G5455"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* saints \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w widows|strong="G5503"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w presented|strong="G3936"\w* \w her|strong="G1325"\w* \w alive|strong="G2198"\w*.  
\v 42 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w became|strong="G1096"\w* \w known|strong="G1110"\w* \w throughout|strong="G2596"\w* \w all|strong="G3650"\w* \w Joppa|strong="G2445"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w believed|strong="G4100"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*.  
\v 43 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w it|strong="G1161"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w that|strong="G1096"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w stayed|strong="G3306"\w* \w many|strong="G2425"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Joppa|strong="G2445"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w Simon|strong="G4613"\w*, \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w tanner|strong="G1038"\w*.   
\c 10  
\s2 The case of Cornelius  
\m
\v 1 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w there|strong="G1161"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w a|strong="G1722"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w man|strong="G5100"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Caesarea|strong="G2542"\w* \w named|strong="G3686"\w* \w Cornelius|strong="G2883"\w*, \w a|strong="G1722"\w* \w centurion|strong="G1543"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w what|strong="G3588"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w called|strong="G2564"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Italian|strong="G2483"\w* Regiment,  
\v 2 \w devout|strong="G2152"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w fearing|strong="G5399"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w his|strong="G3956"\w* \w household|strong="G3624"\w*, \w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w giving|strong="G1654"\w* \w alms|strong="G1654"\w* generously \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w praying|strong="G1189"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w about|strong="G3588"\w* \w everything|strong="G3956"\w*.\f + \fr 10:2 \ft How about us; do we pray to God about everything?\f*  
\v 3 \w About|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w ninth|strong="G1766"\w* \w hour|strong="G5610"\w* \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w*,\f + \fr 10:3 \ft That would be 3 p.m. in Hebrew time, one of the Jewish hours of prayer.\f* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w vision|strong="G3705"\w*, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w clearly|strong="G5320"\w* \w an|strong="G2532"\w* angel \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w entering|strong="G1525"\w* \w his|strong="G4012"\w* presence \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Cornelius|strong="G2883"\w*!”  
\v 4 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w*, staring \w at|strong="G1519"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w being|strong="G1510"\w* \w frightened|strong="G1719"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w What|strong="G5101"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*, \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*?” \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Your|strong="G2962"\w* \w prayers|strong="G4335"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2962"\w* \w alms|strong="G1654"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G1096"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w memorial|strong="G3422"\w* \w before|strong="G1715"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*.  
\v 5 \w Now|strong="G3568"\w* \w send|strong="G3992"\w* \w men|strong="G5100"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Joppa|strong="G2445"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w summon|strong="G3343"\w* \w Simon|strong="G4613"\w*, \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G3739"\w* \w surnamed|strong="G1941"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w*;  
\v 6 \w he|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w lodging|strong="G3579"\w* \w with|strong="G3844"\w* \w one|strong="G5100"\w* \w Simon|strong="G4613"\w*, \w a|strong="G1510"\w* \w tanner|strong="G1038"\w*, \w whose|strong="G3739"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w by|strong="G3844"\w* \w the|strong="G3739"\w* \w sea|strong="G2281"\w*.”\f + \fr 10:6 \ft The familiar “He will tell you what you must do” (as in AV and NKJV) comes from the TR, which is here based on a very few late Greek manuscripts plus part of the Latin tradition.\f*  
\v 7 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* angel \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w spoke|strong="G2980"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* departed, \w Cornelius|strong="G5455"\w* \w called|strong="G5455"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G2532"\w* \w household|strong="G3610"\w* \w servants|strong="G3610"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G5613"\w* \w devout|strong="G2152"\w* \w soldier|strong="G4757"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w among|strong="G3588"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* faithful \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*,  
\v 8 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* explaining everything \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w sent|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Joppa|strong="G2445"\w*.   
\s2 God prepares Peter  
\p
\v 9 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w next|strong="G1887"\w* \w day|strong="G1887"\w*, \w as|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* traveling \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w drawing|strong="G1448"\w* \w near|strong="G1448"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w city|strong="G4172"\w*, \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w went|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G1909"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w housetop|strong="G1430"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w pray|strong="G4336"\w* \w at|strong="G1909"\w* \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w noon|strong="G5610"\w*.\f + \fr 10:9 \ft The Text has “the sixth hour”.\f*  
\v 10 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w became|strong="G1096"\w* \w hungry|strong="G4361"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w wanted|strong="G2309"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w eat|strong="G1089"\w*; \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w while|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G1096"\w* preparing, \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w trance|strong="G1611"\w* \w fell|strong="G1096"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w him|strong="G2532"\w*,  
\v 11 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w saw|strong="G2334"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w* opened \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G5613"\w* \w container|strong="G4632"\w* \w like|strong="G5613"\w* \w a|strong="G5613"\w* \w great|strong="G3173"\w* \w sheet|strong="G3607"\w* \w descending|strong="G2597"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*—\w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* tied \w at|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w four|strong="G5064"\w* corners \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w being|strong="G2532"\w* \w let|strong="G2524"\w* \w down|strong="G2597"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w earth|strong="G1093"\w*—  
\v 12 \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \it kinds\it* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w four-footed|strong="G5074"\w* \it animals\it* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w earth|strong="G1093"\w* (\w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w wild|strong="G2532"\w* \w animals|strong="G5074"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w reptiles|strong="G2062"\w*) \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w birds|strong="G4071"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w sky|strong="G3772"\w*.\f + \fr 10:12 \ft What the Text actually says, literally, is: “all the four-footed of the earth, and the wild animals, and the reptiles, and the birds of the sky”—a rerun of Noah's ark! Well, if the sheet were large enough… However, from Peter's response it appears that no ‘clean’ animals or birds were included. I am tempted to translate: “all the four-footed of the earth—that is, the wild animals and the reptiles—and the birds of the sky” wherein the ‘birds of the sky’ are carrion fowl (songbirds and game birds generally stay close to the ground).\f*  
\v 13 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w voice|strong="G5456"\w* \w came|strong="G1096"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w him|strong="G2532"\w*, “\w Get|strong="G1096"\w* \w up|strong="G2532"\w*, \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w*, \w slaughter|strong="G2380"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w eat|strong="G2068"\w*!”  
\v 14 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w No|strong="G2532"\w* \w way|strong="G3956"\w*, \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*! \w Never|strong="G3763"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w eaten|strong="G5315"\w* \w anything|strong="G3956"\w* ‘\w common|strong="G2839"\w*’\f + \fr 10:14 \ft That is, something ritually or ceremonially impure (and therefore not to be eaten).\f* \w or|strong="G2532"\w* \w unclean|strong="G2839"\w*!”  
\v 15 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w voice|strong="G5456"\w* \w came|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w second|strong="G1208"\w* \w time|strong="G1208"\w*, “\w What|strong="G3739"\w* (pl) \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w has|strong="G2316"\w* \w made|strong="G2316"\w* \w clean|strong="G2511"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w must|strong="G3588"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w call|strong="G2532"\w* ‘\w common|strong="G2840"\w*’!”  
\v 16 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w* \w three|strong="G5151"\w* \w times|strong="G5151"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w object|strong="G4632"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w taken|strong="G1096"\w* \w back|strong="G1519"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sky|strong="G3772"\w*.   
\s2 The messengers arrive  
\p
\v 17 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* really \w perplexed|strong="G1280"\w* \w within|strong="G1722"\w* \w himself|strong="G1438"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w to|strong="G1909"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w vision|strong="G3705"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w had|strong="G1510"\w* \w seen|strong="G3708"\w* might \w mean|strong="G1510"\w*, \w well|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w men|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w had|strong="G1510"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* sent \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w Cornelius|strong="G2883"\w*, having inquired \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w found|strong="G1510"\w* \w Simon|strong="G4613"\w*'s \w house|strong="G3614"\w*, \w stood|strong="G2186"\w* \w before|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w gate|strong="G4440"\w*,  
\v 18 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w calling|strong="G5455"\w* \w out|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w inquired|strong="G4441"\w* \w whether|strong="G1487"\w* \w Simon|strong="G4613"\w*, \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w surnamed|strong="G1941"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w*, \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w staying|strong="G3579"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* guest.  
\v 19 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w as|strong="G1161"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* pondering \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w vision|strong="G3705"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Listen|strong="G2400"\w*, \w some|strong="G3588"\w* \w men|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w looking|strong="G2212"\w* \w for|strong="G4012"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*;  
\v 20 \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w get|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G4198"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w go|strong="G4198"\w* \w downstairs|strong="G2597"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w go|strong="G4198"\w* \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w them|strong="G1438"\w*, \w doubting|strong="G1252"\w* \w nothing|strong="G3367"\w*, \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w sent|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G1438"\w*.”  
\v 21 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w going|strong="G2597"\w* \w down|strong="G2597"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w men|strong="G3588"\w*\f + \fr 10:21 \ft Some 35% of the Greek manuscripts add “who had been sent to him from Cornelius”, as in AV and NKJV.\f* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Yes|strong="G1161"\w*, \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w one|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w looking|strong="G2212"\w* \w for|strong="G1223"\w*. \w For|strong="G1223"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w reason|strong="G1223"\w* \w have|strong="G1473"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w come|strong="G2597"\w*?”  
\v 22 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Cornelius|strong="G2883"\w*, \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w centurion|strong="G1543"\w*, \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w righteous|strong="G1342"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w God-fearing|strong="G5399"\w* \w man|strong="G1342"\w*, \w well|strong="G2532"\w* \w spoken|strong="G3004"\w* \w of|strong="G5259"\w* \w by|strong="G5259"\w* \w all|strong="G3650"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w nation|strong="G1484"\w* \w of|strong="G5259"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w*, \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w divinely|strong="G2316"\w* instructed \w by|strong="G5259"\w* \w an|strong="G2532"\w* angel\f + \fr 10:22 \ft I follow the best line of transmission in not adding ‘holy’, although here representing only 20% of the manuscripts. To be giving divine instruction the angel was evidently from God.\f* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w summon|strong="G3343"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w his|strong="G1519"\w* \w house|strong="G3624"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* hear \w words|strong="G4487"\w* \w from|strong="G3844"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*.”  
\v 23 \w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w invited|strong="G1528"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w put|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w up|strong="G2532"\w*.  
\s2 \w On|strong="G1161"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* Caesarea  
\p \w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w next|strong="G1887"\w* \w day|strong="G1887"\w* \w Peter|strong="G1528"\w* \w set|strong="G2532"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w some|strong="G5100"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* brothers \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w Joppa|strong="G2445"\w* \w went|strong="G1831"\w* \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*;  
\v 24 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w following|strong="G1887"\w* \w day|strong="G1887"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w entered|strong="G1525"\w* \w Caesarea|strong="G2542"\w*. \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w Cornelius|strong="G2883"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w waiting|strong="G4328"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*,\f + \fr 10:24 \ft Let us try to get the ‘feel’ of this watershed event. Cornelius is a Gentile, but he REALLY wants to know God; yet he ‘knows’ that Jehovah has a thing with the Jews and is not too big on Gentiles. But he is convinced that Jehovah is the true God and is doing his very best to please Him. So one day God gives him a special dispensation of grace; He sends an angel! Was Cornelius excited, or was he excited!! Like, \+bd \+nd wow\+nd*\+bd*. So he sends his messengers hotfooting it to Joppa (some 60 km), and they do it in less than 24 hours. So what does Cornelius do while he waits? He prays and \+nd fasts\+nd*. Surely, he was already a man of prayer (verse 2) so how is he going to show his appreciation to God for the special favor? He fasts—now that he has God's attention, marvel of marvels, he wants to stay tuned in so as not to miss anything. And after allowing for the minimum time necessary for the round trip, he is at the door looking down the road—well, being a military commander he doubtless had lookouts and probably had someone on duty to tell him when the group came into view. Enter Peter. He lays on the bit about Jews not contaminating themselves with Gentiles, but God told him to come, and so what does Cornelius want. Now it is his turn—he is looking at a Jew who is not exactly oozing enthusiasm at being there, but he is Jehovah's messenger and the centurion understands about rank and authority; so he plays the only cards he has: his own sincerity and seriousness and God's revealed will. (See the second note down.)\f* \w having|strong="G2532"\w* \w called|strong="G4779"\w* \w together|strong="G4779"\w* \w his|strong="G1438"\w* \w relatives|strong="G4773"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* close \w friends|strong="G5384"\w*.  
\v 25 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* actually \w arrived|strong="G1096"\w*, \w Cornelius|strong="G2883"\w* \w met|strong="G4876"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w fell|strong="G4098"\w* \w at|strong="G1909"\w* \w his|strong="G1909"\w* \w feet|strong="G4228"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w worshiped|strong="G4352"\w*.  
\v 26 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w lifted|strong="G1453"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w up|strong="G1453"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Stand|strong="G1453"\w* \w up|strong="G1453"\w*! \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w myself|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1510"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* man.”  
\v 27 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* conversing \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G1525"\w* \w in|strong="G1525"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w found|strong="G2147"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w gathered|strong="G4905"\w* \it there\it*.  
\v 28 \w Then|strong="G5037"\w* \w he|strong="G3588"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w You|strong="G5210"\w* \w know|strong="G1987"\w* \w how|strong="G5613"\w* \w it|strong="G1510"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* unlawful \w for|strong="G4314"\w* \w a|strong="G5613"\w* \w Jewish|strong="G2453"\w* \w man|strong="G3367"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w associate|strong="G2853"\w* \w with|strong="G4314"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w approach|strong="G4334"\w* \w a|strong="G5613"\w* different race; \w but|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w has|strong="G2316"\w* \w shown|strong="G1166"\w* \nd \+w me|strong="G3004"\+w*\nd* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w I|strong="G2504"\w* \w should|strong="G2316"\w* \w not|strong="G3367"\w* \w call|strong="G3004"\w* \w any|strong="G3367"\w* \w man|strong="G3367"\w* ‘\w common|strong="G2839"\w*’ \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w unclean|strong="G2839"\w*.  
\v 29 \w Therefore|strong="G3767"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w without|strong="G2532"\w* objection \w as|strong="G2532"\w* soon \w as|strong="G2532"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w was|strong="G2532"\w* \w sent|strong="G3343"\w* \w for|strong="G2532"\w*. \w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w ask|strong="G4441"\w*, \w for|strong="G2532"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w reason|strong="G1352"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G2532"\w* \w send|strong="G3343"\w* \w for|strong="G2532"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*?”   
\p
\v 30 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w Cornelius|strong="G2883"\w* \w said|strong="G5346"\w*: “\w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* fasting\f + \fr 10:30 \ft Some 3.5% of the Greek manuscripts omit the ‘fasting’ (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w during|strong="G1722"\w* \w four|strong="G5067"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w until|strong="G3360"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w very|strong="G2532"\w* \w hour|strong="G5610"\w*; yes, \it it was\it* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w ninth|strong="G1766"\w* \w hour|strong="G5610"\w*,\f + \fr 10:30 \ft “I have been fasting during four days until this very hour” (the first card) and “the ninth hour…” (the second card). About the sequence, we observe the following: 
\fp verse 3—1\+sup st\+sup* day: Cornelius sees angel, about 3 p.m., and sends messengers forthwith; 
\fp verse 9—2\+sup nd\+sup* day: Peter has vision, after 12 noon, and messengers arrive (& are lodged for the night); 
\fp verse 23—3\+sup rd\+sup* day: Peter and company leave Joppa; 
\fp verse 24—4\+sup th\+sup* day: they enter Caesarea (probably before noon). 
\fp So, by western reckoning we have not quite three full days, but by Hebrew and Brazilian reckoning we have a situation that involves four days. 
\fp The messengers, under urgent orders, did the 60 km in under 24 hours (whether they went all night, we do not know, but they were probably obviously tired when they showed up at Peter's gate). Peter was not about to be stampeded into action; he had to eat, sort things out in his mind, talk it over with the others—since they decided to send a committee, preparations had to be made. So they set out the next day, but they are dignified Jews and are not going to run—they set a steady pace and probably make some 45 km before stopping for the night. The remaining 15 km they knock off before noon the next day. So, the “this very hour” refers to the time of Peter's arrival.\f* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w praying|strong="G4336"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w my|strong="G3708"\w* \w house|strong="G3624"\w* \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \nd wow\nd*, \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w* \w stood|strong="G2476"\w* \w before|strong="G1799"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w shining|strong="G2986"\w* \w clothing|strong="G2066"\w*  
\v 31 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G5346"\w*: ‘\w Cornelius|strong="G2883"\w*, \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w prayer|strong="G4335"\w* \w has|strong="G2316"\w* \w been|strong="G2532"\w* \w heard|strong="G1522"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w alms|strong="G1654"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w remembered|strong="G3403"\w* \w before|strong="G1799"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*.  
\v 32 \w Send|strong="G3992"\w* \w therefore|strong="G3767"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Joppa|strong="G2445"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w summon|strong="G3333"\w* \w Simon|strong="G4613"\w*, \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G3778"\w* \w surnamed|strong="G1941"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w*. \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3778"\w* \w lodging|strong="G3579"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Simon|strong="G4613"\w*, \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w tanner|strong="G1038"\w*, \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w sea|strong="G2281"\w*; \w upon|strong="G1519"\w* arriving \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w speak|strong="G3778"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w*.’\f + \fr 10:32 \ft Less than 5% of the Greek manuscripts omit “upon arriving he will speak to you” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f*  
\v 33 \w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w sent|strong="G3992"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w at|strong="G4314"\w* \w once|strong="G1824"\w*, \w and|strong="G5037"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w did|strong="G4160"\w* \w well|strong="G2573"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w come|strong="G3854"\w*. \w Now|strong="G3568"\w* \w then|strong="G3767"\w*, \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w present|strong="G3568"\w* \w before|strong="G1799"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* hear \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w commanded|strong="G4367"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w by|strong="G5259"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*.”\f + \fr 10:33 \ft Cornelius does not beat around the bush, he wants to hear from \ft \+bd God\+bd*. Instead of ‘God’ some 5% of the Greek manuscripts have ‘the Lord’ (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f*   
\s2 Peter preaches  
\p
\v 34 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* opening \w his|strong="G1909"\w* \w mouth|strong="G4750"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “Really, \w I|strong="G1161"\w* \w comprehend|strong="G2638"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w One|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1909"\w* \w show|strong="G4381"\w* \w partiality|strong="G4381"\w*,  
\v 35 \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w every|strong="G3956"\w* ethnic \w nation|strong="G1484"\w* \w whoever|strong="G3588"\w* \w fears|strong="G5399"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w works|strong="G2038"\w* \w righteousness|strong="G1343"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w acceptable|strong="G1184"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.\f + \fr 10:35 \ft This statement of Peter's does not fit in very well with the doctrine of salvation (soteriology) as taught in many schools and churches. God deals with people where they are, within the context that they are. Surely, because He cannot deal with people where they are not.\f*  
\v 36 \w The|strong="G3956"\w* \w word|strong="G3056"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w He|strong="G3739"\w* \w sent|strong="G2424"\w* \w to|strong="G2424"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w sons|strong="G5207"\w*\f + \fr 10:36 \ft ‘Sons’ is often translated ‘children’ when referring to the descendants of Jacob—Peter is referring to the current generation, the one that received the revelation of ‘Jesus Christ’.\f* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w Israel|strong="G2474"\w*, \w preaching|strong="G2097"\w* \w good|strong="G2097"\w* \w news|strong="G2097"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w peace|strong="G1515"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*—\w He|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w*—  
\v 37 \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w spoken|strong="G1096"\w* \w word|strong="G4487"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w*, \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w proclaimed|strong="G2784"\w* \w throughout|strong="G2596"\w* \w all|strong="G3650"\w* \w Judea|strong="G2449"\w*, beginning \w from|strong="G2596"\w* \w Galilee|strong="G1056"\w*, \w after|strong="G3326"\w* \w the|strong="G2596"\w* baptism \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w* \w preached|strong="G2784"\w*:\f + \fr 10:37 \ft As soon as John was put in prison, which was the end of his preaching and baptizing, Jesus moved out of Judea into Galilee—He spent over a year there before returning to Judea. Peter is assuming that Cornelius would have followed the career of Jesus with interest. He gives a very brief, almost disjointed, review of some salient points.\f*  
\v 38 \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w of|strong="G5259"\w* Natsareth, \w how|strong="G5613"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w anointed|strong="G5548"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w Holy|strong="G4151"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w power|strong="G1411"\w*, \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w went|strong="G2424"\w* \w about|strong="G5613"\w* \w doing|strong="G1330"\w* \w good|strong="G2109"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w healing|strong="G2390"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w being|strong="G1510"\w* \w oppressed|strong="G2616"\w* \w by|strong="G5259"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w devil|strong="G1228"\w*,\f + \fr 10:38 \ft \+nd The\+nd* devil is Satan. Did Peter mean that every time Jesus saw an oppressed person He healed them, or did he mean that everyone whom Jesus healed was oppressed, or both? The episode at the pool of Bethesda (John 5:2-13) would appear to eliminate the first option, that every time He saw an oppressed person He healed them, because there was a “great multitude” of oppressed people there, and Jesus obviously saw them, but He did nothing to help them. This leaves us with the clear conclusion that it is the second meaning that is correct, everyone whom Jesus healed was oppressed, which means that Satan is involved in all maladies. [With reference to John 5:2-13, less than 1% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit the last clause of verse 3 and all of verse 4 (as in NIV, NASB, LB, [TEV], etc.). But obviously all those people would not stay there (in discomfort) day in and day out, year in and year out, if nothing was happening. Obviously people got healed, and verse 7 makes clear that it had to do with the stirring of the water—so why did not those manuscripts omit verse 7 as well? The UBS editions do us a considerable disservice by following a very small minority of manuscripts and making the angel “of the Lord”. Since angels can be good or fallen, it seems most likely to me that the angel involved was fallen. A capricious, occasional healing condemned all those people to added suffering (being at the pool instead of the comfort of home), including the frustration and despair of those who never made it (like the man Jesus healed). A sadistic procedure is just like Satan.]\f* \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*  
\v 39 —yes, \nd \+w we|strong="G2249"\+w*\nd* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w witnesses|strong="G3144"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G4160"\w*, \w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w country|strong="G5561"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2419"\w*—\w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* killed, \w hanging|strong="G2910"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w tree|strong="G3586"\w*.  
\v 40 \bd \+w Him|strong="G3588"\+w*\bd* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w raised|strong="G1453"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w third|strong="G5154"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w gave|strong="G1325"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w become|strong="G1096"\w* \w visible|strong="G1717"\w*,  
\v 41 \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w* \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w witnesses|strong="G3144"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G2532"\w* \w chosen|strong="G3144"\w* \w beforehand|strong="G4401"\w* \w by|strong="G5259"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \nd \+w us|strong="G2249"\+w*\nd*, \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w ate|strong="G4906"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w drank|strong="G4844"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w after|strong="G3326"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* arose \w out|strong="G1537"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w dead|strong="G3498"\w*.\f + \fr 10:41 \ft Here we have an interesting bit of information not recorded elsewhere. Jesus ate \+nd and drank\+nd* with some of them after His resurrection.\f*  
\v 42 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w ordered|strong="G3853"\w* \w us|strong="G2249"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w proclaim|strong="G2784"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w*, \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w*, \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w testify|strong="G1263"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \nd \+w He|strong="G2532"\+w*\nd* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w One|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w has|strong="G2316"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* \w ordained|strong="G3724"\w* \w by|strong="G5259"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w as|strong="G2532"\w* \w Judge|strong="G2923"\w* \w of|strong="G5259"\w* \w living|strong="G2198"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w dead|strong="G3498"\w*.  
\v 43 \w To|strong="G1519"\w* \bd \+w Him|strong="G3588"\+w*\bd* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w prophets|strong="G4396"\w* \w bear|strong="G3140"\w* \w witness|strong="G3140"\w*\f + \fr 10:43 \ft Presumably the prophets all bear witness to the Messiah in some way.\f* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w His|strong="G3956"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w*\f + \fr 10:43 \ft I take “through His name” to mean something like ‘because of His identity’ as Messiah and Jehovah the Son.\f* \w everyone|strong="G3956"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w believes|strong="G4100"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w will|strong="G3778"\w* \w receive|strong="G2983"\w* forgiveness \w of|strong="G1223"\w* sins.”\f + \fr 10:43 \ft This was the crucial bit of information they were waiting for, what they had to do to be saved. The minute Peter said, “believe into Jesus”, they did! And the Holy Spirit came upon them! Believe “into” not “in”—a change of location is involved, from being outside to being inside, which requires commitment.\f*   
\s2 The Holy Spirit falls  
\p
\v 44 \w While|strong="G2980"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w still|strong="G2089"\w* \w speaking|strong="G2980"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w words|strong="G3056"\w*, \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w Holy|strong="G4151"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w fell|strong="G1968"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* hearing \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w message|strong="G3056"\w*.\f + \fr 10:44 \ft If anyone present was not ‘hearing’ they would neither believe nor receive.\f*  
\v 45 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w believers|strong="G4103"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w circumcision|strong="G4061"\w* [Jews] \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G4905"\w* \w with|strong="G1537"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w astonished|strong="G1839"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w gift|strong="G1431"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Holy|strong="G4151"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G2532"\w* \w poured|strong="G1632"\w* \w out|strong="G1537"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Gentiles|strong="G1484"\w*,  
\v 46 \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* heard \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w speaking|strong="G2980"\w* \w languages|strong="G1100"\w*\f + \fr 10:46 \ft The term often rendered ‘tongue’ is the ordinary word for ‘language’—these were presumably real languages, though unknown to the hearers (and speakers). What happened here went against the Jews' worldview.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* magnifying \w God|strong="G2316"\w*. \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* responded:  
\v 47 “\w Surely|strong="G3385"\w* \w no|strong="G3361"\w* \w one|strong="G5100"\w* \w can|strong="G1410"\w* \w forbid|strong="G2967"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w water|strong="G5204"\w*, \w can|strong="G1410"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w*, \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w should|strong="G5100"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* baptized\f + \fr 10:47 \ft Baptism followed immediately upon conversion (not after weeks of instruction and observation). I believe they were formally severing any and all connection with Satan and the world controlled by him, and placing themselves under the protection of the Lord Jesus. The sooner a new convert does that the better. Did the centurion have a swimming pool in his house? Would there have been enough water there to immerse all those people?\f* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w received|strong="G2983"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Holy|strong="G4151"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w just|strong="G5613"\w* \w like|strong="G5613"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w*?”  
\v 48 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w commanded|strong="G4367"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1722"\w* \w be|strong="G3588"\w* baptized \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Lord|strong="G3588"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*.\f + \fr 10:48 \ft The Greek manuscripts are divided among three main variants here (‘the Lord Jesus’ [35%], ‘the Lord’ [57%], ‘Jesus Christ’ [8%]); I have followed what I understand to be the best line of transmission.\f* \w Then|strong="G5119"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w asked|strong="G2065"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1722"\w* \w stay|strong="G1961"\w* \w a|strong="G1722"\w* \w few|strong="G5100"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w*.   
\c 11  
\s2 Peter has to explain  
\m
\v 1 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Apostles \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* brothers \w throughout|strong="G2596"\w* \w Judea|strong="G2449"\w*\f + \fr 11:1 \ft Talk about news spreading like wildfire; well this news was really ‘hot’!\f* \w heard|strong="G1484"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Gentiles|strong="G1484"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w received|strong="G1209"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w word|strong="G3056"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*.  
\v 2 \w When|strong="G3753"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w went|strong="G4074"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2419"\w*, \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w circumcision|strong="G4061"\w* \it party\it* started \w contending|strong="G1252"\w* \w with|strong="G4314"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*,  
\v 3 \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w You|strong="G3754"\w* \w went|strong="G1525"\w* \w in|strong="G1525"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* uncircumcised men \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w ate|strong="G4906"\w* \w with|strong="G4314"\w* \w them|strong="G3004"\w*!”\f + \fr 11:3 \ft In Matthew 28 the resurrected Jesus had commanded that disciples be made among all ethnic nations—so how can you disciple someone without talking to him or associating with him? In fact, the ‘Great Commission’ imposed a significant shift in worldview upon Jesus' Jewish followers. The transition was not easy, and many never made it.\f*   
\p
\v 4 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w began|strong="G1161"\w* \w by|strong="G3004"\w* \w explaining|strong="G1620"\w* \w it|strong="G1161"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w them|strong="G3004"\w* \w in|strong="G3004"\w* \w order|strong="G2517"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*:  
\v 5 “\w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w town|strong="G4172"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w Joppa|strong="G2445"\w* \w praying|strong="G4336"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G5613"\w* \w trance|strong="G1611"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w a|strong="G5613"\w* \w vision|strong="G3705"\w*: \w a|strong="G5613"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w object|strong="G4632"\w* \w like|strong="G5613"\w* \w a|strong="G5613"\w* \w great|strong="G3173"\w* \w sheet|strong="G3607"\w* \w coming|strong="G2064"\w* \w down|strong="G2597"\w* \w out|strong="G1537"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w sky|strong="G3772"\w*, \w being|strong="G1510"\w* \w lowered|strong="G2524"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w its|strong="G1537"\w* \w four|strong="G5064"\w* corners; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*.  
\v 6 \w Upon|strong="G1519"\w* peering \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w I|strong="G3739"\w* observed \w and|strong="G2532"\w* distinguished \w the|strong="G2532"\w* quadrupeds \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w earth|strong="G1093"\w*—\w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w wild|strong="G2342"\w* \w animals|strong="G5074"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w reptiles|strong="G2062"\w*—\w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w birds|strong="G4071"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sky|strong="G3772"\w*.  
\v 7 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* heard \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w voice|strong="G5456"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*, ‘\w Get|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G2532"\w*, \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w*, \w slaughter|strong="G2380"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w eat|strong="G2068"\w*!’  
\v 8 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: ‘\w No|strong="G3754"\w* way, \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*! \w Never|strong="G3763"\w* \w has|strong="G2962"\w* anything ‘\w common|strong="G2839"\w*’ \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w unclean|strong="G2839"\w* \w entered|strong="G1525"\w* \w my|strong="G1525"\w* \w mouth|strong="G4750"\w*!’  
\v 9 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* \w voice|strong="G5456"\w* answered \w me|strong="G2511"\w*, \w a|strong="G1161"\w* \w second|strong="G1208"\w* \w time|strong="G1208"\w*, \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w*, ‘\w Things|strong="G3588"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w has|strong="G2316"\w* \w made|strong="G2316"\w* \w clean|strong="G2511"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w must|strong="G3588"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w call|strong="G2840"\w* ‘\w common|strong="G2840"\w*’.’  
\v 10 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w done|strong="G1096"\w* \w three|strong="G5151"\w* \w times|strong="G5151"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w all|strong="G2532"\w* pulled \w back|strong="G3825"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sky|strong="G3772"\w*.  
\v 11 \w At|strong="G1722"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w very|strong="G2532"\w* \w moment|strong="G1824"\w* \w three|strong="G5140"\w* \w men|strong="G3588"\w* stopped \w in|strong="G1722"\w* front \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w* \w where|strong="G3739"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w*, \w having|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* \w sent|strong="G2532"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w Caesarea|strong="G2542"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*.  
\v 12 \w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w told|strong="G3004"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w go|strong="G1525"\w* \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w doubting|strong="G1252"\w* \w nothing|strong="G3367"\w*. \w These|strong="G3778"\w* \w six|strong="G1803"\w* brothers \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2064"\w* \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*,\f + \fr 11:12 \ft Peter presumably knew he would be called on the carpet, so he took his witnesses along.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w we|strong="G2532"\w* \w entered|strong="G1525"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w*'s \w house|strong="G3624"\w*.  
\v 13 \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w* related \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w* \w how|strong="G4459"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w seen|strong="G3708"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* angel \w standing|strong="G2476"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w his|strong="G1519"\w* \w house|strong="G3624"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, ‘\w Send|strong="G3343"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Joppa|strong="G2445"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w summon|strong="G3343"\w* \w Simon|strong="G4613"\w*, \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w called|strong="G3004"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w*,  
\v 14 \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w speak|strong="G2980"\w* \w words|strong="G4487"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w household|strong="G3624"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w saved|strong="G4982"\w*.’  
\v 15 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G5618"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w began|strong="G1161"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w speak|strong="G2980"\w*,\f + \fr 11:15 \ft Peter was set to give a proper discourse, but the Spirit intervened.\f* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Holy|strong="G4151"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w fell|strong="G1968"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w just|strong="G5618"\w* \w as|strong="G5618"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w us|strong="G2249"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* beginning.  
\v 16 \w I|strong="G1161"\w* \w remembered|strong="G3403"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w word|strong="G4487"\w* \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, \w how|strong="G5613"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w John|strong="G2491"\w* \w indeed|strong="G3303"\w* baptized \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w water|strong="G5204"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w will|strong="G2962"\w* \w be|strong="G3588"\w* baptized \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w Holy|strong="G4151"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w*.’\f + \fr 11:16 \ft See Acts 1:5. This was spoken by the Lord Jesus just before His ascension.\f*  
\v 17 \w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w gave|strong="G1325"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w same|strong="G2470"\w* \w gift|strong="G1431"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w gave|strong="G1325"\w* \w us|strong="G1325"\w* \w when|strong="G5613"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w believed|strong="G4100"\w* \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*,\f + \fr 11:17 \ft Notice that there is no mention of keeping the Law, being circumcised, or following Jewish customs. Peter is saying that what God did indicates that the key to salvation is believing upon the Lord Jesus, whether Jew or Gentile. I follow the best line of transmission that reads ‘the Lord Jesus’; some 75% of the Greek manuscripts add ‘Christ’.\f* \w who|strong="G5101"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w able|strong="G1415"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w withstand|strong="G2967"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*?”  
\v 18 \w Upon|strong="G1519"\w* hearing \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* acquiesced \w and|strong="G2532"\w* started \w glorifying|strong="G1392"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w*, \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w has|strong="G2316"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w granted|strong="G1325"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Gentiles|strong="G1484"\w* \w repentance|strong="G3341"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w life|strong="G2222"\w*!”\f + \fr 11:18 \ft Their religious culture had twisted the OT Scriptures so as to exclude Gentiles. So now they are surprised.\f*   
\s1 Enter Barnabas  
\p
\v 19 \w Now|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G1096"\w* \w scattered|strong="G1289"\w* \w by|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w persecution|strong="G2347"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w came|strong="G1096"\w* \w about|strong="G1909"\w* \w in|strong="G1909"\w* \w connection|strong="G1909"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w Stephen|strong="G4736"\w* traveled \w as|strong="G2532"\w* \w far|strong="G2193"\w* \w as|strong="G2532"\w* \w Phoenicia|strong="G5403"\w*, \w Cyprus|strong="G2954"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* Antioch, \w speaking|strong="G2980"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w word|strong="G3056"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w no|strong="G3361"\w* \w one|strong="G3367"\w* \w except|strong="G1487"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w* \w only|strong="G3440"\w*.\f + \fr 11:19 \ft This was before the Cornelius episode.\f*  
\v 20 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w some|strong="G5100"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w men|strong="G5100"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w Cyprus|strong="G2953"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Cyrene|strong="G2956"\w*, \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w upon|strong="G1519"\w* \w entering|strong="G1161"\w* Antioch started \w speaking|strong="G2980"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Greek-speakers,\f + \fr 11:20 \ft In verse 19, those who spoke to Jews only, presumably used Hebrew, which would not be understood by outsiders. In verse 20, by preaching in Greek, the whole populace could understand, even if Greek-speaking Jews were the main target. Verse 21 implies that the number of believers exceeded the number of Jews, so Gentiles also were believing.\f* \w preaching|strong="G2097"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w good|strong="G2097"\w* \w news|strong="G2097"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*.  
\v 21 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w hand|strong="G5495"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w great|strong="G4183"\w* number \w believed|strong="G4100"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w turned|strong="G1994"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*.  
\v 22 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w report|strong="G3056"\w* \w concerning|strong="G4012"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w reached|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w ears|strong="G3775"\w* \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w church|strong="G1577"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2419"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w sent|strong="G1821"\w* \w out|strong="G2532"\w* Barnabas \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w go|strong="G1519"\w* \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w far|strong="G2193"\w* \w as|strong="G1519"\w* Antioch.  
\v 23 \w Upon|strong="G5485"\w* arriving \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w seeing|strong="G3708"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w grace|strong="G5485"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w glad|strong="G5463"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w kept|strong="G3739"\w* \w encouraging|strong="G3870"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w remain|strong="G4357"\w* \w true|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w purpose|strong="G4286"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w heart|strong="G2588"\w*\f + \fr 11:23 \ft Barnabas gives us a good example to follow.\f*  
\v 24 (\w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w good|strong="G2425"\w* man, \w full|strong="G4134"\w* \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w Holy|strong="G4151"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w*). \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w considerable|strong="G2425"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w added|strong="G4369"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*.   
\p
\v 25 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* Barnabas \w departed|strong="G1831"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w Tarsus|strong="G5019"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* look \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w Saul|strong="G4569"\w*,  
\v 26 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w upon|strong="G1519"\w* \w finding|strong="G2147"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w brought|strong="G1096"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* Antioch. \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w whole|strong="G3650"\w* \w year|strong="G1763"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w met|strong="G4863"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w congregation|strong="G1577"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w taught|strong="G1321"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w great|strong="G2532"\w* \w many|strong="G2425"\w* \w people|strong="G3793"\w*. \w The|strong="G1722"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w first|strong="G4413"\w* \w called|strong="G5537"\w* \w Christians|strong="G5546"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* Antioch.   
\s1 Enter Agabus  
\p
\v 27 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w*, \w prophets|strong="G4396"\w* \w came|strong="G2718"\w* \w from|strong="G3588"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2414"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* Antioch.  
\v 28 \w One|strong="G1520"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w named|strong="G3686"\w* Agabus, \w stood|strong="G3588"\w* \w up|strong="G1537"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* indicated \w by|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w great|strong="G3173"\w* \w famine|strong="G3042"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w about|strong="G3195"\w* \w to|strong="G1909"\w* \w come|strong="G1096"\w* \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* \w whole|strong="G3650"\w* \w world|strong="G3625"\w* (\w this|strong="G3588"\w* \w indeed|strong="G1161"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w* \w while|strong="G1161"\w* \w Claudius|strong="G2804"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* Caesar).  
\v 29 \w Then|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w*, \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* extent \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w any|strong="G5100"\w* \w had|strong="G3588"\w* plenty, \w each|strong="G1538"\w* \w of|strong="G5100"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w determined|strong="G3724"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w send|strong="G3992"\w* \w relief|strong="G1248"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* brothers \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w lived|strong="G2730"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Judea|strong="G2449"\w*;  
\v 30 \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G4160"\w*, sending \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w elders|strong="G4245"\w* \w by|strong="G1223"\w* Barnabas \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Saul|strong="G4569"\w*.   
\c 12  
\s1 Enter Herod  
\m
\v 1 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w about|strong="G2596"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w time|strong="G2540"\w*, \w Herod|strong="G2264"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w king|strong="G3588"\w* \w laid|strong="G1911"\w* \w hands|strong="G5495"\w* \w on|strong="G5495"\w* \w some|strong="G5100"\w* \w from|strong="G2596"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w church|strong="G1577"\w* \w to|strong="G2596"\w* \w mistreat|strong="G2559"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 2 \w James|strong="G2385"\w*, \w the|strong="G1161"\w* brother \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w*, \w he|strong="G1161"\w* put \w to|strong="G1161"\w* death \w by|strong="G1161"\w* \w sword|strong="G3162"\w*.\f + \fr 12:2 \ft So far as we know, James was the first of the Apostles to die (discounting the Iscariot), and he was martyred.\f*  
\v 3 \w When|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* pleasing \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w*, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w proceeded|strong="G4369"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w arrest|strong="G4815"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w as|strong="G1161"\w* \w well|strong="G2532"\w* (\w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* during \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* unleavened loaves)  
\v 4 —\w upon|strong="G1519"\w* \w seizing|strong="G4084"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w put|strong="G5087"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w prison|strong="G5438"\w*, turning \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w over|strong="G3860"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* sixteen \w soldiers|strong="G4757"\w*\f + \fr 12:4 \ft Why so many? Had he heard about Peter's spiritual power?\f* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w guard|strong="G5442"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w intending|strong="G1014"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w bring|strong="G1519"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w out|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w* \w after|strong="G3326"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Passover|strong="G3957"\w*.   
