KWS — KodeshWay Scriptures
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A Yeshua-centred edition derived from the public-domain
World English Bible, with Hebrew names restored to the
Mashiach's own tongue.

Released freely. No copyright, no claim.
Copy it. Print it. Share it. Translate it. Give it away.
What was received without price is given without price.
                                       — Mattityahu 10:8

License: CC0 1.0 Universal (Public Domain Dedication)


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                                   Ma'asei                                    
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                                  Chapter 1                                   

  1. The first book I wrote, Theophilus, concerned all that Yeshua began both to do and to teach,
  2. until the day in which he was received up, after he had given mitzvah through the Ruach HaKodesh to the shlichim whom he had chosen.
  3. To these he also showed himself alive after he suffered, by many proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking about Elohim’s Kingdom.
  4. Being assembled together with them, he commanded them, “Don’t depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which you heard from me.
  5. For Yochanan indeed immersed in water, but you will be immersed in the Ruach HaKodesh not many days from now.”
  6. Therefore, when they had come together, they asked him, “Adonai, are you now restoring the kingdom to Yisrael?”
  7. He said to them, “It isn’t for you to know times or seasons which the Father has set within his own authority.
  8. But you will receive power when the Ruach HaKodesh has come upon you. You will be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, in all Yehudah and Shomron, and to the uttermost parts of the earth.”
  9. When he had said these things, as they were looking, he was taken up, and a cloud received him out of their sight.
  10. While they were looking steadfastly into the sky as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white clothing,
  11. who also said, “You men of Galil, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Yeshua, who was received up from you into the sky, will come back in the same way as you saw him going into the sky.”
  12. Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mountain called Har HaZeitim, which is near Jerusalem, a Shabbat day’s journey away.
  13. When they had come in, they went up into the upper room where they were staying, that is Kefa, Yochanan, Yaakov, Andreas, Philippos, T’oma, Bar-Talmai, Mattityahu, Yaakov the son of Alphaeus, Shimon the Zealot, and Yehudah the son of Yaakov.
  14. All these with one accord continued steadfastly in prayer and supplication, along with the women and Miriam the mother of Yeshua, and with his brothers.
  15. In these days, Kefa stood up in the middle of the talmidim (and the number of names was about one hundred and twenty), and said,
  16. “Brothers, it was necessary that this Scripture should be fulfilled, which the Ruach HaKodesh spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Yehudah, who was guide to those who took Yeshua.
  17. For he was counted with us, and received his portion in this ministry.
  18. Now this man obtained a field with the reward for his wickedness; and falling headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines gushed out.
  19. It became known to everyone who lived in Jerusalem that in their language that field was called ‘Akeldama,’ that is, ‘The field of blood.’
  20. For it is written in the book of Tehillim, ‘Let his habitation be made desolate. Let no one dwell in it;’ and, ‘Let another take his office.’
  21. “Of the men therefore who have accompanied us all the time that Adonai Yeshua went in and out amongst us,
  22. beginning from the immersion of Yochanan to the day that he was received up from us, of these one must become a witness with us of his resurrection.”
  23. They put forward two: Yosef called Bar-Shabba, who was also called Justus, and Mattityahu.
  24. They prayed and said, “You, Adonai, who know the hearts of all men, show which one of these two you have chosen
  25. to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Yehudah fell away, that he might go to his own place.”
  26. They drew lots for them, and the lot fell on Mattityahu; and he was counted with the eleven shlichim.

                                  Chapter 2                                   

  1. Now when the day of Chag HaShavuot had come, they were all with one accord in one place.
  2. Suddenly there came from the sky a sound like the rushing of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
  3. Tongues like fire appeared and were distributed to them, and one sat on each of them.
  4. They were all filled with the Ruach HaKodesh and began to speak with other languages, as the Ruach gave them the ability to speak.
  5. Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Yehudim, devout men, from every nation under the sky.
  6. When this sound was heard, the multitude came together and were bewildered, because everyone heard them speaking in his own language.
  7. They were all amazed and marvelled, saying to one another, “Behold, aren’t all these who speak Galilim?
  8. How do we hear, everyone in our own native language?
  9. Parthians, Medes, Eilamim, and people from Mesopotamia, Yehudah, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia,
  10. Phrygia, Pamphylia, Mitzrayim, the parts of Libya around Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Yehudim and proselytes,
  11. Cretans and Aravim—we hear them speaking in our languages the mighty works of Elohim!”
  12. They were all amazed and were perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?”
  13. Others, mocking, said, “They are filled with new wine.”
  14. But Kefa, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice and spoke out to them, “You men of Yehudah and all you who dwell at Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
  15. For these aren’t drunken, as you suppose, seeing it is only the third hour of the day.
  16. But this is what has been spoken through the prophet Yoel:
  17. ‘It will be in the last days, says Elohim, that I will pour out my Ruach on all flesh. Your sons and your daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions. Your old men will dream dreams.
  18. Yes, and on my servants and on my handmaidens in those days, I will pour out my Ruach, and they will prophesy.
  19. I will show wonders in the sky above, and signs on the earth beneath: blood, and fire, and billows of smoke.
  20. The sun will be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and glorious day of Adonai comes.
  21. It will be that whoever will call on the name of Adonai will be saved.’
  22. “Men of Yisrael, hear these words! Yeshua of Nazareth, a man approved by Elohim to you by mighty works and wonders and signs which Elohim did by him amongst you, even as you yourselves know,
  23. him, being delivered up by the determined counsel and foreknowledge of Elohim, you have taken by the hand of lawless men, crucified and killed;
  24. whom Elohim raised up, having freed him from the agony of death, because it was not possible that he should be held by it.
  25. For David says concerning him, ‘I saw Adonai always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved.
  26. Therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced. Moreover my flesh also will dwell in hope,
  27. because you will not leave my soul in Hades, neither will you allow your Kodesh One to see decay.
  28. You made known to me the ways of life. You will make me full of gladness with your presence.’
  29. “Brothers, I may tell you freely of the patriarch David, that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day.
  30. Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that Elohim had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, he would raise up the Mashiach to sit on his throne,
  31. he foreseeing this, spoke about the resurrection of the Mashiach, that his soul wasn’t left in Hades, and his flesh didn’t see decay.
  32. This Yeshua Elohim raised up, to which we all are witnesses.
  33. Being therefore exalted by the right hand of Elohim, and having received from the Father the promise of the Ruach HaKodesh, he has poured out this which you now see and hear.
  34. For David didn’t ascend into the heavens, but he says himself, ‘Adonai said to my Adonai, “Sit by my right hand
  35. until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.”’
  36. “Let all the house of Yisrael therefore know certainly that Elohim has made him both Adonai and Mashiach, this Yeshua whom you crucified.”
  37. Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Kefa and the rest of the shlichim, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
  38. Kefa said to them, “Repent and be immersed, every one of you, in the name of Yeshua Mashiach for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Ruach HaKodesh.
  39. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are far off, even as many as Adonai our Elohim will call to himself.”
  40. With many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!”
  41. Then those who gladly received his word were immersed. There were added that day about three thousand souls.
  42. They continued steadfastly in the shlichim’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and prayer.
  43. Fear came on every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the shlichim.
  44. All who believed were together, and had all things in common.
  45. They sold their possessions and goods, and distributed them to all, according as anyone had need.
  46. Day by day, continuing steadfastly with one accord in the Beit HaMikdash, and breaking bread at home, they took their food with gladness and singleness of heart,
  47. praising Elohim and having favour with all the people. Adonai added to the assembly day by day those who were being saved.

                                  Chapter 3                                   

  1. Kefa and Yochanan were going up into the Beit HaMikdash at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.
  2. A certain man who was lame from his mother’s womb was being carried, whom they laid daily at the door of the Beit HaMikdash which is called Beautiful, to ask gifts for the needy of those who entered into the Beit HaMikdash.
  3. Seeing Kefa and Yochanan about to go into the Beit HaMikdash, he asked to receive gifts for the needy.
  4. Kefa, fastening his eyes on him, with Yochanan, said, “Look at us.”
  5. He listened to them, expecting to receive something from them.
  6. But Kefa said, “I have no silver or gold, but what I have, that I give you. In the name of Yeshua Mashiach of Nazareth, get up and walk!”
  7. He took him by the right hand and raised him up. Immediately his feet and his ankle bones received strength.
  8. Leaping up, he stood and began to walk. He entered with them into the Beit HaMikdash, walking, leaping, and praising Elohim.
  9. All the people saw him walking and praising Elohim.
  10. They recognised him, that it was he who used to sit begging for gifts for the needy at the Beautiful Gate of the Beit HaMikdash. They were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
  11. As the lame man who was healed held on to Kefa and Yochanan, all the people ran together to them in the porch that is called Shlomo’s, greatly wondering.
  12. When Kefa saw it, he responded to the people, “You men of Yisrael, why do you marvel at this man? Why do you fasten your eyes on us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made him walk?
  13. The Elohim of Avraham, Yitzhak, and Yaakov, the Elohim of our fathers, has glorified his Servant Yeshua, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilatus, when he had determined to release him.
  14. But you denied the Kodesh and Righteous One and asked for a murderer to be granted to you,
  15. and killed the Prince of life, whom Elohim raised from the dead, to which we are witnesses.
  16. By faith in his name, his name has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which is through him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.
  17. “Now, brothers, I know that you did this in ignorance, as did also your rulers.
  18. But the things which Elohim announced by the mouth of all his prophets, that Mashiach should suffer, he thus fulfilled.
  19. “Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, so that there may come times of refreshing from the presence of Adonai,
  20. and that he may send Mashiach Yeshua, who was ordained for you before,
  21. whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which Elohim spoke long ago by the mouth of his kodesh prophets.
  22. For Moshe indeed said to the fathers, ‘Adonai Elohim will raise up a prophet for you from amongst your brothers, like me. You shall listen to him in all things whatever he says to you.
  23. It will be that every soul that will not listen to that prophet will be utterly destroyed from amongst the people.’
  24. Yes, and all the prophets from Shmuel and those who followed after, as many as have spoken, also told of these days.
  25. You are the children of the prophets, and of the Brit which Elohim made with our fathers, saying to Avraham, ‘All the families of the earth will be blessed through your offspring.’
  26. Elohim, having raised up his servant Yeshua, sent him to you first to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your wickedness.”

                                  Chapter 4                                   

  1. As they spoke to the people, the priests and the captain of the Beit HaMikdash and the HaTzedukim came to them,
  2. being upset because they taught the people and proclaimed in Yeshua the resurrection from the dead.
  3. They laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day, for it was now evening.
  4. But many of those who heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.
  5. In the morning, their rulers, elders, and HaSofrim were gathered together in Jerusalem.
  6. Channan the high priest was there, with Kayafa, Yochanan, Alexander, and as many as were relatives of the high priest.
  7. When they had stood Kefa and Yochanan in the middle of them, they enquired, “By what power, or in what name, have you done this?”
  8. Then Kefa, filled with the Ruach HaKodesh, said to them, “You rulers of the people and elders of Yisrael,
  9. if we are examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed,
  10. may it be known to you all, and to all the people of Yisrael, that in the name of Yeshua Mashiach of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom Elohim raised from the dead, this man stands here before you whole in him.
  11. He is ‘the stone which was regarded as worthless by you, the builders, which has become the head of the corner.’
  12. There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given amongst men, by which we must be saved!”
  13. Now when they saw the boldness of Kefa and Yochanan, and had perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled. They recognised that they had been with Yeshua.
  14. Seeing the man who was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.
  15. But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred amongst themselves,
  16. saying, “What shall we do to these men? Because indeed a notable miracle has been done through them, as can be plainly seen by all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we can’t deny it.
  17. But so that this spreads no further amongst the people, let’s threaten them, that from now on they don’t speak to anyone in this name.”
  18. They called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Yeshua.
  19. But Kefa and Yochanan answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of Elohim to listen to you rather than to Elohim, judge for yourselves,
  20. for we can’t help telling the things which we saw and heard.”
  21. When they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people; for everyone glorified Elohim for that which was done.
  22. For the man on whom this miracle of healing was performed was more than forty years old.
  23. Being let go, they came to their own company and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them.
  24. When they heard it, they lifted up their voice to Elohim with one accord and said, “O Adonai, you are Elohim, who made the sky, the earth, the sea, and all that is in them;
  25. who by the mouth of your servant David, said, ‘Why do the nations rage, and the peoples plot a vain thing?
  26. The kings of the earth take a stand, and the rulers plot together, against Adonai, and against his Mashiach.’
  27. “For truly, both Herodes and Pontius Pilatus, with the Goyim and the people of Yisrael, were gathered together against your kodesh servant Yeshua, whom you anointed,
  28. to do whatever your hand and your counsel foreordained to happen.
  29. Now, Adonai, look at their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness,
  30. while you stretch out your hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of your kodesh Servant Yeshua.”
  31. When they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were gathered together. They were all filled with the Ruach HaKodesh, and they spoke the word of Elohim with boldness.
  32. The multitude of those who believed were of one heart and soul. Not one of them claimed that anything of the things which he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.
  33. With great power, the shlichim gave their testimony of the resurrection of Adonai Yeshua. Great grace was on them all.
  34. For neither was there amongst them any who lacked, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold,
  35. and laid them at the shlichim’ feet; and distribution was made to each, according as anyone had need.
  36. Yosef, who by the shlichim was also called Bar-Naba (which is, being interpreted, Son of Encouragement), a Levi'i, a man of Cyprus by race,
  37. having a field, sold it and brought the money and laid it at the shlichim’ feet.

