Acts 20-28 (Translated)

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Chapter 20[edit]

Verse King James Version Proposed Conservative Translation Analysis
1 And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia. After the riot had stopped, Paul called the students (of Christ) to him, embraced them, and departed for Macedonia.
2 And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece, When he had gone over those parts of the country, and had given them a great deal of exhortation, he came into Greece.
3 And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia. He stayed there for three months. Then when the Jews lay in wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he decided instead to return through Macedonia.
4 And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus. The following men traveled with him there into Asia Priovince: Sopater of Beroea, Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians, Gaius of Derbe, Timothy, and Tychichus and Trophimus of Asia Province.
5 These going before tarried for us at Troas. These people, traveling ahead, were waiting for us at Troas. Once again Luke is part of the traveling party.
6 And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days. We sailed away from Philippi after the Passover season, and came to these men in Troas in five days. We stayed there for another seven days.
7 And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. On the first day of the week, when the students came together to break bread, Paul preached to them, ready to depart the next day. He continued speaking until midnight.
8 And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together. There were many lights shining in the upper room when they were gathered together.
9 And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead. A certain young man named Eutychus was sitting in a window, having fallen into a deep sleep. As Paul continued preaching for a long time, he sank down with sleep, and fell down from a three-story height and was taken up dead.
10 And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him. Paul went down, and fell on him, and embraced him. He said, "Don't disquiet yourselves; he's still alive."
11 When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed. Then Paul came up again, and broke bread, and talked for a long time, until daybreak, and then he left.
12 And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted. They brought the young man in alive, and were not a little relieved.
13 And we went before to ship, and sailed unto Assos, there intending to take in Paul: for so had he appointed, minding himself to go afoot. He [Eutychus] went ahead to a ship, and sailed to Assos, intending to join Paul: he had decided to do just that, and even to walk.
14 And when he met with us at Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene. When he met us at Assos, we let him join us, and came to Mitylene. Mitylene, or Mytilene, was the site of a famous battle where Julius Caesar first won the civic crown and thus entered the Senate of Rome ten years earlier than usual.
15 And we sailed thence, and came the next day over against Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next day we came to Miletus. We sailed from there, and came the next day toward Chios. On the next day we arrived at Samos, and stayed at Trogyllium, and the next day we came to Miletus.
16 For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost. Paul had determined to sail past Ephesus. He did not want to spend the time in Asia Province, because he was in a hurry, if it were possible, to be in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost.
17 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. From Miletus he sent letters to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.
18 And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, When they had come to him, he told them, "You know, from the first day that I came into Asia Province, the way that I have been with you in all seasons,..."
19 Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: "serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with tears, and testings, which happened to me by the ambush of the Jews,..."
20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, "and how I held back nothing that would be useful to you, but have showed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house,..."
21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. "testifying, to the Jews and the Greeks, repentance toward God,l and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ."
22 And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: "And now look here: I am bound in the spirit to go to Jerusalem, and I don't know what's going to happen to me there,..."
23 Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. "except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city,l saying that bonds and afflictions always happen to me."
24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. "But none of these things can faze me, nor do I reckon my life dear to myself. I'm going to finish my course, and the ministry, which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God."
25 And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. "Now listen carefully: I know that all of you, among whom I have gone to preach the kingdom of God, will never see my face again."
26 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. "So bear witness this day: I am clean from the blood of all men."
27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. "I have not shrunk back from declaring to you all the counsel of God."
28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. "So pay attention to yourselves,l and to all the flock, over which the Holy Spirit made you overseers, to feed the church of God, that He purchased with His Own Blood."
29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. "I know this: as soon as I leave, some ravenous wolves will enter in among you, and won't spare the flock."
30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. "And even among yourselves men will arise, speaking twisted things, to draw students of Christ away after him."
31 Therefore, watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. "So watch out, and remember, that for three years I never stopped warning everyone, night and day with tears."
32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. "Now, brothers, I commend you to God, and to the Word of His grace, which can build you up, and give you an inheritance among all of those that are sanctified."
33 I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. "I have never coveted any man's silver or gold or apparel."
34 Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. "In fact, you yourselves know that these hands have worked for my necessities, and for them who were with me."
35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. "I have showed you all things, how that, working in this way, you should support the weak, and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"
36 And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all. When he had delivered this address, he knelt down and prayed with all of them.
37 And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him, They all wept bitterly, and fell on Paul's neck and kissed him.
38 Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship. They were sad most of all on account of these words that he spoke: that they would never see his face again. And they walked with him to the ship.

Chapter 21[edit]

