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Acts outlines the history of the Apostolic age. The Early church fathers wrote that Luke was a physician in Antioch and an adherent of the Apostle Paul. It is said to be that the author of the Gospel of Luke is the same as the author of the Acts of the Apostles. Tradition holds that the text was written by Luke the companion of Paul, and this traditional view of Luke's authorship is “widely held as the view which most satisfactorily explains all the data.” The title "Acts of the Apostles was not part of the original text. It was first used by Irenaeus late in the second century. Some have suggested that the title "Acts" be interpreted as "The Acts of the Holy Spirit" or even "The Acts of Jesus," since Acts 1:1 gives the impression that these acts were set forth as an account of what Jesus continued to do and teach, Jesus himself being the principal actor.

Acts 1

 ¹The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach. Luke explaining to Theophilus that he wrote in his first book everything Jesus began to do and teach. 

 ²Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen. After Jesus being taken up to Heaven, through the Holy Spirit He gave His chosen apostles further instructions.

 ³To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. During the 40 days after His crucifixion, Christ appeared to the apostles from time to time to prove to them He was alive. He talked to them about the Kingdom of God.

 ⁴And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. While eating with the apostles, Jesus told them not to leave Jerusalem until they received the gift of the Holy Spirit that He had promised them from His Father.

 ⁵For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. John baptized with water, but soon you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.

 ⁶When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? The apostles kept asking Jesus if it was time for Him to free Israel and restore their Kingdom.

 ⁷And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. Only the Heavenly Father can set those dates and times, but it is not for you to know. This was for the later generation. The generation of the fig tree.

 ⁸But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. You will all receive power when the Holy Spirit comes to you and you will teach my Word throughout the world.

 ⁹And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. After saying this, Christ was taken up in a cloud to Heaven and they could no longer see Him. (Like in the book of Ezekiel).

 ¹⁰And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel. To angels of God were standing beside the apostles as a witness to the Son of God.

 ¹¹Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. Why do you stare into the sky you men of Galilee the two angels said. Jesus was taken from you, but He will return someday in the same way that you seen Him go. He will return to the mount of Olives as it is written. (Zechariah 14:4)

 ¹²Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey. About a half mile distance of travel from Olivet to Jerusalem.

 ¹³And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. This is where they would meet in prayer.

 ¹⁴These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. They met together united in prayer along with Mary the mother of Jesus as well as other women and the brothers of Jesus. (You could say it was the first church meeting or bible study gathering of Christians)

 ¹⁵And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty). About 120 Christians that established the first church and Peter stood to address them.

 ¹⁶Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. It is necessary for the scripture to come true concerning Judas, who betrayed Christ by delivering Him to the mob to be killed. Spoken by the "Holy Spirit" through King David. (Psalm 41:9)

 ¹⁷For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry. Judas was chosen to be an Apostle, just as we were. (He was in charge of the money).

 ¹⁸Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out. Judas bought a field with the money he received for the betrayal. Judas did not hang himself like many believe; he was killed by the kenites to cover up the betrayal. (Zechariah 11:12-13)

 ¹⁹And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood. The news spread quickly about his death throughout Jerusalem and they named this place, the field of blood.

 ²⁰For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take. King David said it long before in the book of Psalms. Let his home become desolate, and let his work be given to someone else. (Psalm 69:25, 109:8)

 ²¹Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us. We need to pick a new eye witness to join us about the resurrection of Jesus.

 ²²Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection. Lets pick someone who has been with us from the beginning when Jesus was baptized, till He was taken from us into Heaven.

 ²³And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.

 ²⁴And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen. Show us Lord who you have chosen as an Apostle to replace Judas, for you know every heart. (God knows your heart)

 ²⁵That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. He will get what God decides on judgment day.

 ²⁶And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. They drew straws and Matthias would become the Apostle to replace Judas.

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Acts 2

 ¹And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. Seven weeks had passed since the death and resurrection of Jesus. Pentecost is 50 days after the annual celebration of Passover. (Leviticus 23:16) Remember that Christ became our "Passover" as the sacrificial lamb slain. (I Corinthians 5:7, Isaiah 53:7, John 1:29, I Peter 1:19. Revelation 5:6) 

 ²And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. As the believers met together that day, there was a sound like a roaring wind that filled the house where they were meeting. "The Holy Spirit."

 ³And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. Then what looked like flames of fire from many directions appeared and settled on their heads.

 ⁴And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And everyone present was filled with the "Holy Spirit" and began to speak in languages they did not know. (Literally, in languages they did not know). The "Holy Spirit" gave them the ability to understand in every language spoken. Man cannot do that, only the "Holy Spirit" can.

 ⁵And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. This word "nations" is "ethnos." Jews and gentiles alike were present.

 ⁶Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. When they heard the roaring in the sky above, crowds came running to see what was going on. They were all stunned to "hear their own languages being spoken" by the disciples. Spoken to understand in their very own dialect where they were born. (Not a bunch of babble).

 ⁷And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? How can this be they said. These men are Galilaeans, (country boys).

 ⁸And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? Yet we hear them speak all the native languages where we were born.

 ⁹Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia.

 ¹⁰Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes. This word "proselytes" is Jewish converts.

 ¹¹Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. They heard all the tribes speaking in their own languages, (in cloven tongue so everyone understood) about the mighty miracles of God! (Not an unknown tongue)!

 ¹²And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? What can this mean they asked each other? They never witnessed anything like this before.

 ¹³Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine. Others mocked them saying, these men are drunk. (The problem with saying they were all drunk is that this was early in morning and it was illegal to drink in the morning).

 ¹⁴But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words. Listen carefully to what I say Peter stood up and said.

 ¹⁵For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. You say these men are drunk; but it is way to early for that. People don't get drunk by 9:00 a.m.

 ¹⁶But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel. What you see is what Joel the prophet predicted centuries ago.

 ¹⁷And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. The "Holy Spirit" will speak through men and women in the last days. What did Joel say? (Joel 2:28-32) Christ would speak of this same thing Himself when we are delivered up before the anti-Christ. (Luke 12:10-12)

 ¹⁸And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy. The "Holy Spirit" will come upon my servants and they will prophesy.

 ¹⁹And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke. I will cause strange events in the heavens and on earth; blood, fire, and clouds of smoke. (Judgment is coming)!

 ²⁰The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and notable day of the Lord come. The second advent of Christ. (There are many heresies being taught today about the end of the world).

 ²¹And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Call on the name of the Lord; for Christ does the saving!

 ²²Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know. God endorsed "Jesus of Nazareth" through the tremendous miracles performed by Christ. 

 ²³Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain. By the plan of God, He let you use the Roman government to nail Him to the cross and crucify Him. (Written 1,000 years ago in Psalms 22).

 ²⁴Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. God has raised Him up and brought Him back to life again defeating death.

 ²⁵For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved. King David knew that the Lord would always be with the coming Messiah to help and support him. (Psalms 16:8)

 ²⁶Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope. King David knew all would be well with Christ in death, and his heart was filled with joy and praises for the Lord. (Psalms 16:9) We can also have that same hope in this flesh body.

 ²⁷Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. God would not leave His soul in hell, or let the body of Christ decay, because Christ defeated death and the grave. (Psalms 16:10)

 ²⁸Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance. David knew that God would give the coming Messiah back His life after the crucifixion. (Psalms 16:11)

 ²⁹Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. Peter speaking with greatness saying that David wasn't referring to himself when he spoke these words. David died and was buried, and his tomb is still among us.

 ³⁰Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne. David was a prophet, and he knew that God would raise up one of David's own descendants, (the Messiah) to sit on David's throne. (II Samuel 7:12-13)

 ³¹He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. David was predicting far into the future about the Messiah's resurrection, that the Messiah's soul would not be left in hell, and His body would not decay. Christ was transfigured! (Psalm 16:10)

 ³²This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Peter explained that King David was speaking of Jesus, and we all are witnesses that Jesus rose from the dead.

 ³³Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. Christ sitting on the throne at the right hand of God. Just as promised, the Father gave Him the authority to send the "Holy Spirit" in which we are seeing and hearing today.

 ³⁴For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand. David was speaking of one of his offspring calling Him Lord! (Psalms 110:1-7) "Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek." (Christ was Melchizedek)!

 ³⁵Until I make thy foes thy footstool. He will bring the enemy into complete subjection. (We have the victory in the end)!

 ³⁶Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Let me assure you that this same Jesus that you have crucified, God has made Him to be the Lord and the Messiah!

 ³⁷Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? These words of Peter hit them deep in their hearts. What have we done? Just as so many today will say. What should we do they asked Peter and the other apostles? (A bunch of hypocrites and pew potatoes).

 ³⁸Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Peter said to them; "each one of you must turn from sin," repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus and you will receive the "Holy Spirit." This is a promise from God to whom ever will. (Baptism is to believe in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ).

 ³⁹For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call. Christ promised the "Holy Spirit" to everyone who has been "called" by the Lord, to your children, and to those in distant lands.

 ⁴⁰And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Peter with a long sermon warns his listeners to save themselves from the evils of their generation. The same is meant for the evils of today's generation. Don't be deceived and remain in bondage to this world. Follow Christ and be free!

 ⁴¹Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. Those who believed Peter were baptized, and in the same day about 3,000 were added to the 120 that established the first Christian church.

 ⁴²And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. They continued to fellowship with the apostles in communion, prayer meetings, and learning their doctrine. Keep in mind that it was not the apostles doctrine, or traditions of men that they were teaching. It was Christ's doctrine. The Word!

 ⁴³And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. A deep sense of awe came upon them and the apostles performed many miracles. (The presence of the Holy Spirit).

 ⁴⁴And all that believed were together, and had all things common. The believers met regularly and shared everything with each other.

 ⁴⁵And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. The more wealthy sold their possessions and divided it among those in need. (Don't see to much of that today, even if they are Christians).

 ⁴⁶And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart. They worshipped regularly at the temple, met in small groups in homes for communion, and shared their meals with joy and thankfulness. (Another act we do not see to much of today).

 ⁴⁷Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. Praising God! All having the same beliefs of truth in common, and God added to them daily all who would be saved. (Today, it is hard to get even one family to believe together).

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Acts 3

 ¹Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. The 3:00 daily prayer meeting.

 ²And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple. He laid daily at the east gate which is also known as the beautiful gate.

 ³Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. As Peter and John passed him, he asked them for money.

 ⁴And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. Look here Peter replied.

 ⁵And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. The lame man looked at them expecting a gift.

 ⁶Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. We don't have any money for you Peter said; But I'll give you something else. And in the name of Jesus, Peter demanded the lame man to walk. (Always remember to do it God's way; in "Jesus name" was the way the apostles did it). It is Christ who does the healing!

 ⁷And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. Peter took the man by the hand pulling him up and the man was healed.

 ⁸And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. Then the man went into the temple with them walking, leaping, and praising God!

 ⁹And all the people saw him walking and praising God. They saw that the hand of God touched this man as he was praising God.

 ¹⁰And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him. When they realized he was the lame beggar who was often at the gate, they were surprised and amazed.

 ¹¹And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering. All who were present rushed out to the porch (Solomon's Hall), where he was holding onto Peter and John. They were all amazed at the wonderful thing that happened.

 ¹²And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk? Men of Israel Peter said to the crowd. Why are you so surprised at what just happened? You don't think it was us through our own power that made this man walk? (They just witnessed the power of the Holy Spirit).

 ¹³The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go. It is the God of all our ancestors who has brought the glory to Jesus by doing this. It was Jesus whom you rejected before Pilate when he wanted to release Him.

 ¹⁴But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you. You had the choice of Jesus or Barnabas to be released, and you chose Barnabas, a murderer over the Holy righteous one.

 ¹⁵And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses. You killed the prince of life; but God raised Him from the dead. John and I witnessed it first hand.

 ¹⁶And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all. In Jesus name has healed this man. It was His faith in Jesus as well as ours that did the healing.

 ¹⁷And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers. I realize that what you did to Jesus was done in ignorance; and the same can be said for your leaders. It was the Kenites who were their leaders. God had put the spirit of slumber upon them. (Romans 11:8)

 ¹⁸But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled. God was fulfilling the prophecies that the Messiah must suffer all these things. Speaking of Psalms 22, which Jesus was quoting as He hung on the cross to be crucified. (God did not forsake Christ)! It was this Psalm that Christ would quote, written 1,000 years before the crucifixion.

 ¹⁹Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. Repent, and change your attitude towards God, turning to Him to cleanse your sins. Then wonderful times and blessings will come from the Lord.

 ²⁰And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you. Speaking of the second advent when He returns.

 ²¹Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. Christ must remain in heaven until the restoration of all things from sin, since the beginning of time. (Romans 8:28-30)

 ²²For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. Moses said it long ago that the Lord shall raise up a prophet. (Deuteronomy 18:15-20, Isaiah 7:14)

 ²³And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people. Anyone that does not listen to Him shall be destroyed. All the unbelievers. Unless they repent!

 ²⁴Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days. Samuel and the other prophets have all spoken about this. (II Samuel 7)

 ²⁵Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. You are the children of the prophets and of the covenant which God made with Abraham. And God shall bless the entire world as He promised Abraham. (Genesis 12:2-3, Galatians 3:8)

 ²⁶Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities. God sent His Son to you first, men of Israel, to turn you away from sin.