\s1 Enter angel  
\p
\v 5 \w Well|strong="G1722"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w being|strong="G1510"\w* \w held|strong="G5083"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w prison|strong="G5438"\w* \w all|strong="G1722"\w* right, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w congregation|strong="G1577"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* making earnest \w prayer|strong="G4335"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w his|strong="G4012"\w* \w behalf|strong="G4012"\w*.  
\v 6 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G3753"\w* \w Herod|strong="G2264"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w about|strong="G3195"\w* \w to|strong="G3195"\w* \w bring|strong="G4254"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w out|strong="G1510"\w*,\f + \fr 12:6 \ft ‘Bring him out’ means to execute him.\f* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w night|strong="G3571"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w sleeping|strong="G2837"\w* \w between|strong="G3342"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w soldiers|strong="G4757"\w*, \w bound|strong="G1210"\w* \w with|strong="G1210"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w chains|strong="G1210"\w*, \w with|strong="G1210"\w* \w guards|strong="G5441"\w* protecting \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w prison|strong="G5438"\w* \w in|strong="G1161"\w* \w front|strong="G4253"\w* \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w doors|strong="G2374"\w*.  
\v 7 \w Suddenly|strong="G2400"\w*, \w an|strong="G2532"\w* angel \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w light|strong="G5457"\w* \w shone|strong="G2989"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w cell|strong="G3612"\w*; \w striking|strong="G3960"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w side|strong="G4125"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* roused \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “Quick, \w get|strong="G1453"\w* \w up|strong="G1453"\w*!” \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* chains \w fell|strong="G2532"\w* \w away|strong="G1601"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w his|strong="G1722"\w* \w wrists|strong="G5495"\w*.  
\v 8 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* angel \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, “Fasten \w your|strong="G2532"\w* belt \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w put|strong="G4160"\w* \w on|strong="G1161"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w sandals|strong="G4547"\w*.” \w So|strong="G3779"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G4160"\w*. \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Put|strong="G4160"\w* \w on|strong="G1161"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w cloak|strong="G2440"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w follow|strong="G1161"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*.”  
\v 9 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w started|strong="G1096"\w* following \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w realizing|strong="G1492"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w what|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* angel \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w doing|strong="G1096"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* real; \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w supposed|strong="G1380"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w seeing|strong="G1492"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w vision|strong="G3705"\w*.  
\v 10 \w Passing|strong="G1330"\w* \w through|strong="G1330"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w first|strong="G4413"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w second|strong="G1208"\w* \w guard|strong="G5438"\w* posts, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w iron|strong="G4603"\w* \w gate|strong="G4439"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w leads|strong="G1519"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w city|strong="G4172"\w*, \w that|strong="G3588"\w* opened \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w by|strong="G1909"\w* itself;\f + \fr 12:10 \ft The angel used supernatural power; and if we ever learn how to do it, we can too—Ephesians 3:20.\f* \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* exiting \w they|strong="G2532"\w* advanced \w one|strong="G1520"\w* block, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* suddenly \w the|strong="G2532"\w* angel \w left|strong="G1831"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*.   
\s2 Enter Rhoda  
\p
\v 11 \w When|strong="G2532"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G1096"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w himself|strong="G1438"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Now|strong="G3568"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w certain|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w sent|strong="G1821"\w* \w His|strong="G1438"\w* angel \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w delivered|strong="G1807"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w out|strong="G1537"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w Herod|strong="G2264"\w*'\w s|strong="G2962"\w* \w hand|strong="G5495"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w expectation|strong="G4329"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Jewish|strong="G2453"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w*.”  
\v 12 \w Upon|strong="G1909"\w* reflection \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Mary|strong="G3137"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w* (\w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w called|strong="G1941"\w* \w Mark|strong="G3138"\w*), \w where|strong="G3757"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w considerable|strong="G2425"\w* \w number|strong="G2425"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w gathered|strong="G4867"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w praying|strong="G4336"\w*.  
\v 13 \w When|strong="G1161"\w* Peter \w knocked|strong="G2925"\w* \w at|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w door|strong="G2374"\w* \w of|strong="G3686"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w gate|strong="G4440"\w*, \w a|strong="G1161"\w* \w servant|strong="G3588"\w* girl \w named|strong="G3686"\w* \w Rhoda|strong="G4498"\w* \w came|strong="G4334"\w* \w to|strong="G4334"\w* \w answer|strong="G5219"\w*.  
\v 14 \w Upon|strong="G1161"\w* \w recognizing|strong="G1921"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w*'s \w voice|strong="G5456"\w*, \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w so|strong="G2532"\w* glad \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* open \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w gate|strong="G4440"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w ran|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* announced \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w standing|strong="G2476"\w* \w before|strong="G4253"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w gate|strong="G4440"\w*!  
\v 15 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w her|strong="G1438"\w*, “\w You|strong="G3004"\w*'re crazy!” \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w she|strong="G1161"\w* \w kept|strong="G2192"\w* \w insisting|strong="G1340"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w it|strong="G1161"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w so|strong="G3779"\w*. \w So|strong="G3779"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w It|strong="G1161"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w his|strong="G1438"\w* angel.”  
\v 16 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w kept|strong="G2532"\w* \w on|strong="G1161"\w* \w knocking|strong="G2925"\w*; \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* opened \w the|strong="G2532"\w* door \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w astounded|strong="G1839"\w*.\f + \fr 12:16 \ft They evidently did not expect their prayer to be answered. After all, they had probably prayed for James first, and he was killed anyway. When we pray about a difficult situation, we should start out by asking what the Father is doing—John 5:19.\f*  
\v 17 \w Motioning|strong="G2678"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w with|strong="G1537"\w* \w his|strong="G1519"\w* \w hand|strong="G5495"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w silent|strong="G4601"\w*, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w related|strong="G1334"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w how|strong="G4459"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w brought|strong="G1806"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w prison|strong="G5438"\w*. \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w James|strong="G2385"\w*\f + \fr 12:17 \ft This James is the Lord's half-brother; he became the leader of the church in Jerusalem.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* brothers.” \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w going|strong="G4198"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G1831"\w* \w off|strong="G1831"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w different|strong="G2087"\w* \w place|strong="G5117"\w*.\f + \fr 12:17 \ft Presumably this means that he left Jerusalem; it was prudent to disappear for a while.\f*   
\s2 Poor guards!  
\p
\v 18 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w soon|strong="G1722"\w* \w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w it|strong="G1161"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w*, \w there|strong="G1161"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w no|strong="G3756"\w* \w small|strong="G3641"\w* commotion \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w soldiers|strong="G4757"\w* \w about|strong="G1722"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w had|strong="G1510"\w* \w become|strong="G1096"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w*!  
\v 19 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w after|strong="G1161"\w* \w searching|strong="G1934"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w finding|strong="G2147"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w Herod|strong="G2264"\w* examined \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w guards|strong="G5441"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w ordered|strong="G2753"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* executed. \w Going|strong="G2532"\w* \w down|strong="G2718"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w Judea|strong="G2449"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Caesarea|strong="G2542"\w*, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w stayed|strong="G1304"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w*.\f + \fr 12:19 \ft He had doubtless told the Jews that he had Peter, and when he couldn't produce him he lost face. But the circumstances probably left him uncomfortable as well, so he decided to get away for awhile—none of which saved the poor guards. The guards were part of an evil system, and presumably would never have converted (although, if Peter had preached to them, some may have believed before the execution).\f*   
\s2 Herod gets his ‘comeuppance’  
\p
\v 20 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w Herod|strong="G1510"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w very|strong="G2532"\w* \w angry|strong="G2371"\w* \w with|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w people|strong="G1510"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w Tyre|strong="G5183"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Sidon|strong="G4606"\w*; \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G2532"\w* \w with|strong="G4314"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w accord|strong="G3661"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w having|strong="G2532"\w* \w won|strong="G3982"\w* \w over|strong="G1909"\w* Blastus, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w king|strong="G3588"\w*'s \w chamberlain|strong="G1909"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* asked \w for|strong="G1223"\w* \w peace|strong="G1515"\w*, \w because|strong="G1223"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w country|strong="G5561"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* supplied \w with|strong="G4314"\w* food \w from|strong="G1515"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w king|strong="G3588"\w*'s.\f + \fr 12:20 \ft The famine mentioned in chapter eleven may have made them especially dependent.\f*  
\v 21 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w an|strong="G2532"\w* \w appointed|strong="G5002"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w Herod|strong="G2264"\w*, arrayed \w in|strong="G1909"\w* royal \w apparel|strong="G2066"\w*, \w sat|strong="G2523"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* throne \w and|strong="G2532"\w* started \w to|strong="G4314"\w* deliver \w an|strong="G2532"\w* \w address|strong="G1215"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 22 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* crowd started \w calling|strong="G2019"\w* \w out|strong="G2532"\w*, “\w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w voice|strong="G5456"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w god|strong="G2316"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w man|strong="G2316"\w*!”  
\v 23 \w Immediately|strong="G3916"\w* \w an|strong="G2532"\w* angel \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w struck|strong="G3960"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w down|strong="G3960"\w*, \w because|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w glory|strong="G1391"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w being|strong="G1096"\w* \w eaten|strong="G4662"\w* \w by|strong="G2532"\w* \w worms|strong="G4662"\w*, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w died|strong="G1634"\w*.\f + \fr 12:23 \ft The worms, of unusual size and impressive number, would come out of the corpse, indicating the cause of death—really gross!\f*   
\p
\v 24 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Word|strong="G3056"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w kept|strong="G2532"\w* growing \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w multiplying|strong="G4129"\w*.\f + \fr 12:24 \ft Growing in influence and multiplying its effects.\f*   
\ms1 The Gentile Church  
\p
\v 25 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* Barnabas \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Saul|strong="G4569"\w* \w returned|strong="G5290"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* Antioch,\f + \fr 12:25 \ft We have here an important set of variant readings, wherein the evidence is rather badly divided. The discussion is quite complicated and extensive, so I refer the interested reader to the Appendix: “Where to place a Comma—Acts 12:25”.\f* \w having|strong="G2532"\w* \w fulfilled|strong="G4137"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w mission|strong="G1248"\w*, \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w taking|strong="G4838"\w* \w with|strong="G1537"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w called|strong="G1941"\w* \w Mark|strong="G3138"\w*.   
\c 13  
\s1 Missionary journey I—Barnabas and Saul→Paul  
\m
\v 1 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w congregation|strong="G1577"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* Antioch \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w certain|strong="G2596"\w* \w prophets|strong="G4396"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w teachers|strong="G1320"\w*: Barnabas, \w Simeon|strong="G4826"\w* (\w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w called|strong="G2564"\w* \w Niger|strong="G3526"\w*), \w Lucius|strong="G3066"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Cyrenian|strong="G2956"\w*, \w Manaen|strong="G3127"\w* (\w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* \w brought|strong="G4939"\w* \w up|strong="G1722"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w Herod|strong="G2264"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w tetrarch|strong="G5076"\w*), \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Saul|strong="G4569"\w*.  
\v 2 \w As|strong="G1519"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w ministering|strong="G3008"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w fasting|strong="G3522"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Holy|strong="G4151"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Set|strong="G2532"\w* apart \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* Barnabas \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Saul|strong="G4569"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w work|strong="G2041"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w called|strong="G3004"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*!”  
\v 3 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w*, \w having|strong="G2532"\w* \w fasted|strong="G3522"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w prayed|strong="G4336"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w laid|strong="G2007"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w hands|strong="G5495"\w* \w on|strong="G5495"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w sent|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* off.   
\s2 1\sup st\sup* stop—Cyprus  
\p
\v 4 \w So|strong="G3767"\w*, \w having|strong="G5037"\w* been \w sent|strong="G1599"\w* \w out|strong="G1519"\w* \w by|strong="G5259"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w Holy|strong="G4151"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w*,\f + \fr 13:4 \ft Note the emphasis on the Holy Spirit's agency.\f* \w they|strong="G3588"\w* \w went|strong="G2718"\w* \w down|strong="G2718"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Seleucia|strong="G4581"\w*; \w and|strong="G5037"\w* \w from|strong="G5259"\w* \w there|strong="G1564"\w* \w they|strong="G3588"\w* sailed \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Cyprus|strong="G2954"\w*.\f + \fr 13:4 \ft Recall that Barnabas was a native of Cyprus (Acts 4:36); he was doubtless eager to evangelize his own country, and would also know his way around.\f*  
\v 5 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w upon|strong="G1722"\w* arriving \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Salamis|strong="G4529"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w started|strong="G1096"\w* \w proclaiming|strong="G2605"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Word|strong="G3056"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w synagogues|strong="G4864"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w* (\w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2192"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w* \w as|strong="G1722"\w* assistant).  
\v 6 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w had|strong="G3739"\w* \w gone|strong="G1330"\w* \w through|strong="G1330"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w island|strong="G3520"\w* \w to|strong="G5100"\w* \w Paphos|strong="G3974"\w*, \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w found|strong="G2147"\w* \w a|strong="G2147"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w sorcerer|strong="G3097"\w*, \w a|strong="G2147"\w* \w false|strong="G5578"\w* \w prophet|strong="G5578"\w*, \w a|strong="G2147"\w* \w Jew|strong="G2453"\w* \w named|strong="G3686"\w* Bar-Jesus,  
\v 7 \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* proconsul, \w Sergius|strong="G4588"\w* \w Paulus|strong="G3972"\w*, \w an|strong="G2532"\w* \w intelligent|strong="G4908"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w*. \w This|strong="G3778"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w* \w summoned|strong="G4341"\w* Barnabas \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Saul|strong="G4569"\w*, really wanting \w to|strong="G2532"\w* hear \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Word|strong="G3056"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*.  
\v 8 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w sorcerer|strong="G3097"\w* \w Elymas|strong="G1681"\w* (\w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w so|strong="G3779"\w* \w his|strong="G2212"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w translated|strong="G3177"\w*) opposed \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w seeking|strong="G2212"\w* \w to|strong="G2212"\w* \w turn|strong="G1294"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* proconsul \w away|strong="G1294"\w* \w from|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w*.   
\p
\v 9 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w Saul|strong="G4569"\w*, \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w called|strong="G3972"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w*,\f + \fr 13:9 \ft It is at this point that Luke starts using ‘Paul’ instead of ‘Saul’.\f* \w filled|strong="G4130"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w Holy|strong="G4151"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w looking|strong="G2532"\w* intently \w at|strong="G1519"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*,  
\v 10 \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w O|strong="G5599"\w* \w full|strong="G4134"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w deceit|strong="G1388"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* trickery, \w son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w devil|strong="G1228"\w*, \w enemy|strong="G2190"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w righteousness|strong="G1343"\w*!\f + \fr 13:10 \ft To be an ‘enemy of all righteousness’ one would have to be pretty bad! If ‘son of a devil’ is literal, Elymas was a humanoid, and would indeed be completely evil.\f* \w Will|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G3004"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w stop|strong="G3973"\w* \w perverting|strong="G1294"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w straight|strong="G2117"\w* \w ways|strong="G3598"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*?  
\v 11 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \nd \+w now|strong="G1161"\+w*\nd*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*'\w s|strong="G2962"\w* \w hand|strong="G5495"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w against|strong="G1909"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w blind|strong="G5185"\w*, \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w seeing|strong="G3708"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sun|strong="G2246"\w* \w until|strong="G2532"\w* \it next\it* \w season|strong="G2540"\w*!” \w Immediately|strong="G3916"\w* mist \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w darkness|strong="G4655"\w* engulfed \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* started \w going|strong="G2532"\w* \w around|strong="G1909"\w* \w looking|strong="G2212"\w* \w for|strong="G1909"\w* someone \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w lead|strong="G1510"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w by|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w hand|strong="G5495"\w*.  
\v 12 \w Then|strong="G5119"\w* \w the|strong="G1909"\w* proconsul \w believed|strong="G4100"\w*, \w when|strong="G1096"\w* \w he|strong="G3588"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w*\f + \fr 13:12 \ft Demonstrated supernatural power has a way of lending credence to the spoken word.\f* \w what|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G3588"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w*, \w being|strong="G1096"\w* \w astonished|strong="G1605"\w* \w at|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1909"\w* \w teaching|strong="G1322"\w* \w of|strong="G2962"\w* \w the|strong="G1909"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*.   
\s2 On to Pisidian Antioch  
\p
\v 13 \w Then|strong="G1161"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w his|strong="G1519"\w* party \w set|strong="G2064"\w* sail \w from|strong="G2064"\w* \w Paphos|strong="G3974"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Perga|strong="G4011"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* Pamphilia (\w here|strong="G1519"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w* left \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w returned|strong="G5290"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2414"\w*).\f + \fr 13:13 \ft When the party arrived in Cyprus, Barnabas was the leader; when it left, Paul had taken over. Barnabas was John's uncle, and quite possibly John did not like the change.\f*  
\v 14 \w Going|strong="G1330"\w* \w on|strong="G1519"\w* \w from|strong="G2064"\w* \w Perga|strong="G4011"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w arrived|strong="G3854"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* Antioch \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w Pisidia|strong="G4099"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w entering|strong="G1525"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w synagogue|strong="G4864"\w* \w on|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Sabbath|strong="G4521"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w sat|strong="G2523"\w* \w down|strong="G2523"\w*.  
\v 15 \w After|strong="G3326"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* reading \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Law|strong="G3551"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Prophets|strong="G4396"\w*, \w the|strong="G1722"\w* synagogue \w leaders|strong="G3004"\w* \w sent|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Men|strong="G5100"\w*, brothers, \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w word|strong="G3056"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w encouragement|strong="G3874"\w*\f + \fr 13:15 \ft Or ‘exhortation’.\f* \w for|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w*, \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w speak|strong="G3004"\w*.”   
\s2 Paul expounds the Gospel  
\p
\v 16 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* standing \w up|strong="G2532"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w motioning|strong="G2678"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G2532"\w* \w hand|strong="G5495"\w*, \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Men|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w Israel|strong="G2475"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G3004"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w fear|strong="G5399"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, listen.  
\v 17 \w The|strong="G1722"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w* \w chose|strong="G1586"\w* \w our|strong="G2316"\w* \w fathers|strong="G3962"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* prospered \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w* \w during|strong="G1722"\w* \w their|strong="G1438"\w* sojourn \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w land|strong="G1093"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* Egypt, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w brought|strong="G1806"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w out|strong="G1537"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w an|strong="G2532"\w* \w uplifted|strong="G5308"\w* \w arm|strong="G1023"\w*.  
\v 18 \w For|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G5613"\w* \w period|strong="G5550"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w about|strong="G5613"\w* \w forty|strong="G5063"\w* \w years|strong="G5063"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w put|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G1722"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w wilderness|strong="G2048"\w*.  
\v 19 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w destroyed|strong="G2507"\w* \w seven|strong="G2033"\w* \w nations|strong="G1484"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w land|strong="G1093"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Canaan|strong="G5477"\w*, \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w gave|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* possession \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w land|strong="G1093"\w*.  
\v 20 \w After|strong="G3326"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w*, \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w gave|strong="G1325"\w* \w judges|strong="G2923"\w* \w for|strong="G2532"\w* \w about|strong="G5613"\w* \w four|strong="G5071"\w* \w hundred|strong="G5071"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w fifty|strong="G4004"\w*\f + \fr 13:20 \ft The events recorded in the book of Judges, plus Eli's 40 years, equal 450.\f* \w years|strong="G2094"\w*, \w until|strong="G2193"\w* \w Samuel|strong="G4545"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w prophet|strong="G4396"\w*.\f + \fr 13:20 \ft Along with his other functions, Samuel was a prophet.\f*  
\v 21 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* asked \w for|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w king|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w gave|strong="G1325"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w Saul|strong="G4549"\w*, \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w Kish|strong="G2797"\w*, \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w man|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w tribe|strong="G5443"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* Benjamin, \w for|strong="G2532"\w* \w forty|strong="G5062"\w* \w years|strong="G2094"\w*.\f + \fr 13:21 \ft Saul reigned for forty years—a considerable period of time.\f*  
\v 22 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* removing \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w raised|strong="G1453"\w* \w up|strong="G1453"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w David|strong="G1138"\w* \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w king|strong="G3588"\w*, \w about|strong="G2596"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w gave|strong="G4160"\w* \w witness|strong="G3140"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w found|strong="G2147"\w* \w David|strong="G1138"\w* son \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesse|strong="G2421"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w man|strong="G3956"\w* \w after|strong="G2596"\w* \w my|strong="G3956"\w* \w heart|strong="G2588"\w*, \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w will|strong="G2307"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w my|strong="G3956"\w* \w will|strong="G2307"\w*.’  
\v 23 \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, \w from|strong="G2596"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w*'s \w seed|strong="G4690"\w*, \w according|strong="G2596"\w* \w to|strong="G2596"\w* \w promise|strong="G1860"\w*, \w has|strong="G2316"\w* brought\f + \fr 13:23 \ft Instead of ‘brought’, some 25% of the Greek manuscripts have ‘raised up’, as in AV and NKJV.\f* Salvation\f + \fr 13:23 \ft Instead of ‘Salvation’, some 15% of the Greek manuscripts have ‘a Savior, Jesus’, as in most versions.\f* \w to|strong="G2596"\w* \w Israel|strong="G2474"\w*,  
\v 24 \w John|strong="G2491"\w* having heralded beforehand, \w in|strong="G3956"\w* advance \w of|strong="G3956"\w* \w His|strong="G3956"\w* \w coming|strong="G1529"\w*, \w a|strong="G4383"\w* baptism \w of|strong="G3956"\w* \w repentance|strong="G3341"\w* \w to|strong="G3956"\w* \w Israel|strong="G2474"\w*.\f + \fr 13:24 \ft Instead of ‘to Israel’, some 20% of the Greek manuscripts read ‘to all the people of Israel’, as in most versions.\f*  
\v 25 \w Well|strong="G3756"\w*, \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* fulfilling \w his|strong="G3708"\w* \w course|strong="G1408"\w*, \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: ‘\w Whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w do|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w suppose|strong="G5101"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w*? \w No|strong="G3756"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w*—\w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w indeed|strong="G2400"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w comes|strong="G2064"\w* \w after|strong="G3326"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*, \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w sandals|strong="G5266"\w* \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w whose|strong="G3739"\w* \w feet|strong="G4228"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* worthy \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w untie|strong="G3089"\w*.’\f + \fr 13:25 \ft At first people speculated that John the Baptizer might be the Messiah, but John was quick to deny it.\f*   
\p
\v 26 “\w Men|strong="G3778"\w*, brothers, \w sons|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w stock|strong="G1085"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* Abraham, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w fear|strong="G5399"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*: \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \nd \+w you|strong="G5210"\+w*\nd*\f + \fr 13:26 \ft Instead of ‘to you’, perhaps 4% of the Greek manuscripts have ‘to us’ (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.). How was that word sent? By Paul and Barnabas.\f* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w word|strong="G3056"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w salvation|strong="G4991"\w* \w has|strong="G2316"\w* \w been|strong="G2532"\w* \w sent|strong="G1821"\w*.  
\v 27 \w The|strong="G1722"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2419"\w* \w dwellers|strong="G2730"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* rulers, understanding \w neither|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w nor|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w voices|strong="G5456"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w prophets|strong="G4396"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* read \w every|strong="G3956"\w* \w Sabbath|strong="G4521"\w*, \w fulfilled|strong="G4137"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w condemning|strong="G2919"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 28 \w Though|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w found|strong="G2147"\w* \w no|strong="G3367"\w* \w cause|strong="G3367"\w* \w for|strong="G2532"\w* \w death|strong="G2288"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* asked \w Pilate|strong="G4091"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G2532"\w* executed.  
\v 29 \w When|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w had|strong="G3588"\w* \w fulfilled|strong="G5055"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w written|strong="G1125"\w* \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w took|strong="G2507"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w down|strong="G5087"\w* \w from|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w cross|strong="G3586"\w*\f + \fr 13:29 \ft Literally ‘tree’. Note that Paul emphasizes the fulfillment of prophecy.\f* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w placed|strong="G5087"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G5613"\w* \w tomb|strong="G3419"\w*.  
\v 30 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w raised|strong="G1453"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* \w dead|strong="G3498"\w*;  
\v 31 \w and|strong="G2250"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w He|strong="G3739"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w seen|strong="G3708"\w* \w by|strong="G1909"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w came|strong="G3588"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w with|strong="G4314"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w from|strong="G3588"\w* \w Galilee|strong="G1056"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2419"\w*, \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w*\f + \fr 13:31 \ft Paul says ‘are’—evidently many/most of the original Apostles were still alive.\f* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w witnesses|strong="G3144"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w*.   
\p
\v 32 “Yes \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w proclaim|strong="G2097"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w good|strong="G2097"\w* \w news|strong="G2097"\w*: \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w promise|strong="G1860"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w made|strong="G1096"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w fathers|strong="G3962"\w*,  
\v 33 \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w has|strong="G2316"\w* \w fulfilled|strong="G1603"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w same|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w us|strong="G1722"\w*, \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w children|strong="G5043"\w*, \w when|strong="G5613"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w raised|strong="G2316"\w* \w up|strong="G1722"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*;\f + \fr 13:33 \ft The “raised up” here presumably refers to the incarnation; the resurrection comes in verse 34.\f* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* stands \w written|strong="G1125"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w second|strong="G1208"\w* \w Psalm|strong="G5568"\w*:  
\q1 ‘\w You|strong="G4771"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w my|strong="G1722"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w*, \w today|strong="G4594"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w begotten|strong="G1080"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*.’\f + \fr 13:33 \ft See Psalm 2:7.\f*   
\m
\v 34 \w And|strong="G1161"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w raised|strong="G3498"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w dead|strong="G3498"\w*,\f + \fr 13:34 \ft The resurrection of Jesus from the dead is crucial; without it we have no Gospel.\f* \w no|strong="G3371"\w* \w longer|strong="G3371"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w return|strong="G5290"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w corruption|strong="G1312"\w*,\f + \fr 13:34 \ft People like Lazarus who were returned to life, had to die again (and decompose); with Jesus it was different: His resurrection was definitive, and involved a glorified body.\f* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w has|strong="G3748"\w* \w spoken|strong="G3004"\w* \w thus|strong="G3779"\w*,  
\q1 ‘\w I|strong="G1161"\w* \w will|strong="G3195"\w* \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w holy|strong="G3741"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w* guaranteed \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w David|strong="G1138"\w*.’\f + \fr 13:34 \ft See Isaiah 55:3.\f*   
\m
\v 35 Further, \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w stated|strong="G3004"\w* elsewhere,  
\q1 ‘\w You|strong="G4771"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w allow|strong="G1325"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w Holy|strong="G3741"\w* \w One|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w decay|strong="G1312"\w*.’\f + \fr 13:35 \ft See Psalm 16:10.\f*   
\m
\v 36 \w Now|strong="G2532"\w* \w David|strong="G1138"\w*, \w after|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w served|strong="G5256"\w* \w his|strong="G2398"\w* \w own|strong="G2398"\w* \w generation|strong="G1074"\w* \w by|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, \w fell|strong="G2837"\w* \w asleep|strong="G2837"\w*, \w was|strong="G3588"\w* buried \w with|strong="G4314"\w* \w his|strong="G2398"\w* \w fathers|strong="G3962"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w decay|strong="G1312"\w*;  
\v 37 \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w One|strong="G3739"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w raised|strong="G1453"\w* \w up|strong="G1453"\w* \w did|strong="G2316"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w decay|strong="G1312"\w*.\f + \fr 13:37 \ft Only supernatural intervention could forestall decay after physical death.\f*  
\v 38 \w Therefore|strong="G3767"\w*, \w let|strong="G3767"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w known|strong="G1110"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w men|strong="G3956"\w*, brothers, \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w One|strong="G3956"\w* forgiveness \w of|strong="G1223"\w* sins \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w proclaimed|strong="G2605"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*;  
\v 39 \w and|strong="G3956"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w everyone|strong="G3956"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w believes|strong="G4100"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w justified|strong="G1344"\w* \w from|strong="G3588"\w* \w everything|strong="G3956"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w could|strong="G1410"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w be|strong="G3756"\w* \w justified|strong="G1344"\w* \w from|strong="G3588"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Law|strong="G3551"\w* \w of|strong="G3551"\w* \w Moses|strong="G3475"\w*.\f + \fr 13:39 \ft The Law as a means of justification was sadly deficient; the resurrected Jesus is marvelously efficient.\f*  
\v 40 \w So|strong="G3767"\w* take care, \w lest|strong="G3361"\w* \w there|strong="G1722"\w* \w come|strong="G1904"\w* \w upon|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G1722"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w which|strong="G3588"\w* \w has|strong="G4396"\w* \w been|strong="G3361"\w* \w spoken|strong="G3004"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w prophets|strong="G4396"\w*:   
\q1
\v 41 ‘\w Look|strong="G3708"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w despisers|strong="G2707"\w*, \w marvel|strong="G2296"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* perish!  
\q1 \w For|strong="G3754"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1473"\w* \w working|strong="G2038"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w work|strong="G2041"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w your|strong="G1437"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w*  
\q2 \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \nd \+w not|strong="G3756"\+w*\nd* \w give|strong="G1473"\w* credence,  
\q2 \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w if|strong="G1437"\w* \w someone|strong="G5100"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* explain \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w detail|strong="G1555"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*.’ ”\f + \fr 13:41 \ft See Habakkuk 1:5. According to 2 Thessalonians 2:10-11, to those who reject the love of the truth God Himself sends active delusion, so they will believe the lie. The ‘despisers’ are rendered incapable of understanding the explanation.\f*   
\s2 The reaction  
\p
\v 42 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* Jews \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w going|strong="G3778"\w* \w out|strong="G1519"\w* \w of|strong="G4487"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* synagogue, \w the|strong="G1519"\w* Gentiles \w implored|strong="G3870"\w* repeatedly\f + \fr 13:42 \ft We have here an important set of variant readings, wherein the evidence is rather badly divided. I have decided to give the Greek, for those who can handle it, but will here give a literal rendering of the four variants, for those who can't. However, the discussion includes ‘the Gentiles’, as being part of the puzzle: 1) now as the Jews were going out of the synagogue; 2) now as they were going out; 3) now as they were going out of the synagogue of the Jews; 4) now as they were going out of the synagogue.
\fp 1) εξιοντων δε εκ της συναγωγης των ιουδαιων \+bd f\+bd*\+sup 35\+sup* (60.2%) HF,RP,TR 
\fp 2) εξιοντων δε αυτων (A,B,C,D (16.2%) NU 
\fp 3) εξιοντων δε αυτων εκ της συναγωγης των ιουδαιων (20.8%) OC,CP 
\fp 4) εξιοντων δε αυτων εκ της συναγωγης (2.3%) 
\fp (two other readings) (0.4%)
\fp I believe this variant set must be considered along with the presence of τα εθνη after παρεκαλουν, but \+it TuT\+it* does not include the second set. However, from UBS\+sup 3\+sup* it appears that virtually the same roster of witnesses, including the three ancient versions (!), read variant 2) \+nd and\+nd* omit “the Gentiles”. Where then is the Subject of the main verb παρεκαλουν? Presumably for those witnesses it would be the Jews and proselytes who had just heard Paul and wanted to hear it all over again the next Sabbath. So why are they (Jews and proselytes) mentioned overtly again in verse 43? And on what basis would the whole city show up the next week (verse 44)? But to go back to verse 42, why would the first hearers want to hear the same thing (τα ρηματα ταυτα) again anyway? The really interested ones stuck with Paul and Barnabas to learn more (verse 43), just as we would expect. 
\fp The witnesses to variants 1) and 3) join in support of “the Gentiles”, giving us a strong majority (over 80%). So the Subject of παρεκαλουν is τα εθνη—\ft \+bd they\+bd* want a chance to hear the Gospel too, and the whole city turns out. It fits the context perfectly. So, variant 3) appears to be a conflation and the basic reading is variant 1). The witnesses to variant 3), because they have “the Gentiles”, are really on the side of variant 1), not 2), so presumably 1) may be viewed as having 80% attestation. For the witnesses to variant 1) the antecedent or referent of εξιοντων must be Paul's group, since the Gentiles would presumably address their request to the teacher.
\fp In variant 2) αυτων presumably serves as Subject of both the participle and the main verb, but in that event the main verb should take precedence and the pronoun should be nominative, not genitive. However one might explain the motivation for such a change—from 1) to 2) and deleting “the Gentiles”—variant 2) is evidently wrong, even though attested by the three ancient versions. Perhaps someone faced with variant 1) took “of the Jews” to be the referent of the participle instead of modifying “synagogue” (like NKJV), and thought it should be Subject of the main verb as well—then, of course, “the Gentiles” were in the way and were deleted. Then 1) might have been shortened to 2) for ‘clarity’.
\fp I take it that the original text had: εξιοντων δε εκ της συναγωγης των ιουδαιων παρεκαλουν τα εθνη etc.\f* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w words|strong="G4487"\w* \w might|strong="G3778"\w* \w be|strong="G1519"\w* \w spoken|strong="G2980"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w next|strong="G3342"\w* \w Sabbath|strong="G4521"\w*.  
\v 43 \w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w synagogue|strong="G4864"\w* service \w having|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G2532"\w* dismissed, \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w devout|strong="G4576"\w* \w proselytes|strong="G4339"\w* \w followed|strong="G3982"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* Barnabas, \w who|strong="G3588"\w* started addressing \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w urging|strong="G3982"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w continue|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w grace|strong="G5485"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*.  
\v 44 Well \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w next|strong="G2064"\w* \w Sabbath|strong="G4521"\w* \w almost|strong="G4975"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w whole|strong="G3956"\w* \w city|strong="G4172"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w gathered|strong="G4863"\w* \w to|strong="G2064"\w* hear \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w Word|strong="G3056"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w God|strong="G2962"\w*.\f + \fr 13:44 \ft Instead of ‘God’ perhaps 4% of the Greek manuscripts have ‘the Lord’ (as in NIV, LB, TEV, etc.).\f*  
\v 45 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowds|strong="G3793"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w filled|strong="G4130"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w envy|strong="G2205"\w*\f + \fr 13:45 \ft Isn't human nature wonderful?\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* started \w speaking|strong="G2980"\w* \w against|strong="G5259"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w said|strong="G2980"\w* \w by|strong="G5259"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w*, contradicting \w and|strong="G2532"\w*\f + \fr 13:45 \ft Perhaps 20% of the Greek manuscripts omit “contradicting and” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* blaspheming.   
\p
\v 46 \w But|strong="G2532"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* Barnabas \w speaking|strong="G2980"\w* \w boldly|strong="G3955"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w It|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* necessary \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*'s \w Word|strong="G3056"\w* \w should|strong="G2316"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w spoken|strong="G2980"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w first|strong="G4413"\w*.\f + \fr 13:46 \ft Note the “it was necessary”. The apostles had a clear conviction that the Jews should be given the first chance.\f* \w But|strong="G2532"\w* \w since|strong="G1894"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* reject \w it|strong="G2532"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w judge|strong="G2919"\w* \w yourselves|strong="G1438"\w* \w unworthy|strong="G3756"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* eternal \w life|strong="G2222"\w*,\f + \fr 13:46 \ft This sounds a little bit like sarcasm to me.\f* \nd \+w now|strong="G2532"\+w*\nd* \w we|strong="G2532"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w being|strong="G1510"\w* \w turned|strong="G4762"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Gentiles|strong="G1484"\w*.  
\v 47 \w Because|strong="G1063"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w just|strong="G3779"\w* \w how|strong="G2193"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w has|strong="G2962"\w* \w commanded|strong="G1781"\w* \w us|strong="G1519"\w*:  
\q1 ‘\w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w have|strong="G1473"\w* \w set|strong="G5087"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G1519"\w* \w light|strong="G5457"\w* \w for|strong="G1063"\w* ethnic \w nations|strong="G1484"\w*,  
\q2 \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w should|strong="G3588"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w salvation|strong="G4991"\w*  
\q2 \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w last|strong="G2078"\w* \w place|strong="G5087"\w* \w on|strong="G1519"\w* \w earth|strong="G1093"\w*.’ ”\f + \fr 13:47 \ft See Isaiah 49:6. The prophecy refers to the Messiah, but Paul and Barnabas are representing Him.\f*   
\m
\v 48 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w upon|strong="G1519"\w* hearing \w this|strong="G3588"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Gentiles|strong="G1484"\w* \w rejoiced|strong="G5463"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w glorified|strong="G1392"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Word|strong="G3056"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G3745"\w* \w many|strong="G3745"\w* \w as|strong="G3745"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* \w appointed|strong="G5021"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* eternal \w live|strong="G2532"\w* \w believed|strong="G4100"\w*.\f + \fr 13:48 \ft Here God's sovereignty and human responsibility are placed side by side—God appoints, but we have to believe.\f*   
\p
\v 49 Well \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w Word|strong="G3056"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w being|strong="G2596"\w* \w spread|strong="G1308"\w* \w throughout|strong="G2596"\w* \w all|strong="G3650"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w region|strong="G5561"\w*.\f + \fr 13:49 \ft This presumably means that a fair number of local congregations sprang up there.\f*  
\v 50 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w* \w stirred|strong="G2453"\w* \w up|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w devout|strong="G4576"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w prominent|strong="G2158"\w* \w women|strong="G1135"\w*\f + \fr 13:50 \ft When the women get stirred up, watch out!\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w chief|strong="G4413"\w* \w men|strong="G4413"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w city|strong="G4172"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w raised|strong="G1892"\w* \w up|strong="G1909"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w persecution|strong="G1375"\w* \w against|strong="G1909"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* Barnabas, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w expelled|strong="G1544"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w their|strong="G1438"\w* \w borders|strong="G3725"\w*.  
\v 51 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w shook|strong="G1621"\w* \w off|strong="G1621"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w dust|strong="G2868"\w* \w from|strong="G2064"\w* \w their|strong="G1438"\w* \w feet|strong="G4228"\w* \w against|strong="G1909"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*,\f + \fr 13:51 \ft They were following an instruction given by the Lord Himself (Matthew 10:14-15, Luke 9:5), and that He illustrated by example (Matthew 11:23-24), although He spoke the curse. I believe that history records that Pisidian Antioch entered into decline at that point.\f* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w went|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Iconium|strong="G2430"\w*.  
\v 52 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w filled|strong="G4137"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w joy|strong="G5479"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w Holy|strong="G4151"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w*.\f + \fr 13:52 \ft The apostles went on their way, but they left Life and joy behind them.\f*   
\c 14  
\s2 Iconium  
\m
\v 1 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Iconium|strong="G2430"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G1525"\w* \w together|strong="G2596"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w synagogue|strong="G4864"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w spoke|strong="G2980"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w such|strong="G3779"\w* \w effect|strong="G2596"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w large|strong="G4183"\w* \w number|strong="G4128"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Greeks|strong="G1672"\w* \w believed|strong="G4100"\w*.  
\v 2 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* disobedient \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w* \w stirred|strong="G2453"\w* \w up|strong="G1892"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Gentiles|strong="G1484"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w poisoned|strong="G2559"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w minds|strong="G5590"\w* \w against|strong="G2596"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* brothers.  
\v 3 \w Even|strong="G2532"\w* \w so|strong="G3767"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w stayed|strong="G1304"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w considerable|strong="G2425"\w* \w time|strong="G5550"\w*, \w speaking|strong="G3955"\w* \w boldly|strong="G3955"\w* \w for|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* bearing \w witness|strong="G3140"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w word|strong="G3056"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w His|strong="G1223"\w* \w grace|strong="G5485"\w*, \w giving|strong="G1325"\w* \w signs|strong="G4592"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w wonders|strong="G5059"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w take|strong="G1096"\w* \w place|strong="G1096"\w* \w by|strong="G1223"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w hands|strong="G5495"\w*.\f + \fr 14:3 \ft As stated in this verse, the signs and wonders were the result of God's initiative.\f*  
\v 4 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* population \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w city|strong="G4172"\w* \w became|strong="G3588"\w* \w divided|strong="G4977"\w*; \w some|strong="G3588"\w* \w sided|strong="G1510"\w* \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w*, \w others|strong="G3588"\w* \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* apostles.  