Verse King James Version Proposed Conservative Translation Analysis
1 And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them, and had launched, we came with a straight course unto Coos, and the day following unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara: It came to pass that after we had gotten away from them, and our ship had put out, we came directly to Coos, and the following day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. Luke stays with Paul from this day forward and is never separated from him for more than a few moments.
2 And finding a ship sailing over unto Phenicia, we went aboard, and set forth. We found a ship sailing over to Phoenicia, went aboard, and embarked.
3 Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden. When we had discovered Cyprus, we passed it on our port, and sailed to Syria, and landed at Tyre, which was where the ship was scheduled to unload.
4 And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem. We found some students of Christ, and stayed there for seven days. The students said to Paul, through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.
5 And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed. When we had finished those days, we left and went on our way. They all brought us on our way, with their wives and children, until we were out of the city. Then we knelt on the shore and prayed.
6 And when we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship; and they returned home again. When we had said our good-byes to one another, we got on a ship, and they went home again.
7 And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day. When we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and said hello to the brothers, and stayed with them for one day.
8 And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him. The next day those members of Paul's company left and came to Caesaria, and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the Seven, and stayed with him.
9 And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy. This man had four daughters, all never-married, who used to prophesy.
10 And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus. While we were staying there for several days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea.
11 And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles. When he had come to us, he took Paul's belt and tied his own hands and feet with it. He said, "The Holy Spirit says this: the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt in just this way, and will hand him over to the Gentiles."
12 And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem. When we had heard these things, we and the members of the household both pleaded with him not to go up to Jerusalem.
13 Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Paul answered, "What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not merely to be bound, but even to die at Jerusalem for the Name of the Lord Jesus."
14 And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done. When he would not be dissuaded, we stopped, saying, "The Lord's will be done."
15 And after those days we took up our carriages, and went up to Jerusalem. After those days we packed up our bundles and went up to Jerusalem.
16 There went with us also certain of the disciples of Caesarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge. Some of the Christ-students of Caesaria went with us, and brought with them a man named Mnason of Cyprus, a mature student, with whom we intended to stay.
17 And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly. When we had come to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly.
18 And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present. The next day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present.
19 And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry. When he had said hello to them, he reported in detail what things God had worked among the Gentiles by his ministry.
20 And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law: When they heard it, they gave glory to the Lord, and told him, "You can see, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are who believe, all of whom are zealous for the Law."
21 And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs. "They are informed from you, that you are teaching all the Jews among the Gentiles to forsake Moses,l saying that they shouldn't circumcise their children or walk after the customs."
22 What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come. "So what should we do? The crowd will have to come together. They will hear that you have come back."
23 Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a vow on them; "So do as we say: We have four men who have a vow on them."
24 Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law. "Take them, purify yourself with them, and pay their expenses, so that they can shave their heads. That way, everyone may know that those rumors that they were told about you are false, and in fact you yourself walk in an orderly fashion, and keep the Law."
25 As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication. "Now about the Gentiles who believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, except that they abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from strangled foods, and from sexual immorality."
26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them. Then Paul took the men, and the next day he purified himself with them and entered the Temple, to signal the fulfillment of the days of purification, until an offering should be made for each man among them.
27 And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him, When the seven days were almost ended, the Jews from Asia Province, when they saw him in the Temple, incited all the people, and laid violent hands on him.
28 Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place. They cried out, "Men of Israel, help! This is that man who teaches everyone everywhere against the people, and the Law, and this place! And furthermore,l he has brought Greeks into the Temple and polluted this holy place!" Which last was a lie.
29 (For they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.) (They had previously seen an Ephesian named Trophimus with him, and got a notion into their heads that Paul had brought him into the Temple.)
30 And all the city was moved, and the people ran together: and they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and forthwith the doors were shut. The whole city was moved, and the people were running together. They seized Paul, dragged him out of the temple, and immediately the doors were shut.
31 And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar. As they were about to kill him, reports came to the Roman tribune and commander of the garrison of Jerusalem that all of Jerusalem was running riot. Literally, "chiliarch," or "captain of a thousand." The garrison was cohort-sized, from the text. A cohort held 600 soldiers and auxiliaries and was the tenth part of a legion.
32 Who immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down unto them: and when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they left beating of Paul. He immediately took some soldiers and centurions, and ran down to them. When they saw the tribune and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul.
33 Then the chief captain came near, and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and demanded who he was, and what he had done. Then the tribune came near, and arrested him, and ordered him bound with chains. He then demanded to know who he was and what he had done.
34 And some cried one thing, some another, among the multitude: and when he could not know the certainty for the tumult, he commanded him to be carried into the castle. Some men cried out one thing, and some another, among the crowd. When he could not learn the truth for all the commotion, he ordered him brought into the Fortress of Antonia. This fortress, directly adjoining the Temple in that era, served as the barracks of the garrison of Jerusalem and was the symbol and seat of Roman authority in that city.
35 And when he came upon the stairs, so it was, that he was borne of the soldiers for the violence of the people. When he reached the stairs, the people were so violent that he was being carried by the soldiers.
36 For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away with him. The crowd of people were following after him, crying, "Away with him!"
37 And as Paul was to be led into the castle, he said unto the chief captain, May I speak unto thee? Who said, Canst thou speak Greek? As Paul was about to be led into the fortress, he said to the tribune, "May I speak to you?" The tribune said, "Can you speak Greek?"
38 Art not thou that Egyptian, which before these days madest an uproar, and leddest out into the wilderness four thousand men that were murderers? "Aren't you that Egyptian who earlier incited a riot and led four thousand cutthroats out into the desert?" The tribune refers here to an act of terrorism contemporary to these events. But this Egyptian, whoever he was, was not the first. Consider Barabbas, for example.
39 But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people. But Paul said, "I am a Jew of Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no undistinguished city. I am asking you as a favor: let me speak to the people."
40 And when he had given him licence, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying, When the tribune had given him permission, Paul stood on the steps, and motioned with his hand to the people. When a great silence fell, he said these words to them in Aramaic:

Chapter 22[edit]

