Acts 19

Paul at Ephesus

1 And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples2 he said to them, Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed? So they said to him, We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.3 And he said to them, Into what then were you baptized? So they said, Into Johns baptism.4 Then Paul said, John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.6 And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.7 Now the men were about twelve in all.8 And he went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the things of the kingdom of God.9 But when some were hardened and did not believe, but spoke evil of the Way before the multitude, he departed from them and withdrew the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus.10 And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.

Miracles Glorify Christ

11 Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul,12 so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them.13 Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.14 Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so.15 And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?16 Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.17 This became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.18 And many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds.19 Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver.20 So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed.

The Riot at Ephesus

21 When these things were accomplished, Paul purposed in the Spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.22 So he sent into Macedonia two of those who ministered to him, Timothy and Erastus, but he himself stayed in Asia for a time.23 And about that time there arose a great commotion about the Way.24 For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Diana, brought no small profit to the craftsmen.25 He called them together with the workers of similar occupation, and said: Men, you know that we have our prosperity by this trade.26 Moreover you see and hear that not only at Ephesus, but throughout almost all Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away many people, saying that they are not gods which are made with hands.27 So not only is this trade of ours in danger of falling into disrepute, but also the temple of the great goddess Diana may be despised and her magnificence destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worship.28 Now when they heard this, they were full of wrath and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians!29 So the whole city was filled with confusion, and rushed into the theater with one accord, having seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians, Pauls travel companions.30 And when Paul wanted to go in to the people, the disciples would not allow him.31 Then some of the officials of Asia, who were his friends, sent to him pleading that he would not venture into the theater.32 Some therefore cried one thing and some another, for the assembly was confused, and most of them did not know why they had come together.33 And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander motioned with his hand, and wanted to make his defense to the people.34 But when they found out that he was a Jew, all with one voice cried out for about two hours, Great is Diana of the Ephesians!35 And when the city clerk had quieted the crowd, he said: Men of Ephesus, what man is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is temple guardian of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Zeus?36 Therefore, since these things cannot be denied, you ought to be quiet and do nothing rashly.37 For you have brought these men here who are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of your goddess.38 Therefore, if Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a case against anyone, the courts are open and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another.39 But if you have any other inquiry to make, it shall be determined in the lawful assembly.40 For we are in danger of being called in question for todays uproar, there being no reason which we may give to account for this disorderly gathering.41 And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly.

Acts 20

Journeys in Greece

1 After the uproar had ceased, Paul called the disciples to himself, embraced them, and departed to go to Macedonia.2 Now when he had gone over that region and encouraged them with many words, he came to Greece3 and stayed three months. And when the Jews plotted against him as he was about to sail to Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia.4 And Sopater of Berea accompanied him to Asiaalso Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians, and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia.5 These men, going ahead, waited for us at Troas.6 But we sailed away from Philippi after the Days of Unleavened Bread, and in five days joined them at Troas, where we stayed seven days.

Ministering at Troas

7 Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight.8 There were many lamps in the upper room where they were gathered together.9 And in a window sat a certain young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep. He was overcome by sleep; and as Paul continued speaking, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead.10 But Paul went down, fell on him, and embracing him said, Do not trouble yourselves, for his life is in him.11 Now when he had come up, had broken bread and eaten, and talked a long while, even till daybreak, he departed.12 And they brought the young man in alive, and they were not a little comforted.

From Troas to Miletus

13 Then we went ahead to the ship and sailed to Assos, there intending to take Paul on board; for so he had given orders, intending himself to go on foot.14 And when he met us at Assos, we took him on board and came to Mitylene.15 We sailed from there, and the next day came opposite Chios. The following day we arrived at Samos and stayed at Trogyllium. The next day we came to Miletus.16 For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he would not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hurrying to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the Day of Pentecost.

The Ephesian Elders Exhorted

17 From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church.18 And when they had come to him, he said to them: You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you,19 serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews;20 how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house,21 testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.22 And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there,23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me.24 But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.25 And indeed, now I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more.26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. 27 For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.28 Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.29 For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.30 Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves.31 Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.32 So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.33 I have coveted no ones silver or gold or apparel.34 Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me.35 I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. 36 And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all.37 Then they all wept freely, and fell on Pauls neck and kissed him,38 sorrowing most of all for the words which he spoke, that they would see his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship.

Acts 21

Warnings on the Journey to Jerusalem

1 Now it came to pass, that when we had departed from them and set sail, running a straight course we came to Cos, the following day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara.2 And finding a ship sailing over to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail.3 When we had sighted Cyprus, we passed it on the left, sailed to Syria, and landed at Tyre; for there the ship was to unload her cargo.4 And finding disciples, we stayed there seven days. They told Paul through the Spirit not to go up to Jerusalem.5 When we had come to the end of those days, we departed and went on our way; and they all accompanied us, with wives and children, till we were out of the city. And we knelt down on the shore and prayed.6 When we had taken our leave of one another, we boarded the ship, and they returned home.7 And when we had finished our voyage from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, greeted the brethren, and stayed with them one day.8 On the next day we who were Pauls companions departed and came to Caesarea, and entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him.9 Now this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied.10 And as we stayed many days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea.11 When he had come to us, he took Pauls belt, bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus says the Holy Spirit, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.12 Now when we heard these things, both we and those from that place pleaded with him not to go up to Jerusalem.13 Then Paul answered, What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.14 So when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.

Paul Urged to Make Peace

15 And after those days we packed and went up to Jerusalem.16 Also some of the disciples from Caesarea went with us and brought with them a certain Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we were to lodge.17 And when we had come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly.18 On the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present.19 When he had greeted them, he told in detail those things which God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.20 And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord. And they said to him, You see, brother, how many myriads of Jews there are who have believed, and they are all zealous for the law;21 but they have been informed about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children nor to walk according to 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 be purified with them, and pay their expenses so that they may shave their heads, and that all may know that those things of which they were informed concerning you are nothing, but that you yourself also walk orderly and keep the law.25 But concerning the Gentiles who believe, we have written and decided that they should observe no such thing, except that they should keep themselves from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality.

Arrested in the Temple

26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day, having been purified with them, entered the temple to announce the expiration of the days of purification, at which time an offering should be made for each one of them.27 Now when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews from Asia, seeing him in the temple, stirred up the whole crowd and laid hands on him,28 crying out, Men of Israel, help! This is the man who teaches all men everywhere against the people, the law, and this place; and furthermore he also brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place.29 (For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.)30 And all the city was disturbed; and the people ran together, seized Paul, and dragged him out of the temple; and immediately the doors were shut.31 Now as they were seeking to kill him, news came to the commander of the garrison that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.32 He immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down to them. And when they saw the commander and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul.33 Then the commander came near and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and he asked who he was and what he had done.34 And some among the multitude cried one thing and some another.35 When he reached the stairs, he had to be carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the mob.36 For the multitude of the people followed after, crying out, Away with him!

Addressing the Jerusalem Mob

37 Then as Paul was about to be led into the barracks, he said to the commander, May I speak to you?38 Are you not the Egyptian who some time ago stirred up a rebellion and led the four thousand assassins out into the wilderness?39 But Paul said, I am a Jew from Tarsus, in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city; and I implore you, permit me to speak to the people.40 So when he had given him permission, Paul stood on the stairs and motioned with his hand to the people. And when there was a great silence, he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, saying,