                                  Chapter 5                                   

  1. But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,
  2. and kept back part of the price, his wife also being aware of it, then brought a certain part and laid it at the shlichim’ feet.
  3. But Kefa said, “Ananias, why has HaSatan filled your heart to lie to the Ruach HaKodesh and to keep back part of the price of the land?
  4. While you kept it, didn’t it remain your own? After it was sold, wasn’t it in your power? How is it that you have conceived this thing in your heart? You haven’t lied to men, but to Elohim.”
  5. Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and died. Great fear came on all who heard these things.
  6. The young men arose and wrapped him up, and they carried him out and buried him.
  7. About three hours later, his wife, not knowing what had happened, came in.
  8. Kefa answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much.” She said, “Yes, for so much.”
  9. But Kefa asked her, “How is it that you have agreed together to tempt the Ruach Adonai? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.”
  10. She fell down immediately at his feet and died. The young men came in and found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her by her husband.
  11. Great fear came on the whole assembly, and on all who heard these things.
  12. By the hands of the shlichim many signs and wonders were done amongst the people. They were all with one accord in Shlomo’s porch.
  13. None of the rest dared to join them; however, the people honoured them.
  14. More believers were added to Adonai, multitudes of both men and women.
  15. They even carried out the sick into the streets and laid them on cots and mattresses, so that as Kefa came by, at least his shadow might overshadow some of them.
  16. The multitude also came together from the cities around Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits; and they were all healed.
  17. But the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the HaTzedukim), and they were filled with jealousy
  18. and laid hands on the shlichim, then put them in public custody.
  19. But an malak of Adonai opened the prison doors by night, and brought them out and said,
  20. “Go stand and speak in the Beit HaMikdash to the people all the words of this life.”
  21. When they heard this, they entered into the Beit HaMikdash about daybreak and taught. But the high priest and those who were with him came and called the council together, with all the senate of the children of Yisrael, and sent to the prison to have them brought.
  22. But the officers who came didn’t find them in the prison. They returned and reported,
  23. “We found the prison shut and locked, and the guards standing before the doors, but when we opened them, we found no one inside!”
  24. Now when the high priest, the captain of the Beit HaMikdash, and the chief priests heard these words, they were very perplexed about them and what might become of this.
  25. One came and told them, “Behold, the men whom you put in prison are in the Beit HaMikdash, standing and teaching the people.”
  26. Then the captain went with the officers, and brought them without violence, for they were afraid that the people might stone them.
  27. When they had brought them, they set them before the council. The high priest questioned them,
  28. saying, “Didn’t we strictly command you not to teach in this name? Behold, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and intend to bring this man’s blood on us.”
  29. But Kefa and the shlichim answered, “We must obey Elohim rather than men.
  30. The Elohim of our fathers raised up Yeshua, whom you killed, hanging him on a tree.
  31. Elohim exalted him with his right hand to be a Prince and a Moshia, to give repentance to Yisrael, and remission of sins.
  32. We are his witnesses of these things; and so also is the Ruach HaKodesh, whom Elohim has given to those who obey him.”
  33. But they, when they heard this, were cut to the heart, and were determined to kill them.
  34. But one stood up in the council, a HaPerush named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, honoured by all the people, and commanded to put the shlichim out for a little while.
  35. He said to them, “You men of Yisrael, be careful concerning these men, what you are about to do.
  36. For before these days Theudas rose up, making himself out to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves. He was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were dispersed and came to nothing.
  37. After this man, Yehudah of Galil rose up in the days of the enrolment, and drew away some people after him. He also perished, and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered abroad.
  38. Now I tell you, withdraw from these men and leave them alone. For if this counsel or this work is of men, it will be overthrown.
  39. But if it is of Elohim, you will not be able to overthrow it, and you would be found even to be fighting against Elohim!”
  40. They agreed with him. Summoning the shlichim, they beat them and commanded them not to speak in the name of Yeshua, and let them go.
  41. They therefore departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonour for Yeshua’ name.
  42. Every day, in the Beit HaMikdash and at home, they never stopped teaching and preaching Yeshua, the Mashiach.

                                  Chapter 6                                   

  1. Now in those days, when the number of the talmidim was multiplying, a complaint arose from the Hellenists against the Ivrim, because their widows were neglected in the daily service.
  2. The twelve summoned the multitude of the talmidim and said, “It is not appropriate for us to forsake the word of Elohim and serve tables.
  3. Therefore, select from amongst you, brothers, seven men of good report, full of the Ruach HaKodesh and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
  4. But we will continue steadfastly in prayer and in the ministry of the word.”
  5. These words pleased the whole multitude. They chose Stephanos, a man full of faith and of the Ruach HaKodesh, Philippos, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch,
  6. whom they set before the shlichim. When they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.
  7. The word of Elohim increased and the number of the talmidim greatly multiplied in Jerusalem. A great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.
  8. Stephanos, full of faith and power, performed great wonders and signs amongst the people.
  9. But some of those who were of the synagogue called “The Libertines”, and of the Cyrenians, of the Alexandrians, and of those of Cilicia and Asia arose, disputing with Stephanos.
  10. They weren’t able to withstand the wisdom and the Ruach by which he spoke.
  11. Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moshe and Elohim.”
  12. They stirred up the people, the elders, and the HaSofrim, and came against him and seized him, then brought him in to the council,
  13. and set up false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking blasphemous words against this kodesh place and the law.
  14. For we have heard him say that this Yeshua of Nazareth will destroy this place, and will change the customs which Moshe delivered to us.”
  15. All who sat in the council, fastening their eyes on him, saw his face like it was the face of an malak.

                                  Chapter 7                                   

  1. The high priest said, “Are these things so?”
  2. He said, “Brothers and fathers, listen. The Elohim of glory appeared to our father Avraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Charan,
  3. and said to him, ‘Get out of your land and away from your relatives, and come into a land which I will show you.’
  4. Then he came out of the land of the Chaldaeans and lived in Charan. From there, when his father was dead, Elohim moved him into this land where you are now living.
  5. He gave him no inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on. He promised that he would give it to him for a possession, and to his offspring after him, when he still had no child.
  6. Elohim spoke in this way: that his offspring would live as aliens in a strange land, and that they would be enslaved and mistreated for four hundred years.
  7. ‘I will judge the nation to which they will be in bondage,’ said Elohim, ‘and after that they will come out and serve me in this place.’
  8. He gave him the Brit of circumcision. So Avraham became the father of Yitzhak, and circumcised him the eighth day. Yitzhak became the father of Yaakov, and Yaakov became the father of the twelve patriarchs.
  9. “The patriarchs, moved with jealousy against Yosef, sold him into Mitzrayim. Elohim was with him
  10. and delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom before Pharaoh, king of Mitzrayim. He made him governor over Mitzrayim and all his house.
  11. Now a famine came over all the land of Mitzrayim and Kna'an, and great affliction. Our fathers found no food.
  12. But when Yaakov heard that there was grain in Mitzrayim, he sent out our fathers the first time.
  13. On the second time Yosef was made known to his brothers, and Yosef’s family was revealed to Pharaoh.
  14. Yosef sent and summoned Yaakov his father and all his relatives, seventy-five souls.
  15. Yaakov went down into Mitzrayim and he died, himself and our fathers;
  16. and they were brought back to Shechem and laid in the tomb that Avraham bought for a price in silver from the children of Hamor of Shechem.
  17. “But as the time of the promise came close which Elohim had sworn to Avraham, the people grew and multiplied in Mitzrayim,
  18. until there arose a different king who didn’t know Yosef.
  19. The same took advantage of our race and mistreated our fathers, and forced them to abandon their babies, so that they wouldn’t stay alive.
  20. At that time Moshe was born, and was exceedingly handsome to Elohim. He was nourished three months in his father’s house.
  21. When he was abandoned, Pharaoh’s daughter took him up and reared him as her own son.
  22. Moshe was instructed in all the wisdom of the Mitzrim. He was mighty in his words and works.
  23. But when he was forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brothers, the children of Yisrael.
  24. Seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him and avenged him who was oppressed, striking the Mitzri.
  25. He supposed that his brothers understood that Elohim, by his hand, was giving them deliverance; but they didn’t understand.
  26. “The day following, he appeared to them as they fought, and urged them to be at peace again, saying, ‘Sirs, you are brothers. Why do you wrong one another?’
  27. But he who did his neighbour wrong pushed him away, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge over us?
  28. Do you want to kill me as you killed the Mitzri yesterday?’
  29. Moshe fled at this saying, and became a stranger in the land of Midyan, where he became the father of two sons.
  30. “When forty years were fulfilled, an malak of Adonai appeared to him in the wilderness of Har Sinai, in a flame of fire in a bush.
  31. When Moshe saw it, he wondered at the sight. As he came close to see, the voice of Adonai came to him,
  32. ‘I am the Elohim of your fathers: the Elohim of Avraham, the Elohim of Yitzhak, and the Elohim of Yaakov.’ Moshe trembled and dared not look.
  33. Adonai said to him, ‘Take off your sandals, for the place where you stand is kodesh ground.
  34. I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Mitzrayim, and have heard their groaning. I have come down to deliver them. Now come, I will send you into Mitzrayim.’
  35. “This Moshe whom they refused, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge?’—Elohim has sent him as both a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the malak who appeared to him in the bush.
  36. This man led them out, having worked wonders and signs in Mitzrayim, in the Yam Suf, and in the wilderness for forty years.
  37. This is that Moshe who said to the children of Yisrael, ‘Adonai our Elohim will raise up a prophet for you from amongst your brothers, like me.’
  38. This is he who was in the assembly in the wilderness with the malak that spoke to him on Har Sinai, and with our fathers, who received living revelations to give to us,
  39. to whom our fathers wouldn’t be obedient, but rejected him and turned back in their hearts to Mitzrayim,
  40. saying to Aharon, ‘Make us gods that will go before us, for as for this Moshe who led us out of the land of Mitzrayim, we don’t know what has become of him.’
  41. They made a calf in those days, and brought a sacrifice to the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their hands.
  42. But Elohim turned away and gave them up to serve the army of the sky, as it is written in the book of the prophets, ‘Did you offer to me slain animals and sacrifices forty years in the wilderness, O house of Yisrael?
  43. You took up the Mishkan of Moloch, the star of your god Rephan, the figures which you made to worship, so I will carry you away beyond Babylon.’
  44. “Our fathers had the Mishkan of the testimony in the wilderness, even as he who spoke to Moshe commanded him to make it according to the pattern that he had seen;
  45. which also our fathers, in their turn, brought in with Yehoshua when they entered into the possession of the nations whom Elohim drove out before the face of our fathers to the days of David,
  46. who found favour in the sight of Elohim, and asked to find a habitation for the Elohim of Yaakov.
  47. But Shlomo built him a house.
  48. However, the Elyon doesn’t dwell in Battei HaMikdash made with hands, as the prophet says,
  49. ‘heaven is my throne, and the earth a footstool for my feet. What kind of house will you build me?’ says Adonai. ‘Or what is the place of my rest?
  50. Didn’t my hand make all these things?’
  51. “You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Ruach HaKodesh! As your fathers did, so you do.
  52. Which of the prophets didn’t your fathers persecute? They killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One, of whom you have now become betrayers and murderers.
  53. You received the law as it was ordained by malakim, and didn’t keep it!”
  54. Now when they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth.
  55. But he, being full of the Ruach HaKodesh, looked up steadfastly into heaven and saw the kavod of Elohim, and Yeshua standing on the right hand of Elohim,
  56. and said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Ben Adam standing at the right hand of Elohim!”
  57. But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears, then rushed at him with one accord.
  58. They threw him out of the city and stoned him. The witnesses placed their garments at the feet of a young man named Sha'ul.
  59. They stoned Stephanos as he called out, saying, “Adonai Yeshua, receive my spirit!”
  60. He knelt down and cried with a loud voice, “Adonai, don’t hold this sin against them!” When he had said this, he fell asleep.

