Annotations on the Bible Volume 2

CHAP. XVIII.

AFter these thing • , Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;

2 And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome) and came unto them.

3 And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and e • rought (for by their occupation they were tent-makers)

4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded the Jews, and the Greeks.

5 And when Silas and Timothy were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in spirit, and testified unto the Jews, that Jesus was Christ.

6 And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your b • ood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.

7 And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man's house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue.

8 And Crispus the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house: and many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed, and were baptized.

9 Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:

10 For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee, to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city,

11 And he coninued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

12 And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment-seat▪

13 Saying, This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law.

14 And when Paul was now about to open his mouth, Gallio said unto the Jews, If it were a matter of wrong, or wicked lewdness, O ye Jews, reason would that I should bear with you.

15 But if it be a question of words and names, and of your law, look ye to it ; for I will be no judge of such matters.

16 And he drave them from the judgment-seat.

17 Then all the Greeks took So • thenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment-seat: And Gallio cared • or none of those things.

18 And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla u and Aquila: having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.

19 And he came to Ephesus, and lest them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.

20 When they desired him to tarry longer time with them▪ he consented not:

21 But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh, in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus.

22 And when he had landed at Cesarea, and gone up and saluted the church, he went down to Antioch.

23 And after he had spent some time there, he departed, and went over all the country of Galat • a and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.

24 And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesu • .

25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being servant in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.

26 And he began to speak boldly in the Synagogue. Whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them , and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.

27 And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him▪ Who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace.

28 For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publicly, showing by the scriptures, that Jesus was Christ.

CHAP. XIX.

ANd it came to pass, that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts, came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,

2 He said unto them, Have ye received the holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any holy Ghost.

3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto Johns baptism.

4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, That they should believe on him which should come after him▪ that is, on Christ Jesus.

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

6 And when Paul had laid his hand • upon them, the holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues and prophesied.

7 And all the men were about twelve.

8 And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.

9 But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them , and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.

10 And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia, heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.

11 And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:

12 So that from his body were brought unto the sick, handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.

13 Then certain of the vagabond Jews , exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits, the name of the Lord Jesus, saying▪ We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.

14 And there were seven sons of one Sceva a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so.

15 And the evil spirit answered and said , Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?

16 And the man in whom the evil spirit was, leapt on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

17 And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.

18 And many that believed came, and confessed, and shown their deeds.

19 Many also of them which used curious arts, brought their books together , and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.

20 So mightily grew the word of God, and prevailed.

21 After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia, and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying▪ After I have been there , I must also see Rome.

22 So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timothy and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season.

23 And the same time there arose no small stir about that way.

24 For a certain man named Demetrius, a silver-smith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen.

25 Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth:

26 Moreover, ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying, that they be no gods which are made with hands?

27 So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at naught; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnific ••• e should be destroyed, whom all Asia, and the 〈◊〉 worshippeth.

28 And when they heard th • se sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.

29 And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theater.

30 And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the p disciples suffered him not.

31 And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theater.

32 Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: • or the assembly was confused, and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.

33 And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defense unto the people.

34 But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.

35 And when the town-clerk had appeased the people, he said, Ye men of Ephesus, w • at man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which f • ll down from Jupiter?

36 Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, aed to do nothing rashly.

37 For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess.

38 Wherefore i • Demetrius and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies; let them implead one another.

39 But if ye inquire anything concerning other matte • s, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly.

40 For we are in danger to be called in question for this days uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse.

41 And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.

CHAP. XX.

ANd after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples , and embraced them , and departed for to go into Macedonia.

2 And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece,

3 And there abode three months: And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria , he purposed to return through Macedonia.

4 And there accompanied him into Asi • , Sopater of Be • ea; and of the Thessalonians , Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of D • rbe, and Timothy ; and of Asia , Tychicus and Trophimus.

5 These going before, tarried for us at Troas.

6 And we sailed away from Philippi, after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days, where we abode seven days.

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

8 And there were many lights in the upper chamber where they were gathered together.

9 And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead.

10 And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him, said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him.

11 When he therefore was come up again, and had , broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even c till break of day, so he departed.

12 And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.

13 And we went before to ship, and sailed unto Assos, there intending to take in Paul: For so had he appointed, minding himself to go a • oot.

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

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

16 For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: For he hasted , if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.

17 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.

18 And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know , from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons,

19 Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:

20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shown you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house,

21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks , repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

22 And now behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:

23 Save that the holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying, that bonds and afflictions▪ abide me.

24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry , which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the Gospel of the grace of God.