\v 5 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* plot \w was|strong="G1096"\w* hatched \w by|strong="G2532"\w* \w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w Gentiles|strong="G1484"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w*, \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w their|strong="G1438"\w* rulers, \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w mistreat|strong="G5195"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w stone|strong="G3036"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*,  
\v 6 \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w became|strong="G3588"\w* \w aware|strong="G4894"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* escaped \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w cities|strong="G4172"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lycaonia|strong="G3071"\w*—\w Lystra|strong="G3082"\w*, \w Derbe|strong="G1191"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w surrounding|strong="G4066"\w* area—  
\v 7 where \w they|strong="G1510"\w* continued \w to|strong="G2097"\w* \w preach|strong="G2097"\w* \w the|strong="G2097"\w* \w Gospel|strong="G2097"\w*.   
\s2 Lystra  
\p
\v 8 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Lystra|strong="G3082"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w man|strong="G5100"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* helpless \w feet|strong="G4228"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w sitting|strong="G2521"\w* (\w lame|strong="G5560"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w his|strong="G1722"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w*'s \w womb|strong="G2836"\w*, \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w never|strong="G3763"\w* \w walked|strong="G4043"\w*).  
\v 9 \w This|strong="G3778"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* listening \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w speaking|strong="G2980"\w*; \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w looking|strong="G2532"\w* intently \w at|strong="G3588"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w seeing|strong="G3708"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2192"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w healed|strong="G4982"\w*,  
\v 10 \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w loud|strong="G3173"\w* \w voice|strong="G5456"\w*, “Stand \w up|strong="G3717"\w* \w straight|strong="G3717"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w feet|strong="G4228"\w*!” \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* man jumped \w up|strong="G3717"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w began|strong="G1909"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w walk|strong="G4043"\w*!\f + \fr 14:10 \ft As in chapter 3, the miracle included his head, not just his limbs, since he had never learned to walk.\f*  
\v 11 \w Now|strong="G3793"\w* \w when|strong="G3739"\w* \w the|strong="G4314"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w what|strong="G3739"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w had|strong="G2316"\w* \w done|strong="G4160"\w*, \w they|strong="G3588"\w* \w raised|strong="G1869"\w* \w their|strong="G3708"\w* \w voices|strong="G5456"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w in|strong="G2316"\w* \w Lycaonian|strong="G3072"\w*, “\w The|strong="G4314"\w* \w gods|strong="G2316"\w* \w have|strong="G1473"\w* \w come|strong="G2597"\w* \w down|strong="G2597"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w* \w in|strong="G2316"\w* \w the|strong="G4314"\w* \w likeness|strong="G3666"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w men|strong="G3588"\w*!”  
\v 12 \w And|strong="G1161"\w* Barnabas \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w called|strong="G2564"\w* \w Zeus|strong="G2203"\w*, \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w*, \w Hermes|strong="G2060"\w*, \w because|strong="G1894"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w chief|strong="G2233"\w* \w speaker|strong="G3056"\w*.  
\v 13 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w priest|strong="G2409"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Zeus|strong="G2203"\w*, \w whose|strong="G3588"\w* temple \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w in|strong="G1909"\w* \w front|strong="G4253"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w city|strong="G4172"\w*, \w brought|strong="G5342"\w* \w bulls|strong="G5022"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w garlands|strong="G4725"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w gates|strong="G4440"\w*, \w intending|strong="G2309"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w make|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w sacrifice|strong="G2380"\w*, \w along|strong="G4862"\w* \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w*.\f + \fr 14:13 \ft Within their belief system this was the appropriate thing to do.\f*   
\p
\v 14 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* apostles, Barnabas \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w*, heard \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w tore|strong="G1284"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w clothes|strong="G2440"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w rushed|strong="G1530"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w*, \w crying|strong="G2896"\w* \w out|strong="G2896"\w*  
\v 15 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Men|strong="G3956"\w*, \w why|strong="G5101"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w doing|strong="G4160"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w*? \w We|strong="G2249"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w men|strong="G3956"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w same|strong="G3778"\w* \w nature|strong="G3663"\w* \w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w giving|strong="G4160"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w good|strong="G2097"\w* \w news|strong="G2097"\w*, \w telling|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w turn|strong="G1994"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w useless|strong="G3152"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w living|strong="G2198"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w made|strong="G4160"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w earth|strong="G1093"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w sea|strong="G2281"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*;  
\v 16 \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w former|strong="G3588"\w* \w generations|strong="G1074"\w* \w allowed|strong="G1439"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* ethnic \w nations|strong="G1484"\w* \w to|strong="G1722"\w* \w walk|strong="G4198"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w their|strong="G1722"\w* own \w ways|strong="G3598"\w*.  
\v 17 \w Nevertheless|strong="G3756"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w leave|strong="G1325"\w* \w Himself|strong="G1438"\w* \w without|strong="G2532"\w* witness, doing \w good|strong="G3588"\w*, \w giving|strong="G1325"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w rain|strong="G5205"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3771"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w fruitful|strong="G2593"\w* \w seasons|strong="G2540"\w*, \w filling|strong="G1705"\w* \w our|strong="G2532"\w* \w hearts|strong="G2588"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w food|strong="G5160"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w gladness|strong="G2167"\w*.”\f + \fr 14:17 \ft Now there you have an extemporaneous speech! It was a totally unexpected situation, and they had no prepared sermon. They emphasize the Creator God.\f*  
\v 18 \w Even|strong="G2532"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w barely|strong="G3433"\w* stopped \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* sacrificing \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.   
\s2 Paul stoned  
\p
\v 19 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* Antioch \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Iconium|strong="G2430"\w* \w came|strong="G2532"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w having|strong="G2532"\w* \w persuaded|strong="G3982"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w having|strong="G2532"\w* \w stoned|strong="G3034"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w*,\f + \fr 14:19 \ft Crowds can be fickle, and the apostles had called their religion “useless”. Several days had elapsed, presumably, which gave them time to mull things over. There was probably some demonic involvement as well.\f* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w dragged|strong="G4951"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w out|strong="G1854"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w city|strong="G4172"\w*,\f + \fr 14:19 \ft He was probably dragged by the feet, like an animal.\f* \w supposing|strong="G3543"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w died|strong="G2348"\w*.  
\v 20 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w stood|strong="G3588"\w* \w around|strong="G2944"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*,\f + \fr 14:20 \ft I suppose that the attack was sudden and unexpected (planned that way), so the disciples did not have time to try to defend him. Paul certainly looked dead, but as the disciples were standing there trying to assimilate what had happened, he got up! His recovery was such that he could set out the next day on foot.\f* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w got|strong="G1831"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w entered|strong="G1525"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w city|strong="G4172"\w*. \w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w next|strong="G1887"\w* \w day|strong="G1887"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w departed|strong="G1831"\w* \w with|strong="G4862"\w* Barnabas \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Derbe|strong="G1191"\w*.   
\s2 The return to Antioch  
\p
\v 21 \w When|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* evangelized \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w city|strong="G4172"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* discipled \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w good|strong="G2097"\w* \w number|strong="G2425"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w returned|strong="G5290"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Lystra|strong="G3082"\w*\f + \fr 14:21 \ft One might suppose that they would avoid Lystra, but no. Perhaps upon reflection the locals were ashamed of what they had done; besides, what do you do to a man you have already killed?!\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Iconium|strong="G2430"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* Antioch,  
\v 22 \w strengthening|strong="G1991"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w souls|strong="G5590"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w*, \w exhorting|strong="G3870"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w continue|strong="G1696"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w saying|strong="G3754"\w*, “\w We|strong="G2249"\w* \w must|strong="G1163"\w* \w go|strong="G1525"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* hardships \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w enter|strong="G1525"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* kingdom \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*.”\f + \fr 14:22 \ft Is that what they preach in your church? Does that sound like ‘easy street’?\f*  
\v 23 \w When|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w had|strong="G3739"\w* \w appointed|strong="G5500"\w* \w elders|strong="G4245"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w every|strong="G2596"\w* \w congregation|strong="G1577"\w*,\f + \fr 14:23 \ft The congregations needed some sort of leadership.\f* having \w prayed|strong="G4336"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w fasting|strong="G3521"\w*, \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w commended|strong="G3908"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w had|strong="G3739"\w* \w believed|strong="G4100"\w*.\f + \fr 14:23 \ft People need to learn to walk with God on their own.\f*  
\v 24 \w After|strong="G2532"\w* \w going|strong="G1330"\w* \w through|strong="G1330"\w* \w Pisidia|strong="G4099"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* Pamphilia.  
\v 25 \w When|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w declared|strong="G3056"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Word|strong="G3056"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Perga|strong="G4011"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2597"\w* \w down|strong="G2597"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* Attalia.  
\v 26 \w From|strong="G3588"\w* \w there|strong="G2547"\w* \w they|strong="G3588"\w* sailed \w to|strong="G1519"\w* Antioch, \w from|strong="G3588"\w* \w where|strong="G3739"\w* \w they|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G2316"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* \w commended|strong="G3860"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w grace|strong="G5485"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w work|strong="G2041"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w they|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G2316"\w* \w completed|strong="G4137"\w*.  
\v 27 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w upon|strong="G3326"\w* arriving \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w gathering|strong="G4863"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w congregation|strong="G1577"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* reported \w all|strong="G3745"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w done|strong="G4160"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* opened \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w door|strong="G2374"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Gentiles|strong="G1484"\w*.  
\v 28 \w And|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w stayed|strong="G1304"\w* \w there|strong="G1161"\w* \w a|strong="G1161"\w* \w long|strong="G5550"\w* \w time|strong="G5550"\w* \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w*.   
\c 15  
\s1 The Jerusalem Council  
\s2 The conflict  
\m
\v 1 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w some|strong="G5100"\w* \w men|strong="G5100"\w* \w came|strong="G2718"\w* \w down|strong="G2718"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w Judea|strong="G2449"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* started \w teaching|strong="G1321"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* brothers, “\w Unless|strong="G1437"\w* \w you|strong="G1437"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w circumcised|strong="G4059"\w* \w according|strong="G3756"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w custom|strong="G1485"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Moses|strong="G3475"\w*, \w you|strong="G1437"\w* \w cannot|strong="G1410"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w saved|strong="G4982"\w*.”  
\v 2 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* provoked serious \w dissension|strong="G4714"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* argument \w between|strong="G4314"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* Barnabas \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* Barnabas \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w appointed|strong="G5021"\w*, \w along|strong="G2532"\w* \w with|strong="G4314"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w others|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w go|strong="G1519"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2419"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* apostles \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w elders|strong="G4245"\w* \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w question|strong="G2213"\w*.  
\v 3 \w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w being|strong="G2532"\w* \w sent|strong="G2532"\w* \w on|strong="G4311"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w way|strong="G4311"\w* \w by|strong="G5259"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w congregation|strong="G1577"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w passed|strong="G1330"\w* \w through|strong="G1330"\w* \w Phoenicia|strong="G5403"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Samaria|strong="G4540"\w*, \w describing|strong="G1555"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w conversion|strong="G1995"\w* \w of|strong="G5259"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Gentiles|strong="G1484"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w caused|strong="G4160"\w* \w great|strong="G3173"\w* \w joy|strong="G5479"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* brothers.  
\v 4 \w Upon|strong="G1519"\w* arriving \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2419"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w received|strong="G3858"\w* \w by|strong="G5259"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w congregation|strong="G1577"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* apostles \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w elders|strong="G4245"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* reported \w all|strong="G3745"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w done|strong="G4160"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 5 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w some|strong="G5100"\w* \w of|strong="G3551"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* sect \w of|strong="G3551"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w Pharisees|strong="G5330"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w believed|strong="G4100"\w* rose \w up|strong="G1817"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w It|strong="G3754"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w necessary|strong="G1163"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w circumcise|strong="G4059"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w command|strong="G3853"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w keep|strong="G5083"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w Law|strong="G3551"\w* \w of|strong="G3551"\w* \w Moses|strong="G3475"\w*.”\f + \fr 15:5 \ft In essence they were demanding that the Gentiles become Jewish proselytes, as a prior condition. Those Pharisees did not understand salvation by faith.\f*   
\s2 The Council  
\p
\v 6 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* apostles \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w elders|strong="G4245"\w* \w came|strong="G2532"\w* \w together|strong="G4863"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w consider|strong="G3056"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w matter|strong="G3056"\w*.  
\v 7 \w When|strong="G1161"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G1096"\w* plenty \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w discussion|strong="G2214"\w*, \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w got|strong="G1096"\w* \w up|strong="G1722"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Men|strong="G3588"\w*, brothers, \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w know|strong="G1987"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w good|strong="G1223"\w* \w while|strong="G1722"\w* ago \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w made|strong="G1096"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w choice|strong="G1586"\w* \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*,\f + \fr 15:7 \ft I follow the best line of transmission in reading ‘you’; some 60% of the Greek manuscripts have ‘us’, as in AV and NKJV.\f* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w by|strong="G1223"\w* \w my|strong="G1722"\w* \w mouth|strong="G4750"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Gentiles|strong="G1484"\w* \w should|strong="G2316"\w* hear \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w message|strong="G3056"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Gospel|strong="G2098"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w believe|strong="G4100"\w*.  
\v 8 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* heart-knowing \w God|strong="G2316"\w* acknowledged \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w by|strong="G2532"\w* \w giving|strong="G1325"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Holy|strong="G4151"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w*, \w just|strong="G2531"\w* \w as|strong="G2531"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w us|strong="G1325"\w*;  
\v 9 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w made|strong="G1252"\w* \w no|strong="G3762"\w* \w distinction|strong="G1252"\w* \w between|strong="G3342"\w* \w us|strong="G2249"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w purifying|strong="G2511"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w hearts|strong="G2588"\w* \w by|strong="G2532"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w*.  
\v 10 \w Now|strong="G3568"\w* \w therefore|strong="G3767"\w*, \w why|strong="G5101"\w* \w do|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w test|strong="G3985"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w by|strong="G1909"\w* \w putting|strong="G2007"\w* \w a|strong="G1909"\w* \w yoke|strong="G2218"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1909"\w* \w neck|strong="G5137"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w the|strong="G1909"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w neither|strong="G3777"\w* \w our|strong="G2316"\w* \w fathers|strong="G3962"\w* \w nor|strong="G3777"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w have|strong="G1473"\w* \w been|strong="G3568"\w* \w able|strong="G2480"\w* \w to|strong="G1909"\w* bear?  
\v 11 Rather, \w we|strong="G3739"\w* \w believe|strong="G4100"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w we|strong="G3739"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w saved|strong="G4982"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G1223"\w* \w grace|strong="G5485"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G1223"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*,\f + \fr 15:11 \ft Some 5% of the Greek manuscripts add ‘Christ’, as in AV and NKJV.\f* \w in|strong="G2596"\w* \w the|strong="G1223"\w* \w same|strong="G3739"\w* \w manner|strong="G5158"\w* \w as|strong="G2596"\w* \w they|strong="G3588"\w*.”\f + \fr 15:11 \ft Peter states the crucial point: salvation comes through grace and faith, for everyone, not by keeping the Law. Legalism is out.\f*   
\p
\v 12 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w whole|strong="G3956"\w* \w assembly|strong="G4128"\w* \w kept|strong="G4601"\w* \w silent|strong="G4601"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* listened \w to|strong="G2532"\w* Barnabas \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* reporting \w what|strong="G3588"\w* \w signs|strong="G4592"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w wonders|strong="G5059"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w done|strong="G4160"\w* \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* ethnic \w nations|strong="G1484"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 13 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* finished, \w James|strong="G2385"\w* reacted \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Men|strong="G3588"\w*, brothers, listen \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*.  
\v 14 \w Simeon|strong="G4826"\w* \w has|strong="G2316"\w* described \w how|strong="G2531"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w first|strong="G4413"\w* intervened \w to|strong="G2316"\w* extract \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* \w Gentiles|strong="G1484"\w* \w a|strong="G2983"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w* \w for|strong="G1537"\w* \w His|strong="G2983"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w*.  
\v 15 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w words|strong="G3056"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w prophets|strong="G4396"\w* \w agree|strong="G4856"\w*, \w just|strong="G2531"\w* \w as|strong="G2531"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w written|strong="G1125"\w*:   
\q1
\v 16 ‘\w After|strong="G3326"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* return,  
\q2 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* rebuild \w David|strong="G1138"\w*'s \w tent|strong="G4633"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w fallen|strong="G4098"\w* \w one|strong="G1438"\w*;  
\q1 yes, \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* rebuild its \w ruins|strong="G2679"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* restore \w it|strong="G2532"\w*;   
\q2
\v 17 \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* remnant \w of|strong="G2532"\w* mankind \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w seek|strong="G1567"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \sc \+w Lord|strong="G2962"\+w*\sc*,  
\q1 \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Gentiles|strong="G1484"\w*—\w the|strong="G2532"\w* ones, \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w*, \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w my|strong="G3956"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w has|strong="G2962"\w* \w been|strong="G2532"\w* \w called|strong="G3004"\w*—\w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \sc \+w Lord|strong="G2962"\+w*\sc* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w does|strong="G4160"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w*.’\f + \fr 15:17 \ft See Amos 9:11-12.\f*   
\q1
\v 18 All His works are \w known|strong="G1110"\w* \w to|strong="G1110"\w* God \w from|strong="G1110"\w* eternity.\f + \fr 15:18 \ft God had not changed; it was always His purpose to include the Gentiles. Perhaps 5% of the Greek manuscripts omit “all His works are known to God” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f*   
\m
\v 19 \w Therefore|strong="G1352"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w judge|strong="G2919"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w we|strong="G1352"\w* \w should|strong="G2316"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* create difficulty \w for|strong="G1909"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w turning|strong="G1994"\w* \w to|strong="G1909"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w from|strong="G3588"\w* \w among|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1909"\w* ethnic \w nations|strong="G1484"\w*,\f + \fr 15:19 \ft This way of stating it leaves an opening for making a distinction between Gentile and Jewish believers. By chapter 21 this had become a serious problem. James begins the verse saying, “I judge”, emphasizing the pronoun, and his position was a bit of a compromise; this in spite of Peter's plain statement in verse 11. In verse 23 the edict is addressed to the “Gentile brothers” (the distinction between Jew and Gentile is maintained).\f*  
\v 20 \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w we|strong="G2532"\w* \w write|strong="G1989"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* abstain \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w* polluted \w by|strong="G2532"\w* \w idols|strong="G1497"\w*, \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w fornication|strong="G4202"\w*, \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w what|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w strangled|strong="G4156"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* blood.  
\v 21 \w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* ancient \w generations|strong="G1074"\w* \w Moses|strong="G3475"\w* \w has|strong="G2192"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w every|strong="G3956"\w* \w city|strong="G4172"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w preach|strong="G2784"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w being|strong="G2192"\w* read \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w synagogues|strong="G4864"\w* \w every|strong="G3956"\w* \w Sabbath|strong="G4521"\w*.”   
\s2 The edict  
\p
\v 22 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w pleased|strong="G1380"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* apostles \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w elders|strong="G4245"\w*, \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w whole|strong="G3650"\w* \w congregation|strong="G1577"\w*, \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w send|strong="G3992"\w* \w chosen|strong="G1586"\w* \w men|strong="G4245"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* Antioch \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* Barnabas: \w Judas|strong="G2455"\w* (\w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w called|strong="G2564"\w* Barsabas) \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Silas|strong="G4609"\w*, \w leading|strong="G1519"\w* \w men|strong="G4245"\w* \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* brothers.  
\v 23 \w They|strong="G2532"\w* \w wrote|strong="G1125"\w* \w by|strong="G1223"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w hand|strong="G5495"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w following|strong="G2596"\w*:  
\p “\w The|strong="G2532"\w* apostles \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w elders|strong="G4245"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w*\f + \fr 15:23 \ft Perhaps 3% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit “and the” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.). This changes the meaning; the three groups are reduced to two.\f* brothers, \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Gentile|strong="G1484"\w* brothers \w in|strong="G2596"\w* Antioch, \w Syria|strong="G4947"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Cilicia|strong="G2791"\w*:  
\p \w Greetings|strong="G5463"\w*.   
\p
\v 24 \w Since|strong="G3754"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w have|strong="G1473"\w* heard \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w some|strong="G5100"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w went|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w among|strong="G1537"\w* \w us|strong="G2249"\w* \w have|strong="G1473"\w* \w disturbed|strong="G5015"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w with|strong="G1537"\w* \w words|strong="G3056"\w*, unsettling \w your|strong="G3588"\w* \w souls|strong="G5590"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3056"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w must|strong="G5100"\w* \w be|strong="G3756"\w* circumcised \w and|strong="G3056"\w* keep \w the|strong="G1537"\w* Law\f + \fr 15:24 \ft Perhaps 4% of the Greek manuscripts omit ‘saying that you must be circumcised and keep the law’ (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f*—\w to|strong="G3756"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w gave|strong="G1291"\w* \w no|strong="G3756"\w* \w such|strong="G5100"\w* authorization—  
\v 25 \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w seemed|strong="G1380"\w* \w good|strong="G1380"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w us|strong="G2249"\w*, \w having|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G1096"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w accord|strong="G3661"\w*, \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w choose|strong="G1586"\w* \w men|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w send|strong="G3992"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w our|strong="G2532"\w* beloved Barnabas \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w*,  
\v 26 \w men|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w have|strong="G1473"\w* \w risked|strong="G3860"\w* \w their|strong="G3588"\w* \w lives|strong="G5590"\w* \w for|strong="G5228"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w sake|strong="G5228"\w* \w of|strong="G3686"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w of|strong="G3686"\w* \w our|strong="G2424"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*.  
\v 27 \w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w we|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w sent|strong="G2532"\w* \w Judas|strong="G2455"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Silas|strong="G4609"\w*, \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* confirm \w these|strong="G3588"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w by|strong="G1223"\w* \w word|strong="G3056"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w mouth|strong="G3056"\w*.\f + \fr 15:27 \ft The Law required at least two witnesses.\f*  
\v 28 \w It|strong="G2532"\w* \w seemed|strong="G1380"\w* \w good|strong="G1380"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Holy|strong="G4151"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w us|strong="G2249"\w*,\f + \fr 15:28 \ft James affirms divine approval for the decision.\f* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w place|strong="G2007"\w* \w no|strong="G3367"\w* \w greater|strong="G4183"\w* burden \w upon|strong="G2007"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w than|strong="G4183"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w necessary|strong="G1876"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w*:  
\v 29 \w to|strong="G2532"\w* abstain \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w things|strong="G3739"\w* offered \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w idols|strong="G1494"\w*,\f + \fr 15:29 \ft The idols represented demons, and to deliberately worship an idol would give its demon a ‘legal’ basis for working in the worshiper.\f* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* ‘blood’, \w from|strong="G1537"\w* anything \w strangled|strong="G4156"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w fornication|strong="G4202"\w*;\f + \fr 15:29 \ft In the Greek Text each item in the list is a single word; such brevity could give rise to ambiguity. However, items 1 and 4 seem clear enough. Item 3 presumably harks back to Genesis 9:4, where ingesting blood is forbidden. So item 2, ‘blood’, must mean something else. In the Bible ‘blood’ is repeatedly used to refer to violent death and the responsibility for it. This harks back to Genesis 9:5-6. The prohibition against fornication is implied in Genesis 2:24. That God did not accept Cain's offering (Genesis 4:3-5) implies that He had given instruction on the subject, which would presumably include idolatry. So the four items in the list are all far older than the Law of Moses and are independent of it.\f* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w own|strong="G1438"\w* best interest \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w keep|strong="G1301"\w* away \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w these|strong="G3739"\w* \w things|strong="G3739"\w*.  
\p \w Farewell|strong="G4517"\w*.”   
\s2 Good results  
\p
\v 30 \w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w sent|strong="G2532"\w* off \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G2718"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* Antioch, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w gathering|strong="G4863"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowd|strong="G4128"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w delivered|strong="G1929"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w letter|strong="G1992"\w*.  
\v 31 \w When|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w had|strong="G3588"\w* read \w it|strong="G1161"\w*, \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w rejoiced|strong="G5463"\w* \w over|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w encouragement|strong="G3874"\w*.  
\v 32 \w Both|strong="G2532"\w* \w Judas|strong="G2455"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Silas|strong="G4609"\w*, \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w being|strong="G1510"\w* \w prophets|strong="G4396"\w* \w themselves|strong="G1510"\w*, \w encouraged|strong="G3870"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w strengthened|strong="G1991"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* brothers \w with|strong="G1223"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w words|strong="G3056"\w*.  
\v 33 \w After|strong="G3326"\w* \w some|strong="G3588"\w* \w time|strong="G5550"\w*, \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* released \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w peace|strong="G1515"\w* \w from|strong="G1515"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* brothers \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* apostles.\f + \fr 15:33 \ft Verse 34, as in the AV, is to be found in about 30% of the Greek manuscripts, but contradicts verse 33, that seems to require that Silas returned to Jerusalem; “they were sent back…to the apostles”, and “they” refers to Judas and Silas. The ‘problem’ is that in verse 40 Paul chooses Silas to accompany him, so he had to be in Antioch, not Jerusalem. Accordingly the longer reading was created to solve the ‘problem’. The “some days” of verse 36 could well have been a month or two. From Antioch to Jerusalem would be a trip of less than 400 miles. Silas had time to go to Jerusalem and get back to Antioch.\f*  
\v 35 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* Barnabas \w remained|strong="G1304"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* Antioch, \w teaching|strong="G1321"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w preaching|strong="G2097"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Word|strong="G3056"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w others|strong="G2087"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w*.   
\s1 Missionary journey II—Paul and Silas  
\s2 Paul and Barnabas separate  
\p
\v 36 \w Some|strong="G5100"\w* \w time|strong="G2250"\w* \w later|strong="G3326"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* Barnabas, “\w Let|strong="G1161"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w* \w return|strong="G1994"\w* \w now|strong="G1161"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w visit|strong="G1980"\w* \w our|strong="G3956"\w* brothers \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w each|strong="G2596"\w* \w city|strong="G4172"\w* \w where|strong="G3739"\w* \w we|strong="G3739"\w* \w proclaimed|strong="G2605"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w word|strong="G3056"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, \w to|strong="G4314"\w* see \w how|strong="G4459"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* doing.”  
\v 37 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* Barnabas resolved \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w take|strong="G4838"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w* (\w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w called|strong="G2564"\w* \w Mark|strong="G3138"\w*) \w along|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G1161"\w* \w well|strong="G2532"\w*.  
\v 38 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* insisted \w on|strong="G1519"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w taking|strong="G4838"\w* someone \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* deserted \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* Pamphilia \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w gone|strong="G4905"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w work|strong="G2041"\w*.  
\v 39 \w Well|strong="G5037"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w contention|strong="G3948"\w* \w became|strong="G1096"\w* \w so|strong="G1161"\w* \w sharp|strong="G3948"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* separated \w from|strong="G3588"\w* \w each|strong="G1438"\w* \w other|strong="G1161"\w*. Barnabas \w took|strong="G3880"\w* \w Mark|strong="G3138"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w sailed|strong="G1602"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Cyprus|strong="G2954"\w*;\f + \fr 15:39 \ft This is the last we hear of Barnabas, but not of Mark. Barnabas was an encourager. He had seen the potential in Saul of Tarsus and helped him along on at least two occasions. Now he sees the potential in Mark and invests in him, to such good effect that Paul himself later recognizes Mark's value (2 Timothy 4:11). Peter had taken Mark under his wing and helped him write the second Gospel.\f*  
\v 40 \w while|strong="G1161"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w chose|strong="G1951"\w* \w Silas|strong="G4609"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* set \w out|strong="G1831"\w*, having \w been|strong="G2962"\w* \w commended|strong="G3860"\w* \w by|strong="G5259"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* brothers \w to|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w grace|strong="G5485"\w* \w of|strong="G5259"\w* \w God|strong="G2962"\w*.\f + \fr 15:40 \ft Perhaps 3% of the Greek manuscripts have ‘Lord’ instead of ‘God’ (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f*  
\v 41 \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G1330"\w* \w through|strong="G1330"\w* \w Syria|strong="G4947"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Cilicia|strong="G2791"\w*, \w strengthening|strong="G1991"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* congregations.   
\c 16  
\s2 Paul finds Timothy  
\m
\v 1 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G2658"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Derbe|strong="G1191"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lystra|strong="G3082"\w*. \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w now|strong="G1161"\w*, \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w disciple|strong="G3101"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w there|strong="G1563"\w* \w named|strong="G3686"\w* \w Timothy|strong="G5095"\w*, \w son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w Jewish|strong="G2453"\w* \w woman|strong="G1135"\w* \w who|strong="G3962"\w* \w believed|strong="G4103"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w his|strong="G1519"\w* \w father|strong="G3962"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w Greek|strong="G1672"\w*;  
\v 2 \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w well|strong="G2532"\w* \w spoken|strong="G3140"\w* \w of|strong="G5259"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* brothers \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Lystra|strong="G3082"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Iconium|strong="G2430"\w*.  
\v 3 \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w wanted|strong="G2309"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w go|strong="G1831"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w took|strong="G2983"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w circumcised|strong="G4059"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w parts|strong="G5117"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G2532"\w* \w knew|strong="G1492"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w his|strong="G1223"\w* \w father|strong="G3962"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w Greek|strong="G1672"\w*.\f + \fr 16:3 \ft Paul had been stoned at Lystra, at the instigation of the Jews, so why is he concerned to please them? And after he joined Paul how much time was Timothy going to spend in his home town? A curious proceeding.\f*  
\v 4 \w As|strong="G5613"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w going|strong="G2532"\w* \w through|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w cities|strong="G4172"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w delivering|strong="G3860"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* dogmas \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w keep|strong="G5442"\w*—\w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w ones|strong="G4245"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G2532"\w* \w determined|strong="G2919"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* apostles \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w elders|strong="G4245"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2414"\w*.\f + \fr 16:4 \ft One of the dogmas was that circumcision was not necessary, so was Paul hedging?\f*  
\v 5 \w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* congregations \w kept|strong="G2532"\w* \w on|strong="G2596"\w* \w being|strong="G2532"\w* \w strengthened|strong="G4732"\w* \w in|strong="G2596"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w increasing|strong="G4052"\w* \w in|strong="G2596"\w* number \w daily|strong="G2250"\w*.\f + \fr 16:5 \ft Evidently they were enthusiastically sharing the Good News. There must have come to be hundreds of congregations throughout Asia Minor.\f*   
\s2 The ‘Macedonian call’  
\p
\v 6 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w gone|strong="G1330"\w* \w through|strong="G1722"\w* \w Phrygia|strong="G5435"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w region|strong="G5561"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w Galatia|strong="G1054"\w*, \w having|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G2532"\w* \w forbidden|strong="G2967"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Holy|strong="G4151"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w speak|strong="G2980"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w word|strong="G3056"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Asia|strong="G3588"\w*,  
\v 7 \w they|strong="G2532"\w* approached \w Mysia|strong="G3465"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w tried|strong="G3985"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w go|strong="G4198"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* Bithynia, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w*\f + \fr 16:7 \ft Perhaps 6% of the Greek manuscripts add ‘of Jesus’ (as in NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w permit|strong="G1439"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 8 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* bypassed \w Mysia|strong="G3465"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w went|strong="G2597"\w* \w down|strong="G2597"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Troas|strong="G5174"\w*.\f + \fr 16:8 \ft Paul and Silas were sufficiently in tune with the Holy Spirit that He could lead them. The areas mentioned were basically unevangelized, so their attempt was a ‘natural’, but those areas would be reached later as the News radiated out from Ephesus to all Asia. God wanted to get the Church started in Europe, and in particular the area where Greek was the mother tongue.\f*   
\p
\v 9 \w A|strong="G2532"\w* \w vision|strong="G3705"\w* \w appeared|strong="G3708"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w during|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w night|strong="G3571"\w*: \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w man|strong="G5100"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w Macedonia|strong="G3109"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w standing|strong="G2476"\w*, \w appealing|strong="G3870"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Come|strong="G1510"\w* \w over|strong="G1224"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Macedonia|strong="G3109"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* help \w us|strong="G3004"\w*.”  
\v 10 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w vision|strong="G3705"\w*, \w we|strong="G2249"\w*\f + \fr 16:10 \ft At this point Luke joined the party.\f* \w immediately|strong="G2112"\w* prepared \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w go|strong="G1831"\w* \w over|strong="G1519"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Macedonia|strong="G3109"\w*, \w concluding|strong="G4822"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w Lord|strong="G3588"\w*\f + \fr 16:10 \ft Perhaps 5% of the Greek manuscripts have ‘God’ instead of ‘Lord’ (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w had|strong="G2316"\w* \w called|strong="G4341"\w* \w us|strong="G2097"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* evangelize \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.   
\s2 Philippi  
\p
\v 11 \w So|strong="G3767"\w* setting sail \w from|strong="G3588"\w* \w Troas|strong="G5174"\w*, \w we|strong="G1161"\w* \w ran|strong="G2113"\w* \w a|strong="G1519"\w* \w straight|strong="G2113"\w* \w course|strong="G2113"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Samothrace|strong="G4543"\w*, \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w next|strong="G1966"\w* \w day|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Neapolis|strong="G3501"\w*;  
\v 12 \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w from|strong="G3588"\w* \w there|strong="G1161"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Philippi|strong="G5375"\w*, \w which|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w foremost|strong="G4413"\w* \w city|strong="G4172"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w part|strong="G3310"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w Macedonia|strong="G3109"\w*, \w a|strong="G1519"\w* \w colony|strong="G2862"\w*.\f + \fr 16:12 \ft A Roman colony—this conferred status and some privileges.\f* \w We|strong="G1161"\w* \w stayed|strong="G1510"\w* \w some|strong="G5100"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w city|strong="G4172"\w*.  
\v 13 \w On|strong="G2523"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Sabbath|strong="G4521"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w we|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G1831"\w* \w outside|strong="G1854"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* city \w by|strong="G3844"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w river|strong="G4215"\w*, \w where|strong="G3757"\w* \w prayer|strong="G4335"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* customarily \w made|strong="G2980"\w*,\f + \fr 16:13 \ft Instead of “where prayer was customarily made”, perhaps 2% if the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, have ‘where we supposed a place of prayer to be’ (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w sitting|strong="G2523"\w* \w down|strong="G2523"\w* \w we|strong="G2532"\w* started \w speaking|strong="G2980"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w assembled|strong="G4905"\w* \w women|strong="G1135"\w*.\f + \fr 16:13 \ft Evidently there was no synagogue in Philippi. Prayer meetings usually have more women than men.\f*  
\v 14 \w A|strong="G2532"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w woman|strong="G1135"\w* \w named|strong="G3686"\w* \w Lydia|strong="G3070"\w*, \w a|strong="G2532"\w* dealer \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w purple|strong="G4211"\w* cloth \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w city|strong="G4172"\w* \w of|strong="G5259"\w* \w Thyatira|strong="G2363"\w*, \w who|strong="G3739"\w* worshiped \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, really listened, \w whose|strong="G3739"\w* \w heart|strong="G2588"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w opened|strong="G1272"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w give|strong="G4337"\w* \w heed|strong="G4337"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w spoken|strong="G2980"\w* \w by|strong="G5259"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w*.  
\v 15 \w When|strong="G1161"\w* \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w her|strong="G1519"\w* \w household|strong="G3624"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* baptized, \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w appealed|strong="G3870"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w If|strong="G1487"\w* \w you|strong="G1487"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w judged|strong="G2919"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w faithful|strong="G4103"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, \w come|strong="G1525"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w my|strong="G1525"\w* \w house|strong="G3624"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w stay|strong="G3306"\w*.” \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w she|strong="G2532"\w* persuaded \w us|strong="G3004"\w*.   
\s2 Prison  
\p
\v 16 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w it|strong="G1161"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w*, \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w going|strong="G4198"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w prayer|strong="G4335"\w*, \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* slave girl \w having|strong="G2192"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w divination|strong="G4436"\w* \w met|strong="G5221"\w* \w us|strong="G1519"\w*, \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w brought|strong="G3930"\w* considerable \w profit|strong="G2039"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w her|strong="G1519"\w* \w owners|strong="G2962"\w* \w by|strong="G1519"\w* \w divination|strong="G4436"\w*.  
\v 17 \w Following|strong="G2628"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* Silas\f + \fr 16:17 \ft I follow the best line of transmission in reading ‘Silas’; some 60% of the Greek manuscripts have ‘us’, as in most versions. Luke, who was there, is focusing the account on the two who were put in prison.\f* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* girl \w kept|strong="G2532"\w* \w calling|strong="G3004"\w* \w out|strong="G2896"\w*, “\w These|strong="G3778"\w* \w men|strong="G3778"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w servants|strong="G1401"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Most|strong="G5310"\w* \w High|strong="G5310"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w proclaiming|strong="G2605"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w way|strong="G3598"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w salvation|strong="G4991"\w*!”\f + \fr 16:17 \ft I find it to be curious that what the demon said was precisely true! So why did that truth not result in many conversions? Presumably because the Holy Spirit did not apply it, coming from a demon. Instead of “to us”, perhaps 20% of the Greek manuscripts have ‘to you’ (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.). Did the demon have the girl include herself, or not?\f*  
\v 18 \w She|strong="G2532"\w* \w kept|strong="G4160"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w up|strong="G1909"\w* \w for|strong="G1909"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w*!\f + \fr 16:18 \ft The ‘hour of prayer’ was observed every day by God-fearing Jews. So the apostles would pass at a predictable time each day.\f* \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w*, becoming increasingly \w annoyed|strong="G1278"\w*,\f + \fr 16:18 \ft But Paul, she was giving you free advertising! Evidently he didn't want advertising from the enemy, and in this he followed the Lord's example (Mark 3:11-12).\f* \w turned|strong="G1994"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w spirit|strong="G4151"\w*, “\w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w command|strong="G3853"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w her|strong="G4160"\w*!” \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w very|strong="G2532"\w* \w hour|strong="G5610"\w*.   
\p
\v 19 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w her|strong="G1519"\w* \w owners|strong="G2962"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w hope|strong="G1680"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w profit|strong="G2039"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w gone|strong="G1831"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w seized|strong="G1949"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Silas|strong="G4609"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w dragged|strong="G1670"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* market \w place|strong="G1909"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* rulers,\f + \fr 16:19 \ft This was a put up job. It would take a day or two to make clear that the girl was now useless. The magistrates had probably been getting a ‘cut’. Some rabble had been mobilized to join in—the whole proceeding had been organized in advance. They figured they could beat up on two Jews with impunity.\f*  
\v 20 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* bringing \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w before|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w magistrates|strong="G4755"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w These|strong="G3778"\w* \w men|strong="G3778"\w*, \w being|strong="G5225"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w*, \w are|strong="G3588"\w* agitating \w our|strong="G2532"\w* \w city|strong="G4172"\w*,  
\v 21 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* advocating \w customs|strong="G1485"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w lawful|strong="G1832"\w* \w for|strong="G2532"\w* \w us|strong="G4160"\w*, \w being|strong="G1510"\w* \w Romans|strong="G4514"\w*, \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w receive|strong="G3858"\w* \w or|strong="G2532"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w*.”  
\v 22 \w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w* joined \w in|strong="G2596"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* attack \w against|strong="G2596"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w magistrates|strong="G4755"\w* \w tore|strong="G4048"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w clothes|strong="G2440"\w* \w off|strong="G2596"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w ordered|strong="G2753"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* beating \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w rods|strong="G4463"\w*.  