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Acts 4

 ¹And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them. The head priest, captain of the temple police, and some of the Sadducees came over to them as they were talking to the people. (Keep in mind that the Sadducees did not believe in life after death). Might be a little conflict of interest here.

 ²Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. They were disturbed that Peter and John were teaching the people about the resurrection of the dead through Christ. This was contrary to their teachings.

 ³And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide. They arrested them and put them in jail for teaching God's Word. (A lot of this takes place today around the world). Thank God in this country that we have the freedom to believe and teach what we want. 

 ⁴Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand. But, many of the people believed their message, and the number of believers grew to around 5,000 people.

 ⁵And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes. The next day the council of all their Jewish officials was in session.

 ⁶And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. It was like a family affair of the high priests.

 ⁷And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this? Here we have the high priest asking; by what power and authority have you done this?

 ⁸Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel. Peter stood right up and addressed them with the power of the Holy Spirit. (Sometimes you need to take a stand when the so called higher ups try to dress you down).

 ⁹If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole. If you mean the good deed done to the cripple man and how he was healed. 

 ¹⁰Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. Let me set you straight on this matter. This healing was done in the name and power of Jesus Christ, the man you crucified, but God raised Him back to life. It is by His authority that this man stands here healed.

 ¹¹This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Jesus the messiah is the one referred to in scriptures as a stone discarded by the builders, which became the head cornerstone. (Psalms 118:22)

 ¹²Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. There is no salvation through anyone else accept through Jesus Christ!

 ¹³Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. They seen the boldness and confidence in these men as they taught the Word. Knowing that these men were uneducated and not professionals, but they were amazed at what Jesus had done for them.

 ¹⁴And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. They could not discredit them, because the man they had just healed stood beside them.

 ¹⁵But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves. They commanded them to leave the council chamber so they could confer among themselves. 

 ¹⁶Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it. They did not know what to do with these men because they could not deny what had just happened. Everybody in Jerusalem knew about it.

 ¹⁷But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name. They wanted to stop them from spreading any more propaganda so they were going to threaten them.

 ¹⁸And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. They called Peter and John in and told them that they did not want them to teach about Jesus anymore. I don't think so!

 ¹⁹But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. Peter and John replied; you decide whether God wants us to obey you instead of Him!

 ²⁰For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. "We can't stop telling about the wonderful things we saw Jesus do and heard Him say."

 ²¹So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done. They threatened them more, but finally let them go because they could not punish them with all the people present without starting a riot. (A public hearing can be to your advantage when your telling the truth).

 ²²For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed. Here we had a lame person for over 40 years and he was healed.

 ²³And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them. As soon as they were freed, Peter and John went to the other disciples and reported to them what the council had said.

 ²⁴And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is. After they heard this, all the disciples united together in prayer.

 ²⁵Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? Why do the heathen rage against the Lord, and the people plan their little plots against the Lord? This word people here is "nations." Why do the nations rage against the Lord? (Psalms 2)

 ²⁶The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. The kings of the earth gather together to fight against the anointed one.

 ²⁷For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together. That's what 's happening here in the city. The king, the governor, the Romans, and the people of Israel are united against Jesus, the anointed one.

 ²⁸For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. They won't stop at what you let them do.

 ²⁹And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word. Hear their threats against you and grant to your servants "boldness" in their preaching.

 ³⁰By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. Send your healing power, and may miracles and wonders be done in the "Name of Jesus."

 ³¹And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. After the prayer, the building shook and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and boldly preached God's message.

 ³²And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. All the believers were of one heart and mind and everyone was sharing. (In Christianity, it is important that a family, or a congregation be of one heart and mind when it comes to teaching and receiving God's Word).

 ³³And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. The apostles preached powerful sermons about the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And grace was upon them all.

 ³⁴Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold. There was no poverty among them because all who owned land or houses sold them. (Not to many Christians doing that today).

 ³⁵And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. They brought the money to the apostles to give to others in need.

 ³⁶And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus. For example, there was Joseph, one of the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (Barny the preacher they called him), from the tribe of Levi.

 ³⁷Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet. One of the one's who sold a field that he owned and brought the money to the apostles to share among those in need.

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Acts 5

 ¹But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. Ananias and his wife sold some property.

 ²And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet. They only brought part of the money from the sale to the apostles, saying this was all of it.

 ³But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Peter said to Ananias, why did you let Satan fill your heart so that you lie to the Holy Spirit? You kept part of the money for the land you sold. (Never lie to the Holy Spirit)!

 ⁴Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. The property was yours to sell and the money was yours to give. You did not lie to us, but to God.

 ⁵And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. As soon as Ananias heard these words he fell to the floor dead! Another lesson learned like in the book of (Luke 12:10), don't deny the Holy Spirit!

 ⁶And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him. The younger men covered him up and took him out to be buried.

 ⁷And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. About three hours later his wife came in to see what happened.

 ⁸And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. Did you sell your land for a certain price Peter asked? Yes she answered. (Lying about the price they sold it for)!

 ⁹Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. How could you and your husband do such a thing like this? Conspiring against the Holy Spirit. Your husband was just carried out dead, and they will carry you out also.

 ¹⁰Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband. Instantly she fell to the floor and was dead. The young men came and carried her out also and buried her next to her husband. (A good lesson learned here, not to lie to the Holy Spirit).

 ¹¹And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things. Terror came upon the entire church and all who heard what had happened.

 ¹²And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch. This should read by the "hand of God" through the apostles, many remarkable miracles were performed among the people.

 ¹³And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them. The other believers did not join them, but all had the highest regard for them.

 ¹⁴And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women. And more believers were added to the Lord, crowds of both men and women.

 ¹⁵Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them. The sick were brought out into the streets on beds and mats so that the shadow of Peter passing by would fall across some of them. (A shadow of healing by the Holy Spirit, not Peters shadow). Never forget that it is God that does the healing!

 ¹⁶There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one. Crowds came in from the suburbs with their sick, and those possessed by evil spirits, and they were all healed. (Again, all healed by the Holy Spirit)!

 ¹⁷Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation. Then the high priest of the Sadducees with his relatives and friends stood up and reacted with violent jealously. (Just as many churches do today when someone teaches truth against them). They have no spirit and no truth in them because they just play church. A bunch of hypocrites! Remember that the Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection or life after death. This was totally against their beliefs and teachings.

 ¹⁸And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison. Arrested the apostles and put them in jail.

 ¹⁹But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said. The angel of the Lord opened the prison doors. See, the apostles could not do it on their own; again, it was by the hand of God!

 ²⁰Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life. Go right to the temple and teach about the words of this life. Teach the truth of the resurrection!

 ²¹And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. They went to the temple early in the morning and began teaching the truth. But, later that morning the high priest and all that were with him came to the temple and called the Jewish council together. They sent for the apostles that were in prison to have them brought to trial.

 ²²But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned and told. They were not there!

 ²³Saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within. We locked them up and had guards on the door, but when we opened the door they were not there. (God delivers His own anytime He wants)!

 ²⁴Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow. Where will this all end the chief priest and the police captain wondered?

 ²⁵Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people. Someone came forward and told them that those you put in prison are in the temple teaching.

 ²⁶Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned. The police captain and his officers arrested them without violence, because they feared the people would kill them if they hurt the apostles.

 ²⁷And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them. Delivered up before the council. Just as God's elect will be delivered up before the anti-Christ in the end times. (Luke 12:11)

 ²⁸Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us. The high priest speaking; Didn't we tell you not to teach about Jesus? But you filled the streets of Jerusalem with your teaching, and are trying to blame us for the death of this man. (Which they did have their part in it).

 ²⁹Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. They replied, we need to obey God rather than man. (Always obey God, over man)!

 ³⁰The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. The God of our ancestors brought Jesus back to life after you crucified Him on a cross.

 ³¹Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. God exalted Jesus Christ to be a Prince and a Savior so that the people Israel would have an opportunity for repentance and forgiveness of sin. (Also open to whom so ever will).

 ³²And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. The Holy Spirit given to all who obey Him.

 ³³When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them. When the council heard this they grew even more furious, and wanted to kill Him.

 ³⁴Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space. This Pharisee wanted to take then off to the side and discuss this matter in private. (Remember that the Pharisees believed in life after death).

 ³⁵And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men. He addressed the council and told them, be careful what you are planning to do to these men.

 ³⁶For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought. Long ago there was a man named Theudas (Gift of God), who thought he was so great. He was a Jewish rebel who really boasted about himself. He led around 400 followers in a short lived revolt and he was killed. The others were scattered about.

 ³⁷After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed. Then there was Judas who drew some people as disciples, but he died also and his followers scattered.

 ³⁸And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought. My advice is to leave these men alone; if what they teach and do is on their own it will also fail. (If it is not of God and only men, it will always fail).

 ³⁹But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God. If what they teach and do is of God, you cannot stop them, or you will be fighting against God. (This Pharisee Gamaliel was a wise man and knew God was with them).

 ⁴⁰And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. The council accepted his advice, called in the apostles, had them beaten, and set them free. (Not before telling them not to teach of Jesus anymore). Will they listen?

 ⁴¹And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. They left the council rejoicing that they were worthy to suffer a little for Jesus name. God set them free! (Will you suffer a little for Christ)?

 ⁴²And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ. Every day in the temple and in their home bible studies they continued to teach that Jesus is the Messiah.

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Acts 6

 ¹And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. The Grecians complained that their widows were discriminated against and not given as much food in the daily distribution as the widows that spoke Hebrew. (We are not talking of just food here, but also meat of the Word). You had those who only spoke Greek (Hellenic), and they studied from the Septuagint. The others spoke Hebrew and studied from the Hebrew manuscripts. (They needed translators).

 ²Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. They needed some helpers so they could spend their time teaching.

 ³Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. Pick those who are well thought of by the people and are full of the Holy Spirit to handle these matters. (Deacons perhaps).

 ⁴But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. We can spend our time teaching!

 ⁵And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch. The whole assembly agreed and they elected their disciples. (Those with the Holy Spirit).

 ⁶Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. These seven deacons were brought before the apostles and prayed for.

 ⁷And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. God's Word spread and was preached as the disciples increased in Jerusalem. Many of the Jewish priest were also converted; because they did it God's way.

 ⁸And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. Stephen was an awesome believer, full of faith and power, who did spectacular miracles among the people.

 ⁹Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen. One day some of the men from the synagogue of "The Freedmen" started an argument with Stephen.

 ¹⁰And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake. They could not stand against him because of the "Holy Spirit" by which he spoke to them. You cannot stand or argue against the Holy Spirit!

 ¹¹Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God. They brought men in to lie about him and what he was teaching. They said he spoke against Moses and against God, but he was talking about a savior coming instead of Moses law.

 ¹²And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council. These false accusations stirred up the crowds against Stephen and they brought him to the head leaders.

 ¹³And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law. The lying witnesses testified against Stephen saying he spoke against the temple and the law of Moses.

 ¹⁴For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us. Remember Stephen's main message was teaching life after death, and the Sadducees did not believe in this.

 ¹⁵And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel. Everyone in the council seen Stephen's face become as radiant as an angel's. (The presence of the Holy Spirit)!

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Acts 7 (This chapter gives an old testament summary)

 ¹Then said the high priest, Are these things so? The high priest asked Stephen if these accusations were true.

 ²And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran. Stephen's reply was; The Glory of God appeared to Abraham (in Iraq), before he moved to Syria. (Abraham, father of many nations).

 ³And said unto him, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and come into the land which I shall shew thee. God told Abraham to leave his native land, and he obeyed God.

 ⁴Then came he out of the land of the Chaldaeans, and dwelt in Charran: and from thence, when his father was dead, he removed him into this land, wherein ye now dwell. Abraham left the land of the Chaldeans and moved to Haran (in Syria), until his father died. Then God brought him to the land of Israel.

 ⁵And he gave him none inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on: yet he promised that he would give it to him for a possession, and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child. God did not give Abraham any property of his own, but promised him that eventually the whole country would belong to him and his descendants. (Even though he had no children). Keep in mind Abraham was around 100 years old and his wife Sarah was around 90 years old at the time.

 ⁶And God spake on this wise, That his seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat them evil four hundred years. God also told Abraham that these descendants of his would leave the land and become slaves in Egypt for 400 years serving Pharaoh.

 ⁷And the nation to whom they shall be in bondage will I judge, said God: and after that shall they come forth, and serve me in this place. But God told Abraham that he will punish the nation that enslaves them, and that his people would return to the land of Israel and worship Him. (Exodus 3:12)

 ⁸And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat the twelve patriarchs. God gave Abraham the ceremony of circumcision as evidence of the covenant between God and the people of Abraham. Isaac the son of Abraham, and Jacob the son of Isaac. Jacob was the father of the twelve patriarchs of the Jewish nation. (The twelve tribes that make up the tribe of Israel).

 ⁹And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him. These men were jealous of Joseph and sold him to be a slave in Egypt. (But Joseph was chosen by God and was with him).

 ¹⁰And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house. God seen to it that Joseph was liked by Pharaoh, and was made governor over Egypt, and put him in charge of all his affairs. (God is in control)!