25 And now behold , I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.

26 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.

27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

28 Take heed therefore unto your selves, and to all the flock, over the which the holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God , which he hath purchased with his own blood.

29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

31 Therefore watch, and remember that by the space of three years, I ceased not to warn everyone night and day with tears.

32 And now brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

33 I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.

34 Yea, you yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.

35 I have shown you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak; and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

36 And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.

37 And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him.

38 Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.

CHAP. XXI.

ANd it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them, and had launched, we came with a straight course unto Choos, and the day following unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara.

2 And finding a ship • a •• ng over unto Phenicia, we went aboard, and set forth.

3 Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed unto Syria, and landed at Tyre • : for there the ship was to unlade her burden.

4 And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.

5 And when we had accomplished those days, we departed, and went our way, and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed.

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

7 And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day.

8 And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Cesarea; and we entered into the house of Philip the Evangelist, which was one • f the seven and abode with him.

9 And the same man had four daughters, virgins which did prophesy.

10 And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judea a certain prophet, named Agabus.

11 And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that oweth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.

12 And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem.

13 Then Paul answered, What mean you to weep, and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.

14 And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying▪ The will of the Lord be done.

15 And after those days we took up o • r carriages, and went up to J • rus • l • m.

16 There went with us also certain of th • disciples of Cesarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge.

17 And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly.

18 And the day following Paul went in with us unto James, and all the elders were present.

19 And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles q by his ministry.

20 And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe, and they are all ze • lous of the law.

21 And they are informed of thee that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying, that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.

22 What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come.

23 Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a vow on them;

24 Them take and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing, but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law.

25 As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded, that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood and from strangled▪ and from fornication.

26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them, entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for everyone of them.

27 And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him,

28 Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man that teacheth all men everywhere against the people, and the law, and this place: and farther, hath brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place.

29 ( For they had seen before with him in the city, Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple▪)

30 And all the city was moved, and the people ran together: and they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple: And forthwith the doors were shut.

31 And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.

32 Who immediately took soldiers, and centurions, and ran down unto them: And when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they left beating of Paul.

33 Then the chief captain cam • near and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and demanded who he was, and what he had done.

34 And • ome cried one thing, some another, among the multitude: and when he could not know the certainty for the tumult, he commanded him to be carried into the castle.

35 And when he came upon the stairs, so it was that he was born of the soldiers, for the violence of the people.

36 For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away with him.

37 And as Paul was to be led into the castle, he said un • o the chief captain ▪ May I speak unto thee? Who said, Canst thou speak Greek?

38 Art not thou that Egyptian which before these days madest an uproar, and leddest out into the wilderness four thousand men that were murderers?

39 But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Silicia, a citizen of no mean city: and I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people.

40 And when he had given him license, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckned with the hand unto the people: And when there was m • de a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying,

CHAP. XXII.

MEn▪ brethren, and fathers, hear ye my de ••• ce, which I make now unto you.

2 ( • nd when they heard that he spake in the Hebr •• tongue to them, they kept the more silence 〈◊〉 A • d he saith)

3 I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus a city in Silicia, yet brought up in this city , at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the s perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous towards God, as ye all are this day.

4 And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.

5 As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there, bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished.

6 And it came to pass, that as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me.

7 And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me , S • ul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

8 And I answered, Who art thou Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth whom thou persecutest.

9 And they that were with me, saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me.

10 And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus, and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do.

11 And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were w th me, I came into Damascus.

12 And one Ananias, a devout man according to t • e law, having a good report of all the Jew which dwelt there.

13 Came unto me , and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I look • d up upon him.

14 And he said , The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth.

15 For thou shalt be his witness unto all men, of what thou hast seen and heard.

16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sin • , calling on the Name of the Lord.

17 And it cam • to pass, that when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance;

18 And saw him saying unto me , Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem; for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me.

19 And I said, Lord , they know that I imprisoned, and beat in ev • ry synagogue th • m th • t b • lieved on thee.

20 And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that sl • w him.

21 And he said unto me , Depart : for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles.

22 And they g • ve him audience unto this word, and then lift up their voices, and said , Away with such a f • llow from the earth: • or it is not fit that he shou • d live.

23 And as they cried out, and cast off their clothes, and threw dust into the air,

24 The chi • f captain commanded him to be brought into the castle, and bad that he should be examined by scourging: that he might know wherefore they cried so against him.

25 And as they bound h • m with thongs, Paul said unto the cen • urion that stood by, Is it lawful for you to courge a man that is a Roman, and uncond • m ••• ?

