Seven Seeds for Flourishing

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Journey Through Genesis 12-50

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The Listener’s Bible®: NIV Edition

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Holy Bible, New International Version™ (Anglicised), South Asian Audio Edition

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkACT">
      <div class="chapter ch21" data-usfm="ACT.21">
         <div class="label">21</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">On to Jerusalem</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ACT.21.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">After we had torn ourselves away from them, we put out to sea and sailed straight to Kos. The next day we went to Rhodes and from there to Patara. </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ACT.21.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">We found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, went on board and set sail. </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ACT.21.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">After sighting Cyprus and passing to the south of it, we sailed on to Syria. We landed at Tyre, where our ship was to unload its cargo. </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ACT.21.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">We sought out the disciples there and stayed with them seven days. Through the Spirit they urged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ACT.21.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">When it was time to leave, we left and continued on our way. All of them, including wives and children, accompanied us out of the city, and there on the beach we knelt to pray. </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ACT.21.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">After saying goodbye to each other, we went aboard the ship, and they returned home.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ACT.21.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ACT.21.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">We continued our voyage from Tyre and landed at Ptolemais, where we greeted the brothers and sisters and stayed with them for a day. </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ACT.21.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">Leaving the next day, we reached Caesarea and stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the Seven. </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ACT.21.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ACT.21.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ACT.21.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">After we had been there a number of days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ACT.21.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">Coming over to us, he took Paul&#8217;s belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, &#8220;The Holy Spirit says, &#8216;In this way the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.&#8217;&#8198;&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ACT.21.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ACT.21.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ACT.21.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">Then Paul answered, &#8220;Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ACT.21.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, &#8220;The Lord&#8217;s will be done.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ACT.21.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ACT.21.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">After this, we started on our way up to Jerusalem. </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ACT.21.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">Some of the disciples from Caesarea accompanied us and brought us to the home of Mnason, where we were to stay. He was a man from Cyprus and one of the early disciples.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Paul&#8217;s Arrival at Jerusalem</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ACT.21.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ACT.21.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">When we arrived at Jerusalem, the brothers and sisters received us warmly. </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ACT.21.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">The next day Paul and the rest of us went to see James, and all the elders were present. </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ACT.21.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">Paul greeted them and reported in detail what God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ACT.21.19"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ACT.21.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">When they heard this, they praised God. Then they said to Paul: &#8220;You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews have believed, and all of them are zealous for the law. </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="ACT.21.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">They have been informed that you teach all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to turn away from Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or live according to our customs. </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="ACT.21.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">What shall we do? They will certainly hear that you have come, </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="ACT.21.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">so do what we tell you. There are four men with us who have made a vow. </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="ACT.21.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">Take these men, join in their purification rites and pay their expenses, so that they can have their heads shaved. Then everyone will know there is no truth in these reports about you, but that you yourself are living in obedience to the law. </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ACT.21.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">As for the Gentile believers, we have written to them our decision that they should abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ACT.21.25"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ACT.21.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">The next day Paul took the men and purified himself along with them. Then he went to the temple to give notice of the date when the days of purification would end and the offering would be made for each of them.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Paul Arrested</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ACT.21.26"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="ACT.21.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">When the seven days were nearly over, some Jews from the province of Asia saw Paul at the temple. They stirred up the whole crowd and seized him, </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="ACT.21.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">shouting, &#8220;Fellow Israelites, help us! This is the man who teaches everyone everywhere against our people and our law and this place. And besides, he has brought Greeks into the temple and defiled this holy place.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="ACT.21.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">(They had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian in the city with Paul and assumed that Paul had brought him into the temple.)