                                  Chapter 8                                   

  1. Sha'ul was consenting to his death. A great persecution arose against the assembly which was in Jerusalem in that day. They were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Yehudah and Shomron, except for the shlichim.
  2. Devout men buried Stephanos and lamented greatly over him.
  3. But Sha'ul ravaged the assembly, entering into every house and dragged both men and women off to prison.
  4. Therefore those who were scattered abroad went around preaching the word.
  5. Philippos went down to the city of Shomron and proclaimed to them the Mashiach.
  6. The multitudes listened with one accord to the things that were spoken by Philippos when they heard and saw the signs which he did.
  7. For unclean spirits came out of many of those who had them. They came out, crying with a loud voice. Many who had been paralysed and lame were healed.
  8. There was great joy in that city.
  9. But there was a certain man, Shimon by name, who used to practise sorcery in the city and amazed the people of Shomron, making himself out to be some great one,
  10. to whom they all listened, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is that great power of Elohim.”
  11. They listened to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his sorceries.
  12. But when they believed Philippos preaching good news concerning Elohim’s Kingdom and the name of Yeshua Mashiach, they were immersed, both men and women.
  13. Shimon himself also believed. Being immersed, he continued with Philippos. Seeing signs and great miracles occurring, he was amazed.
  14. Now when the shlichim who were at Jerusalem heard that Shomron had received the word of Elohim, they sent Kefa and Yochanan to them,
  15. who, when they had come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Ruach HaKodesh;
  16. for as yet he had fallen on none of them. They had only been immersed in the name of Mashiach Yeshua.
  17. Then they laid their hands on them, and they received the Ruach HaKodesh.
  18. Now when Shimon saw that the Ruach HaKodesh was given through the laying on of the shlichim’ hands, he offered them money,
  19. saying, “Give me also this power, that whomever I lay my hands on may receive the Ruach HaKodesh.”
  20. But Kefa said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of Elohim with money!
  21. You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart isn’t right before Elohim.
  22. Repent therefore of this, your wickedness, and ask Elohim if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you.
  23. For I see that you are in the poison of bitterness and in the bondage of iniquity.”
  24. Shimon answered, “Pray for me to Adonai, that none of the things which you have spoken happen to me.”
  25. They therefore, when they had testified and spoken the word of Adonai, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the Besorah to many villages of the Shomronim.
  26. Then an malak of Adonai spoke to Philippos, saying, “Arise, and go towards the south to the way that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza. This is a desert.”
  27. He arose and went; and behold, there was a man of Kush, a eunuch of great authority under Candace, queen of the Kushim, who was over all her treasure, who had come to Jerusalem to worship.
  28. He was returning and sitting in his chariot, and was reading the prophet Yeshayahu.
  29. The Ruach said to Philippos, “Go near, and join yourself to this chariot.”
  30. Philippos ran to him, and heard him reading Yeshayahu the prophet, and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?”
  31. He said, “How can I, unless someone explains it to me?” He begged Philippos to come up and sit with him.
  32. Now the passage of the Scripture which he was reading was this, “He was led as a sheep to the slaughter. As a lamb before his shearer is silent, so he doesn’t open his mouth.
  33. In his humiliation, his judgement was taken away. Who will declare His generation? For his life is taken from the earth.”
  34. The eunuch answered Philippos, “Who is the prophet talking about? About himself, or about someone else?”
  35. Philippos opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture, preached to him about Yeshua.
  36. As they went on the way, they came to some water; and the eunuch said, “Behold, here is water. What is keeping me from being immersed?”
  37. Philippos said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” He answered, “I believe that Yeshua HaMashiach is the Ben Elohim.”
  38. He commanded the chariot to stand still, and they both went down into the water, both Philippos and the eunuch, and he immersed him.
  39. When they came up out of the water, the Ruach Adonai caught Philippos away, and the eunuch didn’t see him any more, for he went on his way rejoicing.
  40. But Philippos was found at Azotus. Passing through, he preached the Besorah to all the cities until he came to Caesarea.

                                  Chapter 9                                   

  1. But Sha'ul, still breathing threats and slaughter against the talmidim of Adonai, went to the high priest
  2. and asked for letters from him to the synagogues of Dameshek, that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.
  3. As he travelled, he got close to Dameshek, and suddenly a light from the sky shone around him.
  4. He fell on the earth, and heard a voice saying to him, “Sha'ul, Sha'ul, why do you persecute me?”
  5. He said, “Who are you, Adonai?” Adonai said, “I am Yeshua, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”
  6. He, trembling and astonished, said, “Adonai, what do you want me to do?” Adonai said to him, “Rise up and enter into the city, then you will be told what you must do.”
  7. The men who travelled with him stood speechless, hearing the sound, but seeing no one.
  8. Sha'ul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened, he saw no one. They led him by the hand and brought him into Dameshek.
  9. He was without sight for three days, and neither ate nor drank.
  10. Now there was a certain talmid at Dameshek named Ananias. Adonai said to him in a vision, “Ananias!” He said, “Behold, it’s me, Adonai.”
  11. Adonai said to him, “Arise and go to the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Yehudah for one named Sha'ul, a man of Tarsus. For behold, he is praying,
  12. and in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and laying his hands on him, that he might receive his sight.”
  13. But Ananias answered, “Adonai, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he did to your saints at Jerusalem.
  14. Here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.”
  15. But Adonai said to him, “Go your way, for he is my chosen vessel to bear my name before the nations and kings, and the children of Yisrael.
  16. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for my name’s sake.”
  17. Ananias departed and entered into the house. Laying his hands on him, he said, “Brother Sha'ul, Adonai, who appeared to you on the road by which you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Ruach HaKodesh.”
  18. Immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he received his sight. He arose and was immersed.
  19. He took food and was strengthened. Sha'ul stayed several days with the talmidim who were at Dameshek.
  20. Immediately in the synagogues he proclaimed the Mashiach, that he is the Ben Elohim.
  21. All who heard him were amazed, and said, “Isn’t this he who in Jerusalem made havoc of those who called on this name? And he had come here intending to bring them bound before the chief priests!”
  22. But Sha'ul increased more in strength, and confounded the Yehudim who lived at Dameshek, proving that this is the Mashiach.
  23. When many days were fulfilled, the Yehudim conspired together to kill him,
  24. but their plot became known to Sha'ul. They watched the gates both day and night that they might kill him,
  25. but his talmidim took him by night and let him down through the wall, lowering him in a basket.
  26. When Sha'ul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join himself to the talmidim; but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a talmid.
  27. But Bar-Naba took him and brought him to the shlichim, and declared to them how he had seen Adonai on the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how at Dameshek he had preached boldly in the name of Yeshua.
  28. He was with them entering into Jerusalem,
  29. preaching boldly in the name of Adonai Yeshua. He spoke and disputed against the Hellenists, but they were seeking to kill him.
  30. When the brothers knew it, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.
  31. So the assemblies throughout all Yehudah, Galil, and Shomron had peace and were built up. They were multiplied, walking in the fear of Adonai and in the comfort of the Ruach HaKodesh.
  32. As Kefa went throughout all those parts, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda.
  33. There he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden for eight years because he was paralysed.
  34. Kefa said to him, “Aeneas, Yeshua Mashiach heals you. Get up and make your bed!” Immediately he arose.
  35. All who lived at Lydda and in Sharon saw him, and they turned to Adonai.
  36. Now there was at Yafo a certain talmid named Tabitha, which when translated means Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and acts of mercy which she did.
  37. In those days, she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room.
  38. As Lydda was near Yafo, the talmidim, hearing that Kefa was there, sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them.
  39. Kefa got up and went with them. When he had come, they brought him into the upper room. All the widows stood by him weeping, and showing the tunics and other garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them.
  40. Kefa sent them all out, and knelt down and prayed. Turning to the body, he said, “Tabitha, get up!” She opened her eyes, and when she saw Kefa, she sat up.
  41. He gave her his hand and raised her up. Calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive.
  42. This became known throughout all Yafo, and many believed in Adonai.
  43. He stayed many days in Yafo with a tanner named Shimon.

                                  Chapter 10                                  

  1. Now there was a certain man in Caesarea, Cornelius by name, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment,
  2. a devout man, and one who feared Elohim with all his house, who gave gifts for the needy generously to the people, and always prayed to Elohim.
  3. At about the ninth hour of the day, he clearly saw in a vision an malak of Elohim coming to him and saying to him, “Cornelius!”
  4. He, fastening his eyes on him and being frightened, said, “What is it, Adonai?” He said to him, “Your prayers and your gifts to the needy have gone up for a memorial before Elohim.
  5. Now send men to Yafo, and get Shimon, who is also called Kefa.
  6. He is staying with a tanner named Shimon, whose house is by the seaside.
  7. When the malak who spoke to him had departed, Cornelius called two of his household servants and a devout soldier of those who waited on him continually.
  8. Having explained everything to them, he sent them to Yafo.
  9. Now on the next day as they were on their journey and got close to the city, Kefa went up on the housetop to pray at about noon.
  10. He became hungry and desired to eat, but while they were preparing, he fell into a trance.
  11. He saw heaven opened and a certain container descending to him, like a great sheet let down by four corners on the earth,
  12. in which were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild animals, reptiles, and birds of the sky.
  13. A voice came to him, “Rise, Kefa, kill and eat!”
  14. But Kefa said, “Not so, Adonai; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.”
  15. A voice came to him again the second time, “What Elohim has cleansed, you must not call unclean.”
  16. This was done three times, and immediately the thing was received up into heaven.
  17. Now while Kefa was very perplexed in himself what the vision which he had seen might mean, behold, the men who were sent by Cornelius, having made enquiry for Shimon’s house, stood before the gate,
  18. and called and asked whether Shimon, who was also called Kefa, was lodging there.
  19. While Kefa was pondering the vision, the Ruach said to him, “Behold, three men seek you.
  20. But arise, get down, and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them.”
  21. Kefa went down to the men, and said, “Behold, I am he whom you seek. Why have you come?”
  22. They said, “Cornelius, a centurion, a righteous man and one who fears Elohim, and well spoken of by all the nation of the Yehudim, was directed by a kodesh malak to invite you to his house, and to listen to what you say.”
  23. So he called them in and provided a place to stay. On the next day Kefa arose and went out with them, and some of the brothers from Yafo accompanied him.
  24. On the next day they entered into Caesarea. Cornelius was waiting for them, having called together his relatives and his near friends.
  25. When Kefa entered, Cornelius met him, fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.
  26. But Kefa raised him up, saying, “Stand up! I myself am also a man.”
  27. As he talked with him, he went in and found many gathered together.
  28. He said to them, “You yourselves know how it is an unlawful thing for a man who is a Yehudi to join himself or come to one of another nation, but Elohim has shown me that I shouldn’t call any man unholy or unclean.
  29. Therefore I also came without complaint when I was sent for. I ask therefore, why did you send for me?”
  30. Cornelius said, “Four days ago, I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour, I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing
  31. and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer is heard, and your gifts to the needy are remembered in the sight of Elohim.
  32. Send therefore to Yafo and summon Shimon, who is also called Kefa. He is staying in the house of a tanner named Shimon, by the seaside. When he comes, he will speak to you.’
  33. Therefore I sent to you at once, and it was good of you to come. Now therefore we are all here present in the sight of Elohim to hear all things that have been commanded you by Elohim.”
  34. Kefa opened his mouth and said, “Truly I perceive that Elohim doesn’t show favouritism;
  35. but in every nation he who fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him.
  36. The word which he sent to the children of Yisrael, preaching good news of peace by Yeshua Mashiach—he is Adonai of all—
  37. you yourselves know what happened, which was proclaimed throughout all Yehudah, beginning from Galil, after the immersion which Yochanan preached;
  38. how Elohim anointed Yeshua of Nazareth with the Ruach HaKodesh and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for Elohim was with him.
  39. We are witnesses of everything he did both in the country of the Yehudim and in Jerusalem; whom they also killed, hanging him on a tree.
  40. Elohim raised him up the third day and gave him to be revealed,
  41. not to all the people, but to witnesses who were chosen before by Elohim, to us, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.
  42. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that this is he who is appointed by Elohim as the Judge of the living and the dead.
  43. All the prophets testify about him, that through his name everyone who believes in him will receive remission of sins.”
  44. While Kefa was still speaking these words, the Ruach HaKodesh fell on all those who heard the word.
  45. They of the circumcision who believed were amazed, as many as came with Kefa, because the gift of the Ruach HaKodesh was also poured out on the Goyim.
  46. For they heard them speaking in other languages and magnifying Elohim. Then Kefa answered,
  47. “Can anyone forbid these people from being immersed with water? They have received the Ruach HaKodesh just like us.”
  48. He commanded them to be immersed in the name of Yeshua Mashiach. Then they asked him to stay some days.