\v 23 \w When|strong="G2007"\w* \w they|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G3588"\w* \w laid|strong="G2007"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w stripes|strong="G4127"\w* \w on|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w they|strong="G3588"\w* threw \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w prison|strong="G5438"\w*, \w charging|strong="G3853"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w jailer|strong="G1200"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w keep|strong="G5083"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* securely;  
\v 24 \w who|strong="G3739"\w*, \w having|strong="G2532"\w* \w received|strong="G2983"\w* \w such|strong="G5108"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w charge|strong="G3852"\w*, threw \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w inner|strong="G2082"\w* cell \w and|strong="G2532"\w* fastened \w their|strong="G1438"\w* \w feet|strong="G4228"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w stocks|strong="G3586"\w*.\f + \fr 16:24 \ft Their backs are bleeding from ‘many stripes’ and their feet are in stocks (you try to sit up so as not to lie on your wounded back; all of which gets pretty ‘old’ pretty fast)—a great time for a praise meeting!\f*   
\s2 The jailer converts  
\p
\v 25 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w about|strong="G2596"\w* \w midnight|strong="G3317"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Silas|strong="G4609"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w singing|strong="G5214"\w* \w hymns|strong="G5214"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w in|strong="G2596"\w* \w prayer|strong="G4336"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \it other\it* \w prisoners|strong="G1198"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w listening|strong="G1874"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 26 Suddenly \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w great|strong="G3173"\w* \w earthquake|strong="G4578"\w*, enough \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w shake|strong="G4531"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w foundations|strong="G2310"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w prison|strong="G1201"\w*; \w immediately|strong="G3916"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w doors|strong="G2374"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* opened \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w everyone|strong="G3956"\w*'s \w chains|strong="G1199"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* loosed.\f + \fr 16:26 \ft A proper earthquake could shake the doors open, but not unlock chains (unless it was their anchors that came loose from the walls).\f*  
\v 27 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w jailer|strong="G1200"\w*, \w awaking|strong="G1200"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w sleep|strong="G1853"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w seeing|strong="G3708"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w prison|strong="G5438"\w* \w doors|strong="G2374"\w* open, \w drew|strong="G4685"\w* \w sword|strong="G3162"\w*, \w intending|strong="G3195"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* kill \w himself|strong="G1438"\w*, \w supposing|strong="G3543"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w prisoners|strong="G1198"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w escaped|strong="G1628"\w*.\f + \fr 16:27 \ft Better a quick death than the humiliation that would follow (culminating in a slow death).\f*   
\p
\v 28 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* shouted \w out|strong="G5456"\w*, “Don't \w harm|strong="G2556"\w* \w yourself|strong="G4572"\w*, \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w we|strong="G1063"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w all|strong="G1161"\w* \w here|strong="G1759"\w*!”\f + \fr 16:28 \ft For the prisoners to be free and not run was \+nd really\+nd* supernatural! The jailor understands that he is in the presence of a higher power.\f*  
\v 29 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* calling \w for|strong="G1161"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w light|strong="G5457"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w ran|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w fell|strong="G1096"\w* \w down|strong="G4363"\w* \w trembling|strong="G1790"\w* \w before|strong="G4363"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Silas|strong="G4609"\w*.  
\v 30 \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w* \w brought|strong="G4254"\w* \w them|strong="G1438"\w* \w out|strong="G1854"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G5346"\w*, “\w Sirs|strong="G2962"\w*, \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w must|strong="G1163"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w saved|strong="G4982"\w*?”\f + \fr 16:30 \ft Philippi was not all that large, and the members of his household would be information gatherers. He was doubtless aware of the slave girl's ‘advertising’, etc.\f*  
\v 31 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Believe|strong="G4100"\w* \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w Christ|strong="G2962"\w*\f + \fr 16:31 \ft Perhaps 3% of the Greek manuscripts, of inferior quality, omit ‘Christ’ (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w saved|strong="G4982"\w*, \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2962"\w* \w household|strong="G3624"\w*.”  
\v 32 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w spoke|strong="G2980"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Word|strong="G3056"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w his|strong="G3956"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w*.  
\v 33 \w In|strong="G1722"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w same|strong="G1565"\w* \w hour|strong="G5610"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w night|strong="G3571"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w took|strong="G3880"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w aside|strong="G3880"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w washed|strong="G3068"\w* \w their|strong="G1438"\w* \w wounds|strong="G4127"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* thereupon \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w his|strong="G1438"\w* family \w were|strong="G3588"\w* baptized.\f + \fr 16:33 \ft Very appropriate—he washed their wounds and restored their dignity, so they could baptize him. Note again that baptism followed immediately. (Would there have been enough water there to dunk them? Probably not.) Note that everyone in the family was baptized, which would put them under Christ's protection, but that procedure was imposed by the head of the household, whether or not there was personal commitment to Jesus on the part of each one.\f*  
\v 34 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w brought|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w his|strong="G1438"\w* \w house|strong="G3624"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w set|strong="G3908"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* meal \w before|strong="G3908"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* really rejoicing, \w having|strong="G2532"\w* \w believed|strong="G4100"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G1438"\w* \w whole|strong="G3832"\w* \w family|strong="G3624"\w*.   
\s2 Magistrates rebuked  
\p
\v 35 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w it|strong="G1161"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w magistrates|strong="G4755"\w* sent \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w officers|strong="G4755"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Let|strong="G1096"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w men|strong="G3588"\w* go.”  
\v 36 \w So|strong="G2443"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w jailer|strong="G1200"\w* reported \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w words|strong="G3056"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w*, “\w The|strong="G1722"\w* \w magistrates|strong="G4755"\w* \w have|strong="G3748"\w* sent \w to|strong="G4314"\w* release \w you|strong="G3754"\w*; \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w now|strong="G1161"\w* \w you|strong="G3754"\w* can \w leave|strong="G1831"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w go|strong="G4198"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w peace|strong="G1515"\w*.”  
\v 37 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w said|strong="G5346"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*:\f + \fr 16:37 \ft The officers were still there. Paul decided to give the magistrates a much-needed lesson, but then acquiesced in leaving the city without further fuss.\f* “\w After|strong="G1161"\w* severely \w beating|strong="G1194"\w* \w us|strong="G1519"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w public|strong="G1219"\w*, \w although|strong="G1161"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* uncondemned \w Romans|strong="G4514"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w threw|strong="G1544"\w* \w us|strong="G1519"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w prison|strong="G5438"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w now|strong="G1161"\w* \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* toss \w us|strong="G1519"\w* \w out|strong="G1544"\w* \w on|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* sly? \w No|strong="G3756"\w* way! \w Rather|strong="G3756"\w*, \w let|strong="G1161"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w themselves|strong="G1438"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* escort \w us|strong="G1519"\w* \w out|strong="G1544"\w*!”  
\v 38 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w officers|strong="G4755"\w* reported \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w words|strong="G4487"\w* \w to|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w magistrates|strong="G4755"\w*, \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w afraid|strong="G5399"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* heard \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w Romans|strong="G4514"\w*;  
\v 39 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w appealed|strong="G3870"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* leading \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w out|strong="G1806"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w asked|strong="G2065"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* leave \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w city|strong="G4172"\w*.  
\v 40 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* exiting \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w prison|strong="G5438"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w entered|strong="G1525"\w* \w Lydia|strong="G3070"\w*'s place, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w upon|strong="G1161"\w* \w seeing|strong="G3708"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* brothers \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w encouraged|strong="G3870"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w departed|strong="G1831"\w*.   
\c 17  
\s2 Thessalonica  
\m
\v 1 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w passed|strong="G3588"\w* \w through|strong="G1353"\w* Amphipolis \w and|strong="G2532"\w* Apollonia, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Thessalonica|strong="G2332"\w*, \w where|strong="G3699"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w synagogue|strong="G4864"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w*.  
\v 2 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w*, \w as|strong="G1161"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w his|strong="G1438"\w* \w custom|strong="G1486"\w*, \w went|strong="G1525"\w* \w in|strong="G1909"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w for|strong="G1909"\w* \w three|strong="G5140"\w* \w Sabbaths|strong="G4521"\w* \w reasoned|strong="G1256"\w* \w with|strong="G4314"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Scriptures|strong="G1124"\w*,  
\v 3 \w explaining|strong="G1272"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w demonstrating|strong="G3908"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Messiah|strong="G5547"\w* \w had|strong="G2424"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w suffer|strong="G3958"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w rise|strong="G1163"\w* \w again|strong="G2532"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w dead|strong="G3498"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* “\w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w proclaim|strong="G2605"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Messiah|strong="G5547"\w*.”  
\v 4 \w Some|strong="G5100"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w persuaded|strong="G3982"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w joined|strong="G4345"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Silas|strong="G4609"\w*, \w as|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w large|strong="G4183"\w* \w number|strong="G4128"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w devout|strong="G4576"\w* \w Greeks|strong="G1672"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w few|strong="G3641"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w prominent|strong="G4413"\w* \w women|strong="G1135"\w*.   
\p
\v 5 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* disobedient \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w*\f + \fr 17:5 \ft They were fundamentally disobedient to God, and so fell in with Satan's agenda. (Some 20% of the Greek manuscripts add ‘becoming envious’, but they do so in a variety of ways—the confusion is reflected in the versions.)\f* rounded \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w some|strong="G5100"\w* \w wicked|strong="G4190"\w* \w men|strong="G5100"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* marketplace, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* forming \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w mob|strong="G3792"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* created \w an|strong="G2532"\w* \w uproar|strong="G2350"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w city|strong="G4172"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w attacking|strong="G2186"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jason|strong="G2394"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w wanted|strong="G2212"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w bring|strong="G4254"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w out|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* crowd.  
\v 6 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w finding|strong="G2147"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w dragged|strong="G4951"\w* \w Jason|strong="G2394"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w some|strong="G5100"\w* \w other|strong="G1161"\w* brothers \w before|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w city|strong="G4173"\w* officials vociferating: “\w These|strong="G3778"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* upset \w the|strong="G2532"\w* whole \w world|strong="G3625"\w*\f + \fr 17:6 \ft Of course this was not intended as a compliment, but I personally wouldn't mind having this epithet/epitaph on my tombstone (if I ever have one).\f* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G3918"\w* \w here|strong="G1759"\w* \w too|strong="G2532"\w*,  
\v 7 \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w Jason|strong="G2394"\w* \w has|strong="G3739"\w* given lodging. \w These|strong="G3778"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w act|strong="G4238"\w* contrary \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w decrees|strong="G1378"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Caesar|strong="G2541"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w another|strong="G2087"\w* \w king|strong="G3588"\w*—\w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*.”  
\v 8 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* agitated \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w city|strong="G4173"\w* officials \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* heard \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w*.  
\v 9 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w took|strong="G2983"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w security|strong="G2425"\w* \w bond|strong="G2532"\w* \w from|strong="G3844"\w* \w Jason|strong="G2394"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w rest|strong="G3062"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w let|strong="G2983"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w go|strong="G2532"\w*.   
\s2 Berea  
\p
\v 10 \w Immediately|strong="G2112"\w*, \w during|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w night|strong="G3571"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* brothers \w sent|strong="G1599"\w* \w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Silas|strong="G4609"\w* \w away|strong="G1599"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* Berea; \w on|strong="G1519"\w* arriving \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2532"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w synagogue|strong="G4864"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w*.  
\v 11 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w more|strong="G2192"\w* \w noble-minded|strong="G2104"\w* \w than|strong="G2104"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Thessalonica|strong="G2332"\w*, \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w received|strong="G1209"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w word|strong="G3056"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* goodwill, examining \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Scriptures|strong="G1124"\w* \w daily|strong="G2250"\w* \w to|strong="G2596"\w* see \w whether|strong="G1487"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w might|strong="G2192"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w so|strong="G3779"\w*.\f + \fr 17:11 \ft So I wonder why Paul wrote to the Thessalonians and not to the Bereans.\f*  
\v 12 \w Therefore|strong="G3767"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w believed|strong="G4100"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w few|strong="G3641"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Greeks|strong="G1674"\w*, \w prominent|strong="G2158"\w* \w women|strong="G1135"\w* \w as|strong="G2532"\w* \w well|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G2532"\w* \w men|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 13 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w* \w from|strong="G2064"\w* \w Thessalonica|strong="G2332"\w* \w learned|strong="G1097"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Word|strong="G3056"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w being|strong="G2532"\w* \w proclaimed|strong="G2605"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* Berea, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w too|strong="G2532"\w*, \w agitating|strong="G4531"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w crowds|strong="G3793"\w*.  
\v 14 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w*, \w without|strong="G2532"\w* delay, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* brothers \w sent|strong="G1821"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w away|strong="G1821"\w*, \w as|strong="G1161"\w* \w if|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w go|strong="G4198"\w* \w by|strong="G1909"\w* \w sea|strong="G2281"\w*, \w while|strong="G2193"\w* \w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w Silas|strong="G4609"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Timothy|strong="G5095"\w* \w remained|strong="G5278"\w* \w there|strong="G1563"\w*.  
\v 15 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* conducting \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w actually|strong="G2532"\w* \w took|strong="G2983"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w all|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w way|strong="G5613"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* Athens;\f + \fr 17:15 \ft They started toward the sea, to mislead any pursuers, but actually went overland to Athens; his escort stayed with him all the way.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w receiving|strong="G2983"\w* \w a|strong="G5613"\w* \w command|strong="G1785"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w Silas|strong="G4609"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Timothy|strong="G5095"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w should|strong="G3588"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w quickly|strong="G5036"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* possible, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* started \w back|strong="G4314"\w*.   
\s2 Athens  
\p
\v 16 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w while|strong="G1722"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w waiting|strong="G1551"\w* \w for|strong="G1161"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* Athens, \w his|strong="G1438"\w* \w spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* increasingly aroused \w within|strong="G1722"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w observed|strong="G2334"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w city|strong="G4172"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w full|strong="G1722"\w* \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w idols|strong="G2712"\w*.  
\v 17 \w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w reasoned|strong="G1256"\w* \w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w synagogue|strong="G4864"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w devout|strong="G4576"\w* \w persons|strong="G4576"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* marketplace \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w happened|strong="G3909"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w*.  
\v 18 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w philosophers|strong="G5386"\w*, \w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w Epicureans|strong="G1946"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* Stoics, \w encountered|strong="G4820"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*. \w Some|strong="G5100"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w What|strong="G5101"\w* \w might|strong="G2532"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* idea-scavenger\f + \fr 17:18 \ft They were not trying to be nice.\f* \w want|strong="G2309"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w*?” \w Others|strong="G3588"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w seems|strong="G1380"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w proclaimer|strong="G2604"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* foreign \w deities|strong="G1140"\w*”—\w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w preaching|strong="G2097"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* resurrection.  
\v 19 \w So|strong="G5037"\w* \w taking|strong="G1949"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1909"\w* tow \w they|strong="G3588"\w* led \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1909"\w* Areopagus \w and|strong="G5037"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w May|strong="G1410"\w* \w we|strong="G3778"\w* \w know|strong="G1097"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w new|strong="G2537"\w* \w teaching|strong="G1322"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* presenting?  
\v 20 \w Because|strong="G1063"\w* \w you|strong="G1510"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w bringing|strong="G1533"\w* \w some|strong="G5100"\w* \w strange|strong="G3579"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w our|strong="G1510"\w* ears, \w and|strong="G3767"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w would|strong="G2309"\w* \w like|strong="G2309"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w know|strong="G1097"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w they|strong="G3588"\w* \w might|strong="G3778"\w* \w mean|strong="G2309"\w*.”\f + \fr 17:20 \ft Here they are reasonably polite.\f*  
\v 21 (\w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* Athenians \w and|strong="G2532"\w* resident \w foreigners|strong="G3581"\w* spent \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w time|strong="G2119"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w nothing|strong="G3762"\w* \w else|strong="G2228"\w* \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w tell|strong="G3004"\w*, \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w else|strong="G2228"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* hear, \w some|strong="G5100"\w* novelty.)   
\s2 Paul's Areopagus address  
\p
\v 22 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w standing|strong="G2476"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w middle|strong="G3319"\w* \w of|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* Areopagus \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w said|strong="G5346"\w*: “\w Men|strong="G3956"\w* \w of|strong="G1722"\w* Athens, \w I|strong="G1161"\w* \w perceive|strong="G2334"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w very|strong="G3588"\w* religious;  
\v 23 \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w went|strong="G1330"\w* \w along|strong="G2532"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* scrutinized \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w objects|strong="G4574"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w worship|strong="G4574"\w*, \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w found|strong="G2147"\w* \w an|strong="G2532"\w* \w altar|strong="G1041"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w inscription|strong="G1924"\w*: \w TO|strong="G2532"\w* UNKNOWN \w GOD|strong="G2316"\w*. \w Now|strong="G2532"\w* \w then|strong="G3767"\w*, \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w one|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w worship|strong="G4574"\w* \w as|strong="G1722"\w* ‘unknown’, \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w One|strong="G3739"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w proclaim|strong="G2605"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*:  
\v 24 \w The|strong="G1722"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w made|strong="G4160"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w world|strong="G2889"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w everything|strong="G3956"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*, since \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w earth|strong="G1093"\w*, \w does|strong="G4160"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w dwell|strong="G2730"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w temples|strong="G3485"\w* \w built|strong="G2532"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w hands|strong="G5499"\w*,  
\v 25 \w neither|strong="G3761"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* cared \w for|strong="G2532"\w* \w by|strong="G5259"\w* \w men|strong="G3956"\w*'s \w hands|strong="G5495"\w*, \w as|strong="G2532"\w* \w though|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w needed|strong="G4326"\w* \w anything|strong="G5100"\w*, since \w He|strong="G2532"\w* Himself \w has|strong="G5100"\w* \w always|strong="G3956"\w* \w given|strong="G1325"\w* \w life|strong="G2222"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w breath|strong="G4157"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w*.\f + \fr 17:25 \ft I would say that Paul illustrates the best strategy to use with an audience that has no biblical background—start with the Sovereign Creator. Note that Paul affirms that everyone owes his life to Him.\f*  
\v 26 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* blood\f + \fr 17:26 \ft Modern medicine has discovered this to be true; blood transfusions across racial boundaries are perfectly possible. Some 4.5% of the Greek manuscripts omit ‘blood’ (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w made|strong="G4160"\w* \w every|strong="G3956"\w* ethnic \w nation|strong="G1484"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w men|strong="G3956"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w dwell|strong="G2730"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* surface \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w earth|strong="G1093"\w*, \w having|strong="G2532"\w* \w determined|strong="G3724"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w appointed|strong="G4160"\w* \w times|strong="G2540"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w boundaries|strong="G3734"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* dwellings,\f + \fr 17:26 \ft God is involved in human history. Paul may have been thinking of Deuteronomy 32:8.\f*  
\v 27 \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w should|strong="G2316"\w* \w seek|strong="G2212"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G3588"\w*,\f + \fr 17:27 \ft Instead of ‘the Lord’, some 45% of the Greek manuscripts read ‘God’ (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w if|strong="G1487"\w* perhaps \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w might|strong="G2532"\w* \w grope|strong="G5584"\w* \w for|strong="G1520"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w find|strong="G2147"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w though|strong="G1487"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w far|strong="G3112"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w each|strong="G1538"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w us|strong="G2249"\w*;  
\v 28 \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w we|strong="G1063"\w* \w live|strong="G2198"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w move|strong="G2795"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w our|strong="G2532"\w* \w being|strong="G1510"\w*.\f + \fr 17:28 \ft Here is a fundamental truth, whether people recognize it or not. All God has to do is deprive you of oxygen for a few minutes and you die.\f* \w As|strong="G5613"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w some|strong="G5100"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* own \w poets|strong="G4163"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w we|strong="G1063"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G1722"\w* \w offspring|strong="G1085"\w*.’\f + \fr 17:28 \ft Paul demonstrated a knowledge of their literature.\f*  
\v 29 \w Therefore|strong="G3767"\w*, since \w we|strong="G2532"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*'s \w offspring|strong="G1085"\w*, \w we|strong="G2532"\w* \w ought|strong="G3784"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w think|strong="G3543"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* divinity \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w like|strong="G3664"\w* \w gold|strong="G5557"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* silver \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w stone|strong="G3037"\w*—\w something|strong="G1510"\w* shaped \w by|strong="G2532"\w* human \w skill|strong="G5078"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w imagination|strong="G1761"\w*.\f + \fr 17:29 \ft If we are God's offspring He must have all the capabilities we have, only bigger and better; and we are not metal or stone.\f*  
\v 30 \w Such|strong="G3588"\w* \w times|strong="G5550"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* ignorance \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w did|strong="G2316"\w* \w indeed|strong="G3303"\w* overlook, \w but|strong="G3767"\w* \w now|strong="G3568"\w* \w He|strong="G3588"\w* \w commands|strong="G3853"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w people|strong="G3956"\w* \w everywhere|strong="G3837"\w* \w to|strong="G2316"\w* \w repent|strong="G3340"\w*,  
\v 31 \w because|strong="G1537"\w* \w He|strong="G3739"\w* \w has|strong="G3739"\w* \w appointed|strong="G3724"\w* \w a|strong="G1722"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w He|strong="G3739"\w* \w will|strong="G3195"\w* \w judge|strong="G2919"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w inhabited|strong="G3625"\w* \w world|strong="G3625"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w righteousness|strong="G1343"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Man|strong="G3956"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w He|strong="G3739"\w* \w has|strong="G3739"\w* \w ordained|strong="G3724"\w*; \w He|strong="G3739"\w* \w has|strong="G3739"\w* \w given|strong="G3930"\w* \w assurance|strong="G4102"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w this|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G3195"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* raising \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w dead|strong="G3498"\w*.”\f + \fr 17:31 \ft The resurrection of Jesus is central to our Faith for several reasons. Here Paul says it guarantees that we will be judged, righteously.\f*   
\p
\v 32 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* heard \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* resurrection \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w dead|strong="G3498"\w*, \w some|strong="G3588"\w* started scoffing,\f + \fr 17:32 \ft Satan hates the resurrection, and people controlled by him almost always react adversely to it (as Festus will do in chapter 26).\f* \w while|strong="G1161"\w* \w others|strong="G3588"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w We|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* hear \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w again|strong="G3825"\w* \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w*.”\f + \fr 17:32 \ft Evidently they never got another chance. People who try to impose their agenda on God usually do not do very well.\f*  
\v 33 \w And|strong="G3972"\w* \w with|strong="G1537"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w went|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w among|strong="G1537"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.\f + \fr 17:33 \ft Corinth became the hub of the Church for Greece, not Athens (see 18:11 below).\f*  
\v 34 \w However|strong="G1161"\w* \w some|strong="G5100"\w* \w men|strong="G5100"\w* \w believed|strong="G4100"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w joined|strong="G2853"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w Dionysius|strong="G1354"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* Areopagite, \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w woman|strong="G1135"\w* \w named|strong="G3686"\w* \w Damaris|strong="G1152"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w others|strong="G2087"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.   
\c 18  
\ms1 Consolidation of the Gentile Church  
\s1 Corinth  
\m
\v 1 \w Now|strong="G3326"\w* \w after|strong="G3326"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3588"\w* \w left|strong="G5563"\w* Athens \w and|strong="G2064"\w* \w went|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Corinth|strong="G2882"\w*.  
\v 2 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* encountering \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w Jew|strong="G2453"\w* \w named|strong="G3686"\w* Aquila, \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w native|strong="G1085"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w Pontus|strong="G4193"\w*, \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w recently|strong="G4373"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w from|strong="G2064"\w* \w Italy|strong="G2482"\w* \w with|strong="G1223"\w* \w his|strong="G3956"\w* \w wife|strong="G1135"\w* \w Priscilla|strong="G4252"\w* (\w because|strong="G1223"\w* \w Claudius|strong="G2804"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w ordered|strong="G1299"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w depart|strong="G5563"\w* \w from|strong="G2064"\w* \w Rome|strong="G4516"\w*), \w he|strong="G2532"\w* joined \w them|strong="G3588"\w*;  
\v 3 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w because|strong="G1223"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* practiced \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w same|strong="G3673"\w* \w trade|strong="G3673"\w*, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w stayed|strong="G3306"\w* \w on|strong="G1510"\w* \w with|strong="G3844"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w worked|strong="G2038"\w* (\w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w trade|strong="G3673"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* tentmaker).\f + \fr 18:3 \ft Paul supported himself.\f*   
\p
\v 4 \w Every|strong="G3956"\w* \w Sabbath|strong="G4521"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w synagogue|strong="G4864"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w would|strong="G2532"\w* reason \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Greeks|strong="G1672"\w*, trying \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w persuade|strong="G3982"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 5 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w Silas|strong="G4609"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Timothy|strong="G5095"\w* \w came|strong="G2718"\w* \w down|strong="G2718"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w Macedonia|strong="G3109"\w*, \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* constrained \w by|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G3588"\w*,\f + \fr 18:5 \ft Instead of ‘Spirit’, some 6% of the Greek manuscripts read ‘word’ (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.)\f* \w solemnly|strong="G1263"\w* insisting \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w*: \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*.\f + \fr 18:5 \ft Paul could now turn physical details over to Silas and Timothy (who evidently did not get to Athens before Paul left there) and concentrate on the spiritual. The Holy Spirit has him really bear down on the Jews, obliging them to make a choice. Paul then turned his full attention to the Gentile population.\f*  
\v 6 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w since|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w kept|strong="G2532"\w* contradicting \w and|strong="G2532"\w* blaspheming, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w shook|strong="G1621"\w* \w his|strong="G1438"\w* \w clothes|strong="G2440"\w*\f + \fr 18:6 \ft The idea was presumably to get rid of any dust; this was far less serious than shaking the dust off the feet, but he was clearly severing ‘diplomatic relations’ with them.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Your|strong="G2532"\w* blood \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w own|strong="G1438"\w* \w heads|strong="G2776"\w*! \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1473"\w* \w clean|strong="G2513"\w*. \w From|strong="G2532"\w* \w now|strong="G1161"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w go|strong="G4198"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Gentiles|strong="G1484"\w*.”   
\s2 The house of Justus becomes the base  
\p
\v 7 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* moved \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w man|strong="G5100"\w* \w named|strong="G3686"\w* \w Justus|strong="G2459"\w*, \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w worshiper|strong="G4576"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, \w whose|strong="G3739"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w next|strong="G4927"\w* door \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w synagogue|strong="G4864"\w*.  
\v 8 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w Crispus|strong="G2921"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* ruler \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* synagogue, \w believed|strong="G4100"\w* \w on|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w all|strong="G3650"\w* \w his|strong="G2532"\w* \w household|strong="G3624"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* hearing, \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Corinthians|strong="G2881"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w believing|strong="G4100"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w being|strong="G2532"\w* baptized.  
\v 9 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w by|strong="G1223"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w vision|strong="G3705"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w night|strong="G3571"\w*: “\w Do|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w afraid|strong="G5399"\w*; \w rather|strong="G1161"\w* \w speak|strong="G2980"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w keep|strong="G3361"\w* \w silent|strong="G4623"\w*,  
\v 10 \w because|strong="G1360"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1510"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w no|strong="G3762"\w* \w one|strong="G3762"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w attack|strong="G2007"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w harm|strong="G2559"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*,\f + \fr 18:10 \ft He had been stoned and left for dead in Lystra, and been severely beaten in Philippi, so this was doubtless an encouraging word.\f* \w because|strong="G1360"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w city|strong="G4172"\w*.”  
\v 11 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* stayed \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w for|strong="G1161"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w year|strong="G1763"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w six|strong="G1803"\w* \w months|strong="G3376"\w*, \w teaching|strong="G1321"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Word|strong="G3056"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.\f + \fr 18:11 \ft They got a reasonably good theological education, which, however, did not exempt them from problems. It is not enough to know the truth; it must be lived, it must be applied.\f*   
\s2 Gallio  
\p
\v 12 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w while|strong="G1161"\w* \w Gallio|strong="G1058"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* proconsul \w of|strong="G2532"\w* Achaia, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w accord|strong="G3661"\w* \w rose|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G2721"\w* \w against|strong="G1909"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w brought|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* judgment seat,  
\v 13 \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w This|strong="G3778"\w* fellow persuades \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w people|strong="G3778"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w worship|strong="G4576"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w contrary|strong="G3844"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w law|strong="G3551"\w*.”  
\v 14 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w about|strong="G3195"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* open \w his|strong="G2596"\w* \w mouth|strong="G4750"\w*, \w Gallio|strong="G1058"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w*: “\w If|strong="G1487"\w* \w there|strong="G1161"\w* really \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w some|strong="G5100"\w* misdeed \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w wicked|strong="G4190"\w* \w crime|strong="G4467"\w*, \w O|strong="G5599"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w*, \w there|strong="G1161"\w* \w would|strong="G3195"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w reason|strong="G3056"\w* \w for|strong="G4314"\w* \w me|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* bear \w with|strong="G4314"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*;  
\v 15 \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w since|strong="G1161"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w an|strong="G2532"\w* \w issue|strong="G2213"\w* \w over|strong="G4012"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w word|strong="G3056"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w names|strong="G3686"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* own \w law|strong="G3551"\w*, \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w yourselves|strong="G4771"\w*; \w because|strong="G1161"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w refuse|strong="G3756"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w judge|strong="G2923"\w* \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w such|strong="G3778"\w* \w matters|strong="G3056"\w*.”  
\v 16 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* drove \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* judgment seat.  
\v 17 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Greeks\f + \fr 18:17 \ft Less than 2% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit ‘the Greeks’ (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w took|strong="G1949"\w* \w Sosthenes|strong="G4988"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* ruler \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* synagogue,\f + \fr 18:17 \ft Since Crispus had ‘defected’ to Christianity, he was replaced as ruler of the synagogue by Sosthenes.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w beat|strong="G5180"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w front|strong="G1715"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* judgment seat. \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w none|strong="G3762"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* delay \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Gallio|strong="G1058"\w*.\f + \fr 18:17 \ft Instead of ‘delay’, some 15% of the Greek manuscripts read ‘concern’, as in most versions. Gallio was doubtless a busy man, with his own plans, and did not want to be detained.\f*   
\s1 To Ephesus and Antioch  
\p
\v 18 \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w still|strong="G2089"\w* \w remained|strong="G4357"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w good|strong="G2425"\w* \w while|strong="G1722"\w*, \w then|strong="G2532"\w* \w took|strong="G2532"\w* leave \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* brothers \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w sailed|strong="G1602"\w* \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w Syria|strong="G4947"\w*, \w accompanied|strong="G4862"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w Priscilla|strong="G4252"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* Aquila (\w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2192"\w* shaved \w his|strong="G1519"\w* \w head|strong="G2776"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Cenchrea|strong="G2747"\w*, \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2192"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w vow|strong="G2171"\w*).\f + \fr 18:18 \ft Apparently such a vow could only be brought to a satisfactory conclusion in the temple at Jerusalem. I take it that this was a leftover from his Jewish religion.\f*  
\v 19 \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w came|strong="G1525"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Ephesus|strong="G2181"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w left|strong="G2641"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w there|strong="G1161"\w* (\w after|strong="G1161"\w* having \w entered|strong="G1525"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w synagogue|strong="G4864"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w reasoned|strong="G1256"\w* \w with|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w*).  
\v 20 \w When|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w asked|strong="G2065"\w* \w him|strong="G2065"\w* \w to|strong="G1909"\w* \w stay|strong="G3306"\w* \w a|strong="G1909"\w* \w longer|strong="G4119"\w* \w time|strong="G5550"\w* \w with|strong="G1909"\w* \w them|strong="G4183"\w*, \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w did|strong="G3756"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w consent|strong="G1962"\w*;  
\v 21 \w rather|strong="G2309"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w took|strong="G2532"\w* leave \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w must|strong="G3588"\w* \w by|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G2532"\w* \w means|strong="G3004"\w* keep \w this|strong="G3588"\w* \w coming|strong="G2316"\w* feast \w in|strong="G2532"\w* Jerusalem;\f + \fr 18:21 \ft Perhaps 3% of the Greek manuscripts, of inferior quality, omit ‘I must by all means keep this coming feast in Jerusalem’ (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2309"\w* return \w again|strong="G3825"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w willing|strong="G2309"\w*.”\f + \fr 18:21 \ft In fact, God did will it.\f* \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w set|strong="G2532"\w* sail \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w Ephesus|strong="G2181"\w*.   
\p
\v 22 \w When|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w landed|strong="G2718"\w* \w at|strong="G1519"\w* \w Caesarea|strong="G2542"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* gone \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* greeted \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w church|strong="G1577"\w* [\w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G1519"\w*],\f + \fr 18:22 \ft Because Jerusalem was at a higher elevation than most of the rest of the country, travel to and from there is almost always described as ‘up to’ and ‘down from’.\f* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* returned \w to|strong="G1519"\w* Antioch.  
\v 23 \w After|strong="G2532"\w* spending \w some|strong="G5100"\w* \w time|strong="G5550"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w*, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w departed|strong="G1831"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G1831"\w* \w through|strong="G1330"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w region|strong="G5561"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Galatia|strong="G1054"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Phrygia|strong="G5435"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w order|strong="G2517"\w*, \w strengthening|strong="G4741"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w*.   
\s2 Apollos  
\p
\v 24 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w a|strong="G1519"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w Jew|strong="G2453"\w* \w named|strong="G3686"\w* Apollos, \w a|strong="G1519"\w* \w native|strong="G1085"\w* \w of|strong="G3686"\w* Alexandria, \w an|strong="G1519"\w* \w eloquent|strong="G3052"\w* \w man|strong="G5100"\w*, \w mighty|strong="G1415"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Scriptures|strong="G1124"\w*, \w arrived|strong="G2658"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Ephesus|strong="G2181"\w*.  
\v 25 \w This|strong="G3778"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w* \w had|strong="G2424"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* \w instructed|strong="G2727"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w way|strong="G3598"\w* \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w being|strong="G1510"\w* \w fervent|strong="G2204"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w speaking|strong="G2980"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w teaching|strong="G1321"\w* accurately \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w* \w concerning|strong="G4012"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*,\f + \fr 18:25 \ft I follow the best line of transmission in reading ‘Jesus’; some 65% of the Greek manuscripts read ‘the Lord’, as in AV and NKJV.\f* \w although|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* knew \w only|strong="G3440"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* baptism \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w*.  
\v 26 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w began|strong="G1161"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w speak|strong="G3955"\w* \w boldly|strong="G3955"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w synagogue|strong="G4864"\w*. \w When|strong="G1161"\w* \w Priscilla|strong="G4252"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* Aquila heard \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w took|strong="G4355"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w aside|strong="G4355"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w explained|strong="G1620"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w way|strong="G3598"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w more|strong="G2532"\w* accurately.   
\p
\v 27 \w When|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* decided \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w go|strong="G1330"\w* \w across|strong="G1330"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* Achaia, \w the|strong="G1519"\w* brothers \w encouraged|strong="G4389"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w wrote|strong="G1125"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* receive \w him|strong="G3588"\w*;\f + \fr 18:27 \ft Letters of introduction are a good safeguard against opportunists.\f* \w upon|strong="G1519"\w* arriving \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w a|strong="G1519"\w* \w great|strong="G4183"\w* help \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w had|strong="G3739"\w* \w believed|strong="G4100"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w Grace|strong="G5485"\w*;  
\v 28 \w because|strong="G1223"\w* \w he|strong="G3588"\w* \w kept|strong="G2424"\w* refuting \w the|strong="G1223"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w* \w vigorously|strong="G1246"\w*, \w publicly|strong="G1219"\w*, \w demonstrating|strong="G1925"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w to|strong="G2424"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G1223"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*, \w from|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1223"\w* \w Scriptures|strong="G1124"\w*.\f + \fr 18:28 \ft Since he explained the Scriptures the same way that Paul did, it was no longer just one man's interpretation.\f*   
\c 19  
\s1 Back to Ephesus  
\m
\v 1 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w while|strong="G1722"\w* Apollos \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w Corinth|strong="G2882"\w*, \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w*, \w having|strong="G2532"\w* \w passed|strong="G1330"\w* \w through|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* upper \w country|strong="G3313"\w*, \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Ephesus|strong="G2181"\w*.  
\s2 \w Disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w John|strong="G2532"\w*  
\p \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w finding|strong="G2147"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w*  
\v 2 \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Did|strong="G1510"\w* \w you|strong="G1487"\w* \w receive|strong="G2983"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w Holy|strong="G4151"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w you|strong="G1487"\w* \w believed|strong="G4100"\w*?” \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w we|strong="G1161"\w* \w have|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3761"\w* \w so|strong="G1161"\w* much \w as|strong="G1161"\w* heard \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w there|strong="G1161"\w* \nd \+w is|strong="G1510"\+w*\nd* \w a|strong="G2983"\w* \w Holy|strong="G4151"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w*!”  
\v 3 \w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Into|strong="G1519"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w then|strong="G3767"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G3004"\w* baptized?” \w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Into|strong="G1519"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w*'s baptism.”\f + \fr 19:3 \ft Perhaps they were the result of some of Apollos' early ministry. Paul evidently sensed that there was something lacking in them.\f*  
\v 4 \w So|strong="G2443"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w John|strong="G2491"\w* \w indeed|strong="G1161"\w* baptized \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w a|strong="G1519"\w* baptism \w of|strong="G2424"\w* \w repentance|strong="G3341"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w should|strong="G3588"\w* \w believe|strong="G4100"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w One|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w would|strong="G2064"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w after|strong="G3326"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w*, \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*, \w the|strong="G1519"\w* Christ.”\f + \fr 19:4 \ft Perhaps 4% of the Greek manuscripts omit ‘the Christ’ (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f*  
\v 5 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w upon|strong="G1519"\w* hearing \w this|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* baptized \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w of|strong="G3686"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*.  
\v 6 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G2532"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w laid|strong="G2007"\w* \w his|strong="G1438"\w* \w hands|strong="G5495"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Holy|strong="G4151"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*,\f + \fr 19:6 \ft This was an important confirmation that Paul's clarification was correct.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* started \w speaking|strong="G2980"\w* \w languages|strong="G1100"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w prophesying|strong="G4395"\w*.  
\v 7 \w There|strong="G1161"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w about|strong="G5616"\w* \w twelve|strong="G1427"\w* \w men|strong="G3956"\w* \w in|strong="G3956"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w*.   
\s2 The school of Tyrannus becomes the base  
\p
\v 8 \w During|strong="G1909"\w* \w three|strong="G5140"\w* \w months|strong="G3376"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3588"\w* \w kept|strong="G2532"\w* \w going|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w synagogue|strong="G4864"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w speaking|strong="G3955"\w* \w boldly|strong="G3955"\w*, \w reasoning|strong="G1256"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w persuading|strong="G3982"\w* \w concerning|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Kingdom \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*.  
\v 9 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w some|strong="G5100"\w* \w became|strong="G3101"\w* \w hardened|strong="G4645"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* disobedient, maligning \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Way|strong="G3598"\w* \w before|strong="G1799"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w crowd|strong="G4128"\w*, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* withdrew \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* separated \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w*, \w reasoning|strong="G1256"\w* \w daily|strong="G2250"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w school|strong="G4981"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w a|strong="G5613"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w Tyrannus|strong="G5181"\w*.\f + \fr 19:9 \ft Paul had already done this sort of thing in Corinth; it was a good strategy.\f*  
\v 10 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w continued|strong="G1096"\w* \w for|strong="G1909"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w years|strong="G2094"\w*, \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w lived|strong="G2730"\w* \w in|strong="G1909"\w* \w Asia|strong="G3588"\w*, \w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Greeks|strong="G1672"\w*, heard \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Word|strong="G3056"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2532"\w*.\f + \fr 19:10 \ft Perhaps 13% of the Greek manuscripts omit ‘Jesus’ (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f*   
\p
\v 11 Further, \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w kept|strong="G4160"\w* \w working|strong="G4160"\w* unusual \w miracles|strong="G1411"\w* \w by|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G1223"\w* \w hands|strong="G5495"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w*,  
\v 12 \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w handkerchiefs|strong="G4676"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w aprons|strong="G4612"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* touched \w were|strong="G3588"\w* applied \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* sick, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w diseases|strong="G3554"\w* left \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w wicked|strong="G4190"\w* \w spirits|strong="G4151"\w* \w went|strong="G2532"\w* \w out|strong="G1607"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.\f + \fr 19:12 \ft This sort of thing is definitely ‘news’, and it would spread far and wide.\f*   
\s2 Some fake exorcists  
\p
\v 13 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w some|strong="G5100"\w* \w among|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w itinerant|strong="G4022"\w* \w Jewish|strong="G2453"\w* \w exorcists|strong="G1845"\w* \w attempted|strong="G2021"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* invoke \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w over|strong="G1909"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w had|strong="G2192"\w* \w wicked|strong="G4190"\w* \w spirits|strong="G4151"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w We|strong="G3739"\w* \w adjure|strong="G3726"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w by|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w preaches|strong="G2784"\w*.”  
\v 14 \w In|strong="G1161"\w* \w fact|strong="G3778"\w* \w there|strong="G1161"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w seven|strong="G2033"\w* \w sons|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w Sceva|strong="G4630"\w*, \w a|strong="G1510"\w* \w Jewish|strong="G2453"\w* chief priest, \w who|strong="G2453"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w doing|strong="G4160"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w*.  
\v 15 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* particular \w wicked|strong="G4190"\w* \w spirit|strong="G4151"\w* reacted \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w know|strong="G1097"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w am|strong="G1510"\w* \w acquainted|strong="G1987"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w who|strong="G5101"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*?”  