</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="ACT.21.29"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="ACT.21.30"><span class="label">30</span><span class="content">The whole city was aroused, and the people came running from all directions. Seizing Paul, they dragged him from the temple, and immediately the gates were shut. </span></span><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="ACT.21.31"><span class="label">31</span><span class="content">While they were trying to kill him, news reached the commander of the Roman troops that the whole city of Jerusalem was in an uproar. </span></span><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="ACT.21.32"><span class="label">32</span><span class="content">He at once took some officers and soldiers and ran down to the crowd. When the rioters saw the commander and his soldiers, they stopped beating Paul.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="ACT.21.32"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="ACT.21.33"><span class="label">33</span><span class="content">The commander came up and arrested him and ordered him to be bound with two chains. Then he asked who he was and what he had done. </span></span><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="ACT.21.34"><span class="label">34</span><span class="content">Some in the crowd shouted one thing and some another, and since the commander could not get at the truth because of the uproar, he ordered that Paul be taken into the barracks. </span></span><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="ACT.21.35"><span class="label">35</span><span class="content">When Paul reached the steps, the violence of the mob was so great he had to be carried by the soldiers. </span></span><span class="verse v36" data-usfm="ACT.21.36"><span class="label">36</span><span class="content">The crowd that followed kept shouting, &#8220;Get rid of him!&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Paul Speaks to the Crowd</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v36" data-usfm="ACT.21.36"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v37" data-usfm="ACT.21.37"><span class="label">37</span><span class="content">As the soldiers were about to take Paul into the barracks, he asked the commander, &#8220;May I say something to you?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v37" data-usfm="ACT.21.37"><span class="content">&#8220;Do you speak Greek?&#8221; he replied. </span></span><span class="verse v38" data-usfm="ACT.21.38"><span class="label">38</span><span class="content">&#8220;Aren&#8217;t you the Egyptian who started a revolt and led four thousand terrorists out into the wilderness some time ago?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v38" data-usfm="ACT.21.38"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v39" data-usfm="ACT.21.39"><span class="label">39</span><span class="content">Paul answered, &#8220;I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no ordinary city. Please let me speak to the people.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v39" data-usfm="ACT.21.39"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v40" data-usfm="ACT.21.40"><span class="label">40</span><span class="content">After receiving the commander&#8217;s permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the crowd. When they were all silent, he said to them in Aramaic</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">21:40 </span><span class="ft">Or possibly </span><span class="fqa">Hebrew</span><span class="ft">; also in 22:2</span></span></span><span class="content">:</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkACT">
      <div class="chapter ch22" data-usfm="ACT.22">
         <div class="label">22</div><div class="nb"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ACT.22.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">&#8220;Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ACT.22.1"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ACT.22.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">When they heard him speak to them in Aramaic, they became very quiet.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ACT.22.2"><span class="content">Then Paul said: </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ACT.22.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">&#8220;I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city. I studied under Gamaliel and was thoroughly trained in the law of our ancestors. I was just as zealous for God as any of you are today. </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ACT.22.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">I persecuted the followers of this Way to their death, arresting both men and women and throwing them into prison, </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ACT.22.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">as the high priest and all the Council can themselves testify. I even obtained letters from them to their associates in Damascus, and went there to bring these people as prisoners to Jerusalem to be punished.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ACT.22.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ACT.22.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">&#8220;About noon as I came near Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me. </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ACT.22.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8216;Saul! Saul! Why do you persecute me?&#8217;</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ACT.22.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ACT.22.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">&#8220;&#8198;&#8216;Who are you, Lord?&#8217; I asked.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ACT.22.8"><span class="content">&#8220; </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8216;I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting,&#8217;</span></span><span class="content"> he replied. </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ACT.22.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">My companions saw the light, but they did not understand the voice of him who was speaking to me.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ACT.22.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ACT.22.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">&#8220;&#8198;&#8216;What shall I do, Lord?&#8217; I asked.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ACT.22.10"><span class="content">&#8220; </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8216;Get up,&#8217;</span></span><span class="content"> the Lord said, </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8216;and go into Damascus. There you will be told all that you have been assigned to do.&#8217;</span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ACT.22.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">My companions led me by the hand into Damascus, because the brilliance of the light had blinded me.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ACT.22.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ACT.22.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">&#8220;A man named Ananias came to see me. He was a devout observer of the law and highly respected by all the Jews living there. </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ACT.22.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">He stood beside me and said, &#8216;Brother Saul, receive your sight!&#8217; And at that very moment I was able to see him.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ACT.22.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ACT.22.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">&#8220;Then he said: &#8216;The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from his mouth. </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ACT.22.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">You will be his witness to all people of what you have seen and heard. </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ACT.22.