Verse King James Version Proposed Conservative Translation Analysis
1 Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence which I make now unto you. "Men, brothers and father, hear my defense that I am now making to you!"
2 (And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more silence: and he saith,) (When they heard him speaking to them in Aramaic, they quieted down still more. So he said:) Paul likely spoke Aramaic, not Hebrew.
3 I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day. "I am a Jewish man, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to a strict interpretation of the Law of the father, and was zealous toward God, as are all of you today."
4 And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women. "I persecuted this Way to the death, arresting and delivering men and women into prisons."
5 As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished. "The High Priest can tell you, as can the entire council of elders. I also received from them letters to the brothers, and went to Damascus, to bring those who were there to Jerusalem under arrest, to be punished." Literally, "presbyterion" or "Presbytery".
6 And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me. And then this happened: as I was on my journey, and had come close to Damascus at about the noon hour, suddenly a great light from heaven shown all around me."
7 And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? "I fell to the ground, and heard a Voice saying to me, 'Saul Saol why are you persecuting Me?'"
8 And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest. "And I answered, 'Who are You, Lord?' And He told me, 'I am Jesus of Nazareth, Whom you are persecuting.'"
9 And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me. And those who were with me also saw the light, and were afraid, but they didn't hear the Voice of the One Who spoke to me."
10 And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do. "And I said, 'What must I do, Lord?' And the Lord told me, 'Get up, and go into Damascus. There you will be told all the things that are appointed for you to do.'"
11 And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus. "Then when I couldn't see on account of the glory of that light, I was led by the hand by those who were with me, and came into Damascus."
12 And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there, "A man named Ananias, a devout man according to the Law, who had a good report from all the Jews who were living there,..."
13 Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him. "came to me, and stood, and said to me, 'Brother Saul, receive your sight.'" And in that very moment I could look up at him."
14 And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth. "And he said, 'The God of our fathers has chosen you, that you should know His will, and see that Just One, and hear the Voice of His mouth.'"
15 For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard. "'For you will be His witness to all men of what you have seen and heard.'"
16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. "'And now what are you waiting for? Get up, and be baptized, and wash away your sins, and call on the Name of the Lord.'"
17 And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance; And it happened that when I had gotten back to Jerusalem, even while I was praying in the Temple, I was in a trance,..."
18 And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me. "and saw him saying to me, 'Hurry and get quickly out of Jerusalem! They won't receive your evidence concerning Me.'"
19 And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee: "And I said, 'Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat those who believed in You in every synagogue.'"
20 And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him. "'When the blood of your witness Stephen was shed, I was standing there, too, and going along with his death, and held the coats of those who killed him.'"
21 And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles. "He told me, 'Depart. I am sending you far away from here to the Gentiles.'"
22 And they gave him audience unto this word, and then lifted up their voices, and said, Away with such a fellow from the earth: for it is not fit that he should live. They listened to him until he said that word "Gentiles," and then they raised their voices, and said, "Rid the earth of a fellow like this! It is not fitting for him to live!"
23 And as they cried out, and cast off their clothes, and threw dust into the air, As they were crying out, and throwing off their clothes and throwing dust into the air,
24 The chief captain commanded him to be brought into the castle, and bade that he should be examined by scourging; that he might know wherefore they cried so against him. the tribune ordered him brought into the fortress (of Antonia) and then ordered him interrogated under scourging, so that he would know why they were crying out in that way against him.
25 And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said unto the centurion that stood by, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned? As they were tying him with thongs, Paul said to the centurion standing by, "Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman citizen, and has not been convicted of any crime?"
26 When the centurion heard that, he went and told the chief captain, saying, Take heed what thou doest: for this man is a Roman. When the centurion heard that, he went and told the tribune, saying, "Be careful what you are doing, Tribune! This man is a Roman citizen!"
27 Then the chief captain came, and said unto him, Tell me, art thou a Roman? He said, Yea. Then the tribune came, and asked him, "Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?" And he said, "Yes."
28 And the chief captain answered, With a great sum obtained I this freedom. And Paul said, But I was free born. The tribune answered, "I bought my citizenship and paid handsomely for it." And Paul said, "But I was born a citizen."
29 Then straightway they departed from him which should have examined him: and the chief captain also was afraid, after he knew that he was a Roman, and because he had bound him. Then those who were about to interrogate him immediately left the room. The tribune was also afraid, after he realized that Paul was a Roman citizen, and he had had him chained.
30 On the morrow, because he would have known the certainty wherefore he was accused of the Jews, he loosed him from his bands, and commanded the chief priests and all their council to appear, and brought Paul down, and set him before them. The next day, because he wanted to know exactly what the Jews were accusing him of, he had him unchained. He then ordered the ranking priests and the entire Sanhedrin to assemble, and brought Paul down, and set him before them. The name Sanhedrin appears literally in the text.

Chapter 23[edit]