                                  Chapter 11                                  

  1. Now the shlichim and the brothers who were in Yehudah heard that the Goyim had also received the word of Elohim.
  2. When Kefa had come up to Jerusalem, those who were of the circumcision contended with him,
  3. saying, “You went in to uncircumcised men and ate with them!”
  4. But Kefa began, and explained to them in order, saying,
  5. “I was in the city of Yafo praying, and in a trance I saw a vision: a certain container descending, like it was a great sheet let down from heaven by four corners. It came as far as me.
  6. When I had looked intently at it, I considered, and saw the four-footed animals of the earth, wild animals, creeping things, and birds of the sky.
  7. I also heard a voice saying to me, ‘Rise, Kefa, kill and eat!’
  8. But I said, ‘Not so, Adonai, for nothing unholy or unclean has ever entered into my mouth.’
  9. But a voice answered me the second time out of heaven, ‘What Elohim has cleansed, don’t you call unclean.’
  10. This was done three times, and all were drawn up again into heaven.
  11. Behold, immediately three men stood before the house where I was, having been sent from Caesarea to me.
  12. The Ruach told me to go with them without discriminating. These six brothers also accompanied me, and we entered into the man’s house.
  13. He told us how he had seen the malak standing in his house and saying to him, ‘Send to Yafo and get Shimon, who is called Kefa,
  14. who will speak to you words by which you will be saved, you and all your house.’
  15. As I began to speak, the Ruach HaKodesh fell on them, even as on us at the beginning.
  16. I remembered the word of Adonai, how he said, ‘Yochanan indeed immersed in water, but you will be immersed in the Ruach HaKodesh.’
  17. If then Elohim gave to them the same gift as us when we believed in Adonai Yeshua Mashiach, who was I, that I could withstand Elohim?”
  18. When they heard these things, they held their peace and glorified Elohim, saying, “Then Elohim has also granted to the Goyim repentance to life!”
  19. They therefore who were scattered abroad by the oppression that arose about Stephanos travelled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except to Yehudim only.
  20. But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching Adonai Yeshua.
  21. The hand of Adonai was with them, and a great number believed and turned to Adonai.
  22. The report concerning them came to the ears of the assembly which was in Jerusalem. They sent out Bar-Naba to go as far as Antioch,
  23. who, when he had come, and had seen the grace of Elohim, was glad. He exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they should remain near to Adonai.
  24. For he was a good man, and full of the Ruach HaKodesh and of faith, and many people were added to Adonai.
  25. Bar-Naba went out to Tarsus to look for Sha'ul.
  26. When he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they were gathered together with the assembly, and taught many people. The talmidim were first called followers of The Way in Antioch.
  27. Now in these days, prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch.
  28. One of them named Agabus stood up and indicated by the Ruach that there should be a great famine all over the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius.
  29. As any of the talmidim had plenty, each determined to send relief to the brothers who lived in Yehudah;
  30. which they also did, sending it to the elders by the hands of Bar-Naba and Sha'ul.

                                  Chapter 12                                  

  1. Now about that time, King Herodes stretched out his hands to oppress some of the assembly.
  2. He killed Yaakov, the brother of Yochanan, with the sword.
  3. When he saw that it pleased the Yehudim, he proceeded to seize Kefa also. This was during the days of unleavened bread.
  4. When he had arrested him, he put him in prison and delivered him to four squads of four soldiers each to guard him, intending to bring him out to the people after the Pesach.
  5. Kefa therefore was kept in the prison, but constant prayer was made by the assembly to Elohim for him.
  6. The same night when Herodes was about to bring him out, Kefa was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains. Guards in front of the door kept the prison.
  7. And behold, an malak of Adonai stood by him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Kefa on the side and woke him up, saying, “Stand up quickly!” His chains fell off his hands.
  8. The malak said to him, “Get dressed and put on your sandals.” He did so. He said to him, “Put on your cloak and follow me.”
  9. And he went out and followed him. He didn’t know that what was being done by the malak was real, but thought he saw a vision.
  10. When they were past the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate that leads into the city, which opened to them by itself. They went out and went down one street, and immediately the malak departed from him.
  11. When Kefa had come to himself, he said, “Now I truly know that Adonai has sent out his malak and delivered me out of the hand of Herodes, and from everything the Yehudi people were expecting.”
  12. Thinking about that, he came to the house of Miriam, the mother of Yochanan who was called Markos, where many were gathered together and were praying.
  13. When Kefa knocked at the door of the gate, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer.
  14. When she recognised Kefa’s voice, she didn’t open the gate for joy, but ran in and reported that Kefa was standing in front of the gate.
  15. They said to her, “You are crazy!” But she insisted that it was so. They said, “It is his malak.”
  16. But Kefa continued knocking. When they had opened, they saw him and were amazed.
  17. But he, beckoning to them with his hand to be silent, declared to them how Adonai had brought him out of the prison. He said, “Tell these things to Yaakov and to the brothers.” Then he departed and went to another place.
  18. Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir amongst the soldiers about what had become of Kefa.
  19. When Herodes had sought for him and didn’t find him, he examined the guards, then commanded that they should be put to death. He went down from Yehudah to Caesarea, and stayed there.
  20. Now Herodes was very angry with the people of Tyre and Tzidon. They came with one accord to him and, having made Blastus, the king’s personal aide, their friend, they asked for peace, because their country depended on the king’s country for food.
  21. On an appointed day, Herodes dressed himself in royal clothing, sat on the throne, and gave a speech to them.
  22. The people shouted, “The voice of a god, and not of a man!”
  23. Immediately an malak of Adonai struck him, because he didn’t give Elohim the glory. Then he was eaten by worms and died.
  24. But the word of Elohim grew and multiplied.
  25. Bar-Naba and Sha'ul returned to Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their service, also taking with them Yochanan who was called Markos.

                                  Chapter 13                                  

  1. Now in the assembly that was at Antioch there were some prophets and teachers: Bar-Naba, Shimon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen the foster brother of Herodes the tetrarch, and Sha'ul.
  2. As they served Adonai and fasted, the Ruach HaKodesh said, “Separate Bar-Naba and Sha'ul for me, for the work to which I have called them.”
  3. Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
  4. So, being sent out by the Ruach HaKodesh, they went down to Seleucia. From there they sailed to Cyprus.
  5. When they were at Salamis, they proclaimed Elohim’s word in the Yehudi synagogues. They also had Yochanan as their attendant.
  6. When they had gone through the island to Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Yehudi whose name was Bar Yeshua,
  7. who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of understanding. This man summoned Bar-Naba and Sha'ul, and sought to hear the word of Elohim.
  8. But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith.
  9. But Sha'ul, who is also called Paulos, filled with the Ruach HaKodesh, fastened his eyes on him
  10. and said, “You son of the devil, full of all deceit and all cunning, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease to pervert the right ways of Adonai?
  11. Now, behold, the hand of Adonai is on you, and you will be blind, not seeing the sun for a season!” Immediately a mist and darkness fell on him. He went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand.
  12. Then the proconsul, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the teaching of Adonai.
  13. Now Sha'ul and his company set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. Yochanan departed from them and returned to Jerusalem.
  14. But they, passing on from Perga, came to Antioch of Pisidia. They went into the synagogue on the Shabbat day and sat down.
  15. After the reading of the law and the prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent to them, saying, “Brothers, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, speak.”
  16. Sha'ul stood up, and gesturing with his hand said, “Men of Yisrael, and you who fear Elohim, listen.
  17. The Elohim of this people chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they stayed as aliens in the land of Mitzrayim, and with an uplifted arm, he led them out of it.
  18. For a period of about forty years he put up with them in the wilderness.
  19. When he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Kna'an, he gave them their land for an inheritance for about four hundred and fifty years.
  20. After these things, he gave them judges until Shmuel the prophet.
  21. Afterward they asked for a king, and Elohim gave to them Sha'ul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Binyamin, for forty years.
  22. When he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king, to whom he also testified, ‘I have found David the son of Yishai, a man after my heart, who will do all my will.’
  23. From this man’s offspring, Elohim has brought salvation to Yisrael according to his promise,
  24. before his coming, when Yochanan had first preached the immersion of repentance to Yisrael.
  25. As Yochanan was fulfilling his course, he said, ‘What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. But behold, one comes after me, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie.’
  26. “Brothers, children of the stock of Avraham, and those amongst you who fear Elohim, the word of this salvation is sent out to you.
  27. For those who dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they didn’t know him, nor the voices of the prophets which are read every Shabbat, fulfilled them by condemning him.
  28. Though they found no cause for death, they still asked Pilatus to have him killed.
  29. When they had fulfilled all things that were written about him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb.
  30. But Elohim raised him from the dead,
  31. and he was seen for many days by those who came up with him from Galil to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses to the people.
  32. We bring you good news of the promise made to the fathers,
  33. that Elohim has fulfilled this to us, their children, in that he raised up Yeshua. As it is also written in the second psalm, ‘You are my Son. Today I have become your father.’
  34. “Concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he has spoken thus: ‘I will give you the kodesh and sure blessings of David.’
  35. Therefore he says also in another psalm, ‘You will not allow your Kodesh One to see decay.’
  36. For David, after he had in his own generation served the counsel of Elohim, fell asleep, was laid with his fathers, and saw decay.
  37. But he whom Elohim raised up saw no decay.
  38. Be it known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man is proclaimed to you remission of sins;
  39. and by him everyone who believes is justified from all things, from which you could not be justified by the law of Moshe.
  40. Beware therefore, lest that come on you which is spoken in the prophets:
  41. ‘Behold, you scoffers! Wonder and perish, for I work a work in your days, a work which you will in no way believe, if one declares it to you.’”
  42. So when the Yehudim went out of the synagogue, the Goyim begged that these words might be preached to them the next Shabbat.
  43. Now when the synagogue broke up, many of the Yehudim and of the devout proselytes followed Sha'ul and Bar-Naba; who, speaking to them, urged them to continue in the grace of Elohim.
  44. The next Shabbat, almost the whole city was gathered together to hear the word of Elohim.
  45. But when the Yehudim saw the multitudes, they were filled with jealousy, and contradicted the things which were spoken by Sha'ul, and blasphemed.
  46. Sha'ul and Bar-Naba spoke out boldly, and said, “It was necessary that Elohim’s word should be spoken to you first. Since indeed you thrust it from yourselves, and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we turn to the Goyim.
  47. For so has Adonai commanded us, saying, ‘I have set you as a light for the Goyim, that you should bring salvation to the uttermost parts of the earth.’”
  48. As the Goyim heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of Elohim. As many as were appointed to eternal life believed.
  49. Adonai’s word was spread abroad throughout all the region.
  50. But the Yehudim stirred up the devout and prominent women and the chief men of the city, and stirred up a persecution against Sha'ul and Bar-Naba, and threw them out of their borders.
  51. But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came to Iconium.
  52. The talmidim were filled with joy and with the Ruach HaKodesh.

                                  Chapter 14                                  

  1. In Iconium, they entered together into the synagogue of the Yehudim, and so spoke that a great multitude both of Yehudim and of Yevanim believed.
  2. But the disbelieving Yehudim stirred up and embittered the souls of the Goyim against the brothers.
  3. Therefore they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in Adonai, who testified to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
  4. But the multitude of the city was divided. Part sided with the Yehudim and part with the shlichim.
  5. When some of both the Goyim and the Yehudim, with their rulers, made a violent attempt to mistreat and stone them,
  6. they became aware of it and fled to the cities of Lycaonia, Lystra, Derbe, and the surrounding region.
  7. There they preached the Besorah.
  8. At Lystra a certain man sat, impotent in his feet, a cripple from his mother’s womb, who never had walked.
  9. He was listening to Sha'ul speaking, who, fastening eyes on him and seeing that he had faith to be made whole,
  10. said with a loud voice, “Stand upright on your feet!” He leapt up and walked.
  11. When the multitude saw what Sha'ul had done, they lifted up their voice, saying in the language of Lycaonia, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!”
  12. They called Bar-Naba “Jupiter”, and Sha'ul “Mercury”, because he was the chief speaker.
  13. The priest of Jupiter, whose Beit HaMikdash was in front of their city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, and would have made a sacrifice along with the multitudes.
  14. But when the shlichim, Bar-Naba and Sha'ul, heard of it, they tore their clothes and sprang into the multitude, crying out,
  15. “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men of the same nature as you, and bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to the living Elohim, who made the sky, the earth, the sea, and all that is in them;
  16. who in the generations gone by allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways.
  17. Yet he didn’t leave himself without witness, in that he did good and gave you rains from the sky and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.”
  18. Even saying these things, they hardly stopped the multitudes from making a sacrifice to them.
  19. But some Yehudim from Antioch and Iconium came there, and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Sha'ul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead.
  20. But as the talmidim stood around him, he rose up, and entered into the city. On the next day he went out with Bar-Naba to Derbe.
  21. When they had preached the Besorah to that city and had made many talmidim, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch,
  22. strengthening the souls of the talmidim, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that through many afflictions we must enter into Elohim’s Kingdom.
  23. When they had appointed elders for them in every assembly, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to Adonai on whom they had believed.
  24. They passed through Pisidia and came to Pamphylia.
  25. When they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia.
  26. From there they sailed to Antioch, from where they had been committed to the grace of Elohim for the work which they had fulfilled.
  27. When they had arrived and had gathered the assembly together, they reported all the things that Elohim had done with them, and that he had opened a door of faith to the nations.
  28. They stayed there with the talmidim for a long time.