\v 16 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w man|strong="G4190"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w wicked|strong="G4190"\w* \w spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w jumped|strong="G2177"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w overpowered|strong="G2480"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*; \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w much|strong="G2480"\w* stronger \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w ran|strong="G2532"\w* \w out|strong="G1537"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w house|strong="G3624"\w* \w naked|strong="G1131"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w wounded|strong="G5135"\w*.  
\v 17 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w became|strong="G1096"\w* \w known|strong="G1110"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w*, \w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Greeks|strong="G1672"\w*, \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w lived|strong="G2730"\w* \w in|strong="G1909"\w* \w Ephesus|strong="G2181"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w fear|strong="G5401"\w* \w fell|strong="G1968"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w being|strong="G1096"\w* \w exalted|strong="G3170"\w*.   
\p
\v 18 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w believed|strong="G4100"\w* started \w coming|strong="G2064"\w*, \w confessing|strong="G1843"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* disclosing \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w practices|strong="G4234"\w*.  
\v 19 \w In|strong="G2532"\w* fact, \w many|strong="G2425"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w practiced|strong="G4238"\w* \w magic|strong="G4021"\w* \w brought|strong="G4851"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* books \w together|strong="G4851"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w burned|strong="G2618"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w up|strong="G2618"\w*, \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w front|strong="G1799"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* everybody\f + \fr 19:19 \ft When people start doing this, you know their faith is real, and to do it in public would really have an impact on the populace (that was a lot of money!).\f* (\w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* calculated \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w value|strong="G5092"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* totaled \w fifty|strong="G3461"\w* \w thousand|strong="G3461"\w* \it pieces\it* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* silver).  
\v 20 \w With|strong="G2532"\w* \w power|strong="G2904"\w* \w like|strong="G2596"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w word|strong="G3056"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w kept|strong="G2532"\w* growing \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w prevailing|strong="G2480"\w*.   
\p
\v 21 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w after|strong="G3326"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w accomplished|strong="G4137"\w*, \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w resolved|strong="G4151"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w his|strong="G1519"\w* \w spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w go|strong="G4198"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2414"\w*, \w passing|strong="G1330"\w* \w through|strong="G1722"\w* \w Macedonia|strong="G3109"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* Achaia, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w After|strong="G3326"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G1096"\w* \w there|strong="G1563"\w*, \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w must|strong="G1163"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w Rome|strong="G4516"\w*.”\f + \fr 19:21 \ft His apostolic spirit wanted not only Rome, but Spain (Romans 15:28).\f*  
\v 22 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w sent|strong="G2532"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w ministered|strong="G1247"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w Timothy|strong="G5095"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Erastus|strong="G2037"\w*, \w on|strong="G1519"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Macedonia|strong="G3109"\w*, \w while|strong="G5550"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w himself|strong="G1519"\w* \w stayed|strong="G1907"\w* \w on|strong="G1519"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w Asia|strong="G3588"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w time|strong="G5550"\w*.   
\s2 Demetrius  
\p
\v 23 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w it|strong="G1161"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w during|strong="G2596"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w time|strong="G2540"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* serious \w disturbance|strong="G5017"\w* \w concerning|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w Way|strong="G3598"\w* \w occurred|strong="G1096"\w*.  
\v 24 \w A|strong="G4160"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w man|strong="G5100"\w* \w named|strong="G3686"\w* \w Demetrius|strong="G1216"\w*, \w a|strong="G4160"\w* silversmith, \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w made|strong="G4160"\w* silver \w shrines|strong="G3485"\w* \w of|strong="G3686"\w* Artemis, habitually \w brought|strong="G3930"\w* \w in|strong="G3756"\w* plenty \w of|strong="G3686"\w* \w business|strong="G2039"\w* \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* artisans;  
\v 25 \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w called|strong="G3004"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w together|strong="G4867"\w*, \w along|strong="G2532"\w* \w with|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w workmen|strong="G2040"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* related trades, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Men|strong="G3778"\w*, \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w know|strong="G1987"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w our|strong="G2532"\w* \w prosperity|strong="G2142"\w* \w depends|strong="G1510"\w* \w on|strong="G1537"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* trade.  
\v 26 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G3754"\w* \w observe|strong="G2334"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* hear \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w only|strong="G3440"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w Ephesus|strong="G2181"\w* \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w throughout|strong="G1223"\w* \w almost|strong="G4975"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w Asia|strong="G3588"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w has|strong="G2316"\w* \w persuaded|strong="G3982"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w turned|strong="G1096"\w* \w away|strong="G3179"\w* \w many|strong="G2425"\w* \w people|strong="G3793"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* handmade \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w gods|strong="G2316"\w*.  
\v 27 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w only|strong="G3440"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w trade|strong="G3313"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w ours|strong="G1473"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w danger|strong="G2793"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* falling \w into|strong="G1519"\w* disrepute,\f + \fr 19:27 \ft The crucial point was the threat to their finances, not that to Diana's reputation!\f* \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w temple|strong="G2411"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w great|strong="G3173"\w* \w goddess|strong="G2299"\w* Artemis \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* discredited, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w her|strong="G1519"\w* own \w majesty|strong="G3168"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w destroyed|strong="G2507"\w*, \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w all|strong="G3650"\w* \w Asia|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w world|strong="G3625"\w* \w worship|strong="G4576"\w*.”   
\p
\v 28 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w upon|strong="G1096"\w* hearing \w this|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w filled|strong="G4134"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w anger|strong="G2372"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w began|strong="G1096"\w* \w shouting|strong="G2896"\w*, “\w Great|strong="G3173"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* Artemis \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Ephesians|strong="G2180"\w*!”  
\v 29 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* whole \w city|strong="G4172"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w filled|strong="G4130"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w confusion|strong="G4799"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w rushed|strong="G3729"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w theater|strong="G2302"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w accord|strong="G3661"\w* (\w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w seized|strong="G4884"\w* \w Gaius|strong="G1050"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* Aristarchus, \w Macedonians|strong="G3110"\w*, \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w*'s \w traveling|strong="G4898"\w* \w companions|strong="G3588"\w*).  
\v 30 \w When|strong="G1161"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w wanted|strong="G1014"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w go|strong="G1525"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w people|strong="G1218"\w*, \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w would|strong="G1014"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w let|strong="G1439"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 31 \w Even|strong="G2532"\w* \w some|strong="G5100"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* officials \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Asia|strong="G3588"\w*, \w being|strong="G1510"\w* \w his|strong="G1438"\w* \w friends|strong="G5384"\w*, \w sent|strong="G3992"\w* \w word|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w urged|strong="G3870"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w venture|strong="G1325"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w theater|strong="G2302"\w*.\f + \fr 19:31 \ft After two years of fruitful ministry, some of the city officials would have converted, or at least appreciate the healing and deliverance he had brought.\f*  
\v 32 \w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w assembly|strong="G1577"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w confusion|strong="G4797"\w*: \w some|strong="G5100"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w shouting|strong="G2896"\w* \w one|strong="G5100"\w* \w thing|strong="G5100"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w some|strong="G5100"\w* \w another|strong="G5100"\w*; \w most|strong="G4183"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w did|strong="G1492"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w why|strong="G5101"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G4905"\w* \w together|strong="G4905"\w*.  
\v 33 \w Then|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w* pushed Alexander \w forward|strong="G4261"\w*,\f + \fr 19:33 \ft I wonder whether those Jews were friends or foes, and what they hoped to achieve.\f* \w out|strong="G1537"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w*. \w So|strong="G1161"\w* Alexander \w motioned|strong="G2678"\w* \w with|strong="G1537"\w* \w his|strong="G3588"\w* \w hand|strong="G5495"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w would|strong="G2309"\w* \w have|strong="G2309"\w* \w made|strong="G1161"\w* \w a|strong="G3793"\w* defense \w to|strong="G2309"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* \w people|strong="G3793"\w*.  
\v 34 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w realized|strong="G1921"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w Jew|strong="G2453"\w*, \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w shouted|strong="G2896"\w* \w in|strong="G1909"\w* unison \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w about|strong="G5613"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w hours|strong="G5610"\w*,\f + \fr 19:34 \ft How could their voices last for two hours? And what animated them to keep on going for so long? I suspect there was a little demonic participation.\f* “\w Great|strong="G3173"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* Artemis \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w Ephesians|strong="G2180"\w*!”   
\p
\v 35 \w When|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w city|strong="G4172"\w* \w clerk|strong="G1122"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w quieted|strong="G2687"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w*, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G5346"\w*: “\w Men|strong="G3173"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Ephesus|strong="G2180"\w*, \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w man|strong="G5101"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w does|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w know|strong="G1097"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w city|strong="G4172"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Ephesians|strong="G2180"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w temple|strong="G3511"\w* \w guardian|strong="G3511"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w great|strong="G3173"\w* goddess Artemis \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w fell|strong="G2532"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* Zeus?\f + \fr 19:35 \ft They had an image that reputedly had fallen intact from the sky.\f*  
\v 36 \w Therefore|strong="G3767"\w*, since \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* undeniable, \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w ought|strong="G1163"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w quiet|strong="G2687"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3367"\w* \w do|strong="G4238"\w* \w anything|strong="G3367"\w* \w rash|strong="G4312"\w*.  
\v 37 \w You|strong="G3778"\w* \w have|strong="G1473"\w* arrested \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w men|strong="G3778"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w neither|strong="G3777"\w* temple thieves \w nor|strong="G3777"\w* blasphemers \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w your|strong="G3588"\w* \w goddess|strong="G2316"\w*.  
\v 38 \w Now|strong="G2532"\w* \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w Demetrius|strong="G1216"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G2192"\w* fellow artisans \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w complaint|strong="G3056"\w* \w against|strong="G4314"\w* \w anyone|strong="G5100"\w*, courts \w are|strong="G1510"\w* available, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* proconsuls; \w let|strong="G3767"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w bring|strong="G1458"\w* \w charges|strong="G1458"\w* \w against|strong="G4314"\w* \w one|strong="G5100"\w* \w another|strong="G5100"\w*.  
\v 39 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w you|strong="G1487"\w* \w want|strong="G1934"\w* \w to|strong="G1722"\w* debate \w any|strong="G5100"\w* \w other|strong="G2087"\w* \w matter|strong="G5100"\w*, \w it|strong="G1161"\w* \w will|strong="G5100"\w* \w be|strong="G3588"\w* \w settled|strong="G1956"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* legal \w assembly|strong="G1577"\w*.  
\v 40 \w Indeed|strong="G2532"\w*, \w we|strong="G3739"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w danger|strong="G2793"\w* \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w being|strong="G5225"\w* charged \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w riot|strong="G4714"\w*, \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w today|strong="G4594"\w*, \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w being|strong="G5225"\w* \w no|strong="G3756"\w* \w reason|strong="G3056"\w* \w at|strong="G4012"\w* \w all|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w we|strong="G3739"\w* \w can|strong="G1410"\w* \w give|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w account|strong="G3056"\w* \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* commotion.”  
\v 41 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w having|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* dismissed \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w assembly|strong="G1577"\w*.   
\c 20  
\ms1 Paul makes his own plans  
\s1 Greece  
\m
\v 1 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w after|strong="G3326"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w uproar|strong="G2351"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* ended, \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* summoned \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w*, \w took|strong="G2532"\w* \w leave|strong="G1831"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w set|strong="G2532"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w Macedonia|strong="G3109"\w*.  
\v 2 \w When|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w gone|strong="G1330"\w* \w through|strong="G1330"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w parts|strong="G3313"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w encouraged|strong="G3870"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w words|strong="G3056"\w*, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w Greece|strong="G1671"\w*.  
\v 3 \w When|strong="G1096"\w* \w he|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G3588"\w* stayed \w three|strong="G5140"\w* \w months|strong="G3376"\w*, \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w he|strong="G3588"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w about|strong="G3195"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w set|strong="G1096"\w* sail \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w Syria|strong="G4947"\w*, \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w* \w made|strong="G4160"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w plot|strong="G1917"\w* \w against|strong="G1519"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w so|strong="G1519"\w* \w he|strong="G3588"\w* \w decided|strong="G1096"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w return|strong="G5290"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w Macedonia|strong="G3109"\w*.  
\v 4 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w Sopater|strong="G4986"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* Berea, Aristarchus \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Secundus|strong="G4580"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Thessalonians|strong="G2331"\w*, \w Gaius|strong="G1050"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Derbe|strong="G1190"\w*, \w Timothy|strong="G5095"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Tychicus|strong="G5190"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Trophimus|strong="G5161"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* Asia \w were|strong="G2532"\w* \w going|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* accompany \w him|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G1161"\w* far \w as|strong="G1161"\w* Asia;\f + \fr 20:4 \ft Just 1.1% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit ‘as far as Asia’ (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f*  
\v 5 \w so|strong="G1161"\w* having \w gone|strong="G4281"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w ahead|strong="G4281"\w*, \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w men|strong="G3778"\w* \w were|strong="G3778"\w* \w waiting|strong="G3306"\w* \w for|strong="G1161"\w* \w us|strong="G2249"\w*\f + \fr 20:5 \ft At this point Luke joins Paul again, and will stay with him until he gets to Rome, several years later.\f* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Troas|strong="G5174"\w*.  
\v 6 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w after|strong="G3326"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Days|strong="G2250"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* Unleavened Bread \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w sailed|strong="G1602"\w* \w from|strong="G2064"\w* \w Philippi|strong="G5375"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w five|strong="G4002"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* joined \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w at|strong="G1519"\w* \w Troas|strong="G5174"\w*, \w where|strong="G3699"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w stayed|strong="G1304"\w* \w seven|strong="G2033"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w*.   
\s1 Troas  
\p
\v 7 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w first|strong="G1520"\w* \w day|strong="G1887"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w week|strong="G4521"\w*,\f + \fr 20:7 \ft Note that the disciples are meeting on Sunday.\f* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3588"\w* \w being|strong="G1722"\w* \w assembled|strong="G4863"\w* \w to|strong="G3195"\w* \w break|strong="G2806"\w* bread, \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* started \w addressing|strong="G1256"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w because|strong="G1722"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* intended \w to|strong="G3195"\w* \w leave|strong="G1826"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w next|strong="G1887"\w* \w day|strong="G1887"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w continued|strong="G3905"\w* \w his|strong="G1722"\w* \w message|strong="G3056"\w* \w until|strong="G3360"\w* \w midnight|strong="G3317"\w*.  
\v 8 \w There|strong="G1161"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w many|strong="G2425"\w* \w lamps|strong="G2985"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w upper|strong="G5253"\w* \w room|strong="G5253"\w* \w where|strong="G3757"\w* \w we|strong="G1161"\w*\f + \fr 20:8 \ft Instead of “we”, perhaps 15% of the Greek manuscripts have ‘they’ (as in AV and NKJV).\f* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w assembled|strong="G4863"\w*.  
\v 9 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w young|strong="G3494"\w* \w man|strong="G5100"\w* \w named|strong="G3686"\w* \w Eutychus|strong="G2161"\w* \w sat|strong="G2516"\w* \w in|strong="G1909"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w window|strong="G2376"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w sinking|strong="G2702"\w* \w into|strong="G1909"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w deep|strong="G4183"\w* \w sleep|strong="G5258"\w* \w as|strong="G1161"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w kept|strong="G2532"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w talking|strong="G1256"\w*; \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w overcome|strong="G2702"\w* \w by|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sleep|strong="G5258"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w fell|strong="G4098"\w* \w down|strong="G4098"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w third|strong="G5152"\w* story \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* picked \w up|strong="G1909"\w* \w dead|strong="G3498"\w*.  
\v 10 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w went|strong="G2597"\w* \w down|strong="G2597"\w*, \w threw|strong="G1968"\w* himself \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w embracing|strong="G4843"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Do|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* distressed, \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w his|strong="G1722"\w* \w life|strong="G5590"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*!”  
\v 11 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G1831"\w* back \w up|strong="G1909"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w broke|strong="G2806"\w* bread, ate, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w kept|strong="G2532"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* speaking \w until|strong="G2532"\w* daybreak—\w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w how|strong="G3779"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w left|strong="G1831"\w*!  
\v 12 (\w On|strong="G1161"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w part|strong="G2532"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* led \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w boy|strong="G3816"\w* away \w alive|strong="G2198"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w greatly|strong="G3756"\w* \w comforted|strong="G3870"\w*.)\f + \fr 20:12 \ft One gets the impression that Paul simply imposed his will on the local congregation (he had already taken the bit in his teeth and was doing things his own way). They let him do it, but were probably relieved when he left. Apparently they walked Eutychus back to his home.\f*   
\p
\v 13 \w As|strong="G1161"\w* \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w us|strong="G2249"\w*, \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w went|strong="G4281"\w* \w to|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w ship|strong="G4143"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* set sail \w for|strong="G1063"\w* Assos, \w intending|strong="G3195"\w* \w to|strong="G1909"\w* \w take|strong="G1161"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* board \w there|strong="G1161"\w*—\w so|strong="G3779"\w* \w it|strong="G1161"\w* \w had|strong="G3972"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* \w arranged|strong="G1299"\w*, \w he|strong="G1161"\w* himself \w intending|strong="G3195"\w* \w to|strong="G1909"\w* \w go|strong="G4281"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* foot.\f + \fr 20:13 \ft His baggage went on the boat, so he walked without a load—good exercise.\f*  
\v 14 \w When|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w met|strong="G4820"\w* \w us|strong="G1519"\w* \w at|strong="G1519"\w* Assos \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w took|strong="G1161"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* aboard \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w went|strong="G2064"\w* \w on|strong="G1519"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* Mityline.  
\v 15 Sailing \w from|strong="G2064"\w* \w there|strong="G1161"\w*, \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w next|strong="G2087"\w* \w day|strong="G3588"\w* \w we|strong="G1161"\w* \w arrived|strong="G2064"\w* opposite \w Chios|strong="G5508"\w*, \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w day|strong="G3588"\w* \w after|strong="G1161"\w* \w we|strong="G1161"\w* \w crossed|strong="G3846"\w* \w over|strong="G1519"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Samos|strong="G4544"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* stopped \w in|strong="G1519"\w* Trogylium;\f + \fr 20:15 \ft Samos is an island, so Trogylium was presumably a settlement on that island (though we are no longer sure just where it was). Some 6% of the Greek manuscripts omit ‘and stopped in Trogylium’ (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w following|strong="G2192"\w* \w day|strong="G3588"\w* \w we|strong="G1161"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Miletus|strong="G3399"\w*.  
\v 16 (\w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w had|strong="G3972"\w* \w decided|strong="G2919"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w sail|strong="G3896"\w* \w past|strong="G1096"\w* \w Ephesus|strong="G2181"\w*, \w to|strong="G1519"\w* avoid \w being|strong="G1510"\w* detained \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Asia|strong="G3588"\w*, \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w he|strong="G3588"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w hurrying|strong="G4692"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2419"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Day|strong="G2250"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w Pentecost|strong="G4005"\w*, \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w he|strong="G3588"\w* possibly \w could|strong="G1415"\w*.)   
\s1 Miletus  
\p
\v 17 \w From|strong="G3588"\w* \w Miletus|strong="G3399"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w sent|strong="G3992"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Ephesus|strong="G2181"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* summoned \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w elders|strong="G4245"\w* \w of|strong="G1577"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w congregation|strong="G1577"\w*.\f + \fr 20:17 \ft The distance was some 30 miles, as the crow flies, and the elders had not received advance warning, so at least two days would have elapsed before they arrived (even if the messenger ran, the elders would not).\f*  
\v 18 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w had|strong="G3739"\w* \w come|strong="G1096"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w You|strong="G5210"\w* \w yourselves|strong="G4771"\w* \w know|strong="G1987"\w*, \w from|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w first|strong="G4413"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w I|strong="G3739"\w* \w arrived|strong="G3854"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w Asia|strong="G3588"\w*, \w how|strong="G4459"\w* \w I|strong="G3739"\w* lived \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w whole|strong="G3956"\w* \w time|strong="G5550"\w* \w I|strong="G3739"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*,  
\v 19 \w serving|strong="G1398"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w humility|strong="G5012"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w many|strong="G1722"\w* \w tears|strong="G1144"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w trials|strong="G3986"\w*, \w the|strong="G1722"\w* ones \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w happened|strong="G4819"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w plots|strong="G1917"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w*;  
\v 20 \w how|strong="G5613"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w shrink|strong="G5288"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* declaring \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w anything|strong="G3762"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w profitable|strong="G4851"\w*, \w teaching|strong="G1321"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w publicly|strong="G1219"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w house|strong="G3624"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w house|strong="G3624"\w*,  
\v 21 \w solemnly|strong="G1263"\w* proclaiming \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Greeks|strong="G1672"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w repentance|strong="G3341"\w* \w toward|strong="G1519"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w our|strong="G2316"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*.\f + \fr 20:21 \ft Some 25% of the Greek manuscripts add ‘Christ’, as in AV and NKJV.\f*  
\v 22 \w Now|strong="G3568"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w*, \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1473"\w* \w going|strong="G4198"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2419"\w* \w bound|strong="G1210"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w my|strong="G3708"\w* \w spirit|strong="G4151"\w*,\f + \fr 20:22 \ft This was his own spirit, not the Holy Spirit. I have a hard time trying to understand what happened to Paul. The Holy Spirit kept telling him \+nd not\+nd* to go to Jerusalem, but he is bound and determined to go anyway, only to spend years of his life in chains. Why did he do it?\f* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w knowing|strong="G1492"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w happen|strong="G4876"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w*,  
\v 23 \w except|strong="G4133"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Holy|strong="G4151"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* keeps warning \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w in|strong="G2596"\w* \w every|strong="G2596"\w* \w city|strong="G4172"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* fetters \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w afflictions|strong="G2347"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w just|strong="G2532"\w* \w waiting|strong="G3306"\w* \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*.  
\v 24 \w However|strong="G5613"\w* \w none|strong="G3762"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w this|strong="G3588"\w* moves \w me|strong="G1473"\w*, \w nor|strong="G2532"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* regard \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w life|strong="G5590"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* valuable \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w myself|strong="G1683"\w*,\f + \fr 20:24 \ft Paul's statement is a \ft \+it non sequitur\+it*. When the Holy Spirit gives repeated warnings, He is telling us to STOP!\f* \w just|strong="G5613"\w* \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w complete|strong="G5048"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w course|strong="G1408"\w* \w with|strong="G3844"\w* \w joy|strong="G5485"\w*,\f + \fr 20:24 \ft How can you complete your course with joy if you are disobedient? He is not thinking clearly. Some 3% of the Greek manuscripts omit ‘with joy’ (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w ministry|strong="G1248"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w received|strong="G2983"\w* \w from|strong="G3844"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*, \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w solemnly|strong="G1263"\w* proclaim \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Good|strong="G3588"\w* \w News|strong="G3056"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w grace|strong="G5485"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*.   
\p
\v 25 “\w Furthermore|strong="G2532"\w*, \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w none|strong="G3765"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w gone|strong="G1330"\w* \w about|strong="G1722"\w* \w proclaiming|strong="G2784"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* Kingdom \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w God|strong="G2532"\w*\f + \fr 20:25 \ft Some 3% of the Greek manuscripts omit ‘of God’ (as in NIV, NASB, LB, etc.).\f* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* ever \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w my|strong="G3708"\w* \w face|strong="G4383"\w* \w again|strong="G3765"\w*.\f + \fr 20:25 \ft How did he know this?\f*  
\v 26 \w Therefore|strong="G1360"\w* \w I|strong="G3754"\w* \w testify|strong="G3143"\w* \w to|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w this|strong="G3588"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w I|strong="G3754"\w* \w am|strong="G1510"\w* \w innocent|strong="G2513"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* blood \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w*;  
\v 27 \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w I|strong="G1063"\w* \w did|strong="G3361"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w shrink|strong="G5288"\w* \w from|strong="G3588"\w* declaring \w to|strong="G3756"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w whole|strong="G3956"\w* \w counsel|strong="G1012"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*.\f + \fr 20:27 \ft The congregation in Ephesus had been very well grounded indeed, but even so they lost their ‘lampstand’ (Revelation 2:5).\f*  
\v 28 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w take|strong="G4337"\w* \w heed|strong="G4337"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w yourselves|strong="G1438"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w flock|strong="G4168"\w*, \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Holy|strong="G4151"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w has|strong="G2316"\w* \w placed|strong="G5087"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w overseers|strong="G1985"\w*, \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w shepherd|strong="G4165"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w congregation|strong="G1577"\w* \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*\f + \fr 20:28 \ft The sheep belong to the Lord, not to the elders. Some 7% of the Greek manuscripts omit ‘the Lord and’, as in most versions. “The Lord and God” refers to Jesus.\f* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w purchased|strong="G4046"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w His|strong="G1438"\w* \w own|strong="G2398"\w* blood.  
\v 29 \w Because|strong="G3754"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w this|strong="G3588"\w*, \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w after|strong="G3326"\w* \w my|strong="G1525"\w* departure savage \w wolves|strong="G3074"\w* \w will|strong="G1473"\w* \w come|strong="G1525"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w among|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w sparing|strong="G5339"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w flock|strong="G4168"\w*.  
\v 30 Yes, \w men|strong="G3588"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* rise \w up|strong="G1537"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w among|strong="G1537"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w yourselves|strong="G1438"\w*, \w speaking|strong="G2980"\w* distorted \w things|strong="G3588"\w*, \w to|strong="G2532"\w* draw \w away|strong="G1294"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w after|strong="G3694"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.\f + \fr 20:30 \ft Whenever you see someone trying to create his own group of followers, beware!\f*  
\v 31 \w Therefore|strong="G1352"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w alert|strong="G1127"\w*, \w remembering|strong="G3421"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w during|strong="G3571"\w* \w three|strong="G5148"\w* \w years|strong="G2250"\w*, \w night|strong="G3571"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w*,\f + \fr 20:31 \ft I suppose Paul is saying he was always available.\f* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w never|strong="G3756"\w* \w stopped|strong="G3973"\w* \w admonishing|strong="G3560"\w* \w each|strong="G1538"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w*, \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w tears|strong="G1144"\w*.   
\p
\v 32 “\w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w now|strong="G3568"\w*, brothers, \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w entrust|strong="G3908"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Word|strong="G3056"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w His|strong="G3956"\w* \w grace|strong="G5485"\w*, \w which|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w able|strong="G1410"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w build|strong="G3618"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w up|strong="G3618"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w an|strong="G2532"\w* \w inheritance|strong="G2817"\w* \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G2532"\w* \w sanctified|strong="G3956"\w*.\f + \fr 20:32 \ft Yes. When we receive God's Word as having objective authority over us, and interpret it honestly under the Holy Spirit's direction (without preconceived doctrinal ‘packages’), we will indeed grow in understanding and sanctification.\f*  
\v 33 \w I|strong="G2228"\w* \w have|strong="G2228"\w* \w not|strong="G3762"\w* \w coveted|strong="G1937"\w* \w anyone|strong="G3762"\w*'s silver \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w gold|strong="G5553"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w clothing|strong="G2441"\w*.  
\v 34 \w You|strong="G3754"\w* yourselves \w know|strong="G1097"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w hands|strong="G5495"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* supplied \w my|strong="G1473"\w* own \w needs|strong="G5532"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*.\f + \fr 20:34 \ft He did receive offerings from time to time, but material gain was never an objective.\f*  
\v 35 \w In|strong="G3956"\w* \w every|strong="G3956"\w* \w way|strong="G3779"\w* \w I|strong="G3754"\w* \w showed|strong="G5263"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w working|strong="G2872"\w* \w hard|strong="G2872"\w* \w like|strong="G3779"\w* \w this|strong="G3588"\w* \w it|strong="G3754"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w necessary|strong="G1163"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* help \w the|strong="G3956"\w* weak, \w and|strong="G5037"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w remember|strong="G3421"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w word|strong="G3056"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*, \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w He|strong="G3754"\w* Himself \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w It|strong="G3754"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w more|strong="G3123"\w* \w blessed|strong="G3107"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w than|strong="G2228"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w receive|strong="G2983"\w*.’ ”\f + \fr 20:35 \ft This precise statement is not recorded in the Gospels, but Paul got it from one of those who actually heard it. It is an important truth. (Compare Luke 14:12-14.)\f*   
\p
\v 36 \w When|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w*, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w knelt|strong="G1119"\w* \w down|strong="G5087"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w prayed|strong="G4336"\w* \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w*.  
\v 37 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w wept|strong="G1096"\w* \w freely|strong="G2532"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w falling|strong="G1096"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w*'s \w neck|strong="G5137"\w* \w kept|strong="G2532"\w* \w kissing|strong="G2705"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*,  
\v 38 \w sorrowing|strong="G3600"\w* most \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w all|strong="G3588"\w* \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w word|strong="G3056"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w had|strong="G3739"\w* \w spoken|strong="G3004"\w*, \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w would|strong="G3195"\w* \w see|strong="G2334"\w* \w his|strong="G1519"\w* \w face|strong="G4383"\w* \w no|strong="G3765"\w* \w more|strong="G3765"\w*. \w And|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w accompanied|strong="G4311"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w ship|strong="G4143"\w*.   
\c 21  
\s1 Paul is warned— \it \+nd again\+nd*\it*  
\m
\v 1 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w after|strong="G1161"\w* disengaging \w ourselves|strong="G2249"\w* \w from|strong="G2064"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* able \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w set|strong="G1096"\w* sail, \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w running|strong="G1161"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w straight|strong="G2113"\w* \w course|strong="G2113"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Cos|strong="G2972"\w*, \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w next|strong="G1836"\w* \w day|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Rhodes|strong="G4499"\w*, \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w from|strong="G2064"\w* \w there|strong="G1161"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Patara|strong="G3959"\w*.  
\v 2 \w We|strong="G2532"\w* \w found|strong="G2147"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w ship|strong="G4143"\w* \w crossing|strong="G1276"\w* \w over|strong="G1276"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Phoenicia|strong="G5403"\w*, \w went|strong="G2532"\w* \w on|strong="G1519"\w* board \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w set|strong="G1910"\w* sail.  
\v 3 \w When|strong="G1161"\w* \w we|strong="G1063"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* sighted \w Cyprus|strong="G2954"\w* \w we|strong="G1063"\w* \w passed|strong="G3588"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w on|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w left|strong="G2641"\w*, \w sailed|strong="G4126"\w* \w on|strong="G1519"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Syria|strong="G4947"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w landed|strong="G2718"\w* \w at|strong="G1519"\w* \w Tyre|strong="G5184"\w*, \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w ship|strong="G4143"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* unload \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w cargo|strong="G1117"\w*.  
\v 4 \w Upon|strong="G1519"\w* finding \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w we|strong="G1161"\w* \w stayed|strong="G1961"\w* \w there|strong="G1161"\w* \w seven|strong="G2033"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w*; \w these|strong="G3588"\w*, \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w*, \w told|strong="G3004"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w go|strong="G4151"\w* \w on|strong="G1519"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2414"\w*.\f + \fr 21:4 \ft After repeated warnings, God plainly tells Paul not to go! What sort of mental block might Paul have had that would cause him to disobey a plain command?\f*  
\v 5 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G3753"\w* \w our|strong="G2532"\w* \w time|strong="G2250"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w up|strong="G5087"\w*, \w as|strong="G1161"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w left|strong="G1831"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w go|strong="G4198"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w our|strong="G2532"\w* \w way|strong="G4198"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w*, \w including|strong="G4862"\w* \w women|strong="G1135"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w children|strong="G5043"\w*,\f + \fr 21:5 \ft Luke makes a point of recording that even the children went along—interesting. Evidently those families actively involved their children in their practice of the Christian Faith. Now that is an excellent example!\f* \w accompanied|strong="G4862"\w* \w us|strong="G2249"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w city|strong="G4172"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w kneeling|strong="G1119"\w* \w down|strong="G5087"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* beach, \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w prayed|strong="G4336"\w*.  
\v 6 \w After|strong="G1161"\w* \w we|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* taken \w our|strong="G2532"\w* leave \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w another|strong="G3588"\w*, \w we|strong="G2532"\w* boarded \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w ship|strong="G4143"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w returned|strong="G5290"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* homes.   
\p
\v 7 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w upon|strong="G1519"\w* arriving \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w Ptolemais|strong="G4424"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w voyage|strong="G4144"\w* \w from|strong="G3844"\w* \w Tyre|strong="G5184"\w* ended; \w so|strong="G2532"\w* greeting \w the|strong="G2532"\w* brothers \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w stayed|strong="G3306"\w* \w with|strong="G3844"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w*.  
\v 8 \w Leaving|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w next|strong="G1887"\w* \w day|strong="G1887"\w*, \w we|strong="G2532"\w*\f + \fr 21:8 \ft AV and NKJV have ‘we who were Paul's companions’, based on some 13% of the Greek manuscripts. Some 46% have ‘those who were Paul's companions’. I follow the best line of transmission, with some 39% here, in reading “we”.\f* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Caesarea|strong="G2542"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w entering|strong="G1525"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w house|strong="G3624"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w Philip|strong="G5376"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w evangelist|strong="G2099"\w* (\w being|strong="G1510"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* ‘\w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Seven|strong="G2033"\w*’), \w we|strong="G2532"\w* \w stayed|strong="G3306"\w* \w with|strong="G3844"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 9 (\w This|strong="G3778"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w* \w had|strong="G1510"\w* \w four|strong="G5064"\w* \w virgin|strong="G3933"\w* \w daughters|strong="G2364"\w* \w who|strong="G3778"\w* \w prophesied|strong="G4395"\w*.)\f + \fr 21:9 \ft What does this information contribute to the account? Why are we told that they were virgins? Is it risky to marry a prophetess?\f*   
\s2 Agabus, again  
\p
\v 10 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w as|strong="G1161"\w* \w we|strong="G1161"\w* \w stayed|strong="G1961"\w* \w there|strong="G1161"\w* \w a|strong="G1161"\w* number \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w*, \w a|strong="G1161"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w prophet|strong="G4396"\w* \w named|strong="G3686"\w* Agabus \w came|strong="G2718"\w* \w down|strong="G2718"\w* \w from|strong="G3588"\w* \w Judea|strong="G2449"\w*.  
\v 11 Joining \w us|strong="G3004"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w took|strong="G2532"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w*'s \w belt|strong="G2223"\w*, \w bound|strong="G1210"\w* \w his|strong="G1438"\w* \w feet|strong="G4228"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w hands|strong="G5495"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Thus|strong="G3779"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Holy|strong="G4151"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w*: ‘\w In|strong="G1722"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w way|strong="G3779"\w*, \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2419"\w*, \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w bind|strong="G1210"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w owns|strong="G1510"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w belt|strong="G2223"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w deliver|strong="G3860"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w hands|strong="G5495"\w* \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Gentiles|strong="G1484"\w*.’ ”  
\v 12 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w*, \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* heard \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w*, \w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w local|strong="G1786"\w* \w residents|strong="G1786"\w*, \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w pleaded|strong="G3870"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w go|strong="G1519"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2419"\w*.  
\v 13 \w But|strong="G2532"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w answered|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w What|strong="G5101"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G3004"\w* \w doing|strong="G4160"\w*, \w weeping|strong="G2799"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w breaking|strong="G4919"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w heart|strong="G2588"\w*? \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1473"\w* \w ready|strong="G2093"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w only|strong="G3440"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w bound|strong="G1210"\w*, \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* die\f + \fr 21:13 \ft His being willing to suffer and die was totally beside the point—God told him \+nd not to go\+nd*!\f* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2419"\w* \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*.”  
\v 14 \w When|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w would|strong="G1096"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* dissuaded, \w we|strong="G1161"\w* stopped, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Let|strong="G1096"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w will|strong="G2307"\w* \w of|strong="G2962"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* \w done|strong="G1096"\w*.”\f + \fr 21:14 \ft What else could they do, short of tying Paul up? However, they were asking the Lord to overrule.\f*   
\s1 Jerusalem  
\p
\v 15 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w after|strong="G3326"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w we|strong="G1161"\w* got ready \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w went|strong="G3778"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2414"\w*.  
\v 16 \w Some|strong="G5100"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w from|strong="G3844"\w* \w Caesarea|strong="G2542"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2532"\w* \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w us|strong="G3579"\w*, bringing \w us|strong="G3579"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w Mnason|strong="G3416"\w*, \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Cyprus|strong="G2953"\w*, \w an|strong="G2532"\w* early \w disciple|strong="G3101"\w*, \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w lodge|strong="G3579"\w*.  
\v 17 \w And|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w arrived|strong="G1096"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2414"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* brothers received \w us|strong="G1519"\w* gladly.  
\v 18 \w The|strong="G3956"\w* \w next|strong="G1966"\w* \w day|strong="G3588"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w*, \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w us|strong="G2249"\w*, \w went|strong="G1524"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* see \w James|strong="G2385"\w*, \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w elders|strong="G4245"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w present|strong="G3854"\w*.\f + \fr 21:18 \ft This was obviously a put up job. They were ready and waiting for him.\f*  
\v 19 \w After|strong="G2596"\w* greeting \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* reported \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w by|strong="G1223"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w done|strong="G4160"\w* \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Gentiles|strong="G1484"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w his|strong="G1438"\w* \w ministry|strong="G1248"\w*.   
\s2 Paul submits to a false agenda  
\p
\v 20 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w after|strong="G1161"\w* listening \w they|strong="G2532"\w* ‘\w glorified|strong="G1392"\w*’ \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Lord|strong="G3588"\w*\f + \fr 21:20 \ft Instead of ‘the Lord’, some 30% of the Greek manuscripts read ‘God’ (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*:\f + \fr 21:20 \ft They listened politely, but had a different agenda. What follows is an obvious ‘put down’. There probably were not ‘tens of thousands’ of believing Jews, and if they were genuine followers of Jesus Christ, they should not have been so bound to Jewish customs. Besides ‘putting Paul in his place’ they were imposing a false legalism on him, to which he should not have capitulated. But he was disobeying God anyway, just by being there.\f* “\w You|strong="G1722"\w* \w see|strong="G2334"\w*, brother, \w how|strong="G4214"\w* \w many|strong="G4214"\w* tens \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w thousands|strong="G3461"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w believed|strong="G4100"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w zealous|strong="G2207"\w* \w for|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w law|strong="G3551"\w*;  
\v 21 \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w have|strong="G3748"\w* \w been|strong="G3361"\w* \w informed|strong="G2727"\w* \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w teach|strong="G1321"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w among|strong="G2596"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w Gentiles|strong="G1484"\w* \w to|strong="G2596"\w* forsake \w Moses|strong="G3475"\w*, \w telling|strong="G3004"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w to|strong="G2596"\w* \w circumcise|strong="G4059"\w* \w their|strong="G1438"\w* \w children|strong="G5043"\w* \w nor|strong="G3366"\w* \w to|strong="G2596"\w* \w walk|strong="G4043"\w* \w according|strong="G2596"\w* \w to|strong="G2596"\w* \w our|strong="G3956"\w* \w customs|strong="G1485"\w*.\f + \fr 21:21 \ft I suspect that this was a false charge.\f*  
\v 22 \w What|strong="G5101"\w* \w then|strong="G3767"\w*? \w The|strong="G3754"\w* \w assembly|strong="G4128"\w* \w will|strong="G5101"\w* \w certainly|strong="G1063"\w* gather,\f + \fr 21:22 \ft Perhaps 2% of the Greek manuscripts, of inferior quality, omit ‘the assembly will gather’ (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w since|strong="G3754"\w* \w they|strong="G3754"\w* \w will|strong="G5101"\w* \w hear|strong="G5101"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G3754"\w* \w have|strong="G3748"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w*.  
\v 23 \w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1909"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*: \w There|strong="G1510"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w four|strong="G5064"\w* \w men|strong="G3778"\w* \w with|strong="G1909"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* taken \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w vow|strong="G2171"\w*.  
\v 24 \w Take|strong="G3880"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* purify \w yourself|strong="G4771"\w* \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w pay|strong="G1159"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w expenses|strong="G1159"\w* \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w shave|strong="G3587"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w heads|strong="G2776"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w know|strong="G1097"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w nothing|strong="G3762"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* \w informed|strong="G2727"\w* \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*; rather \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w yourself|strong="G4771"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w in|strong="G1909"\w* line, \w keeping|strong="G5442"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w law|strong="G3551"\w*.  