Verse King James Version Proposed Conservative Translation Analysis
1 And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day. Paul, looking the members of the Sanhedrin straight in the eye, said, "Men and brothers, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day."
2 And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth. The High Priest Ananias ordered those who were standing next to him to strike him on the mouth.
3 Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law? Paul then said back to him, "God is about to strike you, you whitewashed wall! Are you going to sit there to judge me according to the law, and order me to be struck, contrary to that law?"
4 And they that stood by said, Revilest thou God's high priest? Those who were standing by his side said, "Are you insulting God's High Priest?"
5 Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people. Then Paul said, "I did not know, brothers, that he was the High Priest. Scripture does say, 'You must not speak ill of the ruler of your people.'"
6 But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question. Then when Paul realized that one group were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out during the session, "Men and brothers, I am a Pharisee, and the son of a Pharisee! And I am being judged here in a case arising out of the hope and resurrection of the dead!"
7 And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided. When he had said that, a dispute arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the crowd was divided.
8 For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both. The Sadducees insist that there is no resurrection, and no Messengers of God, and no spirit, while the Pharisees believe in all these things.
9 And there arose a great cry: and the scribes that were of the Pharisees' part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God. So a great cry rose up, and the scribes belonging to the Pharisees' faction rose up and started an argument, saying, "We don't find anything wrong with this man! Maybe a spirit has spoken to him, or an angel!"
10 And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle. When a great dispute had arisen, the tribune, afraid that Paul might be torn to pieces by them, ordered the soldiers to go down, take him by force from among them, and bring him back into the Fortress of Antonia.
11 And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome. The next night, the Lord stood beside him, and said, "Cheer up! Just as you gave evidence about Me in Jerusalem, you must also give evidence in Rome."
12 And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. When day came, some of the Jews conspired together, and swore a deadly oath that they would neither eat nor drink until they had killed Paul. Literally, "they anathematized themselves," meaning that they swore that they would be eternally cursed if they broke that oath.
13 And they were more than forty which had made this conspiracy. More than forty men participated in this conspiracy.
14 And they came to the chief priests and elders, and said, We have bound ourselves under a great curse, that we will eat nothing until we have slain Paul. They came to the ranking priests and elders, and said, "We have sworn an oath to eat nothing until we have killed Paul."
15 Now therefore ye with the council signify to the chief captain that he bring him down unto you to morrow, as though ye would inquire something more perfectly concerning him: and we, or ever he come near, are ready to kill him. "So we want you, by order of the Sanhedrin, to signal the tribune that he should bring him down to you tomorrow, as if you want to inquire more closely about him. We are ready to kill him before he ever comes close."
16 And when Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul. When Paul's sister's son heard of their ambush, he went and entered the fortress, and told Paul.
17 Then Paul called one of the centurions unto him, and said, Bring this young man unto the chief captain: for he hath a certain thing to tell him. Then Paul called one of the centurions to him, and said, "Bring this young man to the tribune; he has something to tell him."
18 So he took him, and brought him to the chief captain, and said, Paul the prisoner called me unto him, and prayed me to bring this young man unto thee, who hath something to say unto thee. So he took him and brought him to the tribune, and said, "The prisoner Paul called me to him and asked me to bring this young man to you, who has something to tell you."
19 Then the chief captain took him by the hand, and went with him aside privately, and asked him, What is that thou hast to tell me? Then the tribune took him by the hand, and went with him aside in private, and asked him, "What is it that you have to tell me?"
20 And he said, The Jews have agreed to desire thee that thou wouldest bring down Paul to morrow into the council, as though they would inquire somewhat of him more perfectly. And he said, "The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down tomorrow to the Sanhedrin, as if they wanted to inquire into his case more closely."
21 But do not thou yield unto them: for there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men, which have bound themselves with an oath, that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him: and now are they ready, looking for a promise from thee. "But don't yield to them! More than forty men are lying in ambush for him. They have sworn a terrible oath neither to eat nor drink until they have killed him, and now they are ready, looking for a promise from you."
22 So the chief captain then let the young man depart, and charged him, See thou tell no man that thou hast shewed these things to me. So the tribune allowed the young man to leave, and ordered him, "Do not tell any man that you have laid this information with me."
23 And he called unto him two centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, and horsemen threescore and ten, and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night; Then he summoned two centurions, and gave them these orders: "Have two hundred infantrymen ready to go to Caesaria, and seventy cavalrymen, and two hundred spearmen, three hours past sunset." This amounted to well over half the troops of the garrison. (Recall that a cohort is 600 strong and not all of these are armed effectives!) The message from Paul's nephew must have worried Lysias greatly.
24 And provide them beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring him safe unto Felix the governor. "Provide mounts for Paul to ride on, and bring him securely to Procurator Felix." Literally, "hegemon," or ruling magistrate.
25 And he wrote a letter after this manner: He then wrote a letter to this effect:
26 Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix sendeth greeting. "From: Claudius Lysias. To: His Excellency Procurator Felix. Sir:"
27 This man was taken of the Jews, and should have been killed of them: then came I with an army, and rescued him, having understood that he was a Roman. "This man was seized by the Jews, and was about to be killed by them. I then came with an armed force and rescued him, after I understood that he was a Roman citizen." This part is a cover-up of his own negligence; see Chapter 22.
28 And when I would have known the cause wherefore they accused him, I brought him forth into their council: "When I wanted to know the cause that they were accusing him of, I brought him out into their Sanhedrin."
29 Whom I perceived to be accused of questions of their law, but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds. "Then I realized that he was accused on issues concerning their Law, and was accused of no capital or even arrestable offense."
30 And when it was told me how that the Jews laid wait for the man, I sent straightway to thee, and gave commandment to his accusers also to say before thee what they had against him. Farewell. "Then I was informed that the Jews were lying in ambush for the man. So I sent him directly to you, and gave orders to his accusers to make their case against him to you. Sincerely, [Claudius Lysias, Tribune]."
31 Then the soldiers, as it was commanded them, took Paul, and brought him by night to Antipatris. Then the soldiers, acting on their orders, took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris.
32 On the morrow they left the horsemen to go with him, and returned to the castle: The next day they left the cavalry to go with him, and returned to the Fortress of Antonia.
33 Who, when they came to Caesarea, and delivered the epistle to the governor, presented Paul also before him. The cavalrymen, when they came to Caesaria, and delivered the letter to the procurator, also presented Paul before him.
34 And when the governor had read the letter, he asked of what province he was. And when he understood that he was of Cilicia; When the procurator had read the letter, he asked from what province he came. When he understood that Paul came from Cilicia,
35 I will hear thee, said he, when thine accusers are also come. And he commanded him to be kept in Herod's judgment hall. he said, "I will hear you when your accusers have also come." And he ordered him kept in Herod (the Great)'s Praetorium.