                                  Chapter 15                                  

  1. Some men came down from Yehudah and taught the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised after the custom of Moshe, you can’t be saved.”
  2. Therefore when Sha'ul and Bar-Naba had no small discord and discussion with them, they appointed Sha'ul, Bar-Naba, and some others of them to go up to Jerusalem to the shlichim and elders about this question.
  3. They, being sent on their way by the assembly, passed through both Phoenicia and Shomron, declaring the conversion of the Goyim. They caused great joy to all the brothers.
  4. When they had come to Jerusalem, they were received by the assembly and the shlichim and the elders, and they reported everything that Elohim had done with them.
  5. But some of the sect of the HaPerushim who believed rose up, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moshe.”
  6. The shlichim and the elders were gathered together to see about this matter.
  7. When there had been much discussion, Kefa rose up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that a good while ago Elohim made a choice amongst you that by my mouth the nations should hear the word of the Besorah and believe.
  8. Elohim, who knows the heart, testified about them, giving them the Ruach HaKodesh, just like he did to us.
  9. He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith.
  10. Now therefore why do you tempt Elohim, that you should put a yoke on the neck of the talmidim which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
  11. But we believe that we are saved through the grace of Adonai Yeshua, just as they are.”
  12. All the multitude kept silence, and they listened to Bar-Naba and Sha'ul reporting what signs and wonders Elohim had done amongst the nations through them.
  13. After they were silent, Yaakov answered, “Brothers, listen to me.
  14. Shimon has reported how Elohim first visited the nations to take out of them a people for his name.
  15. This agrees with the words of the prophets. As it is written,
  16. ‘After these things I will return. I will again build the Mishkan of David, which has fallen. I will again build its ruins. I will set it up
  17. that the rest of men may seek after Adonai: all the Goyim who are called by my name, says Adonai, who does all these things.’
  18. “All of Elohim’s works are known to him from eternity.
  19. Therefore my judgement is that we don’t trouble those from amongst the Goyim who turn to Elohim,
  20. but that we write to them that they abstain from the pollution of idols, from sexual immorality, from what is strangled, and from blood.
  21. For Moshe from generations of old has in every city those who preach him, being read in the synagogues every Shabbat.”
  22. Then it seemed good to the shlichim and the elders, with the whole assembly, to choose men out of their company, and send them to Antioch with Sha'ul and Bar-Naba: Yehudah called Bar-Shabba, and Silas, chief men amongst the brothers.
  23. They wrote these things by their hand: “The shlichim, the elders, and the brothers, to the brothers who are of the Goyim in Antioch, Aram, and Cilicia: greetings.
  24. Because we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying, ‘You must be circumcised and keep the law,’ to whom we gave no mitzvah;
  25. it seemed good to us, having come to one accord, to choose out men and send them to you with our beloved Bar-Naba and Sha'ul,
  26. men who have risked their lives for the name of our Adonai Yeshua Mashiach.
  27. We have sent therefore Yehudah and Silas, who themselves will also tell you the same things by word of mouth.
  28. For it seemed good to the Ruach HaKodesh, and to us, to lay no greater burden on you than these necessary things:
  29. that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality, from which if you keep yourselves, it will be well with you. Farewell.”
  30. So, when they were sent off, they came to Antioch. Having gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter.
  31. When they had read it, they rejoiced over the encouragement.
  32. Yehudah and Silas, also being prophets themselves, encouraged the brothers with many words and strengthened them.
  33. After they had spent some time there, they were dismissed in peace from the brothers to the shlichim.
  34. However, it seemed good to Silas to remain there.
  35. But Sha'ul and Bar-Naba stayed in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of Adonai, with many others also.
  36. After some days Sha'ul said to Bar-Naba, “Let’s return now and visit our brothers in every city in which we proclaimed the word of Adonai, to see how they are doing.”
  37. Bar-Naba planned to take Yochanan, who was called Markos, with them also.
  38. But Sha'ul didn’t think that it was a good idea to take with them someone who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia, and didn’t go with them to do the work.
  39. Then the contention grew so sharp that they separated from each other. Bar-Naba took Markos with him and sailed away to Cyprus,
  40. but Sha'ul chose Silas and went out, being commended by the brothers to the grace of Elohim.
  41. He went through Aram and Cilicia, strengthening the assemblies.

                                  Chapter 16                                  

  1. He came to Derbe and Lystra; and behold, a certain talmid was there, named Timotheus, the son of a Yehudiyah who believed, but his father was a Yevani.
  2. The brothers who were at Lystra and Iconium gave a good testimony about him.
  3. Sha'ul wanted to have him go out with him, and he took and circumcised him because of the Yehudim who were in those parts, for they all knew that his father was a Yevani.
  4. As they went on their way through the cities, they delivered the decrees to them to keep which had been ordained by the shlichim and elders who were at Jerusalem.
  5. So the assemblies were strengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily.
  6. When they had gone through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, they were forbidden by the Ruach HaKodesh to speak the word in Asia.
  7. When they had come opposite Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Ruach didn’t allow them.
  8. Passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas.
  9. A vision appeared to Sha'ul in the night. There was a man of Macedonia standing, begging him and saying, “Come over into Macedonia and help us.”
  10. When he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go out to Macedonia, concluding that Adonai had called us to preach the Besorah to them.
  11. Setting sail therefore from Troas, we made a straight course to Samothrace, and the day following to Neapolis;
  12. and from there to Philippi, which is a city of Macedonia, the foremost of the district, a Romi colony. We were staying some days in this city.
  13. On the Shabbat day we went outside of the city by a riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer, and we sat down and spoke to the women who had come together.
  14. A certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, one who worshipped Elohim, heard us. Adonai opened her heart to listen to the things which were spoken by Sha'ul.
  15. When she and her household were immersed, she begged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to Adonai, come into my house and stay.” So she persuaded us.
  16. As we were going to prayer, a certain girl having a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much gain by fortune telling.
  17. Following Sha'ul and us, she cried out, “These men are servants of the Elyon Elohim, who proclaim to us a way of salvation!”
  18. She was doing this for many days. But Sha'ul, becoming greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Yeshua Mashiach to come out of her!” It came out that very hour.
  19. But when her masters saw that the hope of their gain was gone, they seized Sha'ul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace before the rulers.
  20. When they had brought them to the magistrates, they said, “These men, being Yehudim, are agitating our city
  21. and advocate customs which it is not lawful for us to accept or to observe, being Romim.”
  22. The multitude rose up together against them and the magistrates tore their clothes from them, then commanded them to be beaten with rods.
  23. When they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, charging the jailer to keep them safely.
  24. Having received such a command, he threw them into the inner prison and secured their feet in the stocks.
  25. But about midnight Sha'ul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to Elohim, and the prisoners were listening to them.
  26. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were loosened.
  27. The jailer, being roused out of sleep and seeing the prison doors open, drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped.
  28. But Sha'ul cried with a loud voice, saying, “Don’t harm yourself, for we are all here!”
  29. He called for lights, sprang in, fell down trembling before Sha'ul and Silas,
  30. brought them out, and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
  31. They said, “Believe in Adonai Yeshua Mashiach, and you will be saved, you and your household.”
  32. They spoke the word of Adonai to him, and to all who were in his house.
  33. He took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes, and was immediately immersed, he and all his household.
  34. He brought them up into his house and set food before them, and rejoiced greatly with all his household, having believed in Elohim.
  35. But when it was day, the magistrates sent the sergeants, saying, “Let those men go.”
  36. The jailer reported these words to Sha'ul, saying, “The magistrates have sent to let you go; now therefore come out and go in peace.”
  37. But Sha'ul said to them, “They have beaten us publicly without a trial, men who are Romim, and have cast us into prison! Do they now release us secretly? No, most certainly, but let them come themselves and bring us out!”
  38. The sergeants reported these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Romim,
  39. and they came and begged them. When they had brought them out, they asked them to depart from the city.
  40. They went out of the prison and entered into Lydia’s house. When they had seen the brothers, they encouraged them, then departed.

                                  Chapter 17                                  

  1. Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Yehudi synagogue.
  2. Sha'ul, as was his custom, went in to them; and for three Shabbat days reasoned with them from the Scriptures,
  3. explaining and demonstrating that the Mashiach had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, “This Yeshua, whom I proclaim to you, is the Mashiach.”
  4. Some of them were persuaded and joined Sha'ul and Silas: of the devout Yevanim a great multitude, and not a few of the chief women.
  5. But the unpersuaded Yehudim took along some wicked men from the marketplace and gathering a crowd, set the city in an uproar. Assaulting the house of Yason, they sought to bring them out to the people.
  6. When they didn’t find them, they dragged Yason and certain brothers before the rulers of the city, crying, “These who have turned the world upside down have come here also,
  7. whom Yason has received. These all act contrary to the decrees of Kaisar, saying that there is another king, Yeshua!”
  8. The multitude and the rulers of the city were troubled when they heard these things.
  9. When they had taken security from Yason and the rest, they let them go.
  10. The brothers immediately sent Sha'ul and Silas away by night to Beroea. When they arrived, they went into the Yehudi synagogue.
  11. Now these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.
  12. Many of them therefore believed; also of the prominent Yevani women, and not a few men.
  13. But when the Yehudim of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of Elohim was proclaimed by Sha'ul at Beroea also, they came there likewise, agitating the multitudes.
  14. Then the brothers immediately sent out Sha'ul to go as far as to the sea, and Silas and Timotheus still stayed there.
  15. But those who escorted Sha'ul brought him as far as Athens. Receiving a mitzvah to Silas and Timotheus that they should come to him very quickly, they departed.
  16. Now while Sha'ul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw the city full of idols.
  17. So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Yehudim and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who met him.
  18. Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also were conversing with him. Some said, “What does this babbler want to say?” Others said, “He seems to be advocating foreign deities,” because he preached Yeshua and the resurrection.
  19. They took hold of him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new teaching is, which you are speaking about?
  20. For you bring certain strange things to our ears. We want to know therefore what these things mean.”
  21. Now all the Athenians and the strangers living there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell or to hear some new thing.
  22. Sha'ul stood in the middle of the Areopagus and said, “You men of Athens, I perceive that you are very religious in all things.
  23. For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I also found an altar with this inscription: ‘TO AN UNKNOWN YHWH.’ What therefore you worship in ignorance, I announce to you.
  24. The Elohim who made the world and all things in it, he, being Adonai of heaven and earth, doesn’t dwell in Battei HaMikdash made with hands.
  25. He isn’t served by men’s hands, as though he needed anything, seeing he himself gives to all life and breath and all things.
  26. He made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the surface of the earth, having determined appointed seasons and the boundaries of their dwellings,
  27. that they should seek Adonai, if perhaps they might reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.
  28. ‘For in him we live, move, and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also his offspring.’
  29. Being then the offspring of Elohim, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold, or silver, or stone, engraved by art and design of man.
  30. The times of ignorance therefore Elohim overlooked. But now he commands that all people everywhere should repent,
  31. because he has appointed a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness by the man whom he has ordained; of which he has given assurance to all men, in that he has raised him from the dead.”
  32. Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked; but others said, “We want to hear you again concerning this.”
  33. Thus Sha'ul went out from amongst them.
  34. But certain men joined with him and believed, including Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.