\v 25 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w concerning|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Gentiles|strong="G1484"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w believe|strong="G4100"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w written|strong="G1989"\w*, \w having|strong="G2532"\w* \w judged|strong="G2919"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* need \w observe|strong="G5442"\w* \w no|strong="G2532"\w* \w such|strong="G3588"\w* \w thing|strong="G1494"\w*, except\f + \fr 21:25 \ft Some 2% of the Greek manuscripts, of inferior quality, omit ‘that they need observe no such thing except’ (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w should|strong="G3588"\w* \w keep|strong="G5442"\w* \w themselves|strong="G1438"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* offered \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w idols|strong="G1494"\w*, \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* blood, \w from|strong="G2532"\w* anything \w strangled|strong="G4156"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w fornication|strong="G4202"\w*.”\f + \fr 21:25 \ft What happened here was exceedingly serious: to James there were two classes of Christian, Jew and non-Jew. He still sees the Jew as superior to the Gentile, which is contrary to the doctrine of the Church as expounded in Paul's letters, that we believe to be inspired. To James it was not enough for a Jew to believe into Jesus; he still had to obey the Law of Moses \ft \+bd and\+bd* the Jewish customs. This was evidently the prevailing view in Jerusalem and environs. Such a view actually represented rebellion against God. Then came judgment: Jerusalem was destroyed, which included its church, and the Aegean area became the heartland of the Church. For centuries Judea was no more than a backwater on the fringes of the Christian river.\f*   
\s2 Paul arrested  
\p
\v 26 \w Then|strong="G5119"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w took|strong="G3880"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w men|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G3972"\w* purified \w himself|strong="G1519"\w* \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*; \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w next|strong="G2192"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w he|strong="G3739"\w* \w entered|strong="G1524"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w temple|strong="G2411"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w give|strong="G2192"\w* \w notice|strong="G1229"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w completion|strong="G1604"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* purification, \w when|strong="G3739"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w offering|strong="G4376"\w* \w would|strong="G2250"\w* \w be|strong="G1519"\w* \w made|strong="G1519"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w each|strong="G1538"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 27 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w seven|strong="G2033"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w almost|strong="G3195"\w* \w ended|strong="G4931"\w*, \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w Asia|strong="G3588"\w*, \w having|strong="G2532"\w* \w seen|strong="G2300"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w temple|strong="G2413"\w*, mobilized \w a|strong="G5613"\w* \w whole|strong="G3956"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w seized|strong="G1911"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*,  
\v 28 \w shouting|strong="G2896"\w*: “\w Men|strong="G3956"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Israel|strong="G2475"\w*, help! \w This|strong="G3778"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w teaches|strong="G1321"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w men|strong="G3956"\w* \w everywhere|strong="G3837"\w* \w against|strong="G2596"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w law|strong="G3551"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w place|strong="G5117"\w*. \w Not|strong="G1510"\w* \w only|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w*, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w has|strong="G3778"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w brought|strong="G1521"\w* \w Greeks|strong="G1672"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w temple|strong="G2411"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w defiled|strong="G2840"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* holy \w place|strong="G5117"\w*!”  
\v 29 (\w They|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G3972"\w* \w seen|strong="G4308"\w* \w Trophimus|strong="G5161"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Ephesian|strong="G2180"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w city|strong="G4172"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G3972"\w* \w they|strong="G3588"\w* \w supposed|strong="G3543"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w had|strong="G3972"\w* \w brought|strong="G1521"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w temple|strong="G2411"\w*.)   
\p
\v 30 \w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w whole|strong="G3650"\w* \w city|strong="G4172"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* aroused \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* mob \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w* \w formed|strong="G1096"\w*. \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w having|strong="G2532"\w* \w seized|strong="G1949"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w dragged|strong="G1670"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w out|strong="G1854"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w temple|strong="G2413"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w immediately|strong="G2112"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w doors|strong="G2374"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w shut|strong="G2808"\w*.  
\v 31 \w As|strong="G3754"\w* \w they|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w trying|strong="G2212"\w* \w to|strong="G2212"\w* kill \w him|strong="G3588"\w*,\f + \fr 21:31 \ft Why didn't they succeed? Maybe they got in each other's way.\f* news \w came|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2212"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w commander|strong="G5506"\w* \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* garrison \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w all|strong="G3650"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2419"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G3588"\w* \w an|strong="G3754"\w* \w uproar|strong="G4797"\w*.  
\v 32 \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w immediately|strong="G1824"\w* \w took|strong="G3880"\w* \w soldiers|strong="G4757"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w centurions|strong="G1543"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w ran|strong="G2532"\w* \w down|strong="G2701"\w* \w among|strong="G1909"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w commander|strong="G5506"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w soldiers|strong="G4757"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w stopped|strong="G3973"\w* \w beating|strong="G5180"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w*.  
\v 33 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w commander|strong="G5506"\w* \w came|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G1210"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w took|strong="G1949"\w* \w hold|strong="G1949"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*,\f + \fr 21:33 \ft I like this commander; he did not hide behind his men. This was a \ft \+it chiliarch\+it*, who commanded up to a thousand men.\f* \w commanded|strong="G2753"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w bound|strong="G1210"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w chains|strong="G1210"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* started \w inquiring|strong="G4441"\w* \w who|strong="G5101"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w done|strong="G4160"\w*.  
\v 34 \w Well|strong="G1722"\w* \w some|strong="G5100"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w* \w shouted|strong="G2019"\w* \w one|strong="G5100"\w* \w thing|strong="G5100"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w some|strong="G5100"\w* \w another|strong="G5100"\w*; \w so|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w could|strong="G1410"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* ascertain \w the|strong="G1722"\w* truth, \w because|strong="G1223"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w uproar|strong="G2351"\w*, \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w commanded|strong="G2753"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w be|strong="G3361"\w* taken \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w barracks|strong="G3925"\w*.  
\v 35 \w When|strong="G3753"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w reached|strong="G1096"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* stairs, \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w had|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1909"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* \w carried|strong="G1096"\w* \w by|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w soldiers|strong="G4757"\w*, \w because|strong="G1223"\w* \w of|strong="G5259"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* violence \w of|strong="G5259"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w mob|strong="G3793"\w*.\f + \fr 21:35 \ft But since they had really been trying to kill him, he was doubtless wounded and weak.\f*  
\v 36 \w Because|strong="G1063"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w crowd|strong="G4128"\w* \w kept|strong="G2992"\w* following \w and|strong="G2992"\w* \w shouting|strong="G2896"\w*, “Away \w with|strong="G2896"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*!”\f + \fr 21:36 \ft But really, why should they be so stirred up? Presumably there was supernatural participation.\f*   
\p
\v 37 \w As|strong="G1519"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w about|strong="G3195"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w be|strong="G3195"\w* \w led|strong="G1521"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w barracks|strong="G3925"\w*, \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w commander|strong="G5506"\w*, “\w May|strong="G1832"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w speak|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*?” \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Do|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w know|strong="G1097"\w* \w Greek|strong="G1676"\w*?  
\v 38 Aren'\w t|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Egyptian \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w some|strong="G3588"\w* \w time|strong="G2250"\w* \w ago|strong="G4253"\w* started \w a|strong="G2532"\w* revolt \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w led|strong="G1806"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w four|strong="G5070"\w* \w thousand|strong="G5070"\w* \w men|strong="G3778"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* ‘\w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Assassins|strong="G4607"\w*’ \w out|strong="G1806"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w wilderness|strong="G2048"\w*?”  
\v 39 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G1510"\w* \w Jew|strong="G2453"\w*, \w from|strong="G3588"\w* \w Tarsus|strong="G5018"\w* \w in|strong="G2980"\w* \w Cilicia|strong="G2791"\w*, \w a|strong="G1510"\w* \w citizen|strong="G4177"\w* \w of|strong="G4172"\w* \w a|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* insignificant \w city|strong="G4172"\w*; \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w beg|strong="G1189"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*, \w allow|strong="G2010"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w speak|strong="G2980"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w*.”  
\v 40 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w had|strong="G3972"\w* \w given|strong="G2010"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w permission|strong="G2010"\w*, \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w stood|strong="G2476"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* stairs \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w motioned|strong="G2678"\w* \w to|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w* \w with|strong="G1909"\w* \w his|strong="G1909"\w* \w hand|strong="G5495"\w*. \w When|strong="G1161"\w* \w there|strong="G1161"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w great|strong="G4183"\w* \w silence|strong="G4602"\w*, \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w addressed|strong="G4377"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w Hebrew|strong="G1446"\w* \w language|strong="G1258"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*:   
\c 22  
\s2 Paul addresses the mob  
\m
\v 1 “\w Men|strong="G3588"\w*, brothers \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w fathers|strong="G3962"\w*, listen \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* defense \w before|strong="G4314"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w now|strong="G2532"\w*.”  
\v 2 \w When|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* heard \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w spoke|strong="G4377"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Hebrew|strong="G1446"\w* \w language|strong="G1258"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w more|strong="G3123"\w* \w quiet|strong="G2271"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G5346"\w*:  
\v 3 “\w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1510"\w* \w indeed|strong="G1161"\w* \w a|strong="G1722"\w* \w Jew|strong="G2453"\w*, \w born|strong="G1080"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Tarsus|strong="G5019"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w Cilicia|strong="G2791"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w brought|strong="G1161"\w* \w up|strong="G1722"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w city|strong="G4172"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w feet|strong="G4228"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w Gamaliel|strong="G1059"\w*, \w educated|strong="G3811"\w* strictly \w according|strong="G2596"\w* \w to|strong="G2596"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w law|strong="G3551"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w our|strong="G2316"\w* \w fathers|strong="G3971"\w*, \w being|strong="G1510"\w* \w zealous|strong="G2207"\w* \w for|strong="G1161"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, \w just|strong="G2531"\w* \w as|strong="G2531"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w today|strong="G4594"\w*.  
\v 4 \w I|strong="G3739"\w* \w persecuted|strong="G1377"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w Way|strong="G3598"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w death|strong="G2288"\w*, \w binding|strong="G1195"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w delivering|strong="G3860"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w prisons|strong="G5438"\w* \w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w men|strong="G3778"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w women|strong="G1135"\w*,  
\v 5 \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w high|strong="G3956"\w* priest \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w council|strong="G4244"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w elders|strong="G4244"\w* can \w bear|strong="G3140"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w witness|strong="G3140"\w*. \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w obtained|strong="G3140"\w* \w letters|strong="G1992"\w* \w from|strong="G3844"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* brothers \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w Damascus|strong="G1154"\w*, \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w bring|strong="G1510"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w bound|strong="G1210"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2419"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w punished|strong="G5097"\w*.  
\v 6 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w*, \w as|strong="G1161"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w going|strong="G4198"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w approaching|strong="G1448"\w* \w Damascus|strong="G1154"\w*, \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w noon|strong="G3314"\w*, \w suddenly|strong="G1810"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w strong|strong="G2532"\w* \w light|strong="G5457"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w* \w shone|strong="G4015"\w* \w around|strong="G4012"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*.  
\v 7 \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w fell|strong="G4098"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w ground|strong="G1475"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* heard \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w voice|strong="G5456"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*, ‘\w Saul|strong="G4549"\w*, \w Saul|strong="G4549"\w*, \w why|strong="G5101"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G3004"\w* \w persecuting|strong="G1377"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*?’  
\v 8 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w answered|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w Who|strong="G3739"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*, \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*?’ \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*, ‘\w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1510"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* Natsorean, \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w persecuting|strong="G1377"\w*.’  
\v 9 \w Those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w indeed|strong="G3303"\w* \w saw|strong="G2300"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w light|strong="G5457"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* afraid,\f + \fr 22:9 \ft Some 10% of the Greek manuscripts omit ‘and were afraid’ (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w did|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* understand \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w voice|strong="G5456"\w* \w of|strong="G5456"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w One|strong="G3588"\w* \w speaking|strong="G2980"\w* \w to|strong="G3756"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*.  
\v 10 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w What|strong="G5101"\w* \w shall|strong="G3739"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w*, \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*?’ \w And|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*, ‘Get \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w go|strong="G4198"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w Damascus|strong="G1154"\w*, \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w there|strong="G1161"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w will|strong="G5101"\w* \w be|strong="G3956"\w* \w told|strong="G3004"\w* \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w has|strong="G2962"\w* \w been|strong="G2962"\w* \w appointed|strong="G4160"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w*.’  
\v 11 \w And|strong="G1161"\w* \w since|strong="G5613"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w could|strong="G1689"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w see|strong="G1689"\w*, \w because|strong="G1161"\w* \w of|strong="G5259"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w brightness|strong="G1391"\w* \w of|strong="G5259"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w light|strong="G5457"\w*, \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w entered|strong="G2064"\w* \w Damascus|strong="G1154"\w* \w being|strong="G1161"\w* \w led|strong="G5496"\w* \w by|strong="G5259"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w hand|strong="G1161"\w* \w of|strong="G5259"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w with|strong="G5259"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*.\f + \fr 22:11 \ft But they too had been in that light, so the blindness was a judgment applied specifically to Paul (Saul).\f*  
\v 12 \w Then|strong="G1161"\w* \w a|strong="G1161"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* Ananias, \w a|strong="G1161"\w* \w devout|strong="G2126"\w* \w man|strong="G5100"\w* \w according|strong="G2596"\w* \w to|strong="G2596"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w law|strong="G3551"\w*, \w well|strong="G3140"\w* \w spoken|strong="G3140"\w* \w of|strong="G5259"\w* \w by|strong="G5259"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w lived|strong="G2730"\w* \w in|strong="G2596"\w* Damascus,\f + \fr 22:12 \ft Paul is establishing the credibility of Ananias as a witness, since he will attest that it was ‘the God of our fathers’ who was dealing with Paul (Saul). Some 25% of the Greek manuscripts omit ‘in Damascus’, as in most versions.\f*  
\v 13 \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w standing|strong="G2186"\w* \w by|strong="G2532"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘Brother \w Saul|strong="G4549"\w*, receive \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w sight|strong="G3588"\w*!’ \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w at|strong="G1519"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w very|strong="G2532"\w* \w moment|strong="G5610"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w looked|strong="G2504"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w at|strong="G1519"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 14 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: ‘\w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w our|strong="G2316"\w* \w fathers|strong="G3962"\w* \w has|strong="G2316"\w* \w chosen|strong="G4400"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w know|strong="G1097"\w* \w His|strong="G3708"\w* \w will|strong="G2307"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Righteous|strong="G1342"\w* \w One|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w hear|strong="G5456"\w* \w words|strong="G4750"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w His|strong="G3708"\w* \w mouth|strong="G4750"\w*.\f + \fr 22:14 \ft Jesus had identified Himself as ‘Jesus’ on the road, and was obviously supernatural. Here Ananias confirms that Saul saw the Messiah (‘the Natsorean’), and adds that all is under the Father's direction. Saul was chosen to be a worldwide witness; indeed, through his letters he continues to be one!\f*  
\v 15 \w For|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w shall|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w witness|strong="G3144"\w* \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w Him|strong="G3739"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w men|strong="G3956"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w seen|strong="G3708"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* heard.  
\v 16 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w now|strong="G3568"\w*, \w why|strong="G5101"\w* hesitate? \w Get|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G2532"\w*, \w be|strong="G2532"\w* baptized \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w wash|strong="G2532"\w* away \w your|strong="G2532"\w* sins, invoking \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G3588"\w*.’\f + \fr 22:16 \ft By invoking the Lord he was placing himself under His direction and protection, which was what took care of his sins, not the baptism. There probably was not enough water in the house for a complete bath, in any case, so the baptism was by aspersion (as it was in the house of Cornelius, the house of the Philippian jailor, etc. etc.). Instead of ‘of the Lord’, some 6% of the Greek manuscripts read ‘his’ (as in NIV, NASB, TEV, etc.).\f*   
\p
\v 17 “\w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w*, \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w returned|strong="G5290"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2419"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w praying|strong="G4336"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w temple|strong="G2413"\w*, \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w came|strong="G1096"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w trance|strong="G1611"\w*  
\v 18 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w Him|strong="G3708"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*,\f + \fr 22:18 \ft This is the only record we have of this encounter. Perhaps Paul is reinforcing that his going to the Gentiles was at God's insistence. I wonder if Luke wasn't in that crowd, and close enough to hear what went on.\f* ‘\w Hurry|strong="G4692"\w* \w up|strong="G1537"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w get|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2419"\w* \w quickly|strong="G5034"\w*, \w because|strong="G1360"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w receive|strong="G3858"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w testimony|strong="G3141"\w* \w concerning|strong="G4012"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*.’  
\v 19 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: ‘\w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w know|strong="G1987"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* used \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w imprison|strong="G5439"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w beat|strong="G1194"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w believing|strong="G4100"\w* \w into|strong="G1909"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*,\f + \fr 22:19 \ft I follow the best line of transmission in reading “into”, albeit with only 20% of the Greek manuscripts here. Almost all versions follow the 80% in reading ‘upon’.\f* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w synagogue|strong="G4864"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w another|strong="G2596"\w*;  
\v 20 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G3753"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* blood \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w witness|strong="G3144"\w* \w Stephen|strong="G4736"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w shed|strong="G1632"\w*, \w I|strong="G2532"\w* myself \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w standing|strong="G2186"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* agreeing \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G2532"\w* murder,\f + \fr 22:20 \ft Some 2.3% of the Greek manuscripts, of inferior quality, omit ‘to his murder’ (as in NIV, NASB, LB, etc.).\f* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w guarding|strong="G5442"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w clothes|strong="G2440"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* killing \w him|strong="G3588"\w*.’  
\v 21 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*, ‘\w Get|strong="G2532"\w* \w going|strong="G4198"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w send|strong="G1821"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w far|strong="G3112"\w* \w away|strong="G1821"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Gentiles|strong="G1484"\w*.’ ”   
\s2 A Roman citizen  
\p
\v 22 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w kept|strong="G2532"\w* listening \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w until|strong="G2532"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w statement|strong="G3056"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w raised|strong="G1869"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w voice|strong="G5456"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w shouted|strong="G1869"\w*, “Rid \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w earth|strong="G1093"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w fellow|strong="G5108"\w*, \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* isn'\w t|strong="G3588"\w* fitting \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w live|strong="G2198"\w*!”  
\v 23 \w As|strong="G1519"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w shouting|strong="G2905"\w*, tearing \w off|strong="G4496"\w* \w clothes|strong="G2440"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w throwing|strong="G4496"\w* \w dust|strong="G2868"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* air,  
\v 24 \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w commander|strong="G5506"\w* \w ordered|strong="G2753"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w be|strong="G1519"\w* taken \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w barracks|strong="G3925"\w*, directing \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w he|strong="G3739"\w* \w be|strong="G1519"\w* interrogated \w with|strong="G1223"\w* lashes, \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w order|strong="G2443"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* learn \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w what|strong="G3739"\w* crime \w they|strong="G3588"\w* \w kept|strong="G3739"\w* \w shouting|strong="G2019"\w* \w against|strong="G1519"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w like|strong="G3779"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w*.\f + \fr 22:24 \ft Poor commander! He presumably did not understand Hebrew, so Paul's speech meant nothing to him. But he saw that the mob listened quietly, and then suddenly erupted! He had already tried to get an answer from the mob, without success. He doubtless did not understand the Jewish mindset either, so by Roman logic Paul must have done something pretty awful to provoke such a violent reaction. So by proper Roman procedure, he orders a flogging.\f*  
\v 25 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w stretched|strong="G3972"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w out|strong="G2532"\w* \w with|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w thongs|strong="G2438"\w*, \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w centurion|strong="G1543"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w stood|strong="G2476"\w* \w by|strong="G2532"\w*, “\w Is|strong="G3588"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w lawful|strong="G1832"\w* \w for|strong="G4314"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w scourge|strong="G3147"\w* \w a|strong="G5613"\w* man \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w a|strong="G5613"\w* \w Roman|strong="G4514"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* uncondemned?”  
\v 26 \w Well|strong="G1063"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w centurion|strong="G1543"\w* heard \w that|strong="G3588"\w*, \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w went|strong="G4334"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w reported|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w commander|strong="G5506"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Consider|strong="G4160"\w*\f + \fr 22:26 \ft Perhaps 5% of the Greek manuscripts omit “Consider” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G3004"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w about|strong="G3195"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w*, \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G1510"\w* \w Roman|strong="G4514"\w*!”  
\v 27 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w commander|strong="G5506"\w* \w went|strong="G4334"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*, \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w a|strong="G1510"\w* \w Roman|strong="G4514"\w*?” \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Yes|strong="G3483"\w*.”  
\v 28 \w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w commander|strong="G5506"\w* \w replied|strong="G5346"\w*, “\w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w acquired|strong="G2932"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w citizenship|strong="G4174"\w* \w at|strong="G1161"\w* considerable cost.”\f + \fr 22:28 \ft He was not just making conversation; he was trying to be sure that Paul was not lying.\f* \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w said|strong="G5346"\w*, “\w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w born|strong="G1080"\w*.”  
\v 29 \w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w about|strong="G3195"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* interrogate \w him|strong="G3588"\w* withdrew \w immediately|strong="G2112"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w commander|strong="G5506"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* apprehensive \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w realized|strong="G1921"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w put|strong="G2532"\w* \w chains|strong="G1210"\w* \w on|strong="G1161"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w Roman|strong="G4514"\w*.\f + \fr 22:29 \ft Perhaps the reference is to the ‘when’ and ‘how’ they were first used, since chains became part of Paul's life.\f*   
\s2 The Sanhedrin  
\p
\v 30 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w next|strong="G1887"\w* \w day|strong="G1887"\w*, \w desiring|strong="G1014"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w know|strong="G1097"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w certain|strong="G2532"\w* \w why|strong="G5101"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w accused|strong="G2723"\w* \w by|strong="G5259"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w*, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* freed \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* bonds\f + \fr 22:30 \ft Some 10% of the Greek manuscripts omit ‘from the bonds’ (as in NIV and NASB).\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w ordered|strong="G2753"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w chief|strong="G2532"\w* priests \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w their|strong="G1438"\w* \w council|strong="G4892"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w come|strong="G4905"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w brought|strong="G2609"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w down|strong="G2609"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w set|strong="G2476"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w before|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.   
\c 23  
\m
\v 1 \w Then|strong="G1161"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w*, looking intently \w at|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w council|strong="G4892"\w*, \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Men|strong="G3956"\w*, brothers, \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w have|strong="G1473"\w* \w lived|strong="G4176"\w* \w in|strong="G2316"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w good|strong="G3956"\w* \w conscience|strong="G4893"\w* \w before|strong="G4893"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* until \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w*.”  
\v 2 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* high priest Ananias \w commanded|strong="G2004"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w standing|strong="G3936"\w* \w by|strong="G3936"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1161"\w* \w strike|strong="G5180"\w* \w his|strong="G3588"\w* \w mouth|strong="G4750"\w*.  
\v 3 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* \w strike|strong="G5180"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*, \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w whitewashed|strong="G2867"\w* \w wall|strong="G5109"\w*!\f + \fr 23:3 \ft One is reminded of the Lord's calling the Pharisees ‘whitewashed tombs’ (Matthew 23:27); what Paul said was probably not as bad, but definitely not a compliment!\f* \w You|strong="G4771"\w* \w sit|strong="G2521"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w judge|strong="G2919"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w according|strong="G2596"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w law|strong="G3551"\w*, \w yet|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w command|strong="G3004"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w struck|strong="G5180"\w* \w contrary|strong="G2596"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w law|strong="G3551"\w*!”  
\v 4 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w standing|strong="G3936"\w* \w by|strong="G3936"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Do|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G3004"\w* reproach \w God|strong="G2316"\w*'s \w high|strong="G2316"\w* priest?”  
\v 5 \w Then|strong="G5037"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w I|strong="G1063"\w* \w did|strong="G1492"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w*, brothers, \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w he|strong="G3754"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* high priest; \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w it|strong="G3754"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w written|strong="G1125"\w*: ‘\w Do|strong="G1492"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w speak|strong="G3004"\w* \w evil|strong="G2560"\w* \w of|strong="G2992"\w* \w a|strong="G1510"\w* ruler \w of|strong="G2992"\w* \w your|strong="G3588"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w*.’ ”\f + \fr 23:5 \ft See Exodus 22:28. Ananias was presumably the true high priest, but someone else was probably the political ‘high priest’ that year, and the political one would be wearing the priestly attire; presumably that is why Paul did not recognize the real high priest. Note that he sort of apologizes, but he does \+nd not\+nd* revoke the curse!\f*   
\p
\v 6 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w perceived|strong="G1097"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w part|strong="G3313"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w Pharisees|strong="G5330"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w other|strong="G2087"\w* \w Sadducees|strong="G4523"\w*,\f + \fr 23:6 \ft I follow the best line of transmission in putting ‘Pharisees’ first; 80% of the Greek manuscripts reverse the order, as in most versions.\f* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w called|strong="G3972"\w* \w out|strong="G2896"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w council|strong="G4892"\w*, “\w Men|strong="G3588"\w*, brothers, \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w Pharisee|strong="G5330"\w*, \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w Pharisee|strong="G5330"\w*; \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1510"\w* \w being|strong="G1510"\w* \w judged|strong="G2919"\w* \w concerning|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w hope|strong="G1680"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* resurrection \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w dead|strong="G3498"\w*!”  
\v 7 \w When|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G2980"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w*, \w an|strong="G2532"\w* argument \w started|strong="G1096"\w* \w between|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Pharisees|strong="G5330"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Sadducees|strong="G4523"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w assembly|strong="G4128"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w divided|strong="G4977"\w*.\f + \fr 23:7 \ft That was presumably Paul's intention, only the situation got out of hand!\f*  
\v 8 (\w Sadducees|strong="G4523"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w there|strong="G1161"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w no|strong="G3361"\w* resurrection, \w nor|strong="G3383"\w* angel \w or|strong="G3383"\w* \w spirit|strong="G4151"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w Pharisees|strong="G5330"\w* \w confess|strong="G3670"\w* \w both|strong="G1161"\w*.)\f + \fr 23:8 \ft The Greek term here means precisely ‘both’; angel and spirit are treated as a single category.\f*  
\v 9 \w There|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w great|strong="G3173"\w* \w clamor|strong="G2906"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w scribes|strong="G1122"\w* \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Pharisee|strong="G5330"\w* \w party|strong="G3313"\w* \w stood|strong="G3588"\w* \w up|strong="G1722"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w started|strong="G1096"\w* arguing vigorously, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w We|strong="G2532"\w* \w find|strong="G2147"\w* \w nothing|strong="G3762"\w* \w wrong|strong="G2556"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w man|strong="G5100"\w*; \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* angel \w has|strong="G1096"\w* \w spoken|strong="G2980"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w let|strong="G1096"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w* \w not|strong="G3762"\w* fight \w against|strong="G1722"\w* \w God|strong="G2532"\w*!”\f + \fr 23:9 \ft Some 4.5% of the Greek manuscripts omit ‘let us not fight against God’ (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f*  
\v 10 \w Well|strong="G5037"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w dissension|strong="G4714"\w* \w became|strong="G1096"\w* \w such|strong="G3588"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w commander|strong="G5506"\w*, \w fearing|strong="G5399"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w might|strong="G1096"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* \w torn|strong="G1288"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w pieces|strong="G1288"\w* \w by|strong="G5259"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w commanded|strong="G2753"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w soldiers|strong="G4753"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w go|strong="G2597"\w* \w down|strong="G2597"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* snatch \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w out|strong="G1537"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w their|strong="G1519"\w* \w midst|strong="G3319"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w bring|strong="G1519"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w barracks|strong="G3925"\w*.   
\s2 A plot exposed  
\p
\v 11 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w following|strong="G1966"\w* \w night|strong="G3571"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w stood|strong="G2186"\w* \w by|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Take|strong="G2293"\w* \w courage|strong="G2293"\w*, \w Paul|strong="G3588"\w*, \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w testified|strong="G3140"\w* \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2419"\w*, \w so|strong="G3779"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w must|strong="G1163"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w testify|strong="G3140"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w Rome|strong="G4516"\w*.”\f + \fr 23:11 \ft Paul is in Jerusalem in disobedience against a clear divine prohibition, and things definitely are not going well. God appears to Paul and assures him that he will indeed get to Rome [although he is not going to enjoy the trip!].\f*  
\v 12 \w And|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w it|strong="G1161"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w*, \w some|strong="G3739"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w* \w formed|strong="G4160"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w conspiracy|strong="G4160"\w* \w by|strong="G3383"\w* binding \w themselves|strong="G1438"\w* \w with|strong="G1438"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* curse \w neither|strong="G3383"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w eat|strong="G2068"\w* \w nor|strong="G3383"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w drink|strong="G4095"\w* \w until|strong="G2193"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w had|strong="G3972"\w* destroyed \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w*.\f + \fr 23:12 \ft When the plot failed, they presumably did eat and drink and resume normal life, but I wonder if they suffered any consequences of the curse.\f*  
\v 13 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w there|strong="G1161"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w more|strong="G4119"\w* \w than|strong="G4183"\w* \w forty|strong="G5062"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w formed|strong="G4160"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w plot|strong="G4945"\w*.  
\v 14 \w They|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G4334"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w chief|strong="G2532"\w* priests \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w elders|strong="G4245"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w We|strong="G3739"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* bound \w ourselves|strong="G1438"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* terrible curse \w not|strong="G3367"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w taste|strong="G1089"\w* \w anything|strong="G3367"\w* \w until|strong="G2193"\w* \w we|strong="G3739"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* killed \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w*.  
\v 15 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w therefore|strong="G3767"\w*, \w together|strong="G4862"\w* \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w council|strong="G4892"\w*, explain \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w commander|strong="G5506"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w should|strong="G3195"\w* \w bring|strong="G2609"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w down|strong="G2609"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* tomorrow, \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w though|strong="G5613"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w going|strong="G3195"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w determine|strong="G1231"\w* \w more|strong="G3195"\w* accurately \w the|strong="G1519"\w* facts \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w his|strong="G1519"\w* \w case|strong="G3588"\w*; \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w ready|strong="G2092"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* destroy \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w before|strong="G4253"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w comes|strong="G1448"\w* \w near|strong="G1448"\w*.”   
\p
\v 16 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w*'s sister's \w son|strong="G5207"\w* heard \w about|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w ambush|strong="G1747"\w*, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G1525"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w entered|strong="G1525"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w barracks|strong="G3925"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* told \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w*.  
\v 17 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w called|strong="G4341"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w of|strong="G1520"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w centurions|strong="G1543"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G5346"\w*, “\w Take|strong="G2192"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w young|strong="G3494"\w* \w man|strong="G5100"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w commander|strong="G5506"\w*, \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w has|strong="G2192"\w* \w something|strong="G5100"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* tell \w him|strong="G3588"\w*.”  
\v 18 \w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w took|strong="G3880"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w brought|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w commander|strong="G5506"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G5346"\w*, “\w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w prisoner|strong="G1198"\w* \w called|strong="G4341"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* over \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w asked|strong="G2065"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w bring|strong="G2532"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w young|strong="G3495"\w* \w man|strong="G5100"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w because|strong="G4314"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w has|strong="G2192"\w* \w something|strong="G5100"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w tell|strong="G2980"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*.”  
\v 19 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w taking|strong="G1949"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w by|strong="G2596"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w hand|strong="G5495"\w*,\f + \fr 23:19 \ft This is cute! The commander has a sense of humor.\f* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w commander|strong="G5506"\w* \w went|strong="G2532"\w* \w aside|strong="G2596"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w asked|strong="G4441"\w* \w privately|strong="G2398"\w*, “\w What|strong="G5101"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* tell \w me|strong="G1473"\w*?”  
\v 20 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w The|strong="G1519"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w* \w have|strong="G3748"\w* \w agreed|strong="G4934"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w ask|strong="G2065"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w bring|strong="G2609"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w down|strong="G2609"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w council|strong="G4892"\w* tomorrow \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w though|strong="G5613"\w* \w intending|strong="G3195"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w inquire|strong="G4441"\w* \w somewhat|strong="G5100"\w* \w more|strong="G3195"\w* accurately \w concerning|strong="G4012"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 21 \w But|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w should|strong="G3588"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w believe|strong="G3982"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w more|strong="G4119"\w* \w than|strong="G4183"\w* \w forty|strong="G5062"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w their|strong="G1438"\w* \w men|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w lying|strong="G1748"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w wait|strong="G1748"\w* \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* bound \w themselves|strong="G1438"\w* \w with|strong="G1537"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* curse \w neither|strong="G3383"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w eat|strong="G2068"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w drink|strong="G4095"\w* \w until|strong="G2193"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* destroyed \w him|strong="G3588"\w*; \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w now|strong="G3568"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w ready|strong="G2092"\w*, \w looking|strong="G4327"\w* \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w promise|strong="G1860"\w*.”  
\v 22 \w Then|strong="G3767"\w* \w the|strong="G4314"\w* \w commander|strong="G5506"\w* dismissed \w the|strong="G4314"\w* \w young|strong="G3495"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w* \w commanding|strong="G3853"\w*, “Don'\w t|strong="G3588"\w* \w tell|strong="G1583"\w* \w anyone|strong="G3367"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G3754"\w* \w have|strong="G1473"\w* revealed \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*!”   
\s2 Paul sent to Felix  
\p
\v 23 \w Summoning|strong="G4341"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w centurions|strong="G1543"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Prepare|strong="G2090"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w hundred|strong="G1250"\w* \w soldiers|strong="G4757"\w*, \w seventy|strong="G1440"\w* \w horsemen|strong="G2460"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w hundred|strong="G1250"\w* \w spearmen|strong="G1187"\w*\f + \fr 23:23 \ft A centurion commanded 100 men, so there were probably at least five centurions that set out with Paul.\f* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w go|strong="G4198"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Caesarea|strong="G2542"\w* \w at|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w third|strong="G5154"\w* \w hour|strong="G5610"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w night|strong="G3571"\w*;\f + \fr 23:23 \ft Earlier in the book, referring to the Jewish hour of prayer, Hebrew time is used, and on that basis this would be 9 p.m. But I find it scarcely credible that a Roman commander (not a Jew) addressing his troops (none of whom were Jews) would use Hebrew time; I would expect him to use Roman time, which would make it 3 a.m. (People would still be awake at 9 p.m., but not at 3 a.m.)\f*  
\v 24 \w and|strong="G5037"\w* \w provide|strong="G3936"\w* \w mounts|strong="G2934"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w set|strong="G1913"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w on|strong="G3972"\w* \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w as|strong="G2443"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* deliver \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w safely|strong="G1295"\w*\f + \fr 23:24 \ft Why more than one horse for Paul? Was he allowing for the chance that they might have to run for it? Well, the nature of the curse implied some level of desperation, and 40+ desperate men could cause unforeseen complications.\f* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w Felix|strong="G5344"\w*, \w the|strong="G4314"\w* \w governor|strong="G2232"\w*.”  
\v 25 \w He|strong="G3778"\w* \w wrote|strong="G1125"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w letter|strong="G1992"\w* \w with|strong="G2192"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* content:   
\p
\v 26 “\w Claudius|strong="G2804"\w* \w Lysias|strong="G3079"\w*, \w to|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w most|strong="G2903"\w* \w excellent|strong="G2903"\w* \w governor|strong="G2232"\w* \w Felix|strong="G5344"\w*:  
\p \w Greetings|strong="G5463"\w*.   
\p
\v 27 \w This|strong="G3778"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w seized|strong="G4815"\w* \w by|strong="G5259"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w about|strong="G3195"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* killed \w by|strong="G5259"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*; \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G2532"\w* \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w troops|strong="G4753"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w rescued|strong="G1807"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w having|strong="G2532"\w* \w learned|strong="G3129"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w Roman|strong="G4514"\w*.\f + \fr 23:27 \ft Nothing like stretching the truth to make yourself look good.\f*  
\v 28 \w And|strong="G5037"\w* \w wanting|strong="G1014"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w know|strong="G1921"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w reason|strong="G1223"\w* \w they|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w accusing|strong="G1458"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w I|strong="G3739"\w* took \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w down|strong="G2609"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w their|strong="G1519"\w* \w council|strong="G4892"\w*.  
\v 29 \w I|strong="G3739"\w* \w found|strong="G2147"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w being|strong="G2192"\w* \w accused|strong="G1458"\w* \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w questions|strong="G2213"\w* \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w their|strong="G4012"\w* \w law|strong="G3551"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w there|strong="G1161"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w no|strong="G3367"\w* \w accusation|strong="G1462"\w* worthy \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w death|strong="G2288"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w bonds|strong="G1199"\w*.  
\v 30 \w When|strong="G1161"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w told|strong="G3004"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Jews\f + \fr 23:30 \ft Perhaps 11% of the Greek manuscripts omit ‘the Jews’ and ‘about to’ (as in NIV, NASB, LB, etc.).\f* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w about|strong="G1909"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* execute \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w plot|strong="G1917"\w* \w against|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w man|strong="G1519"\w*, \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w sent|strong="G3992"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w at|strong="G1909"\w* \w once|strong="G1824"\w*, \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w directing|strong="G3853"\w* \w his|strong="G1519"\w* \w accusers|strong="G2725"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* state \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w charges|strong="G3004"\w* \w against|strong="G1909"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w before|strong="G1909"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*.  
\p Farewell.”   
\p
\v 31 \w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w soldiers|strong="G4757"\w*, \w according|strong="G2596"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w their|strong="G2596"\w* \w orders|strong="G1299"\w*, \w took|strong="G3767"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w and|strong="G3972"\w* \w brought|strong="G1519"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w by|strong="G1223"\w* \w night|strong="G3571"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* Antipatris.  
\v 32 \w The|strong="G1519"\w* \w next|strong="G1887"\w* \w day|strong="G1887"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w left|strong="G1439"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w horsemen|strong="G2460"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w go|strong="G1519"\w* \w on|strong="G1519"\w* \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w returned|strong="G5290"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w barracks|strong="G3925"\w*.\f + \fr 23:32 \ft Horsemen could move faster without the footmen, and presumably the greatest danger had been in and near Jerusalem.\f*  
\v 33 \w When|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w entered|strong="G1525"\w* \w Caesarea|strong="G2542"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* delivered \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w letter|strong="G1992"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w governor|strong="G2232"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w presented|strong="G3936"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 34 \w When|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* governor read \w it|strong="G2532"\w*, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w asked|strong="G1905"\w* \w what|strong="G4169"\w* \w province|strong="G1885"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w*; learning \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w Cilicia|strong="G2791"\w*,  
\v 35 \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G5346"\w*, “\w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w give|strong="G2753"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w hearing|strong="G1251"\w* \w when|strong="G3752"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w accusers|strong="G2725"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w arrive|strong="G3854"\w*.” \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w commanded|strong="G2753"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w guarded|strong="G5442"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Herod|strong="G2264"\w*'s \w Praetorium|strong="G4232"\w*.\f + \fr 23:35 \ft The quarters would be reasonably decent, not a dungeon.\f*   
\c 24  
\s1 Caesarea  
\s2 Felix  
\m
\v 1 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w after|strong="G3326"\w* \w five|strong="G4002"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w high|strong="G2532"\w* priest Ananias \w went|strong="G2597"\w* \w down|strong="G2597"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w elders|strong="G4245"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w orator|strong="G4489"\w*, \w Tertullus|strong="G5061"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w informed|strong="G1718"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w governor|strong="G2232"\w* \w against|strong="G2596"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w*.\f + \fr 24:1 \ft This effort represented a considerable inconvenience. They were really determined.\f*  
\v 2 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G1096"\w* \w called|strong="G2564"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w*, \w Tertullus|strong="G5061"\w* \w began|strong="G1096"\w* \w his|strong="G1223"\w* \w accusation|strong="G2723"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Seeing|strong="G1223"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w by|strong="G1223"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w we|strong="G2532"\w* \w enjoy|strong="G5177"\w* \w much|strong="G4183"\w* \w peace|strong="G1515"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G4674"\w* \w foresight|strong="G4307"\w* \w has|strong="G1096"\w* \w brought|strong="G1096"\w* prosperity \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w this|strong="G3588"\w* \w nation|strong="G1484"\w*,  
\v 3 \w we|strong="G2532"\w* recognize \w this|strong="G3778"\w*, \w most|strong="G4183"\w* \w noble|strong="G2903"\w* \w Felix|strong="G5344"\w*, \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w full|strong="G3956"\w* \w gratitude|strong="G2169"\w*, \w always|strong="G3956"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w everywhere|strong="G3837"\w*.  
\v 4 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w as|strong="G1161"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* detain \w you|strong="G4771"\w* unduly, \w I|strong="G1473"\w* would request \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w be|strong="G3361"\w* kind \w enough|strong="G4183"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* hear \w us|strong="G2249"\w* \w briefly|strong="G4935"\w*.  