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.&#8217;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ACT.22.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ACT.22.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">&#8220;When I returned to Jerusalem and was praying at the temple, I fell into a trance </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ACT.22.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">and saw the Lord speaking to me. </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8216;Quick!&#8217;</span></span><span class="content"> he said. </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8216;Leave Jerusalem immediately, because the people here will not accept your testimony about me.&#8217;</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ACT.22.18"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ACT.22.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">&#8220;&#8198;&#8216;Lord,&#8217; I replied, &#8216;these people know that I went from one synagogue to another to imprison and beat those who believe in you. </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ACT.22.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">And when the blood of your martyr</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">22:20 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">witness</span></span></span><span class="content"> Stephen was shed, I stood there giving my approval and guarding the clothes of those who were killing him.&#8217;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ACT.22.20"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="ACT.22.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">&#8220;Then the Lord said to me, </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8216;Go; I will send you far away to the Gentiles.&#8217; </span></span><span class="content">&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Paul the Roman Citizen</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="ACT.22.21"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="ACT.22.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">The crowd listened to Paul until he said this. Then they raised their voices and shouted, &#8220;Rid the earth of him! He&#8217;s not fit to live!&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="ACT.22.22"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="ACT.22.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">As they were shouting and throwing off their cloaks and flinging dust into the air, </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="ACT.22.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">the commander ordered that Paul be taken into the barracks. He directed that he be flogged and interrogated in order to find out why the people were shouting at him like this. </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ACT.22.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">As they stretched him out to flog him, Paul said to the centurion standing there, &#8220;Is it legal for you to flog a Roman citizen who hasn&#8217;t even been found guilty?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ACT.22.25"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ACT.22.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">When the centurion heard this, he went to the commander and reported it. &#8220;What are you going to do?&#8221; he asked. &#8220;This man is a Roman citizen.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ACT.22.26"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="ACT.22.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">The commander went to Paul and asked, &#8220;Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="ACT.22.27"><span class="content">&#8220;Yes, I am,&#8221; he answered.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="ACT.22.27"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="ACT.22.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">Then the commander said, &#8220;I had to pay a lot of money for my citizenship.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="ACT.22.28"><span class="content">&#8220;But I was born a citizen,&#8221; Paul replied.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="ACT.22.28"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="ACT.22.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">Those who were about to interrogate him withdrew immediately. The commander himself was alarmed when he realized that he had put Paul, a Roman citizen, in chains.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Paul Before the Sanhedrin</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="ACT.22.29"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="ACT.22.30"><span class="label">30</span><span class="content">The commander wanted to find out exactly why Paul was being accused by the Jews. So the next day he released him and ordered the chief priests and all the members of the Sanhedrin to assemble. Then he brought Paul and had him stand before them.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkACT">
      <div class="chapter ch23" data-usfm="ACT.23">
         <div class="label">23</div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ACT.23.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, &#8220;My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ACT.23.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">At this the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth. </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ACT.23.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">Then Paul said to him, &#8220;God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit there to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck!&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ACT.23.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ACT.23.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">Those who were standing near Paul said, &#8220;How dare you insult God&#8217;s high priest!&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ACT.23.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ACT.23.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">Paul replied, &#8220;Brothers, I did not realize that he was the high priest; for it is written: &#8216;Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.&#8217;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">23:5 </span><span class="ft">Exodus 22:28</span></span></span><span class="content">&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ACT.23.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ACT.23.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, &#8220;My brothers, I am a Pharisee, descended from Pharisees. I stand on trial because of the hope of the resurrection of the dead.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ACT.23.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">When he said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ACT.23.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">(The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, and that there are neither angels nor spirits, but the Pharisees believe all these things.)</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ACT.23.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ACT.23.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">There was a great uproar, and some of the teachers of the law who were Pharisees stood up and argued vigorously. &#8220;We find nothing wrong with this man,&#8221; they said. &#8220;What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ACT.23.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">The dispute became so violent that the commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them. He ordered the troops to go down and take him away from them by force and bring him into the barracks.