                                  Chapter 18                                  

  1. After these things Sha'ul departed from Athens and came to Corinth.
  2. He found a certain Yehudi named Aquila, a man of Pontus by race, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Yehudim to depart from Rome. He came to them,
  3. and because he practised the same trade, he lived with them and worked, for by trade they were tent makers.
  4. He reasoned in the synagogue every Shabbat and persuaded Yehudim and Yevanim.
  5. When Silas and Timotheus came down from Macedonia, Sha'ul was compelled by the Ruach, testifying to the Yehudim that Yeshua was the Mashiach.
  6. When they opposed him and blasphemed, he shook out his clothing and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am clean. From now on, I will go to the Goyim!”
  7. He departed there and went into the house of a certain man named Justus, one who worshipped Elohim, whose house was next door to the synagogue.
  8. Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in Adonai with all his house. Many of the Korintim, when they heard, believed and were immersed.
  9. Adonai said to Sha'ul in the night by a vision, “Don’t be afraid, but speak and don’t be silent;
  10. for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many people in this city.”
  11. He lived there a year and six months, teaching the word of Elohim amongst them.
  12. But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Yehudim with one accord rose up against Sha'ul and brought him before the judgement seat,
  13. saying, “This man persuades men to worship Elohim contrary to the law.”
  14. But when Sha'ul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Yehudim, “If indeed it were a matter of wrong or of wicked crime, you Yehudim, it would be reasonable that I should bear with you;
  15. but if they are questions about words and names and your own law, look to it yourselves. For I don’t want to be a judge of these matters.”
  16. So he drove them from the judgement seat.
  17. Then all the Yevanim seized Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgement seat. Gallio didn’t care about any of these things.
  18. Sha'ul, having stayed after this many more days, took his leave of the brothers, and sailed from there for Aram, together with Priscilla and Aquila. He shaved his head in Cenchreae, for he had a vow.
  19. He came to Ephesus, and he left them there; but he himself entered into the synagogue and reasoned with the Yehudim.
  20. When they asked him to stay with them a longer time, he declined;
  21. but taking his leave of them, he said, “I must by all means keep this coming feast in Jerusalem, but I will return again to you if Elohim wills.” Then he set sail from Ephesus.
  22. When he had landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the assembly, and went down to Antioch.
  23. Having spent some time there, he departed and went through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, in order, establishing all the talmidim.
  24. Now a certain Yehudi named Apollos, an Alexandrian by race, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus. He was mighty in the Scriptures.
  25. This man had been instructed in the way of Adonai; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Yeshua, although he knew only the immersion of Yochanan.
  26. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside, and explained to him the way of Elohim more accurately.
  27. When he had determined to pass over into Achaia, the brothers encouraged him; and wrote to the talmidim to receive him. When he had come, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace;
  28. for he powerfully refuted the Yehudim, publicly showing by the Scriptures that Yeshua was the Mashiach.

                                  Chapter 19                                  

  1. While Apollos was at Corinth, Sha'ul, having passed through the upper country, came to Ephesus and found certain talmidim.
  2. He said to them, “Did you receive the Ruach HaKodesh when you believed?” They said to him, “No, we haven’t even heard that there is a Ruach HaKodesh.”
  3. He said, “Into what then were you immersed?” They said, “Into Yochanan’s immersion.”
  4. Sha'ul said, “Yochanan indeed immersed with the immersion of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe in the one who would come after him, that is, in Mashiach Yeshua.”
  5. When they heard this, they were immersed in the name of Adonai Yeshua.
  6. When Sha'ul had laid his hands on them, the Ruach HaKodesh came on them and they spoke with other languages and prophesied.
  7. They were about twelve men in all.
  8. He entered into the synagogue and spoke boldly for a period of three months, reasoning and persuading about the things concerning Elohim’s Kingdom.
  9. But when some were hardened and disobedient, speaking evil of the Way before the multitude, he departed from them and separated the talmidim, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus.
  10. This continued for two years, so that all those who lived in Asia heard the word of Adonai Yeshua, both Yehudim and Yevanim.
  11. Elohim worked special miracles by the hands of Sha'ul,
  12. so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were carried away from his body to the sick, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out.
  13. But some of the itinerant Yehudim, exorcists, took on themselves to invoke over those who had the evil spirits the name of Adonai Yeshua, saying, “We adjure you by Yeshua whom Sha'ul preaches.”
  14. There were seven sons of one Sceva, a Yehudi chief priest, who did this.
  15. The evil spirit answered, “Yeshua I know, and Sha'ul I know, but who are you?”
  16. The man in whom the evil spirit was leapt on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.
  17. This became known to all, both Yehudim and Yevanim, who lived at Ephesus. Fear fell on them all, and the name of Adonai Yeshua was magnified.
  18. Many also of those who had believed came, confessing and declaring their deeds.
  19. Many of those who practised magical arts brought their books together and burnt them in the sight of all. They counted their price, and found it to be fifty thousand pieces of silver.
  20. So the word of Adonai was growing and becoming mighty.
  21. Now after these things had ended, Sha'ul determined in the Ruach, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.”
  22. Having sent into Macedonia two of those who served him, Timotheus and Erastus, he himself stayed in Asia for a while.
  23. About that time there arose no small disturbance concerning the Way.
  24. For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought no little business to the craftsmen,
  25. whom he gathered together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, “Sirs, you know that by this business we have our wealth.
  26. You see and hear that not at Ephesus alone, but almost throughout all Asia, this Sha'ul has persuaded and turned away many people, saying that they are no gods that are made with hands.
  27. Not only is there danger that this our trade come into disrepute, but also that the Beit HaMikdash of the great goddess Artemis will be counted as nothing and her majesty destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worships.”
  28. When they heard this they were filled with anger, and cried out, saying, “Great is Artemis of the Efesim!”
  29. The whole city was filled with confusion, and they rushed with one accord into the theatre, having seized Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Sha'ul’s companions in travel.
  30. When Sha'ul wanted to enter in to the people, the talmidim didn’t allow him.
  31. Certain also of the Asiarchs, being his friends, sent to him and begged him not to venture into the theatre.
  32. Some therefore cried one thing, and some another, for the assembly was in confusion. Most of them didn’t know why they had come together.
  33. They brought Alexander out of the multitude, the Yehudim putting him forward. Alexander beckoned with his hand, and would have made a defence to the people.
  34. But when they perceived that he was a Yehudi, all with one voice for a time of about two hours cried out, “Great is Artemis of the Efesim!”
  35. When the town clerk had quieted the multitude, he said, “You men of Ephesus, what man is there who doesn’t know that the city of the Efesim is Beit HaMikdash keeper of the great goddess Artemis, and of the image which fell down from Zeus?
  36. Seeing then that these things can’t be denied, you ought to be quiet and to do nothing rash.
  37. For you have brought these men here, who are neither robbers of Battei HaMikdash nor blasphemers of your goddess.
  38. If therefore Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have a matter against anyone, the courts are open and there are proconsuls. Let them press charges against one another.
  39. But if you seek anything about other matters, it will be settled in the regular assembly.
  40. For indeed we are in danger of being accused concerning today’s riot, there being no cause. Concerning it, we wouldn’t be able to give an account of this commotion.”
  41. When he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.

                                  Chapter 20                                  

  1. After the uproar had ceased, Sha'ul sent for the talmidim, took leave of them, and departed to go into Macedonia.
  2. When he had gone through those parts and had encouraged them with many words, he came into Yavan.
  3. When he had spent three months there, and a plot was made against him by Yehudim as he was about to set sail for Aram, he determined to return through Macedonia.
  4. These accompanied him as far as Asia: Sopater of Beroea, Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians, Gaius of Derbe, Timotheus, and Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia.
  5. But these had gone ahead, and were waiting for us at Troas.
  6. We sailed away from Philippi after the days of Chag HaMatzot, and came to them at Troas in five days, where we stayed seven days.
  7. On the first day of the week, when the talmidim were gathered together to break bread, Sha'ul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day; and continued his speech until midnight.
  8. There were many lights in the upper room where we were gathered together.
  9. A certain young man named Eutychus sat in the window, weighed down with deep sleep. As Sha'ul spoke still longer, being weighed down by his sleep, he fell down from the third floor and was taken up dead.
  10. Sha'ul went down and fell upon him, and embracing him said, “Don’t be troubled, for his life is in him.”
  11. When he had gone up, had broken bread and eaten, and had talked with them a long while, even until break of day, he departed.
  12. They brought the boy in alive, and were greatly comforted.
  13. But we, going ahead to the ship, set sail for Assos, intending to take Sha'ul aboard there; for he had so arranged, intending himself to go by land.
  14. When he met us at Assos, we took him aboard and came to Mitylene.
  15. Sailing from there, we came the following day opposite Chios. The next day we touched at Samos and stayed at Trogyllium, and the day after we came to Miletus.
  16. For Sha'ul had determined to sail past Ephesus, that he might not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hastening, if it were possible for him, to be in Jerusalem on the day of Chag HaShavuot.
  17. From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called to himself the elders of the assembly.
  18. When they had come to him, he said to them, “You yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, how I was with you all the time,
  19. serving Adonai with all humility, with many tears, and with trials which happened to me by the plots of the Yehudim;
  20. how I didn’t shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, teaching you publicly and from house to house,
  21. testifying both to Yehudim and to Yevanim repentance towards Elohim and faith towards our Adonai Yeshua.
  22. Now, behold, I go bound by the Ruach to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there;
  23. except that the Ruach HaKodesh testifies in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions wait for me.
  24. But these things don’t count; nor do I hold my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from Adonai Yeshua, to fully testify to the Besorah of the grace of Elohim.
  25. “Now, behold, I know that you all, amongst whom I went about preaching Elohim’s Kingdom, will see my face no more.
  26. Therefore I testify to you today that I am clean from the blood of all men,
  27. for I didn’t shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of Elohim.
  28. Take heed, therefore, to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Ruach HaKodesh has made you overseers, to shepherd the assembly of Adonai and Elohim which he purchased with his own blood.
  29. For I know that after my departure, vicious wolves will enter in amongst you, not sparing the flock.
  30. Men will arise from amongst your own selves, speaking perverse things, to draw away the talmidim after them.
  31. Therefore watch, remembering that for a period of three years I didn’t cease to admonish everyone night and day with tears.
  32. Now, brothers, I entrust you to Elohim and to the word of his grace, which is able to build up and to give you the inheritance amongst all those who are sanctified.
  33. I coveted no one’s silver, gold, or clothing.
  34. You yourselves know that these hands served my necessities, and those who were with me.
  35. In all things I gave you an example, that so labouring you ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of Adonai Yeshua, that he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
  36. When he had spoken these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all.
  37. They all wept freely, and fell on Sha'ul’s neck and kissed him,
  38. sorrowing most of all because of the word which he had spoken, that they should see his face no more. Then they accompanied him to the ship.

                                  Chapter 21                                  

  1. When we had departed from them and had set sail, we came with a straight course to Cos, and the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara.
  2. Having found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail.
  3. When we had come in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left hand, we sailed to Aram and landed at Tyre, for the ship was there to unload her cargo.
  4. Having found talmidim, we stayed there seven days. These said to Sha'ul through the Ruach that he should not go up to Jerusalem.
  5. When those days were over, we departed and went on our journey. They all, with wives and children, brought us on our way until we were out of the city. Kneeling down on the beach, we prayed.
  6. After saying goodbye to each other, we went on board the ship, and they returned home again.
  7. When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais. We greeted the brothers and stayed with them one day.
  8. On the next day, we who were Sha'ul’s companions departed and came to Caesarea. We entered into the house of Philippos the mevasser, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him.
  9. Now this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied.
  10. As we stayed there some days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Yehudah.
  11. Coming to us and taking Sha'ul’s belt, he bound his own feet and hands, and said, “The Ruach HaKodesh says: ‘So the Yehudim at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt, and will deliver him into the hands of the Goyim.’”
  12. When we heard these things, both we and the people of that place begged him not to go up to Jerusalem.
  13. Then Sha'ul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of Adonai Yeshua.”
  14. When he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, “Adonai’s will be done.”
  15. After these days we took up our baggage and went up to Jerusalem.
  16. Some of the talmidim from Caesarea also went with us, bringing one Mnason of Cyprus, an early talmid, with whom we would stay.
  17. When we had come to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly.
  18. The day following, Sha'ul went in with us to Yaakov; and all the elders were present.
  19. When he had greeted them, he reported one by one the things which Elohim had worked amongst the Goyim through his ministry.
  20. They, when they heard it, glorified Elohim. They said to him, “You see, brother, how many thousands there are amongst the Yehudim of those who have believed, and they are all zealous for the law.
  21. They have been informed about you, that you teach all the Yehudim who are amongst the Goyim to forsake Moshe, telling them not to circumcise their children and not to walk after the customs.
  22. What then? The assembly must certainly meet, for they will hear that you have come.
  23. Therefore do what we tell you. We have four men who have taken a vow.
  24. Take them and purify yourself with them, and pay their expenses for them, that they may shave their heads. Then all will know that there is no truth in the things that they have been informed about you, but that you yourself also walk keeping the law.
  25. But concerning the Goyim who believe, we have written our decision that they should observe no such thing, except that they should keep themselves from food offered to idols, from blood, from strangled things, and from sexual immorality.”
  26. Then Sha'ul took the men, and the next day purified himself and went with them into the Beit HaMikdash, declaring the fulfilment of the days of purification, until the offering was offered for every one of them.
  27. When the seven days were almost completed, the Yehudim from Asia, when they saw him in the Beit HaMikdash, stirred up all the multitude and laid hands on him,
  28. crying out, “Men of Yisrael, help! This is the man who teaches all men everywhere against the people, and the law, and this place. Moreover, he also brought Yevanim into the Beit HaMikdash and has defiled this kodesh place!”
  29. For they had seen Trophimus the Efesi with him in the city, and they supposed that Sha'ul had brought him into the Beit HaMikdash.
  30. All the city was moved and the people ran together. They seized Sha'ul and dragged him out of the Beit HaMikdash. Immediately the doors were shut.
  31. As they were trying to kill him, news came up to the commanding officer of the regiment that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.
  32. Immediately he took soldiers and centurions and ran down to them. They, when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, stopped beating Sha'ul.
  33. Then the commanding officer came near, arrested him, commanded him to be bound with two chains, and enquired who he was and what he had done.
  34. Some shouted one thing and some another, amongst the crowd. When he couldn’t find out the truth because of the noise, he commanded him to be brought into the barracks.
  35. When he came to the stairs, he was carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the crowd;
  36. for the multitude of the people followed after, crying out, “Away with him!”
  37. As Sha'ul was about to be brought into the barracks, he asked the commanding officer, “May I speak to you?” He said, “Do you know Yevani?
  38. Aren’t you then the Mitzri who before these days stirred up to sedition and led out into the wilderness the four thousand men of the Assassins?”
  39. But Sha'ul said, “I am a Yehudi from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no insignificant city. I beg you, allow me to speak to the people.”
  40. When he had given him permission, Sha'ul, standing on the stairs, beckoned with his hand to the people. When there was a great silence, he spoke to them in the Ivri language, saying,