 ¹¹Now there came a dearth over all the land of Egypt and Chanaan, and great affliction: and our fathers found no sustenance. There came a famine over the land of Egypt and Canaan, and the food of our ancestors was gone.

 ¹²But when Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt, he sent out our fathers first. Jacob heard that there was still some grain in Egypt so he sent his sons.

 ¹³And at the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren; and Joseph's kindred was made known unto Pharaoh. The second trip when they went to Egypt, Joseph revealed himself to his brothers, and introduced them to Pharaoh.

 ¹⁴Then sent Joseph, and called his father Jacob to him, and all his kindred, threescore and fifteen souls. Joseph sent for his father Jacob and all his brothers families to come to Egypt. (Around 75 people in all).

 ¹⁵So Jacob went down into Egypt, and died, he, and our fathers. Jacob came to Egypt and died.

 ¹⁶And were carried over into Sychem, and laid in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Emmor the father of Sychem. Buried in a tomb purchased by Abraham.

 ¹⁷But when the time of the promise drew nigh, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt. The time drew near when God would fulfill His promise to Abraham to free his descendants from slavery. (The Jewish people greatly multiplied in Egypt at this time).

 ¹⁸Till another king arose, which knew not Joseph. But, another king was crowned who had no respect for Joseph and knew nothing about him.

 ¹⁹The same dealt subtilly with our kindred, and evil entreated our fathers, so that they cast out their young children, to the end they might not live. This same king plotted against the Jewish race, forcing parents to abandon their children in the fields. (Exodus 1)

 ²⁰In which time Moses was born, and was exceeding fair, and nourished up in his father's house three months. At this time Moses was born and his parents hid him at home for three months.

 ²¹And when he was cast out, Pharaoh's daughter took him up, and nourished him for her own son. When they could no longer keep him hidden, they had to abandon him, and Pharaoh's daughter found him and adopted him. (Exodus 2)

 ²²And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds. Taught him all the wisdom of the Egyptians and he became a mighty prince. Moses! (Drawn from the water). 

 ²³And when he was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren the children of Israel. One day when he was around 40 years old decided to visit his brothers, the people of Israel. (Moses knew who he really was).

 ²⁴And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged him that was oppressed, and smote the Egyptian. When Moses seen one of his people being mistreated by an Egyptian, he killed the Egyptian. (He would be the savior of those people).

 ²⁵For he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hand would deliver them: but they understood not. Moses thought his brothers would realize that God had sent him to help them, but they didn't. (Moses knew he would save his people).

 ²⁶And the next day he shewed himself unto them as they strove, and would have set them at one again, saying, Sirs, ye are brethren; why do ye wrong one to another? Moses came upon two men of Israel fighting and tried to be a peacemaker between the two.

 ²⁷But he that did his neighbour wrong thrust him away, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge over us? They pretty much told Moses to mind his own business.

 ²⁸Wilt thou kill me, as thou diddest the Egyptian yesterday? Will you kill me like the Egyptian you killed yesterday? (The word really spreads fast).

 ²⁹Then fled Moses at this saying, and was a stranger in the land of Madian, where he begat two sons. Moses fled the country to the land of Midian where he had two sons. This is where Abraham married his wife Keturah. (Genesis 25)

 ³⁰And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush. Forty years later, an angel of the Lord appeared to Moses in the flaming bush. The very presence of the Holy Spirit! (Exodus 3)

 ³¹When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight: and as he drew near to behold it, the voice of the LORD came unto him. Moses wondered what it was and ran towards it.

 ³²Saying, I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Then Moses trembled, and durst not behold. The Lord spoke to Moses and Moses shook with terror and would not look. (What would you do if a bush started talking to you)?

 ³³Then said the Lord to him, Put off thy shoes from thy feet: for the place where thou standest is holy ground. Holy ground because of the presence of the Holy Spirit.

 ³⁴I have seen, I have seen the affliction of my people which is in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send thee into Egypt. God has seen the affliction of His children. It is God that has come down to free His people, not Moses. But, he will use Moses to get the job done.

 ³⁵This Moses whom they refused, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge? the same did God send to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the angel which appeared to him in the bush. Moses was sent to be their ruler and savior by the hand of the angel of the Lord. (The Holy Spirit)

 ³⁶He brought them out, after that he had shewed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red sea, and in the wilderness forty years. By the means of many miracles He led them out of Egypt and through the red sea, and in the wilderness for 40 years. (A probation period of 40 years).

 ³⁷This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear. Moses told the people of Israel, "God will raise up a Prophet from among your brothers." (Deuteronomy 18:15, Isaiah 7:14)

 ³⁸This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us. Moses was the mediator between the people of Israel and the Angel of the Lord who gave them the law of God, "the living Word," on mount Sinai. (The Ten Commands written in stone by the finger of God)!

 ³⁹To whom our fathers would not obey, but thrust him from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt. They rejected Moses and wanted to return to Egypt, even after all the miracles they had witnessed.

 ⁴⁰Saying unto Aaron, Make us gods to go before us: for as for this Moses, which brought us out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him. They told Aaron they wanted to make godly idols to lead them back because Moses was gone four days and they did not think he was coming back. (A bunch of impatient quitters). God does not appreciate quitters and wimps, He likes doers and stand up people!

 ⁴¹And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands. Made a calf-idol and sacrificed to it, rejoicing in what they had made. (Never make anything an idol before God, or you will be in trouble).

 ⁴²Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, O ye house of Israel, have ye offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices by the space of forty years in the wilderness? God turned away from then and let them serve their false idols. They chose a golden calf to worship instead of God. What a bunch of ignorant idiots!

 ⁴³Yea, ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them: and I will carry you away beyond Babylon. Their real interest was in heathen gods and gods of the stars. They worshipped things God had made instead of God Himself. "Because of this, God would send them into captivity far away beyond Babylon."

 ⁴⁴Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed, speaking unto Moses, that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seen. The ancestors carried with them a portable Tabernacle through the wilderness. In it was the Ten Commandments written in stone. (The Arc of the Covenant).

 ⁴⁵Which also our fathers that came after brought in with Jesus into the possession of the Gentiles, whom God drave out before the face of our fathers, unto the days of David. It was Joshua that led the battles against the gentile nations. This tabernacle was taken with them into their new territory. It was used till the time of King David.

 ⁴⁶Who found favour before God, and desired to find a tabernacle for the God of Jacob. God loved David and blessed him. David asked God for the privilege to build a permanent temple for the God of Jacob.

 ⁴⁷But Solomon built him an house. But, it was Solomon who actually built it.

 ⁴⁸Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet. However, God does not live in temples made by human hands. (It is not a fancy building that impresses our Heavenly Father, it is what is being taught).

 ⁴⁹Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest? Heaven is God's house! The earth is just His footstool. What kind of house can you build God? (Isaiah 66:1)

 ⁵⁰Hath not my hand made all these things? After all; God made the Heaven and the earth didn't He?

 ⁵¹Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. Stephen lays it right on the line and calls them a bunch of stiff-necked heathens. Always resisting the Holy Spirit just as your fathers did.

 ⁵²Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers. Guilty of persecuting and killing the prophets who predicted the coming of Messiah, and you also betrayed and killed Him. Speaking of the kenites; the generation of vipers, offspring of the serpent. (Matthew 23:29-39)

 ⁵³Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it. You received the law by the hand of God's angels and you even destroyed that. (Would not listen to the Word of God just as so many today).

 ⁵⁴When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. When the leaders Jewish leaders heard these accusations by Stephen, they were outraged. (Stephen told it like it was)!

 ⁵⁵But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God. Stephen, full of the "Holy Spirit" looked up into heaven and saw the Glory of God and Jesus standing at God's right hand. (Just God letting Stephen know that He was with him).

 ⁵⁶And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. Behold. I see Christ standing at the right hand of God!

 ⁵⁷Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord. They drowned him out shouting with hands over their ears and mobbed Stephen.

 ⁵⁸And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. They drug Stephen out of the city and stoned him. The executioners took of their coats and gave them to Saul to hold. This man Saul would later become Paul the apostle. (How he must of felt later knowing he had a part in the stoning of Stephen).

 ⁵⁹And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. As they stoned Stephen, he prayed to the Lord Jesus to receive his spirit.

 ⁶⁰And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep. Stephen fell to his knees shouting, "Lord don't charge them with this sin." Then he died. (What an awesome summary of the Word by Stephen).

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Acts 8

 ¹And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. Saul (Paul), was in agreement when they stoned Stephen. Great persecution of the believers started that day all through Jerusalem. Everyone but the apostles fled to Judea and Samaria.

 ²And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. But many who loved Stephen came and buried him.

 ³As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. Saul (Paul), went nuts on the church, dragging men and women right out of their homes to arrest them. Remember that Saul, (Paul) was a Roman soldier and he thought what he was doing was right. (God would deal with him later). 

 ⁴Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word. The believers that fled to Jerusalem and Samaria went out and spread the Good News about Jesus.

 ⁵Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. Philip, the father of four daughters which did prophesy, went to Samaria and taught about Jesus Christ.

 ⁶And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. The people listened to Philip teaching the Word because of the miracles he performed with the help of the Holy Spirit.

 ⁷For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. Philip cast out many evil spirits and healed the paralyzed and lame. But again, he knew that it was the Holy Spirit that did the healing.

 ⁸And there was great joy in that city. The joy from the very presence of Christ.

 ⁹But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one. Simon formerly a sorcerer, thought he was a great healer. (Using drugs and familiar spirits for his healings).

 ¹⁰To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God. He had the people thinking he was a great healer, but he was a fraud.

 ¹¹And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries. He had been tricking the people for a long time with his sorceries. And as usual, many believed and followed him. (A little trick here, a little deception there, and people fall all over you).

 ¹²But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. But it was Philips message of the messiah, and the Kingdom of God they believed now, and they were all baptized.

 ¹³Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. Then Simon himself believed Philips message and was baptized. He followed Phillip and was amazed at the miracles he did.

 ¹⁴Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John. When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that the message of God was received, they sent Peter and John to help.

 ¹⁵Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost. When Peter and John arrived, they prayed for the new Christians that they might receive the Holy Spirit. (That same Holy Spirit that was present on Pentecost day).

 ¹⁶For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. The Holy Spirit came upon none of them, but they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. (In the name of Jesus which is necessary when being baptized). Why didn't they receive the Holy Spirit? Maybe they did not totally believe, or their hearts were not right with God.

 ¹⁷Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. When Peter and John laid their hands upon them, they received the Holy Spirit. (It was not by the power of Peter and John, but by the power of the Holy Spirit when they prayed for them and touched them).

 ¹⁸And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money. Simon offered them money for this power to receive the Holy Spirit. (Simony is a term used for one who tries to buy their way to heaven). You can't buy the Holy Spirit, or your way to heaven.

 ¹⁹Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. Simon wanted this power to lay hands on the people so they would receive the Holy Spirit. But, this is something you cannot buy. You must receive it on your own. (This is between you and the Lord Jesus Christ). And don't think that some man today is going to lay hands on you and you will receive the Holy Spirit. (There not one of the Apostles)! It would be the same as if Simon laid hands on you, and Simon was a fraud. (Be careful of someone wanting to lay hands on you for a healing, or something similar).

 ²⁰But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. It is a bad thing to try and buy the gifts of God. It won't happen!

 ²¹Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Simons heart was not right with God, so he could have no part in this. The same goes for anyone today. "If you are not right with God, you will never have the Holy Spirit to help you."

 ²²Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. Turn from your wickedness and repent and maybe God will forgive you. (Trying to buy something from God is a terrible sin). You can't buy you way to heaven!

 ²³For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. There is still jealously and sin in your heart Peter told him.

 ²⁴Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the LORD for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me. Simon asked Peter to pray to God for him. Couldn't even pray to God for himself!

 ²⁵And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans. When Peter and John finished testifying in Samaria, they moved on to many villages on their way back to Jerusalem, preaching the Good News on the way.

 ²⁶And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. But, the angel of the Lord told Philip to go over to the road that runs from Jerusalem through the Gaza desert.

 ²⁷And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship. Philip obeyed the angel of the Lord and went. Coming down the road was a man from Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace the queen. He was going to worship in the temple.

 ²⁸Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet. When the man from Ethiopia was returning in his chariot, he was reading aloud from the book of Isaiah the prophet.

 ²⁹Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. "The Holy Spirit told Phillip to go and walk along beside the chariot."

 ³⁰And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? Philip asked the man; do you understood what you are reading?

 ³¹And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. Of course not the man replied. How can I understand if I have no one to guide me? Then he asked Philip to come and join him.

 ³²The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth. The scripture he was reading was from the book of Isaiah. (Isaiah 53:7) 

 ³³In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth. (Isaiah 53:8)

 ³⁴And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? The eunuch asked Philip. Was Isaiah speaking of himself or someone else?

 ³⁵Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. Philip continued the scripture where the eunuch left off. (Isaiah 53:9-12) He preached to him about Jesus Christ.

 ³⁶And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? They came to a small body of water and the eunuch asked Philip; why can't I be baptized?

 ³⁷And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. You can Philip replied. "If you believe with all your heart." The eunuch replied. "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." (That is what is necessary for baptism).