26 When the centurion heard that, he went and told the chief capta • n, saying, Take heed what thou doest; for this man is a Roman.

27 Th • n the chief captain came, and said unto him, Tell me, ar • thou a Roman? He said , Y • a.

28 And the chief captain answered, With a great sum obtained I this freedom. And Paul said, But I was free -born.

29 Then straightway they departed from him which should have examined him: and the chief captain also was afraid, after he knew that he was a Roman, and because he had bound him.

30 On the morrow, because he would have known the certainty wherefore he was accused of the Jews, he loosed him from his bands, and commanded the chief priests and all their counsel to appear, and brought Paul down, and set him before them.

CHAP. XXIII▪

ANd Paul earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren , I have lived in all good conscience before God , until this day.

2 And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him, to smite him on the mouth.

3 Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee , thou whited wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten g contrary to the law?

4 And they that stood by, said , Revilest thou God's high priest?

5 Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: For it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people

6 But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee. of the hope and resurcection of the dead I am called in question.

7 And w •• n he had so said, There arose a dissention between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided.

8 For the Sad • uces say that there is no resurrection, neither • ngel nor spirit; but the Pharisees confess both.

9 And there arose a great cry: And the scribes that were of the Pharisees part arose, and strove, saying , We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not sight against God.

.10 And when there a • ose a great dissension, the chief captain fearing le • t Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle.

11 And the night following, the Lord , stood by him, and said , Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.

12 And when it was day , certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying, that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul.

13 And they were more than forty which had made this conspiracy.

14 And they came to the chief priests and elders, and said, We have bound ourselves under a great curse, that we will eat nothing until we have slain Paul.

15 Now therefore ye with the council signify to the chief captain, that he bring him down unto you tomorrow, as though ye would inquire something more perfectly concerning him: and we, or ever he come near, are ready to kill him.

16 And when Paul's sisters son heard of their laying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul.

17 Then Paul called one of the Centurions unto him, and said, Bring this young man unto the chief captain: for he hath a certain thing to tell him.

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

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

20 And he said, The Jews have agreed to des •• e t • ee, that thou wouldest bring down Paul tomorrow into the council, as though they would e • quire somewhat of him more perfectly.

21 But do not thou yield unto them: For there lie in wait for him of them mo then forty men, which have bound themselves with an oath, that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him: and now are they ready, looking for a promise from thee.

22 So the chief captain then let the young man depart, and charged him, See thou tell no man, that thou hast shown these things to me.

23 And he called unto him two centurions, say • ing, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Cesarea, and horsemen threescore and ten, and spear-men two hundred, at the third hour of the night.

24 And provide them beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring him safe unto Felix the governor.

25 And he wrote a letter after this manner:

26. Claudius Lysias, unto the most excellent governor Felix, sendeth greeting.

27 This man was taken of the Jews, an • should have been killed of them: then cam • I • ith an army, and rescued him, having understood that he was a Roman.

28 And when I w • uld have known the cause wherefore they accused him, I brought him forth into their council:

29 Whom I perceived to be accused of questions of their law, but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death, or of bonds.

30 And when it was told me, how that the Jews laid wait for the man, I sent him straightway to thee, and gave commandment to his accusers also, to say before thee what they had against him. Farewell.

31 Then the soldiers, as it was commanded them, took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris.

32 On the morrow they le • t the horsemen to go with him, and returned to the castle.

33 Who when they came to Cesarea, and delivered the epistle to the governor, presented Paul also before him.

34 And when the governor had read the letter, he asked of what province he was. And when he understood that he was of Silicia;

35 I will hear thee, said he, when thine accusers are also come. And he commanded him to be kept in Herod's judgment-hall.

CHAP. XXIV.

ANd after five days, Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus who informed the governor against Paul.

2 And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence,

3 We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.

4 Notwithstanding, that I be not farther tedious unto thee, I pray thee, that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words.

5 For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ring-leader of the sect of the Nazarens:

6 Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law.

7 But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands,

8 Commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom, thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him.

9 And the Jews, also assented, saying, That these things were so.

10 Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself:

11 Because that thou mayest understand▪ that there are yet but twelve days since I we • t up to Jerusalem • or to worship.

12 And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city:

13 Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.

14 But thi • I con • ess unto thee, that a •• er the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God o • my fathers▪ believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets.

15 And have hope towards God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.

16 And herein do I exercise myself to have always a conscience void of offense toward God, and toward men.

17 Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation , and offerings.