\v 5 \w We|strong="G1063"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w found|strong="G2147"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* plague, \w a|strong="G2532"\w* creator \w of|strong="G2532"\w* discord \w among|strong="G2596"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w* \w throughout|strong="G2596"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w world|strong="G3625"\w*,\f + \fr 24:5 \ft Wow! They are giving Paul a reputation!\f* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w ringleader|strong="G4414"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Natsorean sect,  
\v 6 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w tried|strong="G3985"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* profane \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w temple|strong="G2411"\w*; \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w we|strong="G3739"\w* \w arrested|strong="G2902"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*.\f + \fr 24:6 \ft We have here a bothersome set of variants, and the only way to do justice to the situation is to give the evidence in Greek. Even those who do not read Greek can get some notion as to the high level of confusion. The translation of the addition (more or less) may be had from AV or NKJV.
\fp 1) (without the long addition) \+bd f\+bd*\+sup 35\+sup* (A,B (58.9%) HF,RP,NU 
\fp 2) - 36): \fv \ft 7\+fv* και κατα τον ημετερον νομον ηθελησαμεν κριναι παρελθσν δε λυσιας ο χιλιαρχος μετα πολλης βιας εκ την χειρων ημων αρηγαγεν κελευσας τους κατηγορους αυτου ερχεσθαι επι σε. The five principle variations hinge on the three underlined words; they are: 
\fp 2) κριναι … επι σε (9.7%) [6 variants] 
\fp 8) κριναι … επι σου (10.5%) [14 variants] 
\fp 22) κριναι … προς σε (5.3%) [8 variants] 
\fp 30) κρινειν … επι σου (4.4%) [4 variants] 
\fp 34) κρινειν … επι σε (1.7%) OC,TR [3 variants] [OC is in small print] 
\fp 37) replaces απηγαγεν with five words, plus two other changes: 
\fp κριναι … επι σου (3.2%) [2 variants] 
\fp 39) completely rewrites the material:
\fp κριναι … προς σε (3.4%) CP [6 variants]
\fp (eight further variants) (2.9%) [8 variants].
\fp Variant 2) presumably has the best claim to be the standard form of the addition: κριναι clearly bests κρινειν, επι clearly bests προς, σε barely bests σου. [Although variant 8) appears to be slightly stronger than 2) numerically, the 14 internal variants, compared to 6, effectively diminish its credibility. The main variant in 2) is far stronger than that of 8).] It is also attested by syr and lat\+sup pt\+sup*. However, although some form of the addition commands 41.1% of the MSS, there are no less than 51 variants! 
\fp What about the context? The addition makes good sense, and it fits nicely. But, it is not really necessary; that information Felix already knew. The text reads quite well without the addition also. I conclude that the short form was judged to be abrupt or incomplete, giving rise to the addition; presumably the Autograph did not contain it. Since Tertullus was an orator he may well have actually said what is in the addition, plus a good deal more besides, but did Luke write it? (The incidents recorded in Acts were well known by many contemporaries, and there were many written accounts in circulation [Luke 1:1], so it was entirely predictable that a variety of historically correct material would be added, here and there, to Luke's account.)
\fp The external evidence, though divided, is adequate to resolve this case: 58.9% against a severely fragmented 41.1%. The ancient versions, being divided, do not help us much this time. Although 59% is not a strong majority, by any means, still, the severe fragmentation of the 41% sort of leaves variant 1) without a worthy opponent. Variant 1) wins in “Antiquity”, “Number”, “Variety” and “Continuity”, so I have no doubt that it is original. [The reading of the TR, variant 34), really has little to commend it.]\f*  
\v 8 \w By|strong="G3844"\w* examining \w him|strong="G3739"\w* yourself \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w may|strong="G1410"\w* \w ascertain|strong="G1921"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w accuse|strong="G2723"\w* \w him|strong="G3739"\w*.”  
\v 9 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w joined|strong="G4934"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* attack, affirming \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w so|strong="G3779"\w*.   
\p
\v 10 \w When|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* \w governor|strong="G2232"\w* \w had|strong="G3972"\w* \w nodded|strong="G3506"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w speak|strong="G3004"\w*, \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w answered|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Knowing|strong="G1987"\w*, \w as|strong="G3004"\w* \w I|strong="G3778"\w* \w do|strong="G3004"\w*, \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w have|strong="G1510"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* \w an|strong="G1510"\w* equitable\f + \fr 24:10 \ft I follow the best line of transmission in reading “equitable”, albeit with only 25% of the Greek manuscripts here. Almost all versions follow the 75% in omitting the word.\f* \w judge|strong="G2923"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w nation|strong="G1484"\w* \w for|strong="G4012"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w years|strong="G2094"\w*, \w I|strong="G3778"\w* \w do|strong="G3004"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* \w more|strong="G4183"\w* \w cheerfully|strong="G2115"\w* \w answer|strong="G2115"\w* \w for|strong="G4012"\w* \w myself|strong="G1683"\w*,  
\v 11 \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w can|strong="G1410"\w* \w ascertain|strong="G1921"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w it|strong="G3754"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w more|strong="G4119"\w* \w than|strong="G4183"\w* \w twelve|strong="G1427"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w since|strong="G3754"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w went|strong="G3739"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2419"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w worship|strong="G4352"\w*.  
\v 12 \w They|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G4160"\w* \w not|strong="G4160"\w* \w find|strong="G2147"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w disputing|strong="G1256"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w anyone|strong="G5100"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* stirring \w up|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w*—\w not|strong="G4160"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w temple|strong="G2413"\w*, \w not|strong="G4160"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w synagogues|strong="G4864"\w*, \w not|strong="G4160"\w* \w around|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w city|strong="G4172"\w*.  
\v 13 \w Nor|strong="G3761"\w* \w can|strong="G1410"\w* \w they|strong="G3739"\w* \w prove|strong="G3936"\w* \w the|strong="G3739"\w* \w things|strong="G3739"\w* \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w they|strong="G3739"\w* \w now|strong="G3570"\w* \w accuse|strong="G2723"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*.  
\v 14 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w I|strong="G3739"\w* \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w profess|strong="G3670"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*, \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w according|strong="G2596"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Way|strong="G3598"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w call|strong="G3004"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* sect, \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w how|strong="G3754"\w* \w I|strong="G3739"\w* \w worship|strong="G3000"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* ancestral \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, \w believing|strong="G4100"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w stand|strong="G3778"\w* \w written|strong="G1125"\w* \w throughout|strong="G2596"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Law|strong="G3551"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Prophets|strong="G4396"\w*,  
\v 15 \w having|strong="G2192"\w* \w hope|strong="G1680"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w themselves|strong="G1519"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* look \w for|strong="G1519"\w*, \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* resurrection \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* dead,\f + \fr 24:15 \ft Some 6.6% of the Greek manuscripts omit ‘of the dead’ (as in NIV, NASB, LB, etc.).\f* \w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w just|strong="G1342"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* unjust.\f + \fr 24:15 \ft Everyone will be resurrected, but the two resurrections are very different—which is why Paul applied himself.\f*  
\v 16 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w why|strong="G1223"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* apply myself \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w always|strong="G3956"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* clear \w conscience|strong="G4893"\w* \w before|strong="G4314"\w* \w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w men|strong="G3956"\w*.  
\v 17 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w after|strong="G1161"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w years|strong="G2094"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w came|strong="G3854"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w bring|strong="G4160"\w* \w alms|strong="G1654"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w offerings|strong="G4376"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w nation|strong="G1484"\w*,  
\v 18 \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* midst \w of|strong="G5100"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w* \w from|strong="G3588"\w* \w Asia|strong="G3588"\w* \w found|strong="G2147"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* purified \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w temple|strong="G2413"\w*, \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w neither|strong="G3761"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w* \w nor|strong="G3761"\w* confusion.  
\v 19 \w They|strong="G2532"\w* \w are|strong="G3739"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w ones|strong="G5100"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w had|strong="G2192"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w here|strong="G3918"\w* \w before|strong="G1909"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w make|strong="G2723"\w* \w accusation|strong="G2723"\w*, \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2192"\w* \w anything|strong="G5100"\w* \w against|strong="G1909"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*.\f + \fr 24:19 \ft According to Roman law, the accusers had to be there.\f*  
\v 20 \w Or|strong="G2228"\w* \w let|strong="G2228"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w themselves|strong="G3778"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* wrong \w they|strong="G3588"\w* \w found|strong="G2147"\w* \w in|strong="G1909"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*, \w when|strong="G2147"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w stood|strong="G2476"\w* \w before|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1909"\w* \w council|strong="G4892"\w*,  
\v 21 unless \w it|strong="G3754"\w* \w be|strong="G2228"\w* \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w statement|strong="G5456"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w called|strong="G3739"\w* \w out|strong="G2896"\w*, \w standing|strong="G2476"\w* \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w them|strong="G1722"\w*, ‘\w Concerning|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* resurrection \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w dead|strong="G3498"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1473"\w* \w being|strong="G1722"\w* \w judged|strong="G2919"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w today|strong="G4594"\w*.’ ”   
\p
\v 22 \w Upon|strong="G2596"\w* hearing \w these|strong="G4012"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w Felix|strong="G5344"\w*, \w having|strong="G1492"\w* \w an|strong="G1161"\w* accurate \w knowledge|strong="G1492"\w* \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w concerning|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w Way|strong="G3598"\w*, adjourned \w the|strong="G1161"\w* proceedings \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w When|strong="G3752"\w* \w Lysias|strong="G3079"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w commander|strong="G5506"\w* \w comes|strong="G2597"\w* \w down|strong="G2597"\w* \w I|strong="G1161"\w* \w will|strong="G3004"\w* \w decide|strong="G1231"\w* \w your|strong="G3708"\w* \w case|strong="G3588"\w*.”  
\v 23 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w ordered|strong="G1299"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w centurion|strong="G1543"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3588"\w* \w should|strong="G3588"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w kept|strong="G5083"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w custody|strong="G5083"\w* \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w some|strong="G3588"\w* freedom, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3367"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w forbid|strong="G2967"\w* \w any|strong="G3367"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G2398"\w* \w friends|strong="G2398"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* provide \w for|strong="G2532"\w* \w or|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* visit \w him|strong="G3588"\w*.\f + \fr 24:23 \ft Both Lysias and Felix knew that Paul was not really guilty; and the Jews had figured out that they were not going to get what they wanted from either of them. Felix should have released Paul, but it was not part of the Plan.\f*   
\p
\v 24 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w after|strong="G3326"\w* \w some|strong="G5100"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w*, \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w Felix|strong="G5344"\w* \w came|strong="G3854"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w his|strong="G1519"\w* \w wife|strong="G1135"\w* \w Drusilla|strong="G1409"\w*, \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jewess|strong="G2453"\w*, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w sent|strong="G3343"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* heard \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w concerning|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*.\f + \fr 24:24 \ft Some 45% of the Greek manuscripts omit ‘Jesus’, as in AV and NKJV.\f*  
\v 25 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w as|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* expounded \w on|strong="G4012"\w* \w righteousness|strong="G1343"\w*, \w self-control|strong="G1466"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w judgment|strong="G2917"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G1096"\w*, \w Felix|strong="G5344"\w* \w became|strong="G1096"\w* \w afraid|strong="G1719"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* answered, “\w Go|strong="G4198"\w* \w away|strong="G4198"\w* \w for|strong="G4012"\w* \w now|strong="G1161"\w*; \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w occasion|strong="G2540"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G3195"\w* \w summon|strong="G3333"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*.”\f + \fr 24:25 \ft To believe into Jesus would require changes that Felix was not prepared to make.\f*  
\v 26 \w At|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w same|strong="G2532"\w* time \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w hoping|strong="G1679"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w would|strong="G2532"\w* \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w money|strong="G5536"\w*, \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w might|strong="G2532"\w* release \w him|strong="G3588"\w*; \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w frequently|strong="G4437"\w* summoned \w and|strong="G2532"\w* conversed \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*.   
\p
\v 27 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w after|strong="G1161"\w* \w two|strong="G1333"\w* \w years|strong="G1333"\w*, \w Felix|strong="G5344"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w succeeded|strong="G1240"\w* \w by|strong="G2453"\w* \w Porcius|strong="G4201"\w* \w Festus|strong="G5347"\w*; \w so|strong="G1161"\w* \w Felix|strong="G5344"\w*, \w wanting|strong="G2309"\w* \w to|strong="G2309"\w* \w do|strong="G2983"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w* \w a|strong="G2983"\w* \w favor|strong="G5485"\w*, \w left|strong="G2641"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w in|strong="G1161"\w* prison.\f + \fr 24:27 \ft During those two years Paul had been eating at the empire's expense, but apparently this did not represent a problem to Felix. But why did Felix want to do the Jews a favor? Perhaps the Jews could influence the choice of governor.\f*   
\c 25  
\m
\v 1 \w Now|strong="G3767"\w* \w upon|strong="G1519"\w* assuming \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w province|strong="G1885"\w*, \w after|strong="G3326"\w* \w three|strong="G5140"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w Festus|strong="G5347"\w* \w went|strong="G3767"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w from|strong="G3588"\w* \w Caesarea|strong="G2542"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2414"\w*.  
\v 2 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w chief|strong="G4413"\w* priests\f + \fr 25:2 \ft Some 60% of the Greek manuscripts have ‘high priest’, as in AV and NKJV.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* principal \w men|strong="G4413"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w* \w informed|strong="G1718"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w against|strong="G2596"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* started importuning \w him|strong="G3588"\w*,  
\v 3 begging \w a|strong="G1519"\w* \w favor|strong="G5485"\w* \w from|strong="G2596"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w he|strong="G3588"\w* \w would|strong="G5485"\w* \w summon|strong="G3343"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2419"\w*—preparing \w an|strong="G1519"\w* \w ambush|strong="G1747"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* kill \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w along|strong="G2596"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w way|strong="G3598"\w*.\f + \fr 25:3 \ft Those guys were really good haters!\f*  
\v 4 \w However|strong="G1161"\w* \w Festus|strong="G5347"\w* answered \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w should|strong="G3195"\w* \w be|strong="G3195"\w* \w kept|strong="G5083"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w Caesarea|strong="G2542"\w*, \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w himself|strong="G1438"\w* \w being|strong="G1722"\w* \w about|strong="G3195"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w go|strong="G1607"\w* \w there|strong="G1161"\w* \w shortly|strong="G5034"\w*.  
\v 5 \w He|strong="G3588"\w* \w said|strong="G5346"\w*, “\w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w let|strong="G3767"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* competent \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w go|strong="G4782"\w* down \w with|strong="G1722"\w* me; \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w there|strong="G1510"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w anything|strong="G5100"\w* \w against|strong="G1722"\w* \w this|strong="G3588"\w* \w man|strong="G5100"\w*, \w let|strong="G3767"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w accuse|strong="G2723"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*.”  
\v 6 \w When|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w had|strong="G3972"\w* \w stayed|strong="G1304"\w* \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w more|strong="G4119"\w* \w than|strong="G2228"\w* \w ten|strong="G1176"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w*, \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w went|strong="G2597"\w* \w down|strong="G2597"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Caesarea|strong="G2542"\w*; \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w next|strong="G1887"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w sat|strong="G2523"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w judgment|strong="G2250"\w* \w seat|strong="G2523"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w commanded|strong="G2753"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w be|strong="G3756"\w* \w brought|strong="G2597"\w*.  
\v 7 \w When|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G3854"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G3854"\w* \w down|strong="G2597"\w* \w from|strong="G2597"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2414"\w* \w made|strong="G3756"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* circle,\f + \fr 25:7 \ft This was presumably a tactic to intimidate, and to form a decent circle would require a number of people. Paul was not impressed, but Festus may have been.\f* \w bringing|strong="G2702"\w* \w against|strong="G2702"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3588"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* serious charges \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w could|strong="G2480"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* prove,  
\v 8 \w while|strong="G3754"\w* \w he|strong="G3754"\w* defended \w himself|strong="G1519"\w*, “\w Neither|strong="G3777"\w* \w against|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w law|strong="G3551"\w* \w of|strong="G3551"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w*, \w nor|strong="G3777"\w* \w against|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w temple|strong="G2411"\w*, \w nor|strong="G3777"\w* \w against|strong="G1519"\w* \w Caesar|strong="G2541"\w* \w did|strong="G5100"\w* \w I|strong="G3754"\w* commit \w any|strong="G5100"\w* sin.”  
\v 9 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w Festus|strong="G5347"\w*, \w wanting|strong="G2309"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w do|strong="G2919"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w* \w a|strong="G1519"\w* \w favor|strong="G5485"\w*,\f + \fr 25:9 \ft I wonder if those Jews had been involved in the decision to replace Felix (who didn't play ball with them) with Festus. If so, and if Festus was aware that he owed them a favor, that would account for his attitude here.\f* \w answered|strong="G3004"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w by|strong="G1909"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Are|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G3004"\w* \w willing|strong="G2309"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w go|strong="G2309"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2414"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w be|strong="G1519"\w* \w judged|strong="G2919"\w* \w by|strong="G1909"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w there|strong="G1563"\w* \w concerning|strong="G4012"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w*?”  
\v 10 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1510"\w* \w standing|strong="G2476"\w* \w before|strong="G1909"\w* \w Caesar|strong="G2541"\w*'s \w judgment|strong="G2919"\w* seat, \w where|strong="G3757"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w ought|strong="G1163"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w tried|strong="G2919"\w*. \w To|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* done \w no|strong="G3762"\w* wrong, \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w know|strong="G1921"\w* \w very|strong="G2532"\w* \w well|strong="G2532"\w*.\f + \fr 25:10 \ft Paul could tell that Festus was not on the ‘up and up’.\f*  
\v 11 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* really \w am|strong="G1510"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* wrong \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* perpetrated \w anything|strong="G5100"\w* worthy \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w death|strong="G2288"\w*, \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w do|strong="G4238"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w refuse|strong="G3868"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w die|strong="G2288"\w*; \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w nothing|strong="G3762"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w accusing|strong="G2723"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*, \w no|strong="G3756"\w* \w one|strong="G5100"\w* \w has|strong="G3739"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w right|strong="G3756"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w give|strong="G5483"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.\f + \fr 25:11 \ft Paul knew, and Festus knew, what the Jews had in mind.\f* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w appeal|strong="G1941"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Caesar|strong="G2541"\w*!”  
\v 12 \w Then|strong="G5119"\w* \w Festus|strong="G5347"\w*, \w when|strong="G5119"\w* \w he|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G3588"\w* \w conferred|strong="G4824"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w his|strong="G1909"\w* \w counsel|strong="G4824"\w*, answered: “\w You|strong="G1909"\w* \w have|strong="G3588"\w* \w appealed|strong="G1941"\w* \w to|strong="G1909"\w* \w Caesar|strong="G2541"\w*. \w To|strong="G1909"\w* \w Caesar|strong="G2541"\w* \w you|strong="G1909"\w* \w shall|strong="G3588"\w* \w go|strong="G4198"\w*!”\f + \fr 25:12 \ft I suspect that this took Festus by surprise; and it put him in a bad light—on what basis is he going to send an innocent man to the Emperor? Presumably he could have just released Paul, but that would have turned the Jews against him. And then there was the Plan.\f*   
\s2 Agrippa  
\p
\v 13 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w some|strong="G5100"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w passed|strong="G3588"\w*, Agrippa \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w king|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* Bernice \w arrived|strong="G2658"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w Caesarea|strong="G2542"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* congratulate \w Festus|strong="G5347"\w*.  
\v 14 \w Since|strong="G5613"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w spending|strong="G1304"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w there|strong="G1563"\w*, \w Festus|strong="G5347"\w* \w laid|strong="G1563"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w*'s \w case|strong="G3588"\w* \w before|strong="G2596"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w king|strong="G3588"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w There|strong="G1563"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G5613"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w man|strong="G5100"\w* \w left|strong="G2641"\w* \w a|strong="G5613"\w* \w prisoner|strong="G1198"\w* \w by|strong="G5259"\w* \w Felix|strong="G5344"\w*;  
\v 15 \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w*, \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2414"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w chief|strong="G2532"\w* priests \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w elders|strong="G4245"\w* \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w* \w informed|strong="G1718"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*, asking \w for|strong="G1519"\w* punishment \w against|strong="G2596"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*;  
\v 16 \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w I|strong="G3739"\w* answered \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w it|strong="G3754"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w custom|strong="G1485"\w* \w with|strong="G4314"\w* \w Romans|strong="G4514"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w deliver|strong="G5483"\w* \w any|strong="G5100"\w* \w man|strong="G5100"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* destruction\f + \fr 25:16 \ft Some 7.5% of the Greek manuscripts omit ‘to destruction’ (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w before|strong="G4250"\w* \w the|strong="G2596"\w* \w accused|strong="G2723"\w* \w has|strong="G2192"\w* \w his|strong="G4012"\w* \w accusers|strong="G2725"\w* \w face|strong="G4383"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w face|strong="G4383"\w* \w and|strong="G5037"\w* \w has|strong="G2192"\w* \w opportunity|strong="G5117"\w* \w for|strong="G3754"\w* defense \w against|strong="G2596"\w* \w the|strong="G2596"\w* \w accusation|strong="G2723"\w*.\f + \fr 25:16 \ft I wonder if he really said that.\f*  
\v 17 \w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w when|strong="G3767"\w* \w they|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G3588"\w* \w assembled|strong="G4905"\w* \w here|strong="G1759"\w*, \w without|strong="G3367"\w* \w any|strong="G3367"\w* delay, \w the|strong="G1909"\w* \w next|strong="G1836"\w* \w day|strong="G3588"\w* \w I|strong="G3767"\w* \w sat|strong="G2523"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1909"\w* judgment \w seat|strong="G2523"\w* \w and|strong="G3767"\w* \w commanded|strong="G2753"\w* \w the|strong="G1909"\w* \w man|strong="G3367"\w* \w to|strong="G1909"\w* \w be|strong="G3588"\w* brought.  
\v 18 \w When|strong="G3739"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w accusers|strong="G2725"\w* \w stood|strong="G2476"\w* \w up|strong="G2476"\w*, \w they|strong="G3588"\w* \w brought|strong="G5342"\w* \w no|strong="G3762"\w* \w charge|strong="G2476"\w* \w against|strong="G4012"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w such|strong="G3588"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w as|strong="G3739"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w supposed|strong="G5282"\w*,  
\v 19 \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w had|strong="G2192"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* issues \w against|strong="G4314"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w religion|strong="G1175"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w dead|strong="G2348"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w affirmed|strong="G5335"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w living|strong="G2198"\w*.  
\v 20 \w And|strong="G1161"\w* \w since|strong="G1161"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w at|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G1519"\w* loss \w how|strong="G4012"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w investigate|strong="G2214"\w* \w such|strong="G3778"\w* matters,\f + \fr 25:20 \ft This would likely be true, whether or not it was his motivation at the time.\f* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w asked|strong="G3004"\w* \w whether|strong="G1487"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w willing|strong="G1014"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w go|strong="G4198"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2414"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w be|strong="G1519"\w* \w judged|strong="G2919"\w* \w there|strong="G1161"\w* \w concerning|strong="G4012"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w*.  
\v 21 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w appealed|strong="G1941"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w be|strong="G1519"\w* \w reserved|strong="G5083"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w decision|strong="G1233"\w* \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w Emperor|strong="G4575"\w*, \w I|strong="G3739"\w* \w commanded|strong="G2753"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w be|strong="G1519"\w* \w kept|strong="G5083"\w* \w until|strong="G2193"\w* \w I|strong="G3739"\w* can send \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Caesar|strong="G2541"\w*.”   
\p
\v 22 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* Agrippa \w said|strong="G5346"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w Festus|strong="G5347"\w*, “\w I|strong="G2532"\w* myself \w would|strong="G1014"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w like|strong="G1014"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* hear \w the|strong="G2532"\w* man.” \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G5346"\w*, “Tomorrow \w you|strong="G2532"\w* \w shall|strong="G2532"\w* hear \w him|strong="G3588"\w*.”  
\v 23 \w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w next|strong="G1887"\w* \w day|strong="G1887"\w*, \w when|strong="G2532"\w* Agrippa \w and|strong="G2532"\w* Bernice \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w great|strong="G4183"\w* \w pomp|strong="G5325"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w entered|strong="G1525"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* auditorium, \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w commanding|strong="G2753"\w* officers \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w more|strong="G4183"\w* \w prominent|strong="G1851"\w* \w men|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w city|strong="G4172"\w*, \w at|strong="G1519"\w* \w Festus|strong="G5347"\w*' \w command|strong="G2753"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w brought|strong="G2064"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w*.  
\v 24 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w Festus|strong="G5347"\w* \w said|strong="G5346"\w*: “\w King|strong="G3588"\w* Agrippa, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w men|strong="G3956"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w here|strong="G1759"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w us|strong="G2249"\w*: \w consider|strong="G2334"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w*,\f + \fr 25:24 \ft Festus is not being complimentary.\f* \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w whole|strong="G3956"\w* \w Jewish|strong="G2453"\w* community petitioned \w me|strong="G1473"\w*, \w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2414"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w here|strong="G1759"\w*, vociferating \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* fitting \w for|strong="G4012"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w live|strong="G2198"\w* \w any|strong="G3956"\w* \w longer|strong="G3371"\w*.  
\v 25 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w found|strong="G2638"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w had|strong="G3588"\w* \w committed|strong="G4238"\w* \w nothing|strong="G3367"\w* worthy \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w death|strong="G2288"\w*,\f + \fr 25:25 \ft Festus declares Paul's innocence.\f* besides \w he|strong="G1161"\w* himself having \w appealed|strong="G1941"\w* \w to|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w Emperor|strong="G4575"\w*, \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w decided|strong="G2919"\w* \w to|strong="G1161"\w* \w send|strong="G3992"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 26 \w But|strong="G2532"\w* \w I|strong="G3739"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w nothing|strong="G3756"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w write|strong="G1125"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w my|strong="G3739"\w* \w lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w concerning|strong="G4012"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*. \w Therefore|strong="G1352"\w* \w I|strong="G3739"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w brought|strong="G4254"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w before|strong="G1909"\w* \w all|strong="G2532"\w* \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w especially|strong="G3122"\w* \w before|strong="G1909"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w King|strong="G3588"\w* Agrippa, \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w after|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* examination \w I|strong="G3739"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w something|strong="G5100"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w write|strong="G1125"\w*.  
\v 27 \w Because|strong="G1063"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w seems|strong="G1380"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* unreasonable \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w send|strong="G3992"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w prisoner|strong="G1198"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* specify \w the|strong="G2532"\w* charges \w against|strong="G2596"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*.”\f + \fr 25:27 \ft Precisely. Festus is in a pickle (of his own making).\f*   
\c 26  
\s2 Paul's defense  
\m
\v 1 \w Then|strong="G5119"\w* Agrippa \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w*, “\w You|strong="G4771"\w* \w have|strong="G3588"\w* \w permission|strong="G2010"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w speak|strong="G3004"\w* \w for|strong="G5228"\w* \w yourself|strong="G4572"\w*.” \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w stretched|strong="G1614"\w* \w out|strong="G1614"\w* \w his|strong="G4012"\w* \w hand|strong="G5495"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w began|strong="G5119"\w* \w his|strong="G4012"\w* defense:  
\v 2 “\w I|strong="G3739"\w* \w consider|strong="G2233"\w* \w myself|strong="G1683"\w* \w fortunate|strong="G3107"\w*, King Agrippa, \w in|strong="G1909"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w I|strong="G3739"\w* \w am|strong="G3195"\w* \w to|strong="G1909"\w* make \w my|strong="G3956"\w* defense \w before|strong="G1909"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w this|strong="G3739"\w* \w day|strong="G4594"\w* \w concerning|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w I|strong="G3739"\w* \w am|strong="G3195"\w* \w accused|strong="G1458"\w* \w by|strong="G5259"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w*,  
\v 3 \w especially|strong="G3122"\w* \w because|strong="G2596"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w expert|strong="G1109"\w* \w in|strong="G2596"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jewish|strong="G2453"\w* \w customs|strong="G1485"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* issues; \w therefore|strong="G1352"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w beg|strong="G1189"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* hear \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w patiently|strong="G3116"\w*.  
\v 4 Really, \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w my|strong="G1722"\w* \w way|strong="G1722"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* life \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w my|strong="G1722"\w* \w youth|strong="G3503"\w*, \w which|strong="G3588"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w spent|strong="G1096"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* beginning \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w my|strong="G1722"\w* own \w nation|strong="G1484"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2414"\w*,  
\v 5 \w since|strong="G3754"\w* \w they|strong="G3588"\w* \w have|strong="G2309"\w* \w known|strong="G4267"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w a|strong="G1437"\w* long time, \w if|strong="G1437"\w* \w they|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w willing|strong="G2309"\w* \w to|strong="G2596"\w* \w testify|strong="G3140"\w*, \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w according|strong="G2596"\w* \w to|strong="G2596"\w* \w the|strong="G2596"\w* strictest sect \w of|strong="G2596"\w* \w our|strong="G2251"\w* \w religion|strong="G2356"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w lived|strong="G2198"\w* \w as|strong="G2596"\w* \w a|strong="G1437"\w* \w Pharisee|strong="G5330"\w*.  
\v 6 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w now|strong="G3568"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w stand|strong="G2476"\w* \w here|strong="G1519"\w* \w being|strong="G1096"\w* \w judged|strong="G2919"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w hope|strong="G1680"\w* \w of|strong="G5259"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w promise|strong="G1860"\w* \w made|strong="G1096"\w* \w by|strong="G5259"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w our|strong="G2316"\w* \w fathers|strong="G3962"\w*,  
\v 7 \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w our|strong="G2532"\w* \w twelve|strong="G1429"\w* \w tribes|strong="G1429"\w*, \w earnestly|strong="G2532"\w* \w serving|strong="G3000"\w* \it God\it* \w night|strong="G3571"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w*, \w hope|strong="G1680"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w attain|strong="G2658"\w*. \w It|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w because|strong="G1722"\w* \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w this|strong="G3588"\w* \w hope|strong="G1680"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1473"\w* \w accused|strong="G1458"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w*, \w King|strong="G3588"\w* Agrippa.  
\v 8 \w Why|strong="G5101"\w* \w should|strong="G2316"\w* \w any|strong="G1487"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w consider|strong="G2919"\w* \w it|strong="G1487"\w* incredible \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w raises|strong="G1453"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w dead|strong="G3498"\w*?\f + \fr 26:8 \ft The resurrection was the sticking point.\f*   
\s2 How he persecuted Christians  
\p
\v 9 “\w However|strong="G3767"\w*, \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w myself|strong="G1683"\w* \w thought|strong="G1380"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w had|strong="G2424"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* perpetrate \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G4314"\w* opposition \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G4314"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w of|strong="G3686"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w the|strong="G4314"\w* Natsorean;  
\v 10 \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w actually|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G4160"\w* \w this|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2414"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* saints \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w shut|strong="G1473"\w* \w up|strong="G2623"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w prison|strong="G5438"\w*, \w having|strong="G2532"\w* \w received|strong="G2983"\w* \w authority|strong="G1849"\w* \w from|strong="G3844"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w chief|strong="G2532"\w* priests; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w put|strong="G4160"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* death \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w cast|strong="G2532"\w* \w my|strong="G1722"\w* \w vote|strong="G5586"\w* \w against|strong="G1722"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 11 Yes, \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w punished|strong="G5097"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w often|strong="G4178"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w every|strong="G3956"\w* \w synagogue|strong="G4864"\w*, trying \w to|strong="G1519"\w* force \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* blaspheme; \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w excessively|strong="G2596"\w* \w enraged|strong="G1693"\w* \w against|strong="G2596"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w persecuted|strong="G1377"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w foreign|strong="G1854"\w* \w cities|strong="G4172"\w*.\f + \fr 26:11 \ft Paul states his blame very plainly.\f*   
\s2 How Jesus chose him  
\p
\v 12 “\w It|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w one|strong="G3739"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* journeys, \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w I|strong="G3739"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w going|strong="G4198"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Damascus|strong="G1154"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w authority|strong="G1849"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w commission|strong="G2011"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w chief|strong="G2532"\w* priests,  
\v 13 \w at|strong="G2596"\w* \w midday|strong="G2250"\w*, O \w king|strong="G3588"\w*, \w as|strong="G2596"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w on|strong="G5228"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w road|strong="G3598"\w*, \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w light|strong="G5457"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3771"\w* \w brighter|strong="G2987"\w* \w than|strong="G5228"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sun|strong="G2246"\w*, blazing \w around|strong="G4034"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w traveling|strong="G4198"\w* \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*.  
\v 14 \w Well|strong="G5037"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w fell|strong="G2667"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w ground|strong="G1093"\w* \w and|strong="G5037"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* heard \w a|strong="G1519"\w* \w voice|strong="G5456"\w* \w speaking|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \nd \+w me|strong="G1473"\+w*\nd* \w and|strong="G5037"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w Hebrew|strong="G1446"\w* \w language|strong="G1258"\w*:\f + \fr 26:14 \ft A conversation between two Jews would naturally be in Hebrew.\f* ‘\w Saul|strong="G4549"\w*, \w Saul|strong="G4549"\w*, \w why|strong="G5101"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w persecuting|strong="G1377"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*? \w It|strong="G5101"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w hard|strong="G4642"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w kick|strong="G2979"\w* \w against|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w goads|strong="G2759"\w*.’  
\v 15 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w Who|strong="G3739"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*, \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*?’ \w And|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: ‘\w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1510"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*, \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w persecuting|strong="G1377"\w*.  
\v 16 \w Now|strong="G2532"\w* \w get|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w stand|strong="G2476"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w feet|strong="G4228"\w*; \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w appeared|strong="G3708"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w purpose|strong="G3739"\w*, \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w appoint|strong="G4400"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w servant|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w witness|strong="G3144"\w* \w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w seen|strong="G3708"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* reveal \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*,  
\v 17 \w delivering|strong="G1807"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* ‘\w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w*’ \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* ethnic \w nations|strong="G1484"\w*, \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1473"\w* sending \w you|strong="G4771"\w*:  
\v 18 \w to|strong="G1519"\w* open \w their|strong="G1438"\w* \w eyes|strong="G3788"\w*, \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w bring|strong="G2983"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w back|strong="G1994"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w darkness|strong="G4655"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w light|strong="G5457"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w authority|strong="G1849"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w Satan|strong="G4567"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w receive|strong="G2983"\w* forgiveness \w of|strong="G2316"\w* sins \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w an|strong="G2532"\w* \w inheritance|strong="G2819"\w* \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* sanctified, \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*.’\f + \fr 26:18 \ft Of specific interest to us here is the missionary commission that Paul (he was still Saul) received. Matthew 28:19, Mark 16:15, John 20:21 and Acts 1:8 took place between the resurrection and the ascension, but to commission Paul Jesus returned from Heaven! One other detail deserves special notice—the responsibility that Paul received was primarily concerned with the ethnic nations (“Gentiles” is a translation of the same word that in Matthew 28:19 is rendered “nations”). For these reasons it seems to me that this missionary commission takes on a special importance for us, and the more so for whoever is going to do transcultural work. So let us consider this commission in more detail. 
\fp Paul is sent to the nations (defined ethnically), “to open their eyes so as to bring them back from darkness into light and from the authority of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified, by faith in Me.” 
\fp I rendered the second verb as ‘bring back’ rather than ‘turn’ or ‘convert’ because I take that to be the correct nuance of the Text. It gives the impression that someone is in the wrong place or situation and needs to be brought to the correct one. And now for the main point: the purpose clause introduced by the conjunction ‘that’ is subordinated to the verbal phrase dominated by the verb “bring back”. In other words, before someone can receive forgiveness of sins, even, he must be freed from the power of Satan! Before a person can be saved someone must do something about Satan's influence upon him. 
\fp The Lord Jesus had already said the same thing in different words during His earthly ministry. We find it in Mark 3:27. “No one can plunder the strong man's goods, invading his house, unless he first bind the strong man; then he may plunder his house.” I have used the definite article with the first occurrence of ‘strong man’ because the Greek text has it, the point being that this particular strong man has already been introduced in the immediate context. ‘The strong man’ here is Satan. (The Jewish leaders tried to explain Jesus’ authority over the demons by saying that He expelled them by the power of Beelzebul, prince of the demons. In His retort Jesus does not waste time with that name but uses the enemy's proper name, Satan.) 
\fp So then, the Lord Jesus declares that it is impossible to steal Satan's goods unless we bind him first. (From His use of ‘no one’ it seems clear that the Lord is enunciating a general principle or truth.) And what might the nature of those ‘goods’ be? In the context (see Matthew 12:22-24) Jesus had delivered someone from a demon that caused blindness and dumbness, and in their comments the scribes and Pharisees include other instances where Jesus had expelled demons—it seems clear that the ‘goods’ are people who are subject to Satan's power, in one way or another. Thus we have the same essential truth as that declared in Acts 26:18—we have to do something about Satan's power over a person so that he or she can be saved! But what does Satan do to people that makes it necessary to ‘bind’ him? 
\fp We find the answer in 2 Corinthians 4:4. Let's begin with verse 3. “If our gospel is veiled it is veiled to them who are perishing, in whom the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers so that the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should not shine in them.” The Text clearly states that Satan, ‘the god of this world’, is in the business of blinding the minds of unbelievers when they hear the Gospel, so they will not understand, so they will not be convicted, so they will not repent and convert. This is a terrible truth. The enemy has access to our minds, access in the sense that he has the power or ability to invade them, whether by introducing thoughts or by jamming our reasoning. The Lord Jesus had already declared this truth previously, when He explained the parable of the sower. “These are the ones by the wayside where the word is sown; but, as soon as they hear it Satan comes and takes away the word that was planted in their hearts” (Mark 4:15). In the parallel passage in Luke 8:12 Jesus adds the following words: “lest they believe and be saved”. Note that the Word is already in the mind or heart of the person, but then Satan comes, invades the mind and ‘takes away’ that word. I am not sure just how this intrusion by the enemy works, perhaps he causes a mental block of some sort, but the practical effect is that the Word becomes ineffective, as if the person had not even heard it. 
\fp It seems obvious to me that whoever does not take this truth into account will be condemning himself to produce little effect in the spiritual realm, to work hard and achieve little.\f*  
\v 19 \w Therefore|strong="G3606"\w*, \w King|strong="G3588"\w* Agrippa, \w I|strong="G3606"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* disobedient \w to|strong="G3756"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w heavenly|strong="G3770"\w* \w vision|strong="G3701"\w*  
\v 20 —\w first|strong="G4413"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Damascus|strong="G1154"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2414"\w*, \w then|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w region|strong="G5561"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w Judea|strong="G2449"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* ethnic \w nations|strong="G1484"\w*, \w I|strong="G2532"\w* still preach: ‘\w repent|strong="G3340"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w turn|strong="G1994"\w* \w back|strong="G1994"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, \w doing|strong="G4238"\w* \w works|strong="G2041"\w* worthy \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w repentance|strong="G3341"\w*.’  
\v 21 \w That|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* why \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w* \w seized|strong="G4815"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w temple|strong="G2413"\w* \w and|strong="G2453"\w* \w tried|strong="G3987"\w* \w to|strong="G1722"\w* \w kill|strong="G1315"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*.  