 ³⁸And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. Philip and the eunuch went down to the water and Philip baptized him. (An example that anyone can be baptized who believes).

 ³⁹And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing. When they came out of the water, Philip was taken by the Holy Spirit, and the eunuch never saw him again, but went on his way rejoicing. (Was Philip taken by the Spirit like Elijah, or did they just depart ways)?

 ⁴⁰But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea. Philip found himself in Azotus (Ashdod today), and he preached the Good News all up and down the Gaza strip as he traveled to Caesarea.

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Acts 9

 ¹And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest. Saul (Paul), with every breath threatened the church to destroy every Christian, went to the High Priest in Jerusalem.

 ²And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. Saul requested a letter from the High Priest addressed to the synagogues in Damascus. He wanted their cooperation in the persecution of any believers so he could bring them to Jerusalem in chains.

 ³And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven. On his way to Damascus, a brilliant light from heaven shined upon him. (Time for God's intervention).

 ⁴And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And Saul fell to the ground when he heard the voice of the Lord! Why are you persecuting me?

 ⁵And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. Who is speaking to me Saul asked? I am the Lord Jesus, the one you are persecuting. Your only hurting yourself when you persecute the church.

 ⁶And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. Get up and go to the city and you will receive further instructions. (When God has a plan for you, you better listen).

 ⁷And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. Those with Saul heard the voice, but did not see anyone and did not understand.

 ⁸And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. When Saul (Paul), got up from the ground, he found that he was blind and could not see. He had to be led to Damascus by the others.

 ⁹And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink. There in Damascus for three days blind, and with no food or water. (Blinded by the very light and effects of God speaking to him).

 ¹⁰And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. The Lord speaking to Ananias in a vision.

 ¹¹And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth. Go over to Straight street and find the house of  man named Judas and ask for Saul of Tarsus.

 ¹²And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. I have shown him a vision of you, Ananias, going to him and laying hands on him that he may see again. (Not only to see by sight, but to also see the light of truth).

 ¹³Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem. This man persecutes the believers, why would you want me to heal him?

 ¹⁴And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. He has permission from the High Priest to arrest all the believers in Damascus.

 ¹⁵But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel. "Do what I say the Lord replied to Ananias." Saul is my chosen vessel (instrument), to take my message to the nations, kings, and people of Israel. (This was God's will for Saul, even though Saul's will was to persecute Christians). God does work in mysterious ways!

 ¹⁶For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. I will show him how much he must suffer for me. 

 ¹⁷And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. So Ananias went to Paul and laid hands on him so that he would receive his sight back and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

 ¹⁸And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. Paul's sight was back and he was baptized.

 ¹⁹And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. Then he ate and was strengthened and stayed with the disciples for a few days. Don't overlook the phrase "received meat" for Paul was also strengthened in the Word.

 ²⁰And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. Paul then went forward to the synagogues to tell everyone the Good News about Jesus Christ. (Paul was familiar with Isaiah 7:14, that a virgin shall conceive, and bear a Son, and they shall call Him Immanuel). Now he knew it for sure!

 ²¹But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests? Those who heard Saul (Paul), were amazed. Isn't this the man who persecuted the believers in Jerusalem? And didn't he come here to arrest them and bring them in chains to the chief priest?

 ²²But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ. The Damascus Jews couldn't withstand Paul's proof that Jesus was the messiah, the very Christ! These Damascus Jews are "Iodus" those who are residents of Judea only. (Jeremiah 35:11)

 ²³And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him. After a while the Jewish leaders wanted to kill him. (The Kenites were there)!

 ²⁴But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him. Paul was wise to their plan to kill him through experience. Remember, Paul  persecuted Christians also, so he knew what they were up to.

 ²⁵Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket. Some of Paul's converts help him escape the city.

 ²⁶And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. The disciples were afraid of Paul and thought he was trying to trick them so he could kill them.

 ²⁷But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. Barnabas brought Paul to the apostles and stood up for him because he had seen that the Lord had spoke to him, converting him, and the proof was in his preaching in the name of Jesus Christ.

 ²⁸And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem. They accepted him and after that he was constantly with the believers. Remember that Saul (Paul), was a great scholar of the old testament.

 ²⁹And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him. Paul preached boldly in the name of Jesus. (He didn't hold anything back). He spoke against the Grecians and they plotted to kill him.

 ³⁰Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus. When the other brethren became aware of this murder plot against Paul, they sent him to Tarsus. 

 ³¹Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied. The church had peace throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria. It grew in strength and numbers and the believers revered the Lord and walked in the comfort of the Holy Spirit.

 ³²And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda. Peter in his travels came to Lydda to visit the believers.

 ³³And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy. Peter met a man who had been paralyzed for eight years.

 ³⁴And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately. Peter told the man that Jesus Christ has healed him, and told the man to get up and make his bed. "And he was instantly healed." (Remember it was Christ that gave the healing, not Peter).

 ³⁵And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord. When the people had seen Aeneas walking around and heard of the healing, they all turned to the Lord.

 ³⁶Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. In Joppa there was a woman named Tabitha, interpreted is Dorcas (Gazelle), who was always doing good things for others, especially the poor.

 ³⁷And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. She became sick and died, and her friends prepared her for burial and laid her in an upstairs room. (She was a very important woman to them).

 ³⁸And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them. They heard Peter was nearby at Lydda and they sent for him to come to Joppa.

 ³⁹Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. When Peter arrived, they took him upstairs where they had laid out Dorcas. All the woman were weeping and boasting of the beautiful clothing Dorcas had made for them.

 ⁴⁰But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. Peter asked them all to leave the room. Then he knelt and prayed; turning to the body and said, "Get up" Dorcas, and she opened her eyes and sat up. (Again, it was God who gave her life through the Holy Spirit, not Peter).

 ⁴¹And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. Peter took her hand and presented her to the believers and the widows.

 ⁴²And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord. The news swept across town and many believed in the Lord. (What a beautiful witness when she came back to life).

 ⁴³And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner. Peter stayed in Joppa for a long time with Simon the tanner. (Just a taste of the wonderful works of our Heavenly Father). Do you believe?

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Acts 10

 ¹There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band. Cornelius was a Roman captain of an Italian regiment.

 ²A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway. He was a Godly man (honest and a convert), as well as the rest of his family.

 ³He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. Around 3:00 pm in the afternoon, he saw in a vision an angel of God coming toward him.

 ⁴And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. Being a little shook-up, he asked the angel what he wanted. God is aware of your prayers and charities.

 ⁵And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter. Send some men to Joppa for a man called Simon Peter.

 ⁶He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do. He is staying with one called Simon the tanner; he will tell you how to be pleasing to God.

 ⁷And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually. Cornelius called on two of his house servants and his personal bodyguard.

 ⁸And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa. He told them what had happened and sent them to Joppa.

 ⁹On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour. The next day when they were nearing the city, Peter went on the rooftop to pray around 12:00 pm. (Lunch time).

 ¹⁰And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance. As lunch was being prepared, Peter fell into a trance. (Devine intervention by God).

 ¹¹And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending upon him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth. Peter saw Heaven open and a great canvas sheet suspended from the sky settled to the ground.

 ¹²Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. In the sheet there were all sorts of unclean animals, snakes and birds, that were forbidden as food for the Jews.

 ¹³And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. Then a voice said to him, "Go kill and eat any of them you wish." Now many will tell you that God is saying here that you can eat anything you want and it won't hurt you. But, was He speaking of something else?

 ¹⁴But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. Never Lord, Peter replied. I have never eaten such creatures that are "common or unclean" and forbidden by Jewish law. (Leviticus 11:4)

 ¹⁵And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. The voice told Peter; Anything that God has cleansed, you do not call common. (We are talking about gentiles here; that we should never call them common or unfit). No one, or no one race is above another in God's eyes.

 ¹⁶This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven. Three times Peter seen the vision.

 ¹⁷Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate. Peter did not understand the vision, and did not know what he was supposed to do. Then the men that Cornelius sent were standing at the gate. In Peters mind, these men at the gate were (gentiles), common people.

 ¹⁸And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there. Is this where Peter lives they asked?

 ¹⁹While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. As Peter was puzzled over the vision; the Holy Spirit told him that the three men were there to see him.

 ²⁰Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them. Go with these gentiles, God has sent them to you.

 ²¹Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come? Peter went to meet the men and asked them what they were here for.

 ²²And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee. The men told Peter that Cornelius the Roman officer, who was a good and just man had sent them when the angel of the Lord told him to do so. This word "nation" used here is "Ethnos" and should be translated; among all the nations (Ethnos), of Judea.

 ²³Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him. Peter put the men up for the night and the next day he went with them, and some of the believers from Joppa followed them.

 ²⁴And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and he had called together his kinsmen and near friends. When Peter arrived in Caesarea the next day, Cornelius was waiting for him with all his relatives.

 ²⁵And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. Cornelius worshipped Peter as a God, but Peter would not let him. (Never worship a man)! Only God is to be worshipped by man! It is a sad situation today the way that so many people will worship a rock star, a priest, the saints, or even the all mighty dollar before God.

 ²⁶But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man. Get up! I am only a man Peter said to Cornelius.

 ²⁷And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together. Peter and Cornelius talked for a while and then went in with the others. (Time for a little bible study).

 ²⁸And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean. Peter explained to them that it was against Jewish law for him to enter the house of a gentile, but that God has shown him in a vision that he should never think of anyone as inferior. (Again, no one, or no one race is above another in God's eyes).

 ²⁹Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me? I came as soon as I was sent for Peter said; so what is it that you want from me.

 ³⁰And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing. An angel of God spoke to me in a vision.

 ³¹And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God. The angel told me that God has remembered your good deeds.

 ³²Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee. The angel told me to send for Simon (Peter), and he will come and speak to you.

 ³³Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God. You came as soon as I sent for you, and we are anxious to hear what you have to say, because you were sent by God.

 ³⁴Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons. Peter told them that he sees very clearly that God has no favorites when it come to the races of people. We are all children of God and He loves us all. He may not love what you are doing, but he loves you. He is your Heavenly Father! (When someone is a believer, never call them common).

 ³⁵But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. In every nation, "Ethnos" (Ethnic people), God has people who worship Him and do His works.

 ³⁶The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) I am sure you have heard the "Good News" for the people of Israel, that there is peace through Jesus Christ. "WHO IS LORD OF ALL CREATIONS." All believers, including gentiles!

 ³⁷That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached. This "Good News" has spread all through Judea, beginning with John the Baptist in Galilee.

 ³⁸How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. Jesus of Nazareth, anointed by the "Holy Spirit" and with power. The Heavenly Father with Him all the time, just as He can be with you. When the Heavenly Father is with you, you have power over the the devil and all fears. 

 ³⁹And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree. The apostles witnessed all Jesus had done throughout the land of Judea, as well as His crucifixion.

 ⁴⁰Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly. The Heavenly Father bringing Him back to life again and showed Him to certain people.

 ⁴¹Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. Showed Him to certain witnesses God had chosen before. Pre-ordained! A chosen vessel to bear His name. (Acts 9:15)

 ⁴²And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. Commanded the apostles to preach the "Good News" to the people and to be a witness that the one who was ordained by God would be the judge of all-living and dead. He went back to all the prisoners. (I Peter 3:18-20)

 ⁴³To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. All the prophets have written about Him, that all who believe in Him will have their sins forgiven through His name. (Isaiah 53:11-12)

 ⁴⁴While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. Even as Peter was saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening.

 ⁴⁵And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. The Jews that were with Peter were amazed because  the gift of the Holy Spirit fell upon the gentiles also. (The whole house of Israel, not just the Jews).

 ⁴⁶For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter. Heard them speak in tongues. (Languages of all present praising God). The same Holy Spirit as on Pentecost day. The Pentecostal tongue, not an un-know tongue. (Acts 2:6-8)

 ⁴⁷Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? Can anyone forbid these who received the Holy Spirit just as we did to be baptized?

 ⁴⁸And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days. So Peter baptized them in the name of Jesus. They wanted Peter to stay with them and pray for several days, wanting more of this truth.

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Acts 11

 ¹And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. It wasn't long before the apostles and brethren in Judea heard that the gentiles were being converted.

 ²And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him. The Jewish leaders argued with Peter because they were used to the old law.

 ³Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them. You fellowshipped and ate with gentiles.

 ⁴But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying. Peter told them the whole story.

 ⁵I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me. Peter told them about the vision he had about the sheet let down by it's four corners from the sky.

 ⁶Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. Inside the sheet were images of unclean animals according to God's health laws.

 ⁷And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat. He heard the voice say kill and eat whatever you wish. (We not talking of food here, but rather about those who love the Lord.)

 ⁸But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth. Peter would not eat anything forbidden by the Jewish laws to keep the body healthy. (Leviticus I,2)

 ⁹But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. Don't call a gentile common; if God excepts him as a believer, he is a Christian.

 ¹⁰And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven. This happened three times before the sheet went into heaven. (Opening salvation up to the gentiles).

 ¹¹And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me. Three men sent by God.

 ¹²And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house. The Holy Spirit told me to go with them and not to worry about them being gentiles.