                                  Chapter 22                                  

  1. “Brothers and fathers, listen to the defence which I now make to you.”
  2. When they heard that he spoke to them in the Ivri language, they were even more quiet. He said,
  3. “I am indeed a Yehudi, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, instructed according to the strict tradition of the law of our fathers, being zealous for Elohim, even as you all are today.
  4. I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women,
  5. as also the high priest and all the council of the elders testify, from whom also I received letters to the brothers, and travelled to Dameshek to bring them also who were there to Jerusalem in bonds to be punished.
  6. “As I made my journey and came close to Dameshek, about noon suddenly a great light shone around me from the sky.
  7. I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Sha'ul, Sha'ul, why are you persecuting me?’
  8. I answered, ‘Who are you, Adonai?’ He said to me, ‘I am Yeshua of Nazareth, whom you persecute.’
  9. “Those who were with me indeed saw the light and were afraid, but they didn’t understand the voice of him who spoke to me.
  10. I said, ‘What shall I do, Adonai?’ Adonai said to me, ‘Arise, and go into Dameshek. There you will be told about all things which are appointed for you to do.’
  11. When I couldn’t see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of those who were with me, I came into Dameshek.
  12. “One Ananias, a devout man according to the law, well reported of by all the Yehudim who lived in Dameshek,
  13. came to me, and standing by me said to me, ‘Brother Sha'ul, receive your sight!’ In that very hour I looked up at him.
  14. He said, ‘The Elohim of our fathers has appointed you to know his will, and to see the Righteous One, and to hear a voice from his mouth.
  15. For you will be a witness for him to all men of what you have seen and heard.
  16. Now why do you wait? Arise, be immersed, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of Adonai.’
  17. “When I had returned to Jerusalem and while I prayed in the Beit HaMikdash, I fell into a trance
  18. and saw him saying to me, ‘Hurry and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not receive testimony concerning me from you.’
  19. I said, ‘Adonai, they themselves know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue those who believed in you.
  20. When the blood of Stephanos, your witness, was shed, I also was standing by, consenting to his death, and guarding the cloaks of those who killed him.’
  21. “He said to me, ‘Depart, for I will send you out far from here to the Goyim.’ ”
  22. They listened to him until he said that; then they lifted up their voice and said, “Rid the earth of this fellow, for he isn’t fit to live!”
  23. As they cried out, threw off their cloaks, and threw dust into the air,
  24. the commanding officer commanded him to be brought into the barracks, ordering him to be examined by scourging, that he might know for what crime they shouted against him like that.
  25. When they had tied him up with straps, Sha'ul asked the centurion who stood by, “Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Romi, and not found guilty?”
  26. When the centurion heard it, he went to the commanding officer and told him, “Watch what you are about to do, for this man is a Romi!”
  27. The commanding officer came and asked him, “Tell me, are you a Romi?” He said, “Yes.”
  28. The commanding officer answered, “I bought my citizenship for a great price.” Sha'ul said, “But I was born a Romi.”
  29. Immediately those who were about to examine him departed from him, and the commanding officer also was afraid when he realised that he was a Romi, because he had bound him.
  30. But on the next day, desiring to know the truth about why he was accused by the Yehudim, he freed him from the bonds and commanded the chief priests and all the council to come together, and brought Sha'ul down and set him before them.

                                  Chapter 23                                  

  1. Sha'ul, looking steadfastly at the council, said, “Brothers, I have lived before Elohim in all good conscience until today.”
  2. The high priest, Ananias, commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth.
  3. Then Sha'ul said to him, “Elohim will strike you, you whitewashed wall! Do you sit to judge me according to the law, and command me to be struck contrary to the law?”
  4. Those who stood by said, “Do you malign Elohim’s high priest?”
  5. Sha'ul said, “I didn’t know, brothers, that he was high priest. For it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’”
  6. But when Sha'ul perceived that the one part were HaTzedukim and the other HaPerushim, he cried out in the council, “Men and brothers, I am a HaPerush, a son of HaPerushim. Concerning the hope and resurrection of the dead I am being judged!”
  7. When he had said this, an argument arose between the HaPerushim and HaTzedukim, and the crowd was divided.
  8. For the HaTzedukim say that there is no resurrection, nor malak, nor spirit; but the HaPerushim confess all of these.
  9. A great clamour arose, and some of the HaSofrim of the HaPerushim’ part stood up, and contended, saying, “We find no evil in this man. But if a spirit or malak has spoken to him, let’s not fight against Elohim!”
  10. When a great argument arose, the commanding officer, fearing that Sha'ul would be torn in pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him by force from amongst them and bring him into the barracks.
  11. The following night, Adonai stood by him and said, “Cheer up, Sha'ul, for as you have testified about me at Jerusalem, so you must testify also at Rome.”
  12. When it was day, some of the Yehudim banded together and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink until they had killed Sha'ul.
  13. There were more than forty people who had made this conspiracy.
  14. They came to the chief priests and the elders, and said, “We have bound ourselves under a great curse to taste nothing until we have killed Sha'ul.
  15. Now therefore, you with the council inform the commanding officer that he should bring him down to you tomorrow, as though you were going to judge his case more exactly. We are ready to kill him before he comes near.”
  16. But Sha'ul’s sister’s son heard they were lying in wait, and he came and entered into the barracks and told Sha'ul.
  17. Sha'ul summoned one of the centurions and said, “Bring this young man to the commanding officer, for he has something to tell him.”
  18. So he took him and brought him to the commanding officer and said, “Sha'ul, the prisoner, summoned me and asked me to bring this young man to you. He has something to tell you.”
  19. The commanding officer took him by the hand, and going aside, asked him privately, “What is it that you have to tell me?”
  20. He said, “The Yehudim have agreed to ask you to bring Sha'ul down to the council tomorrow, as though intending to enquire somewhat more accurately concerning him.
  21. Therefore don’t yield to them, for more than forty men lie in wait for him, who have bound themselves under a curse to neither eat nor drink until they have killed him. Now they are ready, looking for the promise from you.”
  22. So the commanding officer let the young man go, charging him, “Tell no one that you have revealed these things to me.”
  23. He called to himself two of the centurions, and said, “Prepare two hundred soldiers to go as far as Caesarea, with seventy horsemen and two hundred men armed with spears, at the third hour of the night.”
  24. He asked them to provide mounts, that they might set Sha'ul on one, and bring him safely to Felix the governor.
  25. He wrote a letter like this:
  26. “Claudius Lysias to the most excellent governor Felix: Greetings.
  27. “This man was seized by the Yehudim, and was about to be killed by them when I came with the soldiers and rescued him, having learnt that he was a Romi.
  28. Desiring to know the cause why they accused him, I brought him down to their council.
  29. I found him to be accused about questions of their law, but not to be charged with anything worthy of death or of imprisonment.
  30. When I was told that the Yehudim lay in wait for the man, I sent him to you immediately, charging his accusers also to bring their accusations against him before you. Farewell.”
  31. So the soldiers, carrying out their orders, took Sha'ul and brought him by night to Antipatris.
  32. But on the next day they left the horsemen to go with him, and returned to the barracks.
  33. When they came to Caesarea and delivered the letter to the governor, they also presented Sha'ul to him.
  34. When the governor had read it, he asked what province he was from. When he understood that he was from Cilicia, he said,
  35. “I will hear you fully when your accusers also arrive.” He commanded that he be kept in Herodes’s palace.

                                  Chapter 24                                  

  1. After five days, the high priest, Ananias, came down with certain elders and an orator, one Tertullus. They informed the governor against Sha'ul.
  2. When he was called, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, “Seeing that by you we enjoy much peace, and that prosperity is coming to this nation by your foresight,
  3. we accept it in all ways and in all places, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness.
  4. But that I don’t delay you, I entreat you to bear with us and hear a few words.
  5. For we have found this man to be a plague, an instigator of insurrections amongst all the Yehudim throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.
  6. He even tried to profane the Beit HaMikdash, and we arrested him.
  8. By examining him yourself you may ascertain all these things of which we accuse him.”
  9. The Yehudim also joined in the attack, affirming that these things were so.
  10. When the governor had beckoned to him to speak, Sha'ul answered, “Because I know that you have been a judge of this nation for many years, I cheerfully make my defence,
  11. seeing that you can verify that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship at Jerusalem.
  12. In the Beit HaMikdash they didn’t find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd, either in the synagogues or in the city.
  13. Nor can they prove to you the things of which they now accuse me.
  14. But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, so I serve the Elohim of our fathers, believing all things which are according to the law, and which are written in the prophets;
  15. having hope towards Elohim, which these also themselves look for, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.
  16. In this I also practise always having a conscience void of offence towards Elohim and men.
  17. Now after some years, I came to bring gifts for the needy to my nation, and offerings;
  18. amid which certain Yehudim from Asia found me purified in the Beit HaMikdash, not with a mob, nor with turmoil.
  19. They ought to have been here before you and to make accusation if they had anything against me.
  20. Or else let these men themselves say what injustice they found in me when I stood before the council,
  21. unless it is for this one thing that I cried standing amongst them, ‘Concerning the resurrection of the dead I am being judged before you today!’”
  22. But Felix, having more exact knowledge concerning the Way, deferred them, saying, “When Lysias, the commanding officer, comes down, I will decide your case.”
  23. He ordered the centurion that Sha'ul should be kept in custody and should have some privileges, and not to forbid any of his friends to serve him or to visit him.
  24. After some days, Felix came with Drusilla his wife, who was a Yehudiyah, and sent for Sha'ul and heard him concerning the faith in Mashiach Yeshua.
  25. As he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgement to come, Felix was terrified, and answered, “Go your way for this time, and when it is convenient for me, I will summon you.”
  26. Meanwhile, he also hoped that money would be given to him by Sha'ul, that he might release him. Therefore also he sent for him more often and talked with him.
  27. But when two years were fulfilled, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, and desiring to gain favour with the Yehudim, Felix left Sha'ul in bonds.