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ACT.23.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ACT.23.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.&#8221;</span></span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">The Plot to Kill Paul</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ACT.23.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ACT.23.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">The next morning some Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ACT.23.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">More than forty men were involved in this plot. </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ACT.23.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">They went to the chief priests and the elders and said, &#8220;We have taken a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul. </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ACT.23.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">Now then, you and the Sanhedrin petition the commander to bring him before you on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about his case. We are ready to kill him before he gets here.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ACT.23.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ACT.23.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">But when the son of Paul&#8217;s sister heard of this plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ACT.23.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ACT.23.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">Then Paul called one of the centurions and said, &#8220;Take this young man to the commander; he has something to tell him.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ACT.23.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">So he took him to the commander.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ACT.23.18"><span class="content">The centurion said, &#8220;Paul, the prisoner, sent for me and asked me to bring this young man to you because he has something to tell you.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ACT.23.18"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ACT.23.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">The commander took the young man by the hand, drew him aside and asked, &#8220;What is it you want to tell me?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ACT.23.19"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ACT.23.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">He said: &#8220;Some Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul before the Sanhedrin tomorrow on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about him. </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="ACT.23.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">Don&#8217;t give in to them, because more than forty of them are waiting in ambush for him. They have taken an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him. They are ready now, waiting for your consent to their request.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="ACT.23.21"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="ACT.23.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">The commander dismissed the young man with this warning: &#8220;Don&#8217;t tell anyone that you have reported this to me.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Paul Transferred to Caesarea</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="ACT.23.22"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="ACT.23.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">Then he called two of his centurions and ordered them, &#8220;Get ready a detachment of two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">23:23 </span><span class="ft">The meaning of the Greek for this word is uncertain.</span></span></span><span class="content"> to go to Caesarea at nine tonight. </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="ACT.23.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">Provide horses for Paul so that he may be taken safely to Governor Felix.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="ACT.23.24"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ACT.23.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">He wrote a letter as follows:</span></span></div><div class="pmo"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ACT.23.25"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ACT.23.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">Claudius Lysias,</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="pmo"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ACT.23.26"><span class="content">To His Excellency, Governor Felix:</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="pmo"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ACT.23.26"><span class="content">Greetings.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="pm"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ACT.23.26"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="ACT.23.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">This man was seized by the Jews and they were about to kill him, but I came with my troops and rescued him, for I had learned that he is a Roman citizen. </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="ACT.23.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">I wanted to know why they were accusing him, so I brought him to their Sanhedrin. </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="ACT.23.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">I found that the accusation had to do with questions about their law, but there was no charge against him that deserved death or imprisonment. </span></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="ACT.23.30"><span class="label">30</span><span class="content">When I was informed of a plot to be carried out against the man, I sent him to you at once. I also ordered his accusers to present to you their case against him.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="ACT.23.30"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="ACT.23.31"><span class="label">31</span><span class="content">So the soldiers, carrying out their orders, took Paul with them during the night and brought him as far as Antipatris. </span></span><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="ACT.23.32"><span class="label">32</span><span class="content">The next day they let the cavalry go on with him, while they returned to the barracks. </span></span><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="ACT.23.33"><span class="label">33</span><span class="content">When the cavalry arrived in Caesarea, they delivered the letter to the governor and handed Paul over to him. </span></span><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="ACT.23.34"><span class="label">34</span><span class="content">The governor read the letter and asked what province he was from. Learning that he was from Cilicia, </span></span><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="ACT.23.35"><span class="label">35</span><span class="content">he said, &#8220;I will hear your case when your accusers get here.&#8221; Then he ordered that Paul be kept under guard in Herod&#8217;s palace.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkACT">
      <div class="chapter ch24" data-usfm="ACT.24">