 ¹³And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter. The angel of the Lord sent messengers to Joppa to find Simon Peter.

 ¹⁴Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved. The angel of the Lord told them how Peter would tell them how they can be saved. (This same Peter who established the first church meeting of 120 people).

 ¹⁵And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. The same "Holy Spirit" that fell upon them on Pentecost day. (Acts 2:6) The true Pentecostal tongue, the "cloven tongue" (out in every direction), giving them the ability to understand all languages.

 ¹⁶Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. Baptized with the "Holy Spirit." In the name of Jesus! (DO NOT BE DECEIVED).

 ¹⁷Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God? It was God who gave the gentiles the same gift of the Holy Spirit as they believed on the Lord Jesus Christ. So, who could argue? (Never argue with our Heavenly Father)!

 ¹⁸When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life. All their questions were answered when they heard this and they held their peace. God gives all who believe upon Him eternal life.

 ¹⁹Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only. Preaching the Word unto "Israel" (Ioudaios),  all residents of Judah, not Jews only.

 ²⁰And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the LORD Jesus. Preached the message of Jesus to the Greeks. (Also know as Hellenes; those who speak in the Greek tongue).

 ²¹And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord. The Lord was with them and their was a large number of Gentiles who became believers.

 ²²Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. When the church at Jerusalem heard what was happening, they sent Barnabas to Antioch to help the new converts. (Barnabas was from Cyprus and spoke the Greek language).

 ²³Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. Barnabas had seen the wonderful things God was doing with the believers and he encouraged them to stay close to the Lord. They now had purpose to serve the Lord!

 ²⁴For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord. Barnabas was a kind person and full of the Holy Spirit and faith. Because of his preaching "guided by the Holy Spirit" many more became believers and were added to the Lord.

 ²⁵Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul. He went to search for Saul. (Paul's name before his conversion).

 ²⁶And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. Both Paul and Barnabas went back to Antioch where they stayed for a full year teaching new converts. (It was in Antioch that the believers were first called Christians).

 ²⁷And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. Even the prophets came down from Jerusalem during this time.

 ²⁸And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. One of these prophets named Agabus stood up and predicted by the Spirit that a great famine was coming to the land of Israel. (It came to pass during the reign of Claudius around A.D. 47).

 ²⁹Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea. They sent relief to the Christians in Judea.

 ³⁰Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul. Giving their gifts to Barnabas and Paul to take to the elders of the church in Jerusalem.

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Acts 12

 ¹Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. King Herod made a move against some of the believers of the Christian church.

 ²And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. He killed the apostle James, John's brother. (Here we king Herod as a type of anti-father).

 ³And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) Herod seen how much this pleased the Jewish leaders when he killed James, so he arrested Peter during the Jewish Passover.

 ⁴And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. Herod had Peter put in prison under guard of sixteen soldiers to keep him. Herod's intensions was to deliver Peter to the Jewish leaders for execution after the "Passover" celebration. Easter here is a miss-translation. (It is "Pascha" in the Greek, Strong's 3957). Passover is the high day of Christianity. Christ became our Passover. (I Corinthians 5:7-8) He was our Passover Lamb that was slain for our sins.

 ⁵Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. All the time Peter was in prison, the other believers of the church were praying to God for him. (Prayer is talking to God, read our newsletter topic on how to pray).

 ⁶And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. The night before Peter was to be executed, he was double bound with chains between two guards with others at the gate. (They didn't want Peter going anywhere).

 ⁷And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. The angel of the Lord appeared and slapped Peter on the side to  wake him. The angel told Peter to rise and the chains fell off. (Devine intervention by God)!

 ⁸And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. The angel of the Lord told Peter to get dressed and put on his shoes and follow him.

 ⁹And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision. Peter left the cell and followed the angel of the Lord thinking it was all a dream.

 ¹⁰When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him. They passed the first and second cell blocks and came to the main gate to the street, and it opened. They both walked out of the prison and down the street and then the angel left Peter.

 ¹¹And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the LORD hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews. Peter then realized that it was not a dream and that the Lord sent an angel to free him from the hand of Herod and people of Judea. (Herod Antipas, "anti-father," or type of anti-Christ). Jesus referred to him as a "fox" in the book of Luke. (Luke 13:31-33)

 ¹²And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying. After a little thought Peter went to the house of Mary, mother of John Mark, where many gathered for prayer. (Mark being the author of the book of Mark).

 ¹³And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda. As Peter knocked at the door, a girl named Rhoda heard the knock.

 ¹⁴And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate. She heard the voice of Peter and rather than open the door, she was so glad that he was here that she ran in the other room to tell the others.

 ¹⁵And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel. They didn't believe her and thought she was crazy. They prayed for Peter to be released, but didn't believe he was free. They thought he was killed and it was his angel.

 ¹⁶But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished. Peter continued to knock at the door, and when they finally answered, they couldn't believe it and were astonished. Is there a little deeper meaning here? And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. (Luke 11:9-10) When God's work is involved, doors will always open for you.

 ¹⁷But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place. Peter told them to quiet down and told them what had happened. He told them to tell James and the others what had happened, and left town to a safer place.

 ¹⁸Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter. The jailers were a little nervous now that they found Peter missing from the jail. What happened to Peter? How do we explain this?

 ¹⁹And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode. When Herod sent for Peter and found out that he was missing, he had all sixteen guards arrested, court-martialed and sentenced to death. Herod then left Judea and went to Caesarea for a while.

 ²⁰And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king's country. When Herod was in Caesarea, a delegation from Tyre and Sidon came to see him. (Tyre being the land of the Kenites). Herod didn't really care for the people of those cities, but the delegates made friends with Blastus the king's royal secretary. The people of Tyre and Sidon wanted peace because they were economically dependent on trade with Herod's country. (This was a world trading place).

 ²¹And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them. Herod put on the royal robes (looking so holy), sat on his throne and made a speech to them. A type of anti-Christ claiming to be God! (II Thessalonians 2:4)

 ²²And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. They gave him a standing ovation, shouting, It is the voice of God. (Watch out now)!

 ²³And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost. Struck dead with a sickness and eaten by the maggots from within. (Just as the false Christ goes into the pit and is turned into ashes from within). Why did this happen to Herod? Because he accepted the peoples worship instead of giving the glory to God!

 ²⁴But the word of God grew and multiplied. God's Good News spread and there were many new believers.

 ²⁵And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark. Barnabas and Paul returned to Antioch and took that young boy John Mark with them.

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Acts 13

 ¹Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. The prophets and teachers of the church of Antioch were Barnabas, Symeon (called the black man), Lucius (from Cyrene, Paul, and Manaen (the foster-brother of King Herod who was converted to Christianity). God uses who ever He wills. 

 ²As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. The Holy Spirit sent Barnabas and Paul on a special message.

 ³And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. The others prayed for them and sent them on their way.

 ⁴So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus. Guided by the Holy Spirit they went to Seleucia and then Cyprus. (This is where the Hellenist or Greek speaking people were).

 ⁵And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister. They went to the Jewish synagogues and taught the Word of God, and Mark John was with them as their assistant.

 ⁶And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus. Paphos, sometimes referred to as Pafos, is a coastal city in the southwest of Cyprus and the capital of Paphos District. (It was a hot spot - full of fire). Here they met a sorcerer (false prophet), a Jew named Barjesus. This word sorcerer used here is ("Magos" Greek Strong's G-3097 Magian, that is, Oriental scientist; a magician).

 ⁷Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God. He got close with the governor Sergius Paulus who wanted to hear the Word of God from Paul and Barnabas.

 ⁸But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. But, the sorcerer Elymas (his name in the Greek), told the governor Sergius Paulus not to listen to what Paul and Barnabas had to say about trusting in the Lord.

 ⁹Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him. But Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, angrily stared him down.

 ¹⁰And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? You son of the devil Paul said; you use every sort of trickery and villainy and are the enemy of all that is good. Will you never stop opposing the Lord?

 ¹¹And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand. God has laid His hand upon you and you will be blinded awhile for your punishment. In an instant, he was blinded and felt around for someone to lead him by the hand. (Don't mess around with the Word of God)! False teachings will get you into trouble.

 ¹²Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord. When the governor saw what had happen to him, he believed in the power of God's message.

 ¹³Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem. Paul and those with him left Paphos by ship for Turkey, landing at the port of Perga. John left them and headed back to Jerusalem.

 ¹⁴But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down. Paul and Barnabas went on to Antioch, a city in the province of Pisidia. Here they attended a service in the synagogue on the Sabbath day.

 ¹⁵And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on. After the usual reading from the books of Moses and the prophets, they asked Paul and Barnabas if they had anything to add for the people to hear.

 ¹⁶Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience. Paul stood up and gave a greeting and said. Men of Israel, and all who reverence God; let me start with a little history.

 ¹⁷The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high arm brought he them out of it. The God of the nation Israel chose our ancestors and honored them in Egypt by leading them out of slavery. (Same message as Stephen's in Acts chapter 7).

 ¹⁸And about the time of forty years suffered he their manners in the wilderness. He took care of them during 40 years in the wilderness.

 ¹⁹And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Chanaan, he divided their land to them by lot. Gave Israel their land as an inheritance.

 ²⁰And after that he gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet. Judges ruled for about 450 years, and were followed by Samuel the prophet.

 ²¹And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years. They wanted a king, so God gave them Saul (son of Kish), from the tribe of Benjamin, and he reigned for 40 years.

 ²²And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave their testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will. God removed him and gave them David (son of Jesse) to be their king. (A man after God's own heart).

 ²³Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus. A descendant of King David, God raised up Jesus, the savior of Israel!

 ²⁴When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. Before Christ, there was John the Baptist, who preached "repent and turn away from sin."

 ²⁵And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose. John was not the Messiah like they thought, but told them of the coming Messiah (Jesus), whose shoes on His feet, he was not worthy to wear.

 ²⁶Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent. This salvation is for the son's of Abraham as well as the gentiles. Whom so-ever will!

 ²⁷For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him. Jerusalem and their leaders crucified Him because they did not know Him, or realize that He was the one that the prophets had written about. (Written by the prophets 1,000 years before His crucifixion in Psalms 22).

 ²⁸And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain. They found no just reason to kill Him, but asked Pilate to have Him killed anyway. (The voice of the Kenites; Crucify Him)!

 ²⁹And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre. When it was fulfilled by the prophecies concerning Hid death, He was taken from the cross and placed in a tomb.

 ³⁰But God raised him from the dead. God brought Him back to life again. (Psalm 23, the resurrection).

 ³¹And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people. Seen many times by the ones who accompanied Him to Jerusalem, (Christ was with them 40 days after His resurrection). 10 days later He sent them the Holy Spirit!

 ³²And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers. The promise to the ancestors has come true. (God always keeps His word).

 ³³God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee. God brought Jesus back to life again just as promised, and was written in Psalm 2.

 ³⁴And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David. Brought Him back to life never to die again. Giving us the same promise as He gave to King David. (Isaiah 55:3)

 ³⁵Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. God said in another Psalm, He would not let His holy ones see corruption. (Psalms 16:10, 49:9) Christ would not go into the grave. He was transfigured!

 ³⁶For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption. David died, was buried, and his body decayed.

 ³⁷But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption. God brought those back to life and their bodies were not touched by the ravages of death. (They saw no corruption)! Like on the mount of transfiguration with "Elijah the prophet, Mosses the law, and Christ the Savior."

 ³⁸Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins. In this man Jesus, there is forgiveness for your sins. Christ was sent to fulfill the law; And upon repentance, your sins are forgiven.

 ³⁹And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses. Everyone who trusts in Him is free from all guilt and declared righteous. The old Jewish law could never do this. Why? Because man cannot obey the law!

 ⁴⁰Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets. Don't let the prophets words apply to you!

 ⁴¹Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you. Look and perish, you despisers of the truth. I am going to do something in your day that you won't believe when you hear it. (Habakkuk 1:5-10) It's coming to this world today, so get ready!

 ⁴²And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath. As the people left the synagogue that day, they asked Paul to return the following week and speak again. They wanted more of the Word!

 ⁴³Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God. The Jews and gentiles alike followed Paul and Barnabas down the street as they urged them to accept the mercies God was offering.

 ⁴⁴And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God. The whole city came to hear the Word of God! (Not a bunch of dribble from man).

 ⁴⁵But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming. The Jews saw the crowds that Paul's teachings drew (with the help of the Holy Spirit) and they were angry and jealous. (Denominations and organizations get angry when you step on their doctrines of men and teach truth).

 ⁴⁶Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. Paul and Barnabas told the Jews straight up. If you don't want the Good News from God and reject it, you show yourselves not worthy of eternal life. We will offer the Good News to the gentiles!

 ⁴⁷For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth. This is as the Lord commanded. I have made you a light to the gentiles, to lead them from the farthest corners of the earth to my salvation. Paul quoting from the old testament. (Isaiah 49:6)

 ⁴⁸And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed. The gentiles rejoiced and glorified Paul's message as they believed in the Word of the Lord.

 ⁴⁹And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region. The Word of the Lord spread all through the region.

 ⁵⁰But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts. Then the leaders stirred up the women and residents of Judea and ran Paul and Barnabas out of town. (Stir up the women and they will turn against you).