                                  Chapter 25                                  

  1. Festus therefore, having come into the province, after three days went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea.
  2. Then the high priest and the principal men of the Yehudim informed him against Sha'ul, and they begged him,
  3. asking a favour against him, that he would summon him to Jerusalem, plotting to kill him on the way.
  4. However Festus answered that Sha'ul should be kept in custody at Caesarea, and that he himself was about to depart shortly.
  5. “Let them therefore”, he said, “that are in power amongst you go down with me, and if there is anything wrong in the man, let them accuse him.”
  6. When he had stayed amongst them more than ten days, he went down to Caesarea, and on the next day he sat on the judgement seat, and commanded Sha'ul to be brought.
  7. When he had come, the Yehudim who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing against him many and grievous charges which they could not prove,
  8. while he said in his defence, “Neither against the law of the Yehudim, nor against the Beit HaMikdash, nor against Kaisar, have I sinned at all.”
  9. But Festus, desiring to gain favour with the Yehudim, answered Sha'ul and said, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and be judged by me there concerning these things?”
  10. But Sha'ul said, “I am standing before Kaisar’s judgement seat, where I ought to be tried. I have done no wrong to the Yehudim, as you also know very well.
  11. For if I have done wrong and have committed anything worthy of death, I don’t refuse to die; but if none of those things is true that they accuse me of, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Kaisar!”
  12. Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, “You have appealed to Kaisar. To Kaisar you shall go.”
  13. Now when some days had passed, King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea and greeted Festus.
  14. As he stayed there many days, Festus laid Sha'ul’s case before the king, saying, “There is a certain man left a prisoner by Felix;
  15. about whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Yehudim informed me, asking for a sentence against him.
  16. I answered them that it is not the custom of the Romim to give up any man to destruction before the accused has met the accusers face to face and has had opportunity to make his defence concerning the matter laid against him.
  17. When therefore they had come together here, I didn’t delay, but on the next day sat on the judgement seat and commanded the man to be brought.
  18. When the accusers stood up, they brought no charges against him of such things as I supposed;
  19. but had certain questions against him about their own religion and about one Yeshua, who was dead, whom Sha'ul affirmed to be alive.
  20. Being perplexed how to enquire concerning these things, I asked whether he was willing to go to Jerusalem and there be judged concerning these matters.
  21. But when Sha'ul had appealed to be kept for the decision of the emperor, I commanded him to be kept until I could send him to Kaisar.”
  22. Agrippa said to Festus, “I also would like to hear the man myself.” “Tomorrow,” he said, “you shall hear him.”
  23. So on the next day, when Agrippa and Bernice had come with great pomp, and they had entered into the place of hearing with the commanding officers and the principal men of the city, at the command of Festus, Sha'ul was brought in.
  24. Festus said, “King Agrippa, and all men who are here present with us, you see this man about whom all the multitude of the Yehudim petitioned me, both at Jerusalem and here, crying that he ought not to live any longer.
  25. But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and as he himself appealed to the emperor, I determined to send him,
  26. of whom I have no certain thing to write to my Adonai. Therefore I have brought him out before you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, that, after examination I may have something to write.
  27. For it seems to me unreasonable, in sending a prisoner, not to also specify the charges against him.”

                                  Chapter 26                                  

  1. Agrippa said to Sha'ul, “You may speak for yourself.” Then Sha'ul stretched out his hand, and made his defence.
  2. “I think myself happy, King Agrippa, that I am to make my defence before you today concerning all the things that I am accused by the Yehudim,
  3. especially because you are expert in all customs and questions which are amongst the Yehudim. Therefore I beg you to hear me patiently.
  4. “Indeed, all the Yehudim know my way of life from my youth up, which was from the beginning amongst my own nation and at Jerusalem;
  5. having known me from the first, if they are willing to testify, that after the strictest sect of our religion I lived a HaPerush.
  6. Now I stand here to be judged for the hope of the promise made by Elohim to our fathers,
  7. which our twelve tribes, earnestly serving night and day, hope to attain. Concerning this hope I am accused by the Yehudim, King Agrippa!
  8. Why is it judged incredible with you if Elohim does raise the dead?
  9. “I myself most certainly thought that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Yeshua of Nazareth.
  10. I also did this in Jerusalem. I both shut up many of the saints in prisons, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death I gave my vote against them.
  11. Punishing them often in all the synagogues, I tried to make them blaspheme. Being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities.
  12. “Whereupon as I travelled to Dameshek with the authority and commission from the chief priests,
  13. at noon, O king, I saw on the way a light from the sky, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who travelled with me.
  14. When we had all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice saying to me in the Ivri language, ‘Sha'ul, Sha'ul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’
  15. “I said, ‘Who are you, Adonai?’ “He said, ‘I am Yeshua, whom you are persecuting.
  16. But arise, and stand on your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose: to appoint you a servant and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will reveal to you;
  17. delivering you from the people and from the Goyim, to whom I send you,
  18. to open their eyes, that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of HaSatan to Elohim, that they may receive remission of sins and an inheritance amongst those who are sanctified by faith in me.’
  19. “Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision,
  20. but declared first to them of Dameshek, at Jerusalem, and throughout all the country of Yehudah, and also to the Goyim, that they should repent and turn to Elohim, doing works worthy of repentance.
  21. For this reason the Yehudim seized me in the Beit HaMikdash and tried to kill me.
  22. Having therefore obtained the help that is from Elohim, I stand to this day testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moshe said would happen,
  23. how the Mashiach must suffer, and how, by the resurrection of the dead, he would be first to proclaim light both to these people and to the Goyim.”
  24. As he thus made his defence, Festus said with a loud voice, “Sha'ul, you are crazy! Your great learning is driving you insane!”
  25. But he said, “I am not crazy, most excellent Festus, but boldly declare words of truth and reasonableness.
  26. For the king knows of these things, to whom also I speak freely. For I am persuaded that none of these things is hidden from him, for this has not been done in a corner.
  27. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.”
  28. Agrippa said to Sha'ul, “With a little persuasion are you trying to make me a follower of The Way?”
  29. Sha'ul said, “I pray to Elohim, that whether with little or with much, not only you, but also all that hear me today, might become such as I am, except for these bonds.”
  30. The king rose up with the governor and Bernice, and those who sat with them.
  31. When they had withdrawn, they spoke to one another, saying, “This man does nothing worthy of death or of bonds.”
  32. Agrippa said to Festus, “This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Kaisar.”

                                  Chapter 27                                  

  1. When it was determined that we should sail for Italy, they delivered Sha'ul and certain other prisoners to a centurion named Julius, of the Augustan band.
  2. Embarking in a ship of Adramyttium, which was about to sail to places on the coast of Asia, we put to sea, Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica being with us.
  3. The next day, we touched at Tzidon. Julius treated Sha'ul kindly and gave him permission to go to his friends and refresh himself.
  4. Putting to sea from there, we sailed under the lee of Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.
  5. When we had sailed across the sea which is off Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia.
  6. There the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing for Italy, and he put us on board.
  7. When we had sailed slowly many days, and had come with difficulty opposite Cnidus, the wind not allowing us further, we sailed under the lee of Crete, opposite Salmone.
  8. With difficulty sailing along it we came to a certain place called Fair Havens, near the city of Lasea.
  9. When much time had passed and the voyage was now dangerous because the Fast had now already gone by, Sha'ul admonished them
  10. and said to them, “Sirs, I perceive that the voyage will be with injury and much loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives.”
  11. But the centurion gave more heed to the master and to the owner of the ship than to those things which were spoken by Sha'ul.
  12. Because the haven was not suitable to winter in, the majority advised going to sea from there, if by any means they could reach Phoenix and winter there, which is a port of Crete, looking southwest and northwest.
  13. When the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, they weighed anchor and sailed along Crete, close to shore.
  14. But before long, a stormy wind beat down from shore, which is called Euroclydon.
  15. When the ship was caught and couldn’t face the wind, we gave way to it and were driven along.
  16. Running under the lee of a small island called Clauda, we were able, with difficulty, to secure the boat.
  17. After they had hoisted it up, they used cables to help reinforce the ship. Fearing that they would run aground on the Syrtis sand bars, they lowered the sea anchor, and so were driven along.
  18. As we laboured exceedingly with the storm, the next day they began to throw things overboard.
  19. On the third day, they threw out the ship’s tackle with their own hands.
  20. When neither sun nor stars shone on us for many days, and no small storm pressed on us, all hope that we would be saved was now taken away.
  21. When they had been long without food, Sha'ul stood up in the middle of them and said, “Sirs, you should have listened to me, and not have set sail from Crete and have gotten this injury and loss.
  22. Now I exhort you to cheer up, for there will be no loss of life amongst you, but only of the ship.
  23. For there stood by me this night an malak, belonging to the Elohim whose I am and whom I serve,
  24. saying, ‘Don’t be afraid, Sha'ul. You must stand before Kaisar. Behold, Elohim has granted you all those who sail with you.’
  25. Therefore, sirs, cheer up! For I believe Elohim, that it will be just as it has been spoken to me.
  26. But we must run aground on a certain island.”
  27. But when the fourteenth night had come, as we were driven back and forth in the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors surmised that they were drawing near to some land.
  28. They took soundings and found twenty fathoms. After a little while, they took soundings again, and found fifteen fathoms.
  29. Fearing that we would run aground on rocky ground, they let go four anchors from the stern, and wished for daylight.
  30. As the sailors were trying to flee out of the ship and had lowered the boat into the sea, pretending that they would lay out anchors from the bow,
  31. Sha'ul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, “Unless these stay in the ship, you can’t be saved.”
  32. Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the boat and let it fall off.
  33. While the day was coming on, Sha'ul begged them all to take some food, saying, “Today is the fourteenth day that you wait and continue fasting, having taken nothing.
  34. Therefore I beg you to take some food, for this is for your safety; for not a hair will perish from any of your heads.”
  35. When he had said this and had taken bread, he gave thanks to Elohim in the presence of all; then he broke it and began to eat.
  36. Then they all cheered up, and they also took food.
  37. In all, we were two hundred and seventy-six souls on the ship.
  38. When they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, throwing out the wheat into the sea.
  39. When it was day, they didn’t recognise the land, but they noticed a certain bay with a beach, and they decided to try to drive the ship onto it.
  40. Casting off the anchors, they left them in the sea, at the same time untying the rudder ropes. Hoisting up the foresail to the wind, they made for the beach.
  41. But coming to a place where two seas met, they ran the vessel aground. The bow struck and remained immovable, but the stern began to break up by the violence of the waves.
  42. The soldiers’ counsel was to kill the prisoners, so that none of them would swim out and escape.
  43. But the centurion, desiring to save Sha'ul, stopped them from their purpose, and commanded that those who could swim should throw themselves overboard first to go towards the land;
  44. and the rest should follow, some on planks and some on other things from the ship. So they all escaped safely to the land.

                                  Chapter 28                                  

  1. When we had escaped, then they learnt that the island was called Malta.
  2. The natives showed us uncommon kindness; for they kindled a fire and received us all, because of the present rain and because of the cold.
  3. But when Sha'ul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened on his hand.
  4. When the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped from the sea, yet Justice has not allowed to live.”
  5. However he shook off the creature into the fire, and wasn’t harmed.
  6. But they expected that he would have swollen or fallen down dead suddenly, but when they watched for a long time and saw nothing bad happen to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.
  7. Now in the neighbourhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received us and courteously entertained us for three days.
  8. The father of Publius lay sick of fever and dysentery. Sha'ul entered in to him, prayed, and laying his hands on him, healed him.
  9. Then when this was done, the rest also who had diseases in the island came and were cured.
  10. They also honoured us with many honours; and when we sailed, they put on board the things that we needed.
  11. After three months, we set sail in a ship of Alexandria which had wintered in the island, whose figurehead was “The Twin Brothers.”
  12. Touching at Syracuse, we stayed there three days.
  13. From there we circled around and arrived at Rhegium. After one day, a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli,
  14. where we found brothers, and were entreated to stay with them for seven days. So we came to Rome.
  15. From there the brothers, when they heard of us, came to meet us as far as The Market of Appius and The Three Taverns. When Sha'ul saw them, he thanked Elohim and took courage.
  16. When we entered into Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard, but Sha'ul was allowed to stay by himself with the soldier who guarded him.
  17. After three days Sha'ul called together those who were the leaders of the Yehudim. When they had come together, he said to them, “I, brothers, though I had done nothing against the people or the customs of our fathers, still was delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romim,
  18. who, when they had examined me, desired to set me free, because there was no cause of death in me.
  19. But when the Yehudim spoke against it, I was constrained to appeal to Kaisar, not that I had anything about which to accuse my nation.
  20. For this cause therefore I asked to see you and to speak with you. For because of the hope of Yisrael I am bound with this chain.”
  21. They said to him, “We neither received letters from Yehudah concerning you, nor did any of the brothers come here and report or speak any evil of you.
  22. But we desire to hear from you what you think. For, as concerning this sect, it is known to us that everywhere it is spoken against.”
  23. When they had appointed him a day, many people came to him at his lodging. He explained to them, testifying about Elohim’s Kingdom, and persuading them concerning Yeshua, both from the law of Moshe and from the prophets, from morning until evening.
  24. Some believed the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved.
  25. When they didn’t agree amongst themselves, they departed after Sha'ul had spoken one message: “The Ruach HaKodesh spoke rightly through Yeshayahu the prophet to our fathers,
  26. saying, ‘Go to this people and say, in hearing, you will hear, but will in no way understand. In seeing, you will see, but will in no way perceive.
  27. For this people’s heart has grown callous. Their ears are dull of hearing. Their eyes they have closed. Lest they should see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their heart, and would turn again, then I would heal them.’
  28. “Be it known therefore to you that the salvation of Elohim is sent to the nations, and they will listen.”
  29. When he had said these words, the Yehudim departed, having a great dispute amongst themselves.
  30. Sha'ul stayed two whole years in his own rented house and received all who were coming to him,
  31. preaching Elohim’s Kingdom and teaching the things concerning Adonai Yeshua Mashiach with all boldness, without hindrance.