Chapter 24[edit]

Verse King James Version Proposed Conservative Translation Analysis
1 And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul. After five days, High Priest Ananias came down, with the elders and with a certain rhetorician named Tertullus, who pleaded the case against Paul before the procurator. A rhetorician, or rhetor, performed the function performed by trial attorneys today.
2 And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence, When he was recognized, Tertullus began to accuse Paul, saying, "Given that by you we enjoy great peace, and that very worthy things are done for this nation by your providence,..."
3 We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness. "we accept it always, and in all places, Your Excellency Felix, with all thankfulness."
4 Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words. "Still, so that I might not try Your Excellency's patience any further, I ask that you would grant us the clemency of hearing a few words." Tertullus begins with flattery, a practice not much changed from a modern lawyer's tone when he says, "Your Honor, and ladies and gentlemen of the jury...."
5 For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes: "We have found this man to be a troublemaker, a creator of division among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the Nazarene sect."
6 Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law. "In fact he has even set about profaning the Temple. And so we arrested him." The rest of the verse is an interpolation
7 But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands, This verse is an interpolation.
8 Commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him. "If you would examine him yourself, you will understand all the things that we accuse him of."
9 And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so. The Jews also agreed, saying that these things were true.
10 Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself: Then Paul, after the procurator motioned to him to speak, answered, "Given that I realize that you have been for many years a judge for this nations, I now even more cheerfully answer for myself:"
11 Because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship. "So that you may understand, it has been only twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem to worship,..."
12 And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city: "and they have never found me in the temple arguing with any man, or inciting the people to riot, not in the synagogues, nor in the city."
13 Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me. "Nor can they prove the things that they are now accusing me of."
14 But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets: "But I confess this to you: that after the Way that they call a heresy, I worship the God of my fathers, believing all things that are written in the Law and the Prophets:"
15 And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. "and have hope toward God, a thing that they themselves also grant, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, just and unjust."
16 And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men. "In this I exercise myself: always to have a conscience clear of offense toward God and toward men."
17 Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings. "Now after many years, I came back to bring alms to my nation, and offerings."
18 Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult. "And when I did, certain Jews from Asia Province found me properly purified in the Temple, neither with a large crowd, nor associated with any riot."
19 Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought against me. "They should have come here ahead of me to object, if they had anything against me."
20 Or else let these same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council, "Or else: why don't these same men say right here, whether they found me guilty of any wrongdoing, when I stood before the Sanhedrin,..."
21 Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day. "unless it is just one thing that I cried out while standing among them: that I stood accused on account of the resurrection of the dead."
22 And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter. When Felix heard these things, because he knew much more about the Way than they did, he put them off, and said, "When Tribune Lysias comes down, I will hear your case in full."
23 And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him. He ordered a centurion to guard Paul, and to let him have full privileges, and forbid none of his acquaintances to wait on him or come to him.
24 And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. A few days later, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard from him about faith in Christ. This is all the more remarkable, because the name Drusilla indicates that the woman was Roman-born, and a member of the Livian gens, and likely a distant relative of the Emperor.
25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee. While he was debating about righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, "Go away for now. When I have a convenient time, I will call for you."
26 He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him. Felix also hoped that someone would give him a bribe to free Paul. So he sent for him that much more often, and held converse with him.
27 But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound. But after two years, Marcus Porcius Festus succeeded Felix in his office. Felix, wanting to show a favor to the Jews, left Paul in custody. The first name Marcus, meaning "defender," is the most common name borne by members of the Porcian gens of Rome. See, for example, Marcus Porcius Cato Senior ("the Censor") and Junior (a cousin of Brutus, Caesar's assassin).

Chapter 25[edit]