 ⁵¹But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium. They shook of the dust and went on their way. (When they do not listen and do not want the truth, don't waste your time on them spiritually).

 ⁵²And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost. All the converts were filled with the Holy Spirit.

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Acts 14

 ¹And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed. When Paul and Barnabas were in Iconium, they went to the synagogue and preached with power, and many of the Jews and Gentiles were converted. (With power of the Holy Spirit)!

 ²But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren. Who are the unbelieving Jews stirring up all the trouble? (More than likely it was the Kenites).

 ³Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands. Paul and Barnabas stayed for a long time preaching boldly in the area anyway. Proving their message was from God by performing great miracles. (The power of the Holy Spirit at work).

 ⁴But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles. Half of the people agreed with the Jewish leaders and the others backed the apostles. "A divided people." That could never happen in this country, could it? 

 ⁵And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them. Paul and Barnabas discovered a plot among both the Jews and Gentiles to stone them. (Now Paul was on the chopping block). The same thing that happened to Peter as he stood by and watched him being stoned to death.

 ⁶They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about. After they discovered the plot to kill them, they fled for their lives and went to Lycaonia, Lystra, Derbe, and surrounding areas. (Keep in mind that Lycaonia is known as the wolf land)!

 ⁷And there they preached the gospel. They still continued to preach the Good News of Jesus Christ.

 ⁸And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked. A man that was paralyzed from birth.

 ⁹The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed. The man listened to Paul speak and Paul could tell that this man had the faith to be healed. (A true believer).

 ¹⁰Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked. Paul looked at the man and said; Stand up! The man leaped to his feet and started walking.

 ¹¹And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men. The people seen what just took place and thought that Paul and Barnabas were God's. (They actually thought it was Paul who did the healing and left out the Holy Spirit).

 ¹²And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker. They thought that Paul was the god of Mercury and Barnabas the god of Jupiter. (Big mistake)!

 ¹³Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people. They were going to sacrifice to Paul and Barnabas as if they were god's. (A bigger mistake)!

 ¹⁴Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out. When Paul and Barnabas saw what was happening, they ripped off their clothes and ran out among the people. (No... they were not streakers; they just wanted the people to see that they were human).

 ¹⁵And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein. What are you doing Paul replied. We are just men like you, not gods! We have come to bring you the Good News and invite you to turn from these foolish things. Pray to the living God who made the heavens, earth and sea, and all thing in it.

 ¹⁶Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. In the past, He permitted the nations to go their own ways.

 ¹⁷Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness. God never left Himself without a witness to these kind things that He did, such as sending rain, good crops and filling your hearts with gladness. (God always takes care of His children)!

 ¹⁸And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them. But, they still could not keep the people from worshipping them when they should be worshipping the living God.

 ¹⁹And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead. Just a few days later some certain Jews arrived from Antioch and Iconium and stirred up the crowds. They stoned Paul and dragged him out of the town leaving him for dead.

 ²⁰Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe. As the believers stood around Paul, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he left town with Barnabas for Derbe. (When your on a mission from God, He will take care of you).

 ²¹And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch. After preaching The God News to that city, making many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch.

 ²²Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. They helped the believers to grow in their love for God and each other. Encouraging them to continue in the faith, even during persecution. This is how you enter the Kingdom of God!

 ²³And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. Paul and Barnabas appointed elders in every church and prayed for them.

 ²⁴And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. Traveled back through Pisidia (north of Lycia), to Pamphylia, (modern day Turkey).

 ²⁵And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia. Preached The Good News in Perga, then went to Attalia. (City on the Mediterranean coast of southwestern Turkey).

 ²⁶And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled. Then they returned by ship to Antioch where they began from on their mission from God.

 ²⁷And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles. When they arrived, they called all the believers together and reported to them how God had opened the door of faith to the gentiles too. (They gave God all the credit).

 ²⁸And there they abode long time with the disciples. Stayed with the believers in Antioch for quite a long time. (Building the faith of the believers with the Good News)!

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Acts 15

 ¹And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved. While Paul and Barnabas were in Antioch, some men from Judea (Legalist of the old law) arrived and started to teach the believers that unless one is not circumcised, they could not be saved. (Colossians 2:8-17)

 ²When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question. After arguing a while on the subject, Paul and Barnabas were sent up to Jerusalem to talk with the apostles about the matter.

 ³And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren. On the way to Jerusalem they stopped by Phenice and Samaria to visit some of the believers, telling them that the gentiles were being converted also.

 ⁴And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them. They reported to the others about what God had been doing through their ministry.

 ⁵But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. Some that were Pharisees before they were converted declared that all gentiles must be circumcised and follow the Jewish customs and ceremonies.

 ⁶And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter. They came together for a discussion.

 ⁷And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. Peter stood up and said to the others; God chose me from long ago to preach the Good News to the gentiles, so that they could also believe. (Acts 2)

 ⁸And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us. God has given the gentiles the Holy Spirit, just as he did for us.

 ⁹And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. God cleansed their lives through faith just as He did ours. (No difference).

 ¹⁰Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? Don't burden the gentiles with a yoke that we were not able to bear.

 ¹¹But we believe that through the grace of the LORD Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. All are saved the same way, by the free gift of God.

 ¹²Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them. The discussion was over, and Paul and Barnabas told them about all the miracles God had done through them among the gentiles. (Remember it is God doing the miracles, not man).

 ¹³And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me. When they finished, James stood up and said; Brothers, listen to me.

 ¹⁴Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. Peter told you about God visiting the gentiles to take from them people to honor His name.

 ¹⁵And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written. The fact that the gentiles were converted agrees with what the prophets predicted. (Isaiah 11:10)

 ¹⁶After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up. I will renew the broken contract with David. (Amos 9:11)

 ¹⁷That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things. So that the gentiles (whom so-ever will) also find the Lord.

 ¹⁸Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. The Lord revealing His plan right from the beginning.

 ¹⁹Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God. Don't insist that the gentiles who turn to God need to be bothered with our Jewish laws.

 ²⁰But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood. However, they should obey the health laws.

 ²¹For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day. Speaking of the law of Moses.

 ²²Then pleased it the apostles and elders with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas and Silas, chief men among the brethren. The apostles and elders along with the whole congregation sent Judas and Silas to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas as delegates to report on this decision.

 ²³And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia. They took a written letter with them from the apostles and elders at Jerusalem.

 ²⁴Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment. These men who troubled you with their teachings came on their own accord, they were not sent by us.

 ²⁵It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul. We sent you representatives with along with Paul and Barnabas.

 ²⁶Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. They stuck to the Word and risked their lives for the Lord Jesus Christ.

 ²⁷We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth. Sent to confirm what they have decided about their question.

 ²⁸For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things. To give you no greater burden than these few requirements from the law.

 ²⁹That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well. Abstain from food offered to idols, blood or meat from strangled animals, and from sexual immorality (Harlotry, adultery, incest, idolatry).

 ³⁰So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle. The four messengers went to Antioch, called a general meeting and gave them the letter.

 ³¹Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation. They read the letter and they all rejoiced.

 ³²And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them. Judas and Silas were both gifted speakers who preached to the believers, strengthening their faith.

 ³³And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles. Judas and Silas stayed several days and went with the apostles.

 ³⁴Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still. Silas was against it, but it still pleased him to stay in Antioch.

 ³⁵Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also. Paul and Barnabas stayed at Antioch to assist the others who were teaching there.

 ³⁶And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the LORD, and see how they do. Paul suggested to Barnabas that they return to Turkey, and visit each city where they had preached the Word to see how the new believers were doing. (The Holy Spirit sent them on a mission from God)!

 ³⁷And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. Barnabas wanted to take John Mark with them.

 ³⁸But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. Paul didn't like the idea since John Mark deserted them in Pamphylia.

 ³⁹And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus. They disagreed on this matter and split up. Barnabas took Mark with him and went to Cyprus. (The Holy Spirit divided them for a reason).

 ⁴⁰And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God. Paul took Silas with the blessings of the believers.

 ⁴¹And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches. They left for Syria and Cilicia, to encourage the churches there.

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Acts 16

 ¹Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek. Paul and Silas went to Derbe and then on to Lystra where they met Timothy. Son of a Jewish woman and Greek father. (A Hellenist is of the Greek culture, but still under Roman rule and a Roman citizen).

 ²Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium. Timothy was well liked by the brethren at Lystra and Iconium.

 ³Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek. Paul asked Timothy to join them on their mission, and circumcised him because of the Jews that were present. (They knew that Timothy's father was a Greek).

 ⁴And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem. They were teaching the Word of God.

 ⁵And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily. The church grew in faith and numbers. (When you teach the truth of the Word, your ministry will grow).

 ⁶Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia. Now when Paul, Silas and Timothy traveled through Phrygia and Galatia, the Holy Spirit told them not to go into the Turkish province of Asia (Asia Minor) at the time.

 ⁷After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not. Traveling along the borders of Mysia, they headed north towards the province of Bithynia, but again the Holy Spirit told them not to go there. (Bithynia was an ancient region of Anatolia and Roman province in the northwest of Asia Minor).

 ⁸And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas. So they went through Mysia province to the city of Troas.

 ⁹And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us. Paul had a vision in a dream and he saw a man over in Macedonia, Greece, pleading with him to come over and help them. (It has been suggested that Paul had met Luke, and that it was Luke that was seen in Paul's vision). Luke was doing most of the scribing for Paul at this time.

 ¹⁰And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them. They came to the conclusion that the Lord wanted them to go into Macedonia and preach the Good News.

 ¹¹Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis. They took a boat at Troas, and sailed straight across to Samothrace and Neapolis.

 ¹²And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days. They finally reached Philippi, a Roman colony just inside the Macedonian border.

 ¹³And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither. On the Sabbath, they went outside the city to a river bank where some people met for prayer. (Most of them were women).

 ¹⁴And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. One of the women named Lydia, who was a saleswomen from Thyatira, who sold purple clothing. She was a worshipper of God and listened and accepted the teachings of Paul.

 ¹⁵And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us. She was baptized along with her whole household, and asked them to be her guests; if they agreed that she was faithful to the Lord.

 ¹⁶And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying. She was a demon possessed (serpent spirit) fortune teller (soothsayer) that earned money for her master.

 ¹⁷The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. Followed Paul and the others shouting. Probably a little on the sarcastic side.

 ¹⁸And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour. Paul commanded the demon out of her in Jesus name. (We have power over evil spirits in Jesus name).

 ¹⁹And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers. Their livelihood was at stake here and they wanted Paul and Silas stopped.

 ²⁰And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city. The whole city is in an uproar over these Jews.

 ²¹And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans. Their teaching customs that are illegal for us Romans to practice. (Keep in mind that Paul was a Roman citizen). It is said that "Silas" was a Roman citizen like Paul. ( Also known as Silvanus, a Roman cognomen meaning “wood,” and the same name as the Roman god Silvanus).

 ²²And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them. A mob quickly formed and the officials ordered them to be stripped of their clothes and beaten with wooden rods. (They broke the law by beating a Roman citizen without a trial).

 ²³And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely. They were cast into prison and the jailer was held responsible that they did not escape.

 ²⁴Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. The jailer put them into the inner dungeon and clamped their feet in chains. (He did not want them to escape or it would be his but on the line).

 ²⁵And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. They prayed to the Lord and the other prisoners understood with belief.

 ²⁶And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed. Here we have direct intervention of the Holy Spirit that caused the earthquake and freed the prisoners.

 ²⁷And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. The jailer woke up and assumed the prisoners had all escaped and wanted to kill himself. (It would have been a death sentence for him anyway).

 ²⁸But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here. Paul cried out to him to stop! Don't kill yourself, we are all here.

 ²⁹Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas. The jailer called for a light to see and entered the jail trembling. (He didn't know what to expect).

 ³⁰And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? The jailer brought them out of the prison and asked Paul and Silas what he must do to be saved. (Sometimes it takes a little shaking up for one to become a believer).

 ³¹And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And so it is; All who believe upon the Lord Jesus Christ shall be saved.

 ³²And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. Paul and Silas shared the Word with him and his whole family. (The whole family becoming believers and wanted to be saved).

 ³³And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. The jailer cared for their wounds and him and his whole family were baptized.

 ³⁴And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house. The jailer fed them and they all rejoiced because they all believed in God. (The whole household converted by the Holy Spirit).

 ³⁵And when it was day, the magistrates sent the serjeants, saying, Let those men go. The next morning, the officials sent the police to tell the jailer to let them go. (All arranged by the Holy Spirit). When God wants to turn heads and change minds, He does it. God is in control!

 ³⁶And the keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul, The magistrates have sent to let you go: now therefore depart, and go in peace. The officials told me to let you and Silas free. Go in peace!

 ³⁷But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out. Paul said; "No way." They broke the law by having us beaten and thrown in jail without a trial. We are Roman citizens! Let them come themselves to release us. Paul knew how the Romans persecuted Christians (He was a Roman soldier himself), and He wanted to protect them by not being so quick to judge Christians in the future.