\v 22 \w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w then|strong="G3767"\w*, \w having|strong="G2532"\w* experienced \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w help|strong="G1947"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, \w I|strong="G3739"\w* \w stand|strong="G2476"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w testifying|strong="G3143"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w small|strong="G3398"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w great|strong="G3173"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w nothing|strong="G3762"\w* beyond \w what|strong="G3739"\w* \w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w prophets|strong="G4396"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Moses|strong="G3475"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w would|strong="G3195"\w* \w happen|strong="G1096"\w*  
\v 23 —\w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Messiah|strong="G5547"\w* \w would|strong="G3195"\w* \w suffer|strong="G3805"\w*; \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w as|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w first|strong="G4413"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* rise \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w dead|strong="G3498"\w*\f + \fr 26:23 \ft Yes, Jesus was the first one out, but only the first!\f* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w would|strong="G3195"\w* \w proclaim|strong="G2605"\w* \w light|strong="G5457"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w both|strong="G2532"\w* ‘\w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w*’ \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* ethnic \w nations|strong="G1484"\w*.”\f + \fr 26:23 \ft How did Jesus do this after His resurrection? Presumably He did it, and continues to do so, through His followers.\f*   
\s2 Festus interrupts  
\p
\v 24 Well \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w thus|strong="G1519"\w* \w made|strong="G1161"\w* \w his|strong="G1519"\w* defense, \w Festus|strong="G5347"\w* \w said|strong="G5346"\w* \w with|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G1519"\w* \w loud|strong="G3173"\w* \w voice|strong="G5456"\w*: “\w Paul|strong="G3972"\w*, \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* crazy! \w Your|strong="G3588"\w* \w great|strong="G3173"\w* \w learning|strong="G1121"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w driving|strong="G4062"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w insane|strong="G3105"\w*!”\f + \fr 26:24 \ft Festus in not happy. Paul is talking to Agrippa, not to him. As a ‘son of the disobedience’ (Ephesians 2:2) he was open to demonic interference, and Satan does \+nd not\+nd* like the resurrection. So Paul's mention of Jesus' resurrection is Festus' clue to interrupt, which he does in rather insulting terms.\f*  
\v 25 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G5346"\w*: “\w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w am|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* crazy, \w most|strong="G2903"\w* \w excellent|strong="G2903"\w* \w Festus|strong="G5347"\w*; \w rather|strong="G3756"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* pronounce \w words|strong="G4487"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* truth \w and|strong="G2532"\w* reasonableness.  
\v 26 \w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w king|strong="G3588"\w* \w knows|strong="G1987"\w* \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w*, \w before|strong="G4314"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w I|strong="G3739"\w* \w speak|strong="G2980"\w* \w freely|strong="G3955"\w*; \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w I|strong="G3739"\w* \w am|strong="G1510"\w* \w convinced|strong="G3982"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w none|strong="G3762"\w* \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w has|strong="G3739"\w* \w escaped|strong="G2990"\w* \w his|strong="G4012"\w* \w notice|strong="G2990"\w*, \w since|strong="G1063"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w done|strong="G4238"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w corner|strong="G1137"\w*.  
\v 27 \w King|strong="G3588"\w* Agrippa, \w do|strong="G1492"\w* \w you|strong="G3754"\w* \w believe|strong="G4100"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w prophets|strong="G4396"\w*? \w I|strong="G3754"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G3754"\w* \w believe|strong="G4100"\w*.”\f + \fr 26:27 \ft Paul knows that the hearing is over, but he likes Agrippa and nudges him to believe.\f*  
\v 28 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* Agrippa \w said|strong="G1161"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w*, “\w You|strong="G1722"\w* \w will|strong="G1473"\w* \w soon|strong="G1722"\w* \w persuade|strong="G3982"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w become|strong="G4160"\w* \w a|strong="G1722"\w* \w Christian|strong="G5546"\w*!”  
\v 29 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w said|strong="G1161"\w*, “\w Whether|strong="G2532"\w* sooner \w or|strong="G2532"\w* later, \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w would|strong="G1096"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w only|strong="G3440"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* hearing \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w day|strong="G4594"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w become|strong="G1096"\w* \w such|strong="G5108"\w* \w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1510"\w*, \w except|strong="G3924"\w* \w for|strong="G1161"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w chains|strong="G1199"\w*.”   
\p
\v 30 \w Upon|strong="G3588"\w* \w his|strong="G2532"\w* saying \w this|strong="G3588"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w king|strong="G3588"\w* \w stood|strong="G3588"\w* \w up|strong="G2532"\w*, \w along|strong="G2532"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w governor|strong="G2232"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* Bernice \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w sitting|strong="G4775"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*;  
\v 31 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* withdrawn \w they|strong="G2532"\w* started \w talking|strong="G2980"\w* \w among|strong="G4314"\w* \w themselves|strong="G3778"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w This|strong="G3778"\w* \w man|strong="G5100"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w doing|strong="G4238"\w* \w nothing|strong="G3762"\w* deserving \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w death|strong="G2288"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w chains|strong="G1199"\w*.”  
\v 32 \w And|strong="G1161"\w* Agrippa \w said|strong="G5346"\w* \w to|strong="G1410"\w* \w Festus|strong="G5347"\w*, “\w This|strong="G3778"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w* \w could|strong="G1410"\w* \w have|strong="G3588"\w* \w been|strong="G3361"\w* set free, \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w had|strong="G3588"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w appealed|strong="G1941"\w* \w to|strong="G1410"\w* \w Caesar|strong="G2541"\w*.”\f + \fr 26:32 \ft Of course, but now it is too late.\f*   
\c 27  
\s1 Paul sent to Rome  
\m
\v 1 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w decided|strong="G2919"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w*\f + \fr 27:1 \ft I take it that Luke has been around all the time.\f* \w should|strong="G5100"\w* sail \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w Italy|strong="G2482"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w delivered|strong="G3860"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w other|strong="G2087"\w* \w prisoners|strong="G1202"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G5613"\w* \w centurion|strong="G1543"\w* \w named|strong="G3686"\w* \w Julius|strong="G2457"\w*, \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* imperial \w cohort|strong="G4686"\w*.  
\v 2 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* embarked \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G1519"\w* \w ship|strong="G4143"\w* \w of|strong="G2596"\w* Atramytium, \w being|strong="G1510"\w* \w about|strong="G3195"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w sail|strong="G4126"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* points \w along|strong="G4862"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* Asian \w coast|strong="G2596"\w*, \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w put|strong="G1519"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* sea; Aristarchus, \w a|strong="G1519"\w* \w Macedonian|strong="G3110"\w* \w of|strong="G2596"\w* \w Thessalonica|strong="G2331"\w*, \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w us|strong="G1519"\w*.  
\v 3 \w The|strong="G1519"\w* \w next|strong="G2087"\w* \w day|strong="G3588"\w* \w we|strong="G3588"\w* \w landed|strong="G2609"\w* \w at|strong="G1519"\w* \w Sidon|strong="G4605"\w*; \w Julius|strong="G2457"\w* \w treated|strong="G5530"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w kindly|strong="G5364"\w* \w and|strong="G5037"\w* \w permitted|strong="G2010"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w go|strong="G4198"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w his|strong="G1519"\w* \w friends|strong="G5384"\w* \w and|strong="G5037"\w* \w receive|strong="G5177"\w* \w care|strong="G1958"\w*.  
\v 4 Putting \w to|strong="G1510"\w* sea \w from|strong="G3588"\w* \w there|strong="G2547"\w*, \w we|strong="G1510"\w* \w sailed|strong="G5284"\w* \w under|strong="G5284"\w* \w the|strong="G1223"\w* lee \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w Cyprus|strong="G2954"\w*, \w because|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G1223"\w* winds \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w contrary|strong="G1727"\w*.  
\v 5 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w we|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w sailed|strong="G1277"\w* across \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sea|strong="G3989"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w off|strong="G2596"\w* \w Cilicia|strong="G2791"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Pamphylia|strong="G3828"\w*, \w we|strong="G2532"\w* \w landed|strong="G2718"\w* \w at|strong="G1519"\w* \w Myra|strong="G3460"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w Lycia|strong="G3073"\w*.  
\v 6 \w There|strong="G2546"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w centurion|strong="G1543"\w* \w found|strong="G2147"\w* \w a|strong="G1519"\w* \w ship|strong="G4143"\w* \w of|strong="G3588"\w* Alexandria \w sailing|strong="G4126"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w Italy|strong="G2482"\w* \w and|strong="G3588"\w* \w put|strong="G1688"\w* \w us|strong="G1519"\w* \w on|strong="G1519"\w* board.  
\v 7 \w When|strong="G1161"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w sailed|strong="G5284"\w* \w slowly|strong="G1020"\w* \w many|strong="G2425"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w scarcely|strong="G3433"\w* \w arrived|strong="G1096"\w* opposite \w Cnidus|strong="G2834"\w*, \w the|strong="G1722"\w* wind \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* allow \w us|strong="G2249"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w go|strong="G2532"\w* forward, \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w sailed|strong="G5284"\w* \w for|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* lee \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w Crete|strong="G2914"\w*\f + \fr 27:7 \ft They had been sailing west along the coast of Asia Minor and now turn south to Crete.\f* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w way|strong="G2596"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w Salmone|strong="G4534"\w*;  
\v 8 \w sailing|strong="G3881"\w* \w along|strong="G3881"\w* \w it|strong="G3739"\w* \w with|strong="G1519"\w* \w difficulty|strong="G3433"\w* \w we|strong="G3739"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G1519"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w place|strong="G5117"\w* \w called|strong="G2564"\w* \w Fair|strong="G2570"\w* Havens, \w near|strong="G1451"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w town|strong="G4172"\w* \w of|strong="G5100"\w* \w Lasea|strong="G2996"\w*.   
\s2 A difference of opinion  
\p
\v 9 \w Much|strong="G2425"\w* \w time|strong="G5550"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* lost \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w sailing|strong="G4144"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w already|strong="G2235"\w* \w dangerous|strong="G2000"\w*, \w because|strong="G1223"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Fast|strong="G3521"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w already|strong="G2235"\w* taken place; \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* repeatedly warned \w them|strong="G3588"\w*  
\v 10 \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Men|strong="G3588"\w*, \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w perceive|strong="G2334"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w voyage|strong="G4144"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w about|strong="G3195"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w damage|strong="G5196"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w great|strong="G4183"\w* \w loss|strong="G2209"\w*, \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w only|strong="G3440"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w cargo|strong="G5413"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w ship|strong="G4143"\w*, \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w our|strong="G2532"\w* \w lives|strong="G5590"\w*.”  
\v 11 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w centurion|strong="G1543"\w*\f + \fr 27:11 \ft It appears that the centurion had the last word.\f* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w persuaded|strong="G3982"\w* \w by|strong="G5259"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w pilot|strong="G2942"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w ship|strong="G3490"\w* owner \w rather|strong="G3123"\w* \w than|strong="G2228"\w* \w by|strong="G5259"\w* \w what|strong="G3588"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*.  
\v 12 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w since|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w harbor|strong="G3040"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w not|strong="G1410"\w* \w suitable|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w winter|strong="G3914"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w majority|strong="G4183"\w* \w advised|strong="G5087"\w* sailing \w on|strong="G1519"\w*, \w to|strong="G1519"\w* see \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w could|strong="G1410"\w* \w get|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Phoenix|strong="G5405"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w order|strong="G4314"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w winter|strong="G3914"\w*, \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w being|strong="G5225"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w harbor|strong="G3040"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Crete|strong="G2914"\w* facing \w southwest|strong="G3047"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w northwest|strong="G5566"\w*.\f + \fr 27:12 \ft I suppose the point to be that it was completely open to the west; there is such a spot on the present coastline of Crete, though the name ‘phoenix’ has disappeared.\f*   
\s2 The storm  
\p
\v 13 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w south|strong="G3558"\w* \w wind|strong="G3558"\w* \w blew|strong="G3558"\w* gently, \w supposing|strong="G1380"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w had|strong="G3588"\w* \w obtained|strong="G2902"\w* \w their|strong="G3588"\w* \w purpose|strong="G4286"\w*, \w they|strong="G1161"\w* weighed anchor \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w sailed|strong="G3881"\w* \w along|strong="G3881"\w* \w Crete|strong="G2914"\w*, close \w to|strong="G1161"\w* shore.  
\v 14 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w long|strong="G4183"\w* \w after|strong="G3326"\w*, \w a|strong="G3756"\w* cyclonic wind blasted \w down|strong="G2596"\w* \w from|strong="G2596"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* land (\w it|strong="G1161"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w called|strong="G2564"\w* \w Euroclydon|strong="G2148"\w*).  
\v 15 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w ship|strong="G4143"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w caught|strong="G4884"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w could|strong="G1410"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* head into \w the|strong="G2532"\w* wind, \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w we|strong="G2532"\w* \w gave|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G2532"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w driven|strong="G5342"\w* \w along|strong="G2532"\w*.\f + \fr 27:15 \ft The blast of wind was sudden and they were too close to the shore to have much room to maneuver. To remain broadside to the wind was to be swamped, so they turned tail and the wind drove them out to the open Mediterranean. I imagine that a little supernatural activity was involved.\f*  
\v 16 \w Running|strong="G5295"\w* \w under|strong="G5295"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* lee \w of|strong="G5100"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w small|strong="G3519"\w* \w island|strong="G3519"\w* \w called|strong="G2564"\w* \w Clauda|strong="G2802"\w*, \w we|strong="G1161"\w* \w barely|strong="G3433"\w* managed \w to|strong="G1096"\w* secure \w the|strong="G1161"\w* skiff;  
\v 17 \w when|strong="G3739"\w* \w they|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G3739"\w* hoisted \w it|strong="G3739"\w* aboard, \w they|strong="G3588"\w* \w used|strong="G5530"\w* cables \w to|strong="G1519"\w* undergird \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w ship|strong="G4143"\w*; \w and|strong="G5037"\w* \w fearing|strong="G5399"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w they|strong="G3588"\w* might \w fall|strong="G1601"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w Syrtis|strong="G4950"\w*,\f + \fr 27:17 \ft By the time they finished undergirding the ship they were probably about a fifth of the way across the Mediterranean (the wind was driving them south, in a hurry). The Syrtis evidently referred to two shallow bays on the African coast that had shifting sand bars and liked to snare boats. The sea anchor was presumably dropped off the stern to provide drag and slow their progress.\f* \w they|strong="G3588"\w* lowered \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w sea|strong="G4632"\w* \w anchor|strong="G4632"\w* \w and|strong="G5037"\w* \w so|strong="G3779"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w driven|strong="G5342"\w* \w along|strong="G5037"\w*.  
\v 18 \w We|strong="G2249"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w being|strong="G1161"\w* \w so|strong="G1161"\w* \w violently|strong="G4971"\w* battered \w by|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* storm \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w next|strong="G1836"\w* \w day|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w began|strong="G1161"\w* \w to|strong="G1161"\w* \w jettison|strong="G1546"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w*,  
\v 19 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w on|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w third|strong="G5154"\w* \w we|strong="G2532"\w* \w threw|strong="G4496"\w* \w off|strong="G4496"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w ship|strong="G4143"\w*'s \w tackle|strong="G4631"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w our|strong="G2532"\w* own hands.  
\v 20 \w When|strong="G1161"\w* \w neither|strong="G3756"\w* \w sun|strong="G2246"\w* \w nor|strong="G3383"\w* stars \w appeared|strong="G2014"\w* \w for|strong="G1909"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w a|strong="G1909"\w* major \w storm|strong="G5494"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* still pounding \w us|strong="G2249"\w*, \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w hope|strong="G1680"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w would|strong="G2250"\w* \w be|strong="G3756"\w* \w saved|strong="G4982"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w now|strong="G1161"\w* \w taken|strong="G3063"\w* \w away|strong="G4014"\w*.   
\p
\v 21 \w Now|strong="G2532"\w* \w after|strong="G2532"\w* \w long|strong="G4183"\w* abstinence \w from|strong="G2532"\w* food, \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w stood|strong="G2476"\w* \w up|strong="G2476"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w midst|strong="G3319"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w men|strong="G3778"\w*, \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w would|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G2532"\w* \w better|strong="G4183"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w take|strong="G2532"\w* \w my|strong="G1722"\w* \w advice|strong="G3980"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* sail \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w Crete|strong="G2914"\w*, \w only|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* ‘\w gain|strong="G2770"\w*’ \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w damage|strong="G5196"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w loss|strong="G2209"\w*.\f + \fr 27:21 \ft Paul's ‘I told you so’ is really quite bland, and is followed by good news.\f*  
\v 22 \w But|strong="G2532"\w* \w now|strong="G3568"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w urge|strong="G3867"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w take|strong="G2532"\w* \w heart|strong="G5590"\w*, \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w no|strong="G3762"\w* loss \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w life|strong="G5590"\w* \w among|strong="G1537"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w only|strong="G2532"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w ship|strong="G4143"\w*.  
\v 23 \w This|strong="G3778"\w* \w night|strong="G3571"\w* \w an|strong="G2532"\w* angel \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w whose|strong="G3739"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1510"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w serve|strong="G3000"\w* \w stood|strong="G3936"\w* \w by|strong="G3936"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*  
\v 24 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: ‘\w Do|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w afraid|strong="G5399"\w*, \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w*; \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w must|strong="G1163"\w* \w stand|strong="G3936"\w* \w before|strong="G3936"\w* \w Caesar|strong="G2541"\w*. \w Furthermore|strong="G2532"\w*, \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w has|strong="G2316"\w* \w granted|strong="G5483"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w sail|strong="G4126"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*.’  
\v 25 \w So|strong="G3779"\w* \w take|strong="G2316"\w* \w courage|strong="G2114"\w*, \w men|strong="G3588"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w believe|strong="G4100"\w* \w in|strong="G2596"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w it|strong="G3754"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w just|strong="G3779"\w* \w as|strong="G2596"\w* \w it|strong="G3754"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w told|strong="G2980"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*.  
\v 26 \w Also|strong="G1161"\w*, \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w must|strong="G1163"\w* \w run|strong="G1601"\w* \w aground|strong="G1601"\w* \w on|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G1519"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w island|strong="G3520"\w*.”   
\p
\v 27 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w fourteenth|strong="G5065"\w* \w night|strong="G3571"\w* \w had|strong="G3588"\w* \w come|strong="G1096"\w*, \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w being|strong="G1096"\w* \w driven|strong="G1308"\w* \w here|strong="G1722"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w there|strong="G1161"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* Adriatic,\f + \fr 27:27 \ft This term presumably took in a larger area than it does today.\f* \w about|strong="G5613"\w* \w midnight|strong="G3319"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w sailors|strong="G3492"\w* sensed \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* nearing \w some|strong="G5100"\w* \w land|strong="G5561"\w*.  
\v 28 \w They|strong="G2532"\w* \w took|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w sounding|strong="G1001"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w found|strong="G2147"\w* \w twenty|strong="G1501"\w* \w fathoms|strong="G3712"\w*; \w going|strong="G2532"\w* \w on|strong="G1161"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w little|strong="G1024"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w took|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w sounding|strong="G1001"\w* \w again|strong="G3825"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w found|strong="G2147"\w* \w fifteen|strong="G1178"\w* \w fathoms|strong="G3712"\w*.  
\v 29 \w So|strong="G5037"\w* \w fearing|strong="G5399"\w* \w that|strong="G1096"\w* \w we|strong="G2250"\w* \w might|strong="G1096"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* driven \w into|strong="G1096"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* rocky area, \w they|strong="G5037"\w* dropped \w four|strong="G5064"\w* anchors \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* \w stern|strong="G4403"\w* \w and|strong="G5037"\w* \w started|strong="G1096"\w* praying \w for|strong="G1537"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w to|strong="G2596"\w* \w come|strong="G1096"\w*.  
\v 30 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w under|strong="G1537"\w* \w pretense|strong="G4392"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w putting|strong="G2532"\w* \w out|strong="G1537"\w* anchors \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w prow|strong="G4408"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sailors|strong="G3492"\w* lowered \w the|strong="G2532"\w* skiff \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sea|strong="G2281"\w*, \w intending|strong="G3195"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w flee|strong="G5343"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w ship|strong="G4143"\w*;  
\v 31 \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w centurion|strong="G1543"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w soldiers|strong="G4757"\w*, “\w Unless|strong="G1437"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w stay|strong="G3306"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w ship|strong="G4143"\w*, \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w cannot|strong="G1410"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w saved|strong="G4982"\w*.”  
\v 32 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w soldiers|strong="G4757"\w* severed \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w ropes|strong="G4979"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* skiff \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w let|strong="G1439"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w fall|strong="G1601"\w* \w away|strong="G1601"\w*.\f + \fr 27:32 \ft This seems a pity, since a skiff would have been useful in getting people to land later. But in any case, the centurion believed him!\f*   
\p
\v 33 \w While|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w coming|strong="G1096"\w* \w on|strong="G1161"\w*, \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w started|strong="G1096"\w* \w urging|strong="G3870"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w all|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w receive|strong="G4355"\w* \w food|strong="G5160"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Today|strong="G4594"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w fourteenth|strong="G5065"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w waiting|strong="G4328"\w*—\w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w continue|strong="G1096"\w* \w without|strong="G3367"\w* eating, having \w taken|strong="G1096"\w* \w nothing|strong="G3367"\w*.  
\v 34 \w Therefore|strong="G1352"\w* \w I|strong="G1063"\w* \w urge|strong="G3870"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w take|strong="G3335"\w* nourishment, \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w our|strong="G4314"\w* \w survival|strong="G4991"\w*, \w since|strong="G1063"\w* \w not|strong="G3762"\w* \w a|strong="G4314"\w* \w hair|strong="G2359"\w* \w will|strong="G3778"\w* fall \w from|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G4314"\w* \w head|strong="G2776"\w* \w of|strong="G2776"\w* \w any|strong="G3762"\w* \w of|strong="G2776"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*.”  
\v 35 \w Upon|strong="G1161"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w picked|strong="G2983"\w* \w up|strong="G2532"\w* \w some|strong="G3588"\w* bread \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w gave|strong="G2532"\w* \w thanks|strong="G2168"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w front|strong="G1799"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w*; \w then|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w broke|strong="G2806"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w began|strong="G1161"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w eat|strong="G2068"\w*.  
\v 36 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w were|strong="G1096"\w* \w encouraged|strong="G2115"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w took|strong="G4355"\w* \w food|strong="G5160"\w* themselves.  
\v 37 (\w In|strong="G1722"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w*, \w we|strong="G1161"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w two|strong="G1250"\w* \w hundred|strong="G1250"\w* \w seventy-six|strong="G1440"\w* \w souls|strong="G5590"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w ship|strong="G4143"\w*.)  
\v 38 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w had|strong="G3588"\w* \w eaten|strong="G2880"\w* \w enough|strong="G5160"\w*, \w they|strong="G1161"\w* started lightening \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w ship|strong="G4143"\w* \w by|strong="G1519"\w* \w throwing|strong="G1544"\w* \w out|strong="G1544"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w wheat|strong="G4621"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w sea|strong="G2281"\w*.   
\p
\v 39 \w When|strong="G3753"\w* \w it|strong="G1161"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w*, \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w did|strong="G1096"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w recognize|strong="G1921"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w land|strong="G1093"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* noticed \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w bay|strong="G2859"\w* \w with|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* beach, \w onto|strong="G1519"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w planned|strong="G1011"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* run \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w ship|strong="G4143"\w*, \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w possible|strong="G1410"\w*.  
\v 40 \w Casting|strong="G4014"\w* \w off|strong="G4014"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* anchors \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w left|strong="G1439"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sea|strong="G2281"\w*, \w at|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w same|strong="G2532"\w* time untying \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w rudder|strong="G4079"\w* \w ropes|strong="G2202"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w hoisting|strong="G1869"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* foresail \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w wind|strong="G4154"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w made|strong="G1519"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* beach.  
\v 41 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w fell|strong="G2532"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w place|strong="G5117"\w* \w where|strong="G5117"\w* \w two|strong="G1337"\w* \w seas|strong="G1337"\w* \w met|strong="G1337"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w ran|strong="G2027"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w vessel|strong="G3491"\w* \w aground|strong="G2027"\w*; \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w prow|strong="G4408"\w* \w stuck|strong="G2043"\w* \w fast|strong="G2043"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w remained|strong="G3306"\w* immovable, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w stern|strong="G4403"\w* \w began|strong="G1161"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w broken|strong="G3089"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w by|strong="G5259"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* violence \w of|strong="G5259"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* waves.   
\p
\v 42 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w plan|strong="G1012"\w* \w of|strong="G5100"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w soldiers|strong="G4757"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* kill \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w prisoners|strong="G1202"\w*, \w lest|strong="G3361"\w* \w any|strong="G5100"\w* \w of|strong="G5100"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w should|strong="G5100"\w* \w swim|strong="G1579"\w* \w away|strong="G1579"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w escape|strong="G1309"\w*.  
\v 43 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w centurion|strong="G1543"\w*, \w wanting|strong="G1014"\w* \w to|strong="G1909"\w* \w save|strong="G1295"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w*, stopped \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w from|strong="G3588"\w* doing \w it|strong="G1161"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w ordered|strong="G2753"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w could|strong="G1410"\w* \w swim|strong="G2860"\w* \w to|strong="G1909"\w* jump \w in|strong="G1909"\w* \w first|strong="G4413"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* go \w toward|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w land|strong="G1093"\w*,  
\v 44 \w followed|strong="G1096"\w* \w by|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w rest|strong="G3062"\w*, \w some|strong="G5100"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w planks|strong="G4548"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w some|strong="G5100"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w ship|strong="G4143"\w*. \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1909"\w* \w this|strong="G3588"\w* \w way|strong="G3779"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w escaped|strong="G1295"\w* \w safely|strong="G1295"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w land|strong="G1093"\w*.   
\c 28  
\s1 Malta  
\m
\v 1 Following \w the|strong="G2532"\w* rescue, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w learned|strong="G1921"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w island|strong="G3520"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w called|strong="G2564"\w* \w Malta|strong="G3194"\w*.  
\v 2 \w Now|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* natives \w showed|strong="G3930"\w* \w us|strong="G2249"\w* unusual \w kindness|strong="G5363"\w*, \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* kindled \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w fire|strong="G4443"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* welcomed \w us|strong="G2249"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w*, \w because|strong="G1223"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* begun \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w rain|strong="G5205"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w cold|strong="G5592"\w*.  
\v 3 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w gathered|strong="G4962"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w bundle|strong="G4128"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w sticks|strong="G5434"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w placed|strong="G2007"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w fire|strong="G4443"\w*, \w because|strong="G1909"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w heat|strong="G2329"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w viper|strong="G2191"\w* \w came|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w fastened|strong="G2510"\w* itself \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w his|strong="G2007"\w* \w hand|strong="G5495"\w*.  
\v 4 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* natives \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* \w beast|strong="G2342"\w* \w hanging|strong="G2910"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w his|strong="G3708"\w* \w hand|strong="G5495"\w*, \w they|strong="G1161"\w* started \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* each \w other|strong="G1161"\w*, “\w This|strong="G3778"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w* \w must|strong="G3588"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G5613"\w* \w murderer|strong="G5406"\w*, \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w Justice|strong="G1349"\w* \w has|strong="G3739"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w allowed|strong="G1439"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w live|strong="G2198"\w*, \w even|strong="G1161"\w* \w though|strong="G5613"\w* rescued \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* \w sea|strong="G2281"\w*.”  
\v 5 \w But|strong="G3767"\w* \w he|strong="G3588"\w* \w just|strong="G3588"\w* shook \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w beast|strong="G2342"\w* off \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w fire|strong="G4442"\w* \w and|strong="G3767"\w* \w suffered|strong="G3958"\w* \w no|strong="G3762"\w* \w harm|strong="G2556"\w*.  
\v 6 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w expecting|strong="G4328"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w swell|strong="G4092"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w*, \w or|strong="G2228"\w* suddenly \w fall|strong="G2667"\w* \w down|strong="G2667"\w* \w dead|strong="G3498"\w*; \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w after|strong="G1161"\w* \w waiting|strong="G4328"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w quite|strong="G4183"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w while|strong="G1161"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w seeing|strong="G2334"\w* \w nothing|strong="G3367"\w* unusual \w happening|strong="G1096"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w changed|strong="G3328"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w mind|strong="G2532"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w started|strong="G1096"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w god|strong="G2316"\w*.   
\p
\v 7 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* region \w there|strong="G1161"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* properties \w belonging|strong="G5225"\w* \w to|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w chief|strong="G4413"\w* \w man|strong="G4413"\w* \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w island|strong="G3520"\w*, \w named|strong="G3686"\w* \w Publius|strong="G4196"\w*, \w who|strong="G3739"\w* welcomed \w us|strong="G3579"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G1722"\w* friendly manner \w took|strong="G1161"\w* care \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w us|strong="G3579"\w* \w for|strong="G4012"\w* \w three|strong="G5140"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w*.\f + \fr 28:7 \ft To feed 276 people for three days would be a considerable expense—and they were hungry!\f*  
\v 8 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w father|strong="G3962"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Publius|strong="G4196"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w sick|strong="G2621"\w* \w in|strong="G1525"\w* bed \w with|strong="G4314"\w* \w fever|strong="G4446"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w dysentery|strong="G1420"\w*; \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w went|strong="G1525"\w* \w in|strong="G1525"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w prayed|strong="G4336"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w laying|strong="G2007"\w* \w his|strong="G2007"\w* \w hands|strong="G5495"\w* \w on|strong="G5495"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w healed|strong="G2390"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 9 \w So|strong="G2532"\w*, \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w had|strong="G2192"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w*, \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w rest|strong="G3062"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w island|strong="G3520"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G2192"\w* diseases \w started|strong="G1096"\w* \w coming|strong="G4334"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w being|strong="G1096"\w* \w healed|strong="G2323"\w*;  
\v 10 \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w honored|strong="G5091"\w* \w us|strong="G2249"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* ways, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w put|strong="G2007"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w sea|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* provided \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w necessary|strong="G5532"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w*.\f + \fr 28:10 \ft Paul proved to be a valuable person to have along, the more so since they were there for three months.\f*   
\s1 Rome  
\p
\v 11 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w after|strong="G3326"\w* \w three|strong="G5140"\w* \w months|strong="G3376"\w* \w we|strong="G1161"\w* put \w to|strong="G1722"\w* sea \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w an|strong="G1722"\w* Alexandrian \w ship|strong="G4143"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G3588"\w* \w wintered|strong="G3914"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w island|strong="G3520"\w*, \w whose|strong="G3588"\w* \w figurehead|strong="G3902"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* ‘\w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Twin|strong="G1359"\w* \w Brothers|strong="G1359"\w*’.  
\v 12 \w We|strong="G2532"\w* \w put|strong="G2609"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w at|strong="G1519"\w* \w Syracuse|strong="G4946"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w stayed|strong="G1961"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w three|strong="G5140"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w*;  
\v 13 \w from|strong="G2064"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w we|strong="G2532"\w* tacked \w back|strong="G1519"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w forth|strong="G1519"\w*\f + \fr 28:13 \ft Since Luke makes a point of saying that at Rhegium they got a south wind, between Syracuse and Rhegium the wind was not favorable and they had to tack. Most versions miss the point here.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w arrived|strong="G2064"\w* \w at|strong="G1519"\w* \w Rhegium|strong="G4484"\w*. \w After|strong="G3326"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w south|strong="G3558"\w* \w wind|strong="G3558"\w* \w sprang|strong="G1920"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w on|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w second|strong="G1206"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w we|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Puteoli|strong="G4223"\w*,  
\v 14 \w where|strong="G3757"\w* \w we|strong="G2532"\w* \w found|strong="G2147"\w* brothers \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w urged|strong="G3870"\w* \w us|strong="G1519"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w stay|strong="G1961"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w seven|strong="G2033"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w*\f + \fr 28:14 \ft The seven days gave them time to send news on ahead so there would be a welcoming committee at Three Inns. The centurion evidently cooperated.\f*—\w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w how|strong="G3779"\w* \w we|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2064"\w* \w toward|strong="G1519"\w* \w Rome|strong="G4516"\w*.  
\v 15 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* brothers \w there|strong="G2532"\w*, \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* heard \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w our|strong="G2316"\w* \w circumstances|strong="G3588"\w*, \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w out|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w meet|strong="G2532"\w* \w us|strong="G1519"\w* \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w far|strong="G3588"\w* \w as|strong="G1519"\w* Appii \w Forum|strong="G5410"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Three|strong="G5140"\w* \w Inns|strong="G4999"\w*. \w When|strong="G2532"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w thanked|strong="G2168"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w took|strong="G2983"\w* \w courage|strong="G2294"\w*.   
\p
\v 16 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G3753"\w* \w we|strong="G1161"\w* \w entered|strong="G1525"\w* \w Rome|strong="G4516"\w*, \w the|strong="G1519"\w* centurion delivered \w the|strong="G1519"\w* prisoners \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* commander;\f + \fr 28:16 \ft Perhaps 5% of the Greek manuscripts omit ‘the centurion delivered the prisoners to the commander’ (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w allowed|strong="G2010"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w live|strong="G4862"\w* \w by|strong="G2596"\w* \w himself|strong="G1438"\w*, \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w soldier|strong="G4757"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w guarded|strong="G5442"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*.\f + \fr 28:16 \ft This was surely an unusual proceeding; I assume it was a privilege granted in recognition of services rendered.\f*   
\s2 Paul and the Jews  
\p
\v 17 \w It|strong="G1161"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w after|strong="G3326"\w* \w three|strong="G5140"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3588"\w* \w called|strong="G3004"\w* \w together|strong="G4905"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w leaders|strong="G4413"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w*; \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w had|strong="G1510"\w* \w assembled|strong="G4905"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Men|strong="G4413"\w*, brothers, \w though|strong="G1161"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w had|strong="G1510"\w* \w done|strong="G4160"\w* \w nothing|strong="G3762"\w* \w against|strong="G4314"\w* ‘\w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w*’ \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* ancestral \w customs|strong="G1485"\w*, still \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w delivered|strong="G3860"\w* \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w prisoner|strong="G1198"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2414"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w hands|strong="G5495"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w Romans|strong="G4514"\w*,  
\v 18 \w who|strong="G3588"\w*, \w when|strong="G1722"\w* \w they|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G3588"\w* examined \w me|strong="G1473"\w*, \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w intending|strong="G1014"\w* \w to|strong="G1722"\w* release \w me|strong="G1473"\w*, \w because|strong="G1223"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w not|strong="G3367"\w* guilty \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w any|strong="G3367"\w* crime deserving \w death|strong="G2288"\w*.  
\v 19 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w* spoke \w against|strong="G2723"\w* \w it|strong="G1161"\w*, \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* compelled \w to|strong="G3756"\w* \w appeal|strong="G1941"\w* \w to|strong="G3756"\w* \w Caesar|strong="G2541"\w*; \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w had|strong="G2192"\w* \w anything|strong="G5100"\w* \w about|strong="G5613"\w* \w which|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G3756"\w* \w accuse|strong="G2723"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w nation|strong="G1484"\w*.  
\v 20 \w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w reason|strong="G1223"\w* \w therefore|strong="G3767"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w asked|strong="G3870"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w speak|strong="G4354"\w* \w with|strong="G1223"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*; \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w because|strong="G1223"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w hope|strong="G1680"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w Israel|strong="G2474"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w am|strong="G2532"\w* bound \w with|strong="G1223"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* chain.”  
\v 21 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w We|strong="G2249"\w* \w have|strong="G1473"\w* \w neither|strong="G3777"\w* \w received|strong="G1209"\w* \w letters|strong="G1121"\w* \w from|strong="G3588"\w* \w Judea|strong="G2449"\w* \w concerning|strong="G4012"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*, \w nor|strong="G3777"\w* \w have|strong="G1473"\w* \w any|strong="G5100"\w* \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* brothers \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w came|strong="G3854"\w* \w reported|strong="G3004"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w spoken|strong="G2980"\w* \w any|strong="G5100"\w* \w evil|strong="G4190"\w* \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*.\f + \fr 28:21 \ft When Paul appealed to Caesar, his enemies evidently gave up, knowing they did not have a valid case.\f*  
\v 22 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* desire \w to|strong="G1161"\w* hear \w from|strong="G3844"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w what|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w think|strong="G5426"\w*; \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w as|strong="G1161"\w* \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* sect, \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w know|strong="G1110"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w it|strong="G3754"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* spoken \w against|strong="G4012"\w* \w everywhere|strong="G3837"\w*.”   
\p
\v 23 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* arranging \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w with|strong="G4314"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w more|strong="G4119"\w* \w people|strong="G4183"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w at|strong="G1519"\w* \w his|strong="G1438"\w* \w lodging|strong="G3578"\w*, \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w kept|strong="G3739"\w* expounding \w from|strong="G2064"\w* \w morning|strong="G4404"\w* \w until|strong="G2193"\w* \w evening|strong="G2073"\w*: \w solemnly|strong="G1263"\w* \w testifying|strong="G1263"\w* \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Kingdom \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* trying \w to|strong="G1519"\w* convince \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w concerning|strong="G4012"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*, \w from|strong="G2064"\w* \w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Law|strong="G3551"\w* \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w Moses|strong="G3475"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Prophets|strong="G4396"\w*.  
\v 24 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w some|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w persuaded|strong="G3982"\w* \w by|strong="G2532"\w* \w what|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w some|strong="G3588"\w* \w kept|strong="G2532"\w* refusing \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w believe|strong="G3982"\w*.   
\p
\v 25 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w being|strong="G1510"\w* \w in|strong="G2980"\w* disagreement \w among|strong="G4314"\w* \w themselves|strong="G1510"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* started \w to|strong="G4314"\w* leave, \w after|strong="G1161"\w* \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w had|strong="G3972"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w this|strong="G3588"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w word|strong="G4487"\w*: “\w The|strong="G1161"\w* \w Holy|strong="G4151"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w spoke|strong="G2980"\w* \w correctly|strong="G2573"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w our|strong="G1223"\w*\f + \fr 28:25 \ft Instead of “our”, some 20% of the Greek manuscripts have ‘your’ (as in NIV, NASB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w fathers|strong="G3962"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w Isaiah|strong="G2268"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w prophet|strong="G4396"\w*,  
\v 26 \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*:  
\q1 ‘\w Go|strong="G4198"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w*,  
\q2 “\w You|strong="G3708"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w keep|strong="G3361"\w* \w on|strong="G4198"\w* hearing, \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w never|strong="G3756"\w* \w understand|strong="G4920"\w*;  
\q1 \w you|strong="G3708"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w keep|strong="G3361"\w* \w on|strong="G4198"\w* \w seeing|strong="G3708"\w*, \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w never|strong="G3756"\w* \w perceive|strong="G3708"\w*”;   
\q1
\v 27 \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w heart|strong="G2588"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w* \w has|strong="G3778"\w* \w become|strong="G3975"\w* sluggish,  
\q2 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w their|strong="G1438"\w* \w ears|strong="G3775"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* hard \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w hearing|strong="G3775"\w*,  
\q2 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w their|strong="G1438"\w* \w eyes|strong="G3788"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w closed|strong="G2576"\w*;  
\q1 \w in|strong="G2532"\w* order \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3379"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w their|strong="G1438"\w* \w eyes|strong="G3788"\w*,  
\q2 \w nor|strong="G2532"\w* hear \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w their|strong="G1438"\w* \w ears|strong="G3775"\w*,  
\q2 \w nor|strong="G2532"\w* \w understand|strong="G4920"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w their|strong="G1438"\w* \w heart|strong="G2588"\w*,  
\q1 \w nor|strong="G2532"\w* \w turn|strong="G1994"\w* \w back|strong="G1994"\w*, \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w could|strong="G3588"\w* \w heal|strong="G2390"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.’\f + \fr 28:27 \ft See Isaiah 6:9-10. Here we have a chiastic structure: heart, ears, eyes; eyes, ears, heart.\f*   
\m
\v 28 \w Therefore|strong="G3767"\w* \w let|strong="G3767"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w known|strong="G1110"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w salvation|strong="G4992"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w has|strong="G2316"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* \w sent|strong="G2316"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Gentiles|strong="G1484"\w*; \nd \+w they|strong="G2532"\+w*\nd* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* listen!”  
\v 29 And when he had said these things the Jews went their way, having a great dispute among themselves.\f + \fr 28:29 \ft Perhaps 5% of the Greek manuscripts omit verse 29 entire (as in NIV, NASB and LB, but all three have a footnote saying that “some manuscripts” add the verse—their way of referring to 95%! Will not the uninformed reader be misled?).\f*   
\s2 Two tranquil years  
\p
\v 30 \w Paul|strong="G3588"\w* \w stayed|strong="G1696"\w* \w two|strong="G1333"\w* \w whole|strong="G3650"\w* \w years|strong="G1333"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w his|strong="G3956"\w* \w own|strong="G2398"\w* \w rented|strong="G3410"\w* \w house|strong="G3410"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* received \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w came|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* see \w him|strong="G3588"\w*,  
\v 31 \w proclaiming|strong="G2784"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Kingdom \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w teaching|strong="G1321"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w concerning|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*, \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w boldness|strong="G3954"\w*, \w without|strong="G2532"\w* hindrance.\f + \fr 28:31 \ft It has often been observed that the book seems to lack a proper conclusion. If we consider that the book is actually about God working through people, then of course that work has been in operation throughout the intervening centuries and continues in our day—even through us.\f*