Verse King James Version Proposed Conservative Translation Analysis
1 Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem. When Festus arrived in Judea Province, after three days he went up from Caesaria to Jerusalem.
2 Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, and besought him, Then the High Priest and the leading men of the Jews informed him against Paul, and pleaded with him,
3 And desired favour against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem, laying wait in the way to kill him. and asked a favor against Paul, that he would send for him to come to Jerusalem. (They were lying in wait to kill him.) This cannot be that same conspiracy, unless the original oath-takers were total hypocrites. This is yet another conspiracy to kill Paul by ambush.
4 But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself would depart shortly thither. But Festus said in answer that Paul would be kept at Caesaria, and that he himself would depart shortly for that city.
5 Let them therefore, said he, which among you are able, go down with me, and accuse this man, if there be any wickedness in him. He told them, "So let those among you who are able, go down with me, and accuse this man, if he has done anything wrong."
6 And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto Caesarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be brought. When he had stayed among them for more than ten days, he went down to Caesaria. The next day, sitting on his tribunal, he asked Paul to be brought forward.
7 And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could not prove. When he had come, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood all around him, and laid many serious accusations against Paul, which they were not able to prove.
8 While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Caesar, have I offended any thing at all. For his part, Paul answered in his own behalf, "I have done nothing wrong, either against the Law of the Jews, or against the Temple, or even against Caesar."
9 But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me? But Festus, wanting to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul in answer, "Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and answer these charges before me?"
10 Then said Paul, I stand at Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest. Then Paul said, "I stand at Caesar's tribunal, where I have a right to be tried. I have done no wrong against the Jews, as you know very well."
11 For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Caesar. "If I am guilty of any offense, or have committed any capital crime, I don't refuse to die. But if none of these things that they accuse me of are true, then no man is allowed to deliver me to them. I appeal to Caesar!"
12 Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, Hast thou appealed unto Caesar? unto Caesar shalt thou go. Festus, after first conferring with his own advisers, answered, "Have you indeed appealed to Caesar? Then to Caesar you will go!"
13 And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Caesarea to salute Festus. After several days King Herod Agrippa II and his sister and consort Berenike II came to Caesaria to pay their respects to Festus. This was a son of Herod Agrippa I and a client-king of Rome. The name "Berenike" means "bringer of victory" and is actually pronounced "Veroniki."
14 And when they had been there many days, Festus declared Paul's cause unto the king, saying, There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix: When they had been there for many days, Festus described Paul's case to the king. He said, "There is a certain man left in custody by Felix."
15 About whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, desiring to have judgment against him. "When I was at Jerusalem, the leading priests and elders of the Jews informed me about him, and wanted to have a judgment against him."
16 To whom I answered, It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die, before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face, and have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him. "I answered them that it is not the Roman way to deliver any man to be executed, until the accused meets the accusers face to face, and is allowed to answer for himself about the crime laid against him."
17 Therefore, when they were come hither, without any delay on the morrow I sat on the judgment seat, and commanded the man to be brought forth. "So when they had come here, the next day I sat on my tribunal without delay and ordered the man brought before me."
18 Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed: "His accusers stood up against him, and brought no accusation of the type that I had supposed that they would,..."
19 But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive. "but had certain issues with him about their own superstition, and about one Jesus, Who was dead, except that Paul affirmed that He was alive." Capitalized on account of Who He is, the spotless Son of God, not on account of what Festus thought He was.
20 And because I doubted of such manner of questions, I asked him whether he would go to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these matters. "Because I didn't understand this kind of question, I asked him whether he would go up to Jerusalem and be tried on those charges there."
21 But when Paul had appealed to be reserved unto the hearing of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Caesar. "But when Paul appealed to have his case reserved for a hearing before the Emperor, I ordered him kept until I might send him to Caesar."
22 Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also hear the man myself. To morrow, said he, thou shalt hear him. Then Agrippa said to Festus, "I would like to hear the man myself." "Tomorrow," said Festus, "you will hear him."
23 And on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with great pomp, and was entered into the place of hearing, with the chief captains, and principal men of the city, at Festus' commandment Paul was brought forth. The next day, Agrippa and Berenike came with great pomp, and entered into the courtroom, with the tribunes, and the leading men of the city, and at Festus' order, Paul was brought out.
24 And Festus said, King Agrippa, and all men which are here present with us, ye see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews have dealt with me, both at Jerusalem, and also here, crying that he ought not to live any longer. Festus said, "King Agrippa, and all men present with us: You see this man. All the multitude of the Jews have pleaded with me about this man, 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 that he himself hath appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him. "But when I found that he had committed no capital offense, and that he himself appealed to the Emperor, I have decided to send him."
26 Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my lord. Wherefore I have brought him forth before you, and specially before thee, O king Agrippa, that, after examination had, I might have somewhat to write. "But I have no certain thing to write to the Emperor about thim. So I have brought him here before you all, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that, after this examination, I might have something to write."
27 For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not withal to signify the crimes laid against him. "Because it doesn't seem reasonable to send a prisoner and not write exactly what crime is laid against him!"

Chapter 26[edit]

Verse King James Version Proposed Conservative Translation Analysis
1 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself: Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You may speak for yourself." Then Paul reached out with his hand and answered for himself:
2 I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews: "I think myself fortunate, King Agrippa, because I can answer for myself today before you all the charges that I am accused of by the Jews."
3 Especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently. "Especially because I know that you are an expert in Jewish customs and legal issues. So I ask you to hear me patiently."
4 My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews; "My way of life, since I was a lad, which was at first among my own nation at Jerusalem, all the Jews know about."
5 Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. "They knew me from the beginning, if they are willing to talk, that I lived as a Pharisee, a member of the strictest sect of our religion."
6 And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers: "Now I stand, and am being judged, for the hope and promise made by God to our fathers:"
7 Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews. "to which promise our Twelve Tribes, who serve God day and night, hope to come. And on account of that hope, King Agrippa, I am accused by the Jews."
8 Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead? "Why should you find it incredible that God should raise the dead?"
9 I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. "I indeed considered to myself that I ought to do many things against the Name of Jesus of Nazareth."
10 Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. "I also did this thing in Jerusalem. I incarcerated many of the saints, after receiving authority from the leading priests. When they were put to death, I raised my voice against them."
11 And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities. "I punished them often in every synagogue, and forced them to blaspheme. I was extremely crazy with zeal against them, and persecuted them and chased them to foreign cities."
12 Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, "On such an errand I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the leading priests."
13 At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me. "At mid-day, Your Majesty, I saw on the road a light from the sky, brighter even than the sun, shining all around me and around those who traveled with me."
14 And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. "When we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a Voice speaking to me, saying in Aramaic, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It's rather hard for you to kick against the goads.'" The equivalent today might be "to back up against the tire pricks in a parking-lot gate," or "to swim or row against the current."
15 And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. "And I said, 'Who are You, Lord?' And He said, 'I am Jesus, Whom you are persecuting.'"
16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; "'But get up, and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you for this purpose: to make you a servant and a witness both of the things that you have seen, and the things in which I will appear to you,...'"
17 Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, "'delivering you from the people, and from the Gentiles. And now I send you to them,...'"
18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. "'to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they might receive forgiveness of sins, and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by the faith that is in Me.'"
19 Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision: "From that time forward, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision,"
20 But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. "but showed, first to those of Damascus, and then at Jerusalem, and throughout all the costs of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they needed to repent and turn to God, and do the kind of things most becoming of repentance."
21 For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me. "For these reasons the Jews caught me in the Temple, and set out to kill me."
22 Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: "So now that I have had help from God, I am still alive today, bearing witness both to the small and the great, saying nothing else than what the prophets and Moses said should come:"
23 That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles. "that Christ had to suffer, and that He should be the first to rise from the dead, and should show a light to the people, and to the Gentiles."
24 And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad. As he was defending himself in this way, Festus said loudly, "Paul, you are crazy! All your book-learning has driven you over the edge!"
25 But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness. BUt he said, "I am not crazy, Your Excellency Festus. I am speaking out the words of truth and soberness."
26 For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner. "The King knows about these things, and now I speak freely before him. Because I am convinced that none of these things are any secret to him, because this did not happen in any dark corner."
27 King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. "King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do!"
28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. Then Agrippa said to Paul, "Do you really expect me to become a Christian in such a short while?"
29 And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds. Then Paul said, "I would wish before God that not only you, but everyone hearing me today, would, in a little while and all the way, be what I am, except for these chains."
30 And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the governor, and Bernice, and they that sat with them: When he had so spoken, the king rose up, and the procurator, and Berenike, and those who were sitting with them.
31 And when they were gone aside, they talked between themselves, saying, This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds. When they were gone to one side, they talked among themselves, and said, "This man has done nothing to deserve execution or imprisonment."
32 Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar. Then Agrippa told Festus, "This man might have been set free, if he had not appealed to Caesar."