 ³⁸And the serjeants told these words unto the magistrates: and they feared, when they heard that they were Romans. When the police became aware they were Roman citizens, they got a little nerves. (They knew they messed up)!

 ³⁹And they came and besought them, and brought them out, and desired them to depart out of the city. They came to the jail and apologized to them and begged them to leave the city.

 ⁴⁰And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed. So, Paul and Silas left the city and returned to Lydia. There they met with the other believers and encouraged them once more.

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Acts 17

 ¹Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews. Paul and Silas traveled through the cities and came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue.

 ²And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures. It was Paul's custom to go there and preach on the Sabbath days teaching the Word.

 ³Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ. Paul explained the prophecies about the sufferings of Jesus and His coming back to life, proving He was the Messiah. (The Anointed One).

 ⁴And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few. Many of the Greeks believed and became converts along with many important women of the city.

 ⁵But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people. On course the Jewish leaders were jealous and incited some unbelievers from the streets to start a riot. Attacking the home of Jason, planning to take Paul and Silas to the city council for punishment.

 ⁶And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also. They did not find Paul or Silas, so they took Jason and some of the other believers before the council instead. (They were accusing Paul and Silas of turning things upside down). They were drawing people away from the religionist by teaching the truth and they did not like it.

 ⁷Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus. The religionist were trying to say that Paul and Silas were claiming that Christ was another earthly king instead of Caesar. "Christ never claimed to be an earthly king such as Caesar." (Luke 20:25, Mark 12:17). However, He would become King of King's and Lord of Lord's. (Revelation 17:14, 19:16, I Timothy 6:15).

 ⁸And they troubled the people and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things. The people and the judges of the city were concerned of these reports.

 ⁹And when they had taken security of Jason, and of the other, they let them go. They let Jason and the other believers go after they posted bail.

 ¹⁰And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. Paul and Silas left for Berea (also known as Beroea), and headed for the synagogue to preach.

 ¹¹These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. The people of Berea were more open minded and listened to the teachings of Paul and Silas. Why? Because they searched the scriptures and found out what they were teaching was true. A good lesson for all of us! (Never believe any man or women without checking them out in the Word of God).

 ¹²Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few. As a result, many of the prominent Greek men and women believed also.

 ¹³But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people. But as usual, when the Jews of Thessalonica heard that Paul was preaching the Word in Berea, they went to stir up trouble. (You will always have some trouble when you teach the truth).

 ¹⁴And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode there still. The believers acted quickly and sent Paul to the coast, while Silas and Timothy stayed behind to keep the Word going.

 ¹⁵And they that conducted Paul brought him unto Athens: and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed, they departed. Those who went with Paul brought him to Athens and then returned to Berea to get Silas and Timothy because they were needed there. (The Word was really needed there).

 ¹⁶Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry. Paul was troubled because of all the idols he saw throughout the city.

 ¹⁷Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him. Paul went to the synagogues for teaching with the Jews and the devout Gentiles, and spoke in the public square to all who would listen.

 ¹⁸Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection. When Paul met with some of the Epicureans and Stoic philosophers, their reaction when Paul told them about Jesus and the resurrection was; "He is pushing some foreign religion."

 ¹⁹And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is? But, they invited Paul to the forum at Mars Hill to hear more about this new doctrine. (Here is a place that anything goes when it came to teaching).

 ²⁰For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean. They never heard this doctrine before and wanted to hear more.

 ²¹(For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.) Everyone here spends their time discussing their new ideas. (Always some new doctrine of men, never quite getting to the truth of Christianity). Sound familiar? How is your church doing?

 ²²Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. Paul addressed them saying; I see that you are very religious.

 ²³For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. I found an altar "To The Unknown God." One you have been worshipping without knowing who he is. Know I will tell you about him.

 ²⁴God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands. God made the world and everything in it, and is the Lord of Heaven and earth. However, He does not live in man-made temples. (He is not an image or house, but He is real)!

 ²⁵Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things. You can't minister to His needs, for He gives life and breath to everything.

 ²⁶And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation. This should be translated; He created all the nations from the soil (clay) of the earth. God formed man from organic material, not blood! (Genesis 2:7)

 ²⁷That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us. His purpose is that they should seek after God. Even though He is not far away from us.

 ²⁸For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. For in Him we live and have our being. We are the sons of God!

 ²⁹Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device. If this is true, we should not think of God as an image or idol made from men. (God is real)!

 ³⁰And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent. God tolerated mans ignorance in the past about these things, but know He commands us to put away these man made idols and to worship only Him.

 ³¹Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. He has set a day for justly judging the world through Christ, and pointed Him out by bringing Him back to life again.

 ³²And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter. When Paul spoke of the resurrection of this one man (Christ), some laughed at him, while others wanted to hear more later.

 ³³So Paul departed from among them. So Paul ended his discussion with them.

 ³⁴Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them. However, a few joined Paul and became believers. Dionysius, (a member of city council), a woman named Damaris, and those who were with them.

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Acts 18

 ¹After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth. Moved on to Corinth. (Capital of Corinthia and a powerful commercial center).

 ²And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them. There Paul met a Jew named Aquila who had recently arrived from Italy with his wife Priscilla. (Under the order of Claudius Caesar to deport all Jews from Rome).

 ³And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers. They were tent makers just like Paul.

 ⁴And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks. Paul preached to the Jews and Greeks every Sabbath at the synagogue.

 ⁵And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ. After the arrival of Silas and Timothy Paul spent his time testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah.

 ⁶And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean; from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles. The Jews opposed Paul's teachings and Paul just shook the dust from his robe and told them that their blood was upon their own heads. They would not listen to him, so Paul said that from now on he would preach to the gentiles. (When people do not want to hear the truth of the Word, don't waist you time with them). There are many people who are starving for truth that will listen.

 ⁷And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man's house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue. Paul stayed with Titus Justus, a Gentile who worshipped God and lived next to the synagogue.

 ⁸And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized. However, Crispus, the leader of the synagogue, and all his household believed in the Lord and they were all baptized along with many others in Corinth.

 ⁹Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace. The Lord told Paul in a vision not to be afraid. To speak out with the truth and don't stop.

 ¹⁰For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city. God was with Paul, and many people in the city that believed would protect him.

 ¹¹And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. So Paul remained their for the next year and a half, teaching the truths of God Word.

 ¹²And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat. When Gallio became governor of Achaia, the Jews rose against Paul and brought him before Gallio for judgment.

 ¹³Saying, This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law. They accused Paul of teaching men to worship God in ways that were contrary to Roman law.

 ¹⁴And when Paul was now about to open his mouth, Gallio said unto the Jews, If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O ye Jews, reason would that I should bear with you. Gallio said to the Jews that he would be glad to hear their case, if it was involving some crime against Paul.

 ¹⁵But if it be a question of words and names, and of your law, look ye to it; for I will be no judge of such matters. But, don't bother me with your silly Jewish laws. (The Romans thought that religion was a bunch of superstition at this time).

 ¹⁶And he drave them from the judgment seat. Gallio wanted nothing to do with it and drove them out of the courtroom. (The Holy Spirit in control of the situation).

 ¹⁷Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. And Gallio cared for none of those things. Then the mob took Sosthenes, (the new leader of the synagogue), and beat him outside the synagogue. (Gallio didn't care less).

 ¹⁸And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow. After that, Paul said bye to the Christians and sailed for the coast of Syria, taking Priscilla and Aquila with him.

 ¹⁹And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews. When he came to Ephesus, Paul went to the synagogue for a discussion with the Jews.

 ²⁰When they desired him to tarry longer time with them, he consented not. They wanted Paul to stay a while, but he felt that he had no time to lose.

 ²¹But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus. Paul wanted to arrive in Jerusalem in time for the holiday. But, he promised to return if it be God's will. (Always do things in God's will when your working for Him).

 ²²And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up, and saluted the church, he went down to Antioch. When Paul reached the port of Caesarea, he visited the church there and then sailed to Antioch.

 ²³And after he had spent some time there, he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples. After preaching the Word there for a while, Paul left for Turkey, going through Galatia and Phrygia encouraging the believers to grow in the Lord.

 ²⁴And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. A Jew named Apollos, who was a believer and well equipped in the scriptures, arrived in Ephesus from Alexandria in Egypt.

 ²⁵This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. He was familiar with the teachings of John the Baptist about Jesus, but that is all he knew.

 ²⁶And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly. He preached boldly in the synagogue that "The Messiah is coming! Get ready to receive Him!" Priscilla and Aquila heard him preach and after his powerful sermon, met with him and explained to him what had happened to Jesus since the time of John.

 ²⁷And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace. Apollos went to Greece with the encouragement of the believers. When he arrived he was welcome and was greatly used by God to strengthen the church.

 ²⁸For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publicly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ. He convinced the Jews in public debates, and by the scriptures, he showed them that Jesus was indeed the Messiah. (Refuted all the Jewish arguments by showing them in the scriptures). The Word of God changes minds and lives.

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Acts 19

 ¹And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples. Paul went on the road again to Ephesus and met up with several disciples.

 ²He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. Paul asked them; Did received the Holy Spirit when they became believers? No, they replied, what is the Holy Spirit?

 ³And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. What belief did you acknowledge when you were baptized? We believed what John the Baptist taught.

 ⁴Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. Paul explained to them that those receiving his baptism must go on to believe in Jesus. John told them that Jesus would be the one to come later as the Messiah.

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

 ⁶And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. Paul laid his hand upon their head and the Holy Spirit came upon them. They spoke in other languages and prophesied. (This would be the same Holy Spirit like on Pentecost day). It was a cloven (thoroughly distributed) tongue, not an unknown tongue. Everyone heard the prophecies in their own dialect or language. (Acts 2:3-8)

 ⁷And all the men were about twelve. Twelve disciples were present.

 ⁸And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God. Paul preached boldly in the synagogue each Sabbath day for the next three months telling them what he believed and why. With his boldness, (not holding anything back), Paul persuaded many to believe in Jesus.

 ⁹But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus. Some rejected Paul's teachings and publicly spoke against Christ, so Paul left and refused to preach to them again. Paul took the believers and started his own meeting right in the main lecture hall of Tyrannus.

 ¹⁰And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks. For the next two years Paul preached the Good News to everyone in the Turkish province of Ausia. Both Jews and Greeks heard the Lords message.

 ¹¹And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul. God gave Paul the power through the Holy Spirit to perform wonderful miracles among the people.

 ¹²So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them. Even when parts of his clothes were placed upon the sick, they were healed, and demons came out of them. (Remember it was God doing the healing, not Paul).

 ¹³Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the LORD Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth. Then certain vagabond Jews (residents of Judah), probably Kenites, and were known for casting out demons, planned to experiment. They were going to try and use the name of Jesus like Paul. (Big mistake for an unbeliever to try). You can't con God!

 ¹⁴And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. It was a Jewish priest that was going to try an exorcism.

 ¹⁵And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? When he tried it on a man that was possessed by a demon, the demon replied that he knew Jesus and Paul. Then the demon asked; who are you? This demon wasn't afraid of this priest. We as believers have power over Satan and his demons, (Luke 10:19), but these guys had nothing.

 ¹⁶And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. This demon leaped out of the man and onto the two exorcist and tore them up, so that they fled form the house naked and badly injured. (Don't mess with demons if your not a true believer and have God on your side).

 ¹⁷And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. The story of what happened spread quickly all through Ephesus to both Jews and the Greeks, and fear descended on the city. Then the name of the Lord was greatly honored.

 ¹⁸And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds. Many that believed came to confess their deeds.

 ¹⁹Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. Thos who used black magic also confessed their evil deeds and burned their books and charms in a public bonfire. (Around $10,000 in value).

 ²⁰So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed. The whole area was stirred up by the Word of God. (Always teach the truth of the Word).

 ²¹After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome. Paul was impelled by the Holy Spirit to go to Greece, before returning to Jerusalem. After that he said that he must go to Rome.

 ²²So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season. Paul sent his two assistants, Timothy and Erastus ahead to Greece. Paul stayed a while longer in Asia. (God was needed there).

 ²³And the same time there arose no small stir about that way. There was some trouble stirring up concerning the Christians in Ephesus.

 ²⁴For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen. The trouble started with Demetrius, who was a silversmith that employed many craftsmen. There main product was making silver shrines of the Greek goddess Diana. (The goddess of hunt to the Greeks, and goddess of the moon in Roman mythology).

 ²⁵Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth. This was their income and they wanted to keep it that way.

 ²⁶Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands. Paul persuaded many people tat handmade gods were not gods at all. (The goddess Diana was a fraud and just a part of their mythology and false worship).

 ²⁷So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth. They were in jeopardy of the great goddess Dianna losing influence among the people. (A bunch of false worshippers when they had the true Word right there with them).

 ²⁸And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. They became even more upset when they heard this and started praising their false god.

 ²⁹And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre. The crowds began to gather and the whole city was in confusion. (A bunch of babble going on). They took Gaius and Aristarchus into the amphitheatre for trial.

 ³⁰And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not. Paul wanted to go into the amphitheatre, but the other disciples would not let him. (They knew it was trouble in there).

 ³¹And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre. Even some of the Roman officers that knew Paul sent him a message not to enter the amphitheatre. (They knew that Paul could be risking his life if he entered the theatre).