18 Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude nor with tumult:

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

20 Or else let these same here say, if they had found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council,

21 Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day.

22 And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter.

23 And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister, or come unto him.

24 And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewe • s, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.

25 And as he reasoned of righteousness , temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time , when I have a convenient season I will call for thee.

26 He hoped also that money should be given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.

27 But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix room: and Felix willing to show the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.

CHAP. XXV.

NOw when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Cesarea to Jerusalem.

2 Then the high priest, and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, and besought him.

3 A desired favor against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem , laying wait in the way to kill him.

4 But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Cesarea, and that he himself would depart shortly thither.

5. Let them therefore, said he, which among you are able, go down with me, and accuse this man, if there be any wickedness in him.

6 And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto Cesarea, and the next day sitting in the judgment-seat, commanded Paul to be b • ought.

7. And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem, stood round about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could not prove;

8 While he answered for himself , Neither against the law of the Jews, neither u against the temple, nor yet w against Caesar have I offended anything at all.

9 But Festus willing to do the Jews a pleasure , answered Paul, and said , Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?

10 Then said Paul, I stand at Caesar's judgment-seat, where I ought to be judged: To the Jews have I done no wrong , as thou very well knowest.

11 For if I be an offender, or have committed anything worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me , no man may deliver me unto them . I appeal unto Caesar.

12 Then Festus when he had conferred with the counci • , answered ▪ Hast thou appealed unto Caesar? unto Caesar shalt thou go.

13 And after certain days, king Agrippa and Bernice, came unto Cesarea to salute Festus.

14 And when they had been there many days , Festus declared Paul's cause unto the king, saying, There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix:

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

16 To whom I answered, It is not the manner • f the Romans to deliver any man to die, before that he which is accused, have the accusers face to face, and have license to answer for himself concerni • g the crime laid against him.

17 Therefore when they were come hither , without any delay on the morrow I sat on the judgment-seat, and I commanded the man to be brought forth.

18 Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed.

19 But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.

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

21 But when Paul had appealed to be reserved unto the hearing of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Caesar.

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

23 And on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with great pomp, and were entered into the place of hearing, with the chief captains, and principal men of the city, at Festus commandment Paul was brought forth.

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

25 Bet when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and that he himself hath appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him.

26 Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my Lord. Wherefore I have brought him forth before you, and specially before thee , O king Agrippa, that after examination had, I might have somewhat to write.

27 For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not withal to signify the crimes laid against him.

CHAP. XXVI.

THen Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand and answered for himself.

2 I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee, touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews.

3 Especially, because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.

4 My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews,

5 Which knew me from the beginning, (if they would testify) that after the most straitest sect of our religion, I lived a Pharisee.

6 And no • I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers:

7 U • to which promise our twelve tribes instantly serving God day and night, hope to come: for which hopes sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.

8 Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?

9 I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth • .

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

11 And I punished them oft in every sy •• gogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities.

12 Whereupon as I went to Damascus, with authority and commission from t • e chief priests;

13 At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me, and them which journeyed with me.

14 And when we were all • allen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? It is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

15 And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.

16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I hav • appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;

17 Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee.

18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them that are sanctified by faith that is in me.

19 Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision:

20 But shown first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.

21 For these causes the Jews ca • ght me in the temple, and went about to kill me.

22 Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:

23 That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should show light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.

24 And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself: much learning doth make thee mad.

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

26 For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: For I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner.

27 King Agrippa, believest thou the Prophets? I know that thou believest.

28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.

29 And Paul said , I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.

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

31 And when they were gone aside, they talked between themselves, saying , This man doeth nothing worthy of death, or of bonds.

32 Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar.

CHAP. XXVII.

ANd when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion o • Augustus • and.

2 And entering into a ship of Adramy t • ium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia, one Aristarchus a Macedonian, of Thess • lonica, being with us.

3 And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself.

4 And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.

5 And when we had sailed over the sea of Silicia , and Pamphylia, we came to Myra a city of Lycia.

6 And there the centurion sound a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy, and he put us therein.

7 And when we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come over-against Cnicus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under , Crete, over-against Salmone.

8 And hardly passing it, came unto a place which is called The fair havens, nigh whereunto was the city of Lasea.

9 Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them,

10 And • aid unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives.

11 Nevertheless, the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship more then those things which were spoken by Paul.

12 And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to depart thence also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice, and there winter; which is an haven of Crete, and lieth toward the south-west, and north-west.