Chapter 27[edit]

Verse King James Version Proposed Conservative Translation Analysis
1 And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus' band. When it was decided that we must sail to Italy, they delivered Paul and several other prisoners to an officer named Julius, a centurion of the Imperial cohort.
2 And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we put out to sea, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us. After boarding a ship from Adramyttium, we launched, the plan being to sail near the coasts of Asia Province. A man named Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, was with us.
3 And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself. The next day we landed at Sidon. Julius treated Paul with every courtesy, and gave him liberty to go to his friends to refresh himself.
4 And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary. When we had put out from that place, we sailed to the leeward of Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.
5 And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia. When we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myrak, a city of Lycia.
6 And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy; and he put us therein. There the centurion found a ship from Alexandria sailing to Italy, and he put us on board.
7 And when we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under Crete, over against Salmone; When we had sailed slowly for many days, and had scarcely come near to Cnidus (for the wind did not permit us), we sailed to the lee of Crete, near Salmone.
8 And, hardly passing it, came unto a place which is called The fair havens; nigh whereunto was the city of Lasea. After passing it with difficulty, we came to a place called the Fair Havens, near which lay the city of Lasea.
9 Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them, Much time had gone by, and sailing was now dangerous, because the fast had already passed. So Paul admonished them,
10 And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives. saying, "Gentlemen, I'm afraid that this voyage will result in much injury and damage, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives."
11 Nevertheless, the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul. Nevertheless, the centurion believed the ship's captain and owner, more than the things that were spoken by Paul.
12 And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to depart thence also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice, and there to winter; which is an haven of Crete, and lieth toward the south west and north west. Because the harbor was not a good harbor to spend the winter in, most of the men advised to leave that place as well, if they could possibly reach Phoenicia, and winter there. (This Phoenicia is a Cretan harbor, and lies toward the southwest and northwest.)
13 And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete. When the south wind was blowing softly, because they thought that they had succeeded in their purpose, they cast off from there and sailed close by Crete.
14 But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon. But not long afterward a great storm wind, the Eurostorm, arose against the ship. Literally, "the European storm." Such a storm usually blew in from the southeast. The equivalent wind off the New England or Mid-Atlantic coast would be a nor'easter. It is not a hurricane, but it can blow with hurricane force.
15 And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive. When the ship was caught, and could not steer into the wind, we let her be driven.
16 And running under a certain island which is called Clauda, we had much work to come by the boat: We ran in the lee of a certain island called Clauda, and with much hard work managed to get the lifeboat aboard.
17 Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so were driven. When they had taken the boat up, they used hawsers to undergird the ship. Then, in fear that they would fall into the Syrtis, they struck sail and scudded under a bare mast. Syrtis here stands for the Gulf of Gabès along the African coast of the Mediterranean Sea, from the eastern coast of Tunisia to Tripoli in Libya.
18 And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship; We were being tossed with great violence by the storm. On the next day they lightened the ship. Note the change of person in the pronouns (and verb endings in the original). The ship's crew alone saw to jettisoning the cargo.
19 And the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship. On the third day we threw out the ship's tackle with our own hands. But now crewman, soldier, and prisoner alike pitches in to lighten the ship further.
20 And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away. When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small storm lay upon us, we lost all hope that we should be saved alive.
21 But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss. But after we had abstained for a long time, Paul stood out in the middle of them, and said, "Gentlemen, you should have listened to me, and not cast off from Crete, and incurred this harm and loss."
22 And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship. "But I urge you now to cheer up. There will be no loss of any man's life among you; only the ship will be lost."
23 For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, "Tonight a Messenger of God, to Whom I belong, and Whom I serve, stood beside me."
24 Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. "He said, 'Don't be afraid, Paul. You must be brought before Caesar, and listen: God has given you all of those who are sailing with you.'"
25 Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me. "So, gentlemen, cheer up. I believe God, and will be just as it was told to me,"
26 Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island. "but we will have to be cast away on an island."
27 But when the fourteenth night was come, as we were driven up and down in Adria, about midnight the shipmen deemed that they drew near to some country; When the fourteenth night came, as we were being driven up and down in Adria, at about midnight the crew judged that they were drawing near to some land.
28 And sounded, and found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms. They took a sounding, and found their depth 20 fathoms. When they had gone a little further, they took another sounding, and found their depth fifteen fathoms. A fathom is literally the length between a man's outstretched arms, or about six US Customary feet, or slightly less than two SI meters.
29 Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day. Then, afraid that we might fall upon rocks, they deployed four drogue anchors at the stern, and wished for daylight.
30 And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, under colour as though they would have cast anchors out of the foreship, As the crewmen were about to desert the ship, when they had let down the lifeboat into the sea, under the pretext of deploying drogue anchors from the bow,
31 Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved. Paul told the centurion and the soldiers, "Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved."
32 Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off. Then the soldiers cut off the lifeboat's ropes and let her fall away.
33 And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take meat, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing. When the day was breaking, Paul pleased with all of them to take food, saying, "Today is the fourteenth day that you have waited and fasted, and you have had nothing to eat!"
34 Wherefore I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your health: for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you. "So please take some food. This is for your health. Not a hair will fall from any of your heads."
35 And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all: and when he had broken it, he began to eat. When he had so spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in front of them all. When he had broken it, he began to eat.
36 Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat. Then they all cheered up and took some food.
37 And we were in all in the ship two hundred threescore and sixteen souls. All of us in the ship numbered 276 souls.
38 And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the sea. When they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship some more by throwing the wheat into the sea.
39 And when it was day, they knew not the land: but they discovered a certain creek with a shore, into the which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship. When the day came, they did not know the land. But they discovered a certain creek with a beach, and decided, if they could, to run the ship aground on that beach.
40 And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoised up the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore. When they had taken up the drogue anchors, they committed themselves to the sea, and cut the lashes with which they had tied the tiller, and hoisted the mainsail into the wind, and steered toward shore.
41 And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable, but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves. They then fell into a place where two seas met, and ran the ship aground. The bow stuck fast, and remained immobile, but the stern was broken with the violence of the waves.
42 And the soldiers' counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape. The soldiers' advice was to kill all the prisoners, so that none of them would be able to swim out and escape.
43 But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land: But the centurion, who wanted to save Paul, stopped them from doing this, and ordered that anyone who could swim should dive into the sea first, and get to land,
44 And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land. and the rest would make for land, some on boards, and some on broken fragments of the ship. And so it happened that we all escape safely to land.