         <div class="label">24</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Paul&#8217;s Trial Before Felix</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ACT.24.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Five days later the high priest Ananias went down to Caesarea with some of the elders and a lawyer named Tertullus, and they brought their charges against Paul before the governor. </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ACT.24.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">When Paul was called in, Tertullus presented his case before Felix: &#8220;We have enjoyed a long period of peace under you, and your foresight has brought about reforms in this nation. </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ACT.24.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">Everywhere and in every way, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with profound gratitude. </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ACT.24.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">But in order not to weary you further, I would request that you be kind enough to hear us briefly.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ACT.24.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ACT.24.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">&#8220;We have found this man to be a troublemaker, stirring up riots among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the Nazarene sect </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ACT.24.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">and even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him. </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ACT.24.7"><span class="label">[7]</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">24:6-7 </span><span class="ft">Some manuscripts include here </span><span class="fqa">him, and we would have judged him in accordance with our law. </span><span class="fv">7 </span><span class="fqa">But the commander Lysias came and took him from us with much violence, </span><span class="fv">8 </span><span class="fqa">ordering his accusers to come before you.</span></span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ACT.24.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">By examining him yourself you will be able to learn the truth about all these charges we are bringing against him.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ACT.24.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ACT.24.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">The other Jews joined in the accusation, asserting that these things were true.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ACT.24.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ACT.24.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul replied: &#8220;I know that for a number of years you have been a judge over this nation; so I gladly make my defense. </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ACT.24.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">You can easily verify that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ACT.24.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">My accusers did not find me arguing with anyone at the temple, or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city. </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ACT.24.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">And they cannot prove to you the charges they are now making against me. </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ACT.24.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">However, I admit that I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets, </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ACT.24.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">and I have the same hope in God as these men themselves have, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ACT.24.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ACT.24.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ACT.24.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">&#8220;After an absence of several years, I came to Jerusalem to bring my people gifts for the poor and to present offerings. </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ACT.24.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">I was ceremonially clean when they found me in the temple courts doing this. There was no crowd with me, nor was I involved in any disturbance. </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ACT.24.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">But there are some Jews from the province of Asia, who ought to be here before you and bring charges if they have anything against me. </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ACT.24.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">Or these who are here should state what crime they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin&#8212; </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="ACT.24.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">unless it was this one thing I shouted as I stood in their presence: &#8216;It is concerning the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.&#8217;&#8198;&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="ACT.24.21"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="ACT.24.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">Then Felix, who was well acquainted with the Way, adjourned the proceedings. &#8220;When Lysias the commander comes,&#8221; he said, &#8220;I will decide your case.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="ACT.24.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">He ordered the centurion to keep Paul under guard but to give him some freedom and permit his friends to take care of his needs.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="ACT.24.23"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="ACT.24.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ACT.24.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, &#8220;That&#8217;s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ACT.24.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ACT.24.26"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="ACT.24.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkPSA">
      <div class="chapter ch75" data-usfm="PSA.75">
         <div class="label">75</div><div class="cl"><span class="heading">Psalm 75</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="ft"><span class="heading">In Hebrew texts 75:1-10 is numbered 75:2-11.</span></span></span></span></div><div class="d"><span class="content">For the director of music. To the tune of &#8220;Do Not Destroy.&#8221; A psalm of Asaph. A song.</span></div><div class="q1"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PSA.75.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">We praise you, God,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PSA.75.1"><span class="content">we praise you, for your Name is near;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PSA.75.1"><span class="content">people tell of your wonderful deeds.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PSA.75.1"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PSA.75.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">You say, &#8220;I choose the appointed time;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PSA.75.2"><span class="content">it is I who judge with equity.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PSA.75.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.75.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">When the earth and all its people quake,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.75.3"><span class="content">it is I who hold its pillars firm.</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">75:3 </span><span class="ft">The Hebrew has </span><span class="fqa">Selah </span><span class="ft">(a word of uncertain meaning) here.</span></span></span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.75.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PSA.75.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">To the arrogant I say, &#8216;Boast no more,&#8217;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PSA.75.4"><span class="content">and to the wicked, &#8216;Do not lift up your horns.