13 And when the south-wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence they sailed close by Crete.

14 But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind , called Euroclydon.

15 And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive.

16 And running under a certain island which is called Clauda, we had much work to come by the boat.

17 Which when they had taken up, they used helps , undergirding the ship; and fearing left they should fall into the quicksands , strake saily and so were driven.

18 And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the s • ip;

19 And the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship.

20 And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no smast tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved , was then taken away.

21 But after long abstinence, Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.

22 And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship.

23 For there stood by me this night the angel of God , whose I am, and whom I serve.

24 Saying Fear not Paul, thou must be brought before Caesar, and lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.

25 Wherefore sins, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.

26 Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island.

27 But when the fourteenth night was come, as we were driven up and down in Adria about midnight, the ship-men deemed that they drew near to some country:

28 And founded, and found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, they • ounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms.

29 Then • earing left they should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four a • chors out of the stern, and wished for the day.

30 And as the ship-men were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, under color as though they would have cast anchors out of the foreship,

31 Paul said to the centurion, and to the soldiers , Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved.

32 Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off.

33 And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take meat, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried, and continued fasting, having taken nothing.

34 Wherefore I pray you to take some • meat; for this is for your health : for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you.

35 And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all, and when he had broken it, he began to eat.

36 Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat.

37 And we were all in the ship, two hundred threescore and sixteen souls.

38 And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the sea.

39 And when it was day , they knew not the land: but they discovered a certain creek with a shore, into the which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship.

40 And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea▪ and loosed the rudder-bands, and hoised up the main sail `to the wind, and made towards shore.

41 And falling into a place where two seas met , they ran the ship a-ground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmovable , but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves.

42 And the soldiers counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out and escape.

43 But the centurion willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose, and commanded that they which could swim, should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land:

44 And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship: And so it came to pass that they escaped n all safe to land.

CHAP. XXVIII▪

ANd when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita.

2 And the barbarous people shown us no little •• ndn • ss : for they kindled a • ire, and received us everyone, because of the present rain, and because of th • cold.

3 And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the hear, and fastened on his hand.

4 And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves. No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.

5 And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.

6 Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: But after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was n a God.

7 In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius, who received us and lodged us three days courteously.

8 And it came to pass that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever, and of a bloody s • ix: to whom Paul entered in , and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.

9 So when this was done , others also which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed:

10 W • o also o honored us with many honors; and when we departed, they laded us with such things as were necessary.

11 And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pol • lux.

12 And landing at Syracuse, we tarried there three days.

13 And from thence we set a compass, and came to Rhegium: and after one day the south-wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli:

14 Where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: And so we went toward Rome.

15 And from thence, when the brethren heard o • us, they came to meet us as far as Appii-forum, and the three taverns: Whom when Paul saw, he thanked God , and took courage.

16 And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself, with a soldier that kept him.

17 And it came to pass, that after three days, Paul called the chief of the Jews together. And when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.

18 Who when they had examined me, would have let • e go, because there was no cause of death in me.

19 But when the Jews spake against it , I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar▪ not that I had ought to accuse my nation of.

20 For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you : because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.

21 And they said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judea, concerning thee, neither any o • the brethren that came shown or spake any harm of thee.

22 But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that everywhere it is spoken against.

23 And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; To whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the Prophets, from morning till evening.

24 And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.

25 And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the holy Ghost by Isaiah the prophet, unto our fathers,

26 Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive.

27 For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and .

28 Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.

29 And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great r • asoning among themselves.

30 And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him.

31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.

PAul a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an Apostle, separated unto the gospel of God .

2. (Which he had promised before by his prophets in the holy scriptures.)

3. Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh.

4. And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead .

5. By whom we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for his name.

6. Amongst whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ.

7. To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you, and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

8. First I thank my God, through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.

9. For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit, in the gospel of his Son; that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers.

10. Making request (if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God) to come to you.

11. For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end you may be established.

12. That is, that I may be comforted together with you, by the mutual faith both of you and me. .

13. Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.

14. I am a debtor both to the Greeks and Barbarians , both to the wise and to the unwise .

15. So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.

16. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation, to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

17. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith : as it is written, The • ust shall live by Faith .

18. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness, and unrighteousness of men , who hold the truth in unrighteousness .

19. Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them for God hath shown it unto them .

20. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world, are clearly seen being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse .

21. Because that when they knew God they glorified him not as God , neither were thankful , but became vain in their imaginations , and their foolish heart was darkened .

22. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools .

23. And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God, into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things .

24. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves e.

Who changed the truth of God into a lie and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator , who is blessed forever. Amen .

26. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections , For even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature .

27. And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one towards another; men with men working that which is unseemly, , and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet .

28. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge , God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient .

29. Being filled with all unrighteousness , fornication, wickedness , full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity , whisperers .

30. Backbiters, haters of God , despiteful , proud, boasters, inventers of evil things , disobeyed • ent to Parents .

31. Without understanding , covenant-breakers, without natural affection , implacable , unmerciful.

32. Who knowing the judgment of God , that they which commit such things are worthy of death , not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them .

CHAP. II.

1. THerefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest ; For wherein thou judgest another thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.

2. But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth, against them which commit such things .

3. And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God ?

4. Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance, and longsuffering , not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance .

5. But after thy hardness and impenitent heart, treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath, and revelation of the righteous judgment of God .

6. Who will render to every man according to his deeds .

7. To them who by patient continuance in well doing, seek for glory and honor, and immortality , eternal life .

8. But unto them that are contentious ; and do not obey the truth , but obey unrighteousness , indignation and wrath .

9. Tribulation and anguish upon every soul of man that doth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile .

10. But glory, honor, and peace to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile .

11. For there is no respect of persons with God .

12. For as many as have sinned without law, shall also perish without law : and as many as have sinned in the law , shall be judged by the law.

13. For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified .

14. For when the Gentiles which have not the law , do by nature the things contained in the law, these having not the law, are a law unto themselves .

15. Which show the work of the law written in their hearts , their conscience also bea •• ng witness, and th •• r thoughts the mean wh •• e accusing, or else excusing one another .)

16. In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel .

17. Behold thou art called a Jew , and restest in the law , and makest thy boast of God .

18. And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law.

19. And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness.

20. An instructer of the foolish, a teacher of babes : which hast the form of knowledge , and of the truth in the Law.

21. Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself ? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal ?

22. Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery , doest thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, doest thou commit sacrilege ?

23. Thou that makest thy boast of the Law, through breaking the Law dishonorest thou God ?

24. For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles, through you , as it is written .

25. For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the Law : but if thou be a breaker of the Law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision .

26. Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the Law , shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?

27. And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature , if it fulfill the Law , judge thee , who by the letter and circumcision doest transgress the Law?

28. For he is not a Jew that is one outwardly , neither is that circumcision which is outward in the flesh:

29. But he is a Jew which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter, whose praise is not of men but of God.

CHAP. III.

1. WHat advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision ?

2. Much every way : Chiefly , because unto them were committed the Oracles of God .

3. For what if some did not believe ? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?

4. God forbid ; Yea, let God be true , but every man a liar , as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged .

5 But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God , what shall we say ? Is God unrighteous, that taketh vengeance ? (I speak as a man .)

6. God forbid : for then how shall God judge the world ?

7. For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner ?

8. And not rather as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm, that we say, Let us do evil that good may come, whose damnation is Just .

9. What then? are we better then they ? No in no wise : for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin .

10. As it is written , There is none righteous, no not one :

11. There is none that underst • ndeth , there is none that seeketh after God .

12. They are all gone out of the way , they are together become unprofitable , there is none that doeth good, no not one .

13. Their throat is an open sepulcher , with their tongues they have used deceit , the poison of Asps is under their lips .

14. Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness. .

15. Their feet are swift to shed blood .

16. Destruction and misery are in their ways:

17. And the way of peace have they not known .

18. There is no fear of God before their eyes .

19. Now we know that whatsoever things the Law saith, it saith to them who are under the Law , that every mouth may be stopped , and all the world may become guilty before God .

20. Therefore by the deeds of the law , there shall no flesh be justified in his sight : for by the law is the knowledge of sin .

21. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested , being witnessed by the law and the Prophets .

22. Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ , unto all, and upon all them that believe , For there is no difference .

23. For all have sinned , and come short of the glory of God .

24. Being justified freely by his grace , through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ .

25. Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation , through Faith in his blood , to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God ;

26. To declare I say at this time his righteousness : that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus .

27. Where is boasting then ? It is excluded. By what law? of works ? Nay but by the law of faith .

28. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law .

29. Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also .

30. Seeing it is one God which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and the uncircumcision through faith .

31. Do we then make void the law through faith ? God forbid: yea, we establish the law .

CHAP. IV.

1. WHat shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh , hath found?

2. For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory , but not before God .

3. For what saith the Scripture ? Abraham believed God , and it was counted unto him for righteousness .

4. Now to him that worketh , is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt .

5. But to him that worketh not , but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly , his faith is counted for righteousness .

6. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the Man unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works.

7. Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are • orgiven , and whose sins are covered.

8. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin .

9. Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? For we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness.

10. How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision .

11. And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith, which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed to them also.

12. And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham , which he had being yet uncircumcised.

13. For the promise that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham , or to his seed through the law, but through the righteousness of faith .

14. For if they which are of the law be heirs , faith is made void , and the promise made of none effect .

15 Because the law worketh wrath : For where no law is, there is no transgression .

16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed, not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all.

17 (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations) before him whom he believed , even God who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were:

18 Who against hope believed in hope , that he might become the father of many nations; according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be .

19. And being not weak in Faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah's womb.

20. He staggered not at the promise of God , through unbelief: but was strong in faith, giving glory to God:

21. And being fully persuaded, that what he had promised, he was able also to perform .

22. And therefore it was imputed to him for Righteousness .

23. Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him:

24. But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead.

25. Who was delivered r for our offenses , and was raised again for our justification .

CHAP. V.

1. THerefore being justified by faith , we have peace which God through our Lord Jesus Christ .

2. By whom also we have access by faith, into this grace wherein we stand , and rejoice in hope of the glory of God .

3. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also , knowing that tribulation worketh patience .

4 And patience, experience ; and experience, hope :

5 And hope maketh not ashamed , because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts , by the holy Ghost which is given unto us .

6 For when we were yet without strength , in due time Christ died for the ungodly .

7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one dy: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to dy.

8 But God commendeth his love towards us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us .

9 Much more then being now justified by his blood , we shall be saved from wrath through him .

10 For if when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son: much more being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life .

11 And not only so , but we also joy in God, through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement .

12 Wherefore , as by one man sin entered into the world , and death by sin , and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned .

13 For until the Law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no Law .

14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adams transgressions who is the figure of him that was to come .

15 But not as the offense, so also is the free gift . For if through the offense of one many be dead; much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ hath abounded unto many .

16 And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation: but the free gift is of many offenses to justification .

17 For if by one man's offense, death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace, and of the gift of righteousness, shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ .

18 Therefore as by the offense of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation: even so by the righteousness of one, the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.

19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners : so by the obedience of one, shall many be made Righteous.

20 Moreover , the law entered, that the offense might abound : But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound :

21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord .

CHAP. VI.

1. WHat shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound ?

2. God forbid : How shall we that are dead to sin , live any longer therein .

3. Know ye not , that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ , were baptized into his death ?

4. Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead , by the glory of the Father , even so we also should walk in newness of life .

5. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection .

6. Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him , that the body of sin might be destroyed , that henceforth we should not serve sin .

7. For he that is dead is freed from sin .

8. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him .

9. Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead, dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.

10. For in that he died, he died unto sin once ; but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God .

11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin; but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord .

12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body , that you should obey it in the lusts thereof .

13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin, but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead ; and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.

14. For sin shall not have dominion over you : for ye are not under the law, but under grace .

15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid .

16 Know ye not , that to whom▪ ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto Righteousness ?

17. But God be thanked, that ye were the Ser ••• ts of sin ; but ye have obeyed from the 〈◊〉 that form of doctrine which was delivered you .

18 Being then made free from sin ; ye became the servants of righteousness.

19 I speak after the manner of men, because of the infirmity of your flesh : For as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity, unto iniquity ; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness, unto holiness.

20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness .

21 What fruit had ye then in those things, whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death .

22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life .

23 For the wages of sin is death : but the gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

CHAP. VII.

1 KNow ye not brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law) how that the law hath dominion over a man , as long as he liveth?

2. For the woman which hath an husband, is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth: but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the Law of her husband .

3. So then if while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adultress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adultress, though she be married to another man.

4 Wherefore my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ ; that ye should be married to another, even to him that is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God .

5. For when we were in the flesh , the motions of sins which were by the law , did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death .

6. But now we are delivered from the law , that being dead, wherein we were held ; that we should serve in * newness of spirit , and not in the oldness of the letter .

7. What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid . Nay, I had not known sin, but by the Law : for I had not known lust , except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet .

8. But sin taking occasion by the commandment , wrought in me all manner of concupiscence , for without the law sin was dead .

9. For I was alive without the law once ; but when the commandment came , sin revived , and I di •• .

10. And the commandment which was ordained to life I found to be unto death .

11. For sin taking occasion by the commandment deceived me , and by it slew me .

12. Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good .