Chapter 28[edit]

Verse King James Version Proposed Conservative Translation Analysis
1 And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita. After we escaped, we learned that the island we were on was called Malta.
2 And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold. The natives of the island showed us no little kindness. They started a fire, and received every one of us, because it was raining and cold. The Greek "barbaros" is their word for a foreigner and means one whose language sounds like nonsense syllables, or "bar-bar," to the hearer. It would not acquire its connotation of uncouth or violent behavior until centuries later.
3 And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand. When Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, a snake came out of the heat and clamped onto his hand.
4 And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live. When the natives saw the venomous snake hanging onto his hand, they said to themselves, "This man must be a murderer, and even though he escaped the sea, vengeance won't allow him to live."
5 And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm. But Paul shook the snake off into the fire, and suffered no injury.
6 Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god. In fact, they looked at him and expected him to swell up, or fall down suddenly. After they had stared at him for a great while, and saw that he remained uninjured, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.
7 In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously. In the same part of the island were the belongings of the island's governor, a man named Publius. He received us, and gave us lodging for three days with every courtesy. With a name like "Publius," he could be a member of the Claudian gens.
8 And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him. And as it happened, Publius' father was sick with a fever and a hemorrhagic discharge. Paul entered in to his house, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.
9 So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed: When this was done, other people on the island who had diseases came, and were healed.
10 Who also honoured us with many honours; and when we departed, they laded us with such things as were necessary. They also honored us with many honors, and when we left, they gave us many necessary provisions.
11 And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux. After three months we left in a ship from Alexandria, which had spent the winter in the island, whose sign was the Gemini.
12 And landing at Syracuse, we tarried there three days. We landed at Syracuse and stayed there for three days.
13 And from thence we fetched a compass, and came to Rhegium: and after one day the south wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli: From there we cast off and came to Rhegium, and after one day a south wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli.
14 Where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome. There we found some brothers, and were asked to stay with them for seven days. And so we went toward Rome.
15 And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appiiforum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage. From Rome, when the brothers heard about us, they came to meet us as far as Appiiforum, and Tres Tabernae. When Paul saw them, he thanked God, and took courage.
16 And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him. When we came to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself with one soldier to guard him. The statement about the centurion delivering his prisoners to the captain of the guard is an interpolation.
17 And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. It happened that after three days Paul called the leading men of the Jews together. When they had come together, he said to them, "Men and brothers, although I have done no wrong against the people, or the customs of our fathers, I was still delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans."
18 Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me. "When they had examined me, they were willing to let me go, because they found no capital charge against me."
19 But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of. "But when the Jews spoke against it, I had to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything to accuse my nation of."
20 For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain. "So I have called you here for this reason: to see you, and to speak with you. For the hope of Israel I am under arrest."
21 And they said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judaea concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came shewed or spake any harm of thee. They told him, "But we have received no letters from Judea concerning you, and nor have any of the brothers that came showed or spoken any harm from you."
22 But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against. "But we would like to hear from you what you think: because as for this sect, we know that it is spoken against everywhere."
23 And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening. When they had fixed a day, many came to him where he was staying. He expounded and testified to them the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, from the Law of Moses, and from the Prophets, from morning until evening.
24 And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not. Some of them believed the things that were spoken, and some did not.
25 And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers, When they disagreed among themselves, they left, after Paul had spoken one word: "The Holy Spirit spoke well by Isaiah the prophet to hour fathers,"
26 Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive: "saying, 'Go to this people, and say, "Hearing you will hear, and not understand. Seeing you will see, and not perceive."'"
27 For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. "'"For the heart of this people has grown heavy, and their ears are dull from hearing, and they have closed their eyes, so that they will not see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and be converted, and I heal them."'"
28 Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it. "So understand this: the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear it."
29 And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves. This verse is an interpolation.
30 And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, Paul stayed for two full years in his own rented house, and received everyone who came to him,
31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him. preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, and no man forbade him. Here ends the second testimony of Saint Luke.

Categories: [Conservative Bible]

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