</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">75:4 </span><span class="fq">Horns </span><span class="ft">here symbolize strength; also in verses 5 and 10.</span></span></span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PSA.75.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PSA.75.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">Do not lift your horns against heaven;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PSA.75.5"><span class="content">do not speak so defiantly.&#8217;&#8198;&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PSA.75.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PSA.75.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">No one from the east or the west</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PSA.75.6"><span class="content">or from the desert can exalt themselves.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PSA.75.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PSA.75.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">It is God who judges:</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PSA.75.7"><span class="content">He brings one down, he exalts another.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PSA.75.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PSA.75.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">In the hand of the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> is a cup</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PSA.75.8"><span class="content">full of foaming wine mixed with spices;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PSA.75.8"><span class="content">he pours it out, and all the wicked of the earth</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PSA.75.8"><span class="content">drink it down to its very dregs.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PSA.75.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PSA.75.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">As for me, I will declare this forever;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PSA.75.9"><span class="content">I will sing praise to the God of Jacob,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PSA.75.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PSA.75.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">who says, &#8220;I will cut off the horns of all the wicked,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PSA.75.10"><span class="content">but the horns of the righteous will be lifted up.&#8221;</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkPSA">
      <div class="chapter ch76" data-usfm="PSA.76">
         <div class="label">76</div><div class="cl"><span class="heading">Psalm 76</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="ft"><span class="heading">In Hebrew texts 76:1-12 is numbered 76:2-13.</span></span></span></span></div><div class="d"><span class="content">For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm of Asaph. A song.</span></div><div class="q1"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PSA.76.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">God is renowned in Judah;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PSA.76.1"><span class="content">in Israel his name is great.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PSA.76.1"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PSA.76.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">His tent is in Salem,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PSA.76.2"><span class="content">his dwelling place in Zion.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PSA.76.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.76.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">There he broke the flashing arrows,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.76.3"><span class="content">the shields and the swords, the weapons of war.</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">76:3 </span><span class="ft">The Hebrew has </span><span class="fqa">Selah </span><span class="ft">(a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verse 9.</span></span></span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.76.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PSA.76.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">You are radiant with light,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PSA.76.4"><span class="content">more majestic than mountains rich with game.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PSA.76.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PSA.76.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">The valiant lie plundered,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PSA.76.5"><span class="content">they sleep their last sleep;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PSA.76.5"><span class="content">not one of the warriors</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PSA.76.5"><span class="content">can lift his hands.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PSA.76.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PSA.76.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">At your rebuke, God of Jacob,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PSA.76.6"><span class="content">both horse and chariot lie still.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PSA.76.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PSA.76.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">It is you alone who are to be feared.</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PSA.76.7"><span class="content">Who can stand before you when you are angry?</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PSA.76.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PSA.76.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">From heaven you pronounced judgment,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PSA.76.8"><span class="content">and the land feared and was quiet&#8212;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PSA.76.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PSA.76.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">when you, God, rose up to judge,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PSA.76.9"><span class="content">to save all the afflicted of the land.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PSA.76.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PSA.76.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">Surely your wrath against mankind brings you praise,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PSA.76.10"><span class="content">and the survivors of your wrath are restrained.</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">76:10 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">Surely the wrath of mankind brings you praise, / and with the remainder of wrath you arm yourself</span></span></span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PSA.76.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PSA.76.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">Make vows to the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> your God and fulfill them;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PSA.76.11"><span class="content">let all the neighboring lands</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PSA.76.11"><span class="content">bring gifts to the One to be feared.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PSA.76.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PSA.76.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">He breaks the spirit of rulers;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PSA.76.12"><span class="content">he is feared by the kings of the earth.</span></span></div>
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