13. Was then that which is good, made death unto me? God forbid . But sin that it might appear sin, working death in me, by that which is good ; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful .

14. For we know that the law is spiritual : but I am carnal , sold under sin .

15. For that which I do , I allow not : for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I .

16. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good .

17. Now then, it is no more I that do it , but sin that dwelleth in me .

18. For I know, that in me that is, in my flesh dwelleth no good thing : for to will is present with me , but how to perform that which is good, I find not .

19. For the good that I would, I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.

20. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me .

21. I find then a law , that when I would do good, evil is present with me .

22. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man .

23. But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin, which is in my members .

24. O wretched man that I am who shall deliver me from the body of this death !

25. I thank God , through Jesus Christ our Lord: So then , with the mind I myself serve the Law of God; but with the flesh, the law of sin .

CHAP. VIII.

1. THere is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus , who walk not after the Flesh, but after the Spirit .

2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus , hath made me free from the law of sin and death .

3. For what the law could not do , in that it was weak through the flesh , God sending his own Son , in the likness of sinful flesh , and for sin , condemned sin in the flesh .

4 That the righteousness of the Law might be fulfilled in us , who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit .

5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh : but they that are after the Spirit , the things of the Spirit .

6 For to be carnally minded is death , but to be spiritually minded , is life and peace .

7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be .

8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God .

9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit , if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you . Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his .

10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life , because of righteousness .

11. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you ; he that raised up Christ from the dead, shall also quicken your mortal bodies , by his Spirit that dwelleth in you .

12 Therefore brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh .

13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die : but if ye through the Spirit , do mortify the deeds of the body , ye shall live .

14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the Sons of God.

15 For ye have not received the Spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption , whereby we cry , Abba, Father .

16. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.

17. And if children, then heirs , heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ if so be that we suffer with him that we may be also glorified together .

18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time, are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us .

19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the Sons of God .

20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly , but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope

21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption, into the glorious liberty of the children of God .

22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth, and travaileth in pain together until now .

23. And not only they , but ourselves also, which have the first-fruits of the Spirit , even we ourselves groan within ourselves , waiting for the adoption , to wit, the redemption of our body .

24. For we are saved by hope: But hope that is seen, is not hope; for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for ?

25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it .

26. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities : For we know not what we should pray for as we ought : but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us , with groanings which cannot be uttered .

27. And he that searcheth the hearts , knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit , because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God .

28. And we know that all things work together for good , to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose .

29. For whom he did foreknow , he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son , that he might be the first-born among many brethren .

30. Moreover, whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified .

31. What shall we then say to these things ? If God be for us , who can be against us ?

32. He that spared not his own Son , but delivered him up for us all , how shall he not with him also freely give us all things ?

33. Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect ? It is God that justifieth.

34. Who is he that condemneth ? It is Christ that died , yea rather that is risen again , who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us .

35. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ ? shall tribulation ? or distress ? or persecution ? or famine? or nakedness? or peril ? or sword ?

36. As it is written , For thy sake we are killed all the day long ; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

37. Nay in all these things , we are more than conquerors , through him that loved us .

38. For I am persuaded , that neither death, nor life , nor angels , nor principalities, nor powers , nor things present, nor things to come .

39. Nor height nor depth , nor any other creature , shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord .

CHAP. IX.

1. I Say the truth in Christ , I lie not , my conscience also bearing me witness in the holy Ghost .

2. That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart .

3. For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ , for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh .

4. Who are Israelites ; to whom pertaineth the adoption , and the glory , and the covenants , and the giving of the law , and the service of God , and the promises ;

5. Whose are the fathers , and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came , who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.

6. Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel .

7. Neither because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but in Isaac shall thy seed be called .

8. That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed .

9. For this is the word of promise, At this time will I come, and Sarah shall have a son .

10. And not only this , but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac ,

11. (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil , that the purpose of God according to election might stand , not of works , but of him that calleth) .

12. It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger .

13. As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated .

14. What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid .

15. For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion .

16. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy .

17. For the Scripture saith unto Pharaoh , Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up , that I might show my power in thee , and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.

18. Therefore] hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy , and whom he will, he hardeneth .

19. Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will ?

20. Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God ? Shall the thing formed, say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus ?

21. Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honor, and another unto dishonor ?

22. What if God, willing to show his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction ?

23. And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory .

24. Even, us whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles .

25. As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her, Beloved, which was not beloved .

26. And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called, The children of the living God .

27. Isaiah also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea , a remnant shall be saved .

28. For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth .

29. And as Isaiah said before