 ³²Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused: and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together. Inside the theatre was nothing but confusion; the people did not even know what they were there for.

 ³³And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto the people. Alexander was spotted by some of the Jews and dragged him forward to speak in his defense.

 ³⁴But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. When the crowd realized that Alexander was also a Jew, they started shouting and praising the great goddess Diana again for about two hours.

 ³⁵And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter? Then the mayor came in and was able to calm down the crowd. He told the crowd that everyone knows that Ephesus is the center of the religion of the great goddess Diana, whose image fell Jupiter.

 ³⁶Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly. Since this is a fact among us, you should not let it bother you about what is said. Calm down and don't do anything rash. (The Romans were nearby watching).

 ³⁷For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess. These men did not steal anything from the temple or say anything about your goddess Diana.

 ³⁸Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another. If these craftsmen have anything against these men, the courts are in session and let the judges take care of it.

 ³⁹But if ye enquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly. If there are other matters, they can be settled at the city council meetings.

 ⁴⁰For we are in danger to be called in question for this day's uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse. We are in danger and could be held accountable by the Romans for today's riot, since there is no cause for it. (God is always in control)!

 ⁴¹And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly. Then he dismissed them and they all went home. (Again, God is always in control and knows how to manipulate people to His advantage).

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Acts 20

 ¹And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia. When the commotion was all over Paul called the disciples together for a farewell message and headed for Greece.

 ²And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece. He preached in all the cities that he passed through on his way to Greece.

 ³And 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. After Paul stayed in Greece for three months, he was preparing to sail for Syria when he discovered a plot by the Jews to kill him. Paul them decided to evade them and head north to Macedonia first.

 ⁴And 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. These group of men traveled with Paul as they were returning home in Turkey.

 ⁵These going before tarried for us at Troas. They went ahead of Paul and waited for them at Troas.

 ⁶And 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. When the Passover ceremonies were over, they boarded a ship at Philippi in northern Greece and five days later ended up in Troas, Turkey. There he remained for seven days.

 ⁷And 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. Paul preached to the disciples at the Passover meeting.

 ⁸And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together. Teaching under the flickering lights on the third floor of the building. Three floors of preaching going on, as Paul also taught on three levels. Paul preached to the Gentiles, the kings, and the children. (Acts 9:15)

 ⁹And 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. Eutychus kind of wondered off and fell asleep while sitting on the window ledge. He fell to the ground from the third floor to his death.

 ¹⁰And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him. Paul raced down to the man and took him in his arms. He told the crowd that the man was fine, and he was. (Touched by the Holy Spirit).

 ¹¹When 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. They all went back up stairs and ate the Lord's supper together, then Paul preached another long sermon.

 ¹²And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted. They all rejoiced because the man was brought back to life.

 ¹³And 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. The disciples sailed ahead to Assos and Paul went by foot.

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

 ¹⁵And 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. After passing through Chios and Samos they arrived at Miletus.

 ¹⁶For 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 didn't stop at Ephesus this time because he wanted to get to Jerusalem in time for the celebration of Pentecost.

 ¹⁷And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. Paul sent a message and called the elders of the church of Ephesus to come down and meet him.

 ¹⁸And 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. Paul greeted the men form Ephesus and explained to them about his work for the Lord.

 ¹⁹Serving 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 humbly and with tears, faced danger from the plots of the Jews trying to kill Paul. (those who claimed to be Jews; but were the kenites). 

 ²⁰And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house. Paul never held anything back when teaching the Good News.

 ²¹Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. One message for Jews and Gentiles alike. Turning from sin to God through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ was the message.

 ²²And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there. Being drawn by the Holy Spirit to go to Jerusalem, even though they may want to kill me there.

 ²³Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. Paul knew that the Holy Spirit would be with him.

 ²⁴But 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. Life is not worth anything unless I use it for the work assigned to me by Jesus Christ. The work of telling others about the Good News. (This is your purpose if you are a disciple of Christ). Paul was not afraid because God was with him, just as He will be with us in doing the work of the Lord. (Acts 18:10)

 ²⁵And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. Paul knew that he might never see those he taught again.

 ²⁶Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. No mans blood can be laid on me. (Paul did it the right way).

 ²⁷For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Paul didn't fluff up the message from God, he told it like it was and told the whole story.

 ²⁸Take 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. Make sure you feed the people the truth of the Word as the Holy Spirit will hold you responsible. (Those who teach traditions of men and false doctrine will answer to God). Judgment begins at the pulpit!

 ²⁹For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Paul knew that after he was gone that false teachers would jump on the flock like vicious wolves. (Just as it is today, the holier than thou people spreading the traditions of men and false doctrine).

 ³⁰Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Even some of you yourselves will fall from the truth and try to draw people to you. (Always something new and fancy giving people a sense of false security). There new doctrine always seems to leave God out of the equation.

 ³¹Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. Watch out for the troublemakers, like I watched out for you for three years.

 ³²And 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. I trust you to God and His care and His wonderful Word to build your faith. And His inheritance is set aside for those who are sanctified. (The set aside ones).

 ³³I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. Paul never cared for money or fine clothes.

 ³⁴Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. Paul was a tent maker and was self sufficient in his ministry. He even supplied for those who were with him.

 ³⁵I 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. Paul was an example in helping the poor and lifting people up sharing the truth. Like the Lord Jesus said; "It is better to give than to receive."

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

 ³⁷And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him. They were all sad that Paul was going away and not coming back.

 ³⁸Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship. It was hard for most of them because they knew they would not see Paul anymore. They all accompanied Paul down to the ship. These men were chosen scholars of the Word. According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love. (Ephesians 1:4) Chosen by God to go forth and preach the Good News to whom so-ever will.

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Acts 21

 ¹And 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. They traveled on to Patara. (The city of Patara, with the rest of Lycia, surrendered to Alexander the Great in 333 BC. During the Wars of the Diadochi, it was occupied in turn by Antigonus and Demetrius, before finally falling to the Ptolemies).

 ²And finding a ship sailing over unto Phenicia, we went aboard, and set forth. From there they sailed for the Syrian province of Phoenicia.

 ³Now 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. They landed at the harbor of Tyre, in Syria. (The name Tyre means "rock").

 ⁴And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem. After landing at Tyre, the disciples gathered together and warned Paul not to go to Jerusalem.

 ⁵And 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 they were ready to leave at the end of the week, the entire congregation followed them to the boat where they all prayed and said their farewells.

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

 ⁷And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day. Stopped off at Ptolemais and greeted the believers, staying only one day.

 ⁸And 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. They went on to Caesarea and stayed at the home of Philip the evangelist, one of the seven deacons. (Acts 6:5)

 ⁹And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy. Philip had four virgin daughters that were Evangelist also.

 ¹⁰And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus. After praying several days, a man came down from Judea named Agabus, who also had the gift of prophecy.

 ¹¹And 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. Agabus bound his hands and feet with the belt of Paul, and told them that teaching this Word would have Paul bound by the Jews in Jerusalem and turned over to the Romans.

 ¹²And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem. They all did not want Paul to go to Jerusalem, but the Holy Spirit had different plans for Paul. (He was going)!

 ¹³Then 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. Remember that Paul was on a mission, and he was ready not only to be bound, but to die in Jerusalem if necessary for the name of the Lord Jesus. (Paul wasn't afraid and knew that the Lord was with him).

 ¹⁴And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done. By the will of God! They finally realized that Paul was going no matter what.

 ¹⁵And after those days we took up our carriages, and went up to Jerusalem. Packed up and headed to Jerusalem.

 ¹⁶There 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. When they arrived they were guests of Mnason (originally form Cyprus), who was one of the early believers.

 ¹⁷And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly. All the believers at Jerusalem gladly welcomed them.

 ¹⁸And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present. Paul took them to meet with James and the other elders of the Jerusalem church.

 ¹⁹And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry. Paul told them of the many things God had accomplished among the gentiles through his work. Paul being that chosen vessel commissioned by God. (Acts 9:15)

 ²⁰And 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. Thousands of Jews have believed, but they are still insistent that Jewish believers must continue to follow the Jewish traditions and customs. They still didn't get it! (Just as it is today with many Christian churches who believe, but still follow traditions of men).

 ²¹And 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 saying that you teach against the laws of Moses and against the Jewish customs, forbidding circumcision. (It wasn't necessary for a Gentile to be circumcised, because now it is the circumcision of the heart that is important).

 ²²What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come. Now what? They heard that you have come and they are not to happy about it.

 ²³Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a vow on them. We have four men preparing to shave their heads and take some vows.

 ²⁴Them 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. They suggested that Paul go to the temple with the four men and have his head shaved and also pay for the four men to have their heads shaved. By this being done, everyone will see that you approve of this custom and are in line with the Jewish laws.

 ²⁵As 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. The Gentile Christians are not a problem. We aren't asking them to follow Jewish customs. Just keep them from eating food from idols, un-bled meat from strangled animals, and not to commit fornication.

 ²⁶Then 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. Paul agreed to their requests and attended the ceremony at the temple the next day for the purification.

 ²⁷And 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 of purification almost ended, some Jews from Turkey saw Paul in the temple and rousted a mob against Paul and grabbed him.

 ²⁸Crying 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. This is the man who preaches against our people and Jewish laws. He even defiles the temple by bringing in Gentiles. (Remember that God had opened salvation to the Gentiles as well as the Jews). Salvation was open to all who believe through Christ!

 ²⁹(For they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple). When they had seen Paul before with Trophimus, a Gentile, they assumed that Paul had brought him to the temple.

 ³⁰And 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 upset by these accusations against Paul. Then they dragged him out of the temple and the gates to the temple were closed behind him. (Those legalist always trying to stir up trouble).

 ³¹And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar. They were trying to beat Paul to death and the word reached the commander of the Roman garrison what was going on. (Nice religious community; they wanted to kill Paul).

 ³²Who 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. When the Romans soldiers saw what was going on they ran towards the crowd. When the mob saw them coming, they quit beating Paul. God is in control, Paul was saved by the Holy Spirit using the Romans. (Remember, Paul was also a Roman citizen and a Roman soldier before his conversion). I'm sure he even knew some of the Roman soldiers that came to his rescue.

 ³³Then 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. As Paul was bound in chains, the commander asked; What did this man do to stir up the crowd?

 ³⁴And 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. One said one thing and one another, so the commander decided to have him taken to the armory.

 ³⁵And when he came upon the stairs, so it was, that he was borne of the soldiers for the violence of the people. The crowd became so violent that the soldiers had to lift Paul above the crowd and carry him in to protect him.

 ³⁶For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away with him. They wanted to kill him.

 ³⁷And 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? Paul asked the commander if he could have a word with him, and the commander asked if he could speak Greek. (Remember that Paul could speak about five languages).

 ³⁸Art 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 led a rebellion a few years ago, and took 4,000 members of the Assassins with him into the dessert?

 ³⁹But 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. No Paul replied, I am a Jew from Tarsus in Cilicia (Paul was a Roman citizen), and I request to speak to these people.

 ⁴⁰And 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 commander agreed, Paul stood up and asked the crowd to be quite; and there was silence. Then Paul addressed the crown in Hebrew. (He spoke in Hebrew because of all the legalist that were present).

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Acts 22

 ¹Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence which I make now unto you. Brothers and Fathers, listen to me as I defend myself.

 ²(And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more silence: and he saith). When the crowd heard him speak in Hebrew, the silence was even greater. (Paul got their attention then).

 ³I 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 Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, but educated here in Jerusalem under Gamaliel. (Gamaliel was a Pharisee doctor of Jewish Law).

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

 ⁵As 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. It is all on record, and the High Priest or any member of the council can verify this. It was by their letters of instruction that let me do this.

 ⁶And 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. As I was on the road to Damascus, a bright light (the Shekinah Glory), shone around me.

 ⁷And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? As I fell to the ground, a voice said to me; Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? (Christ speaking to Paul).

 ⁸And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest. Who is speaking to me Paul asked? Jesus of Nazareth, the one you are persecuting.

 ⁹And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me. The men with Paul seen the light, but did not understand what was being said.

 ¹⁰And 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. I asked what I should do. And the Lord told me to go to Damascus and you will be told there what lies ahead for you.

 ¹¹And 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. Paul was blinded by the light and led to Damascus by those who were with him.

 ¹²And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there. There came a godly man who was well thought by the Jews named Ananias.

 ¹³Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him. Ananias came to Paul and said receive your sight, and in the same hour Paul could see again.

 ¹⁴And 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. Chosen by God to know His will, and to hear the voice of Messiah speak.

 ¹⁵For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard. Chosen to take the message of Christ everywhere and telling them what you have seen and heard.

 ¹⁶And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. Go and be baptized, and be cleansed from your sins, calling on the name of the Lord. What was Paul's sin? Paul always arrested and persecuted Christians.

 ¹⁷And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance. Fell into a trance while praying in the temple.

 ¹⁸And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me. Paul saw a vision of God saying; get out of Jerusalem, they will not believe you when you give your message.

 ¹⁹And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee. Paul said; Lord, They already know that I imprisoned and beat those in the synagogue who believed on you.

 ²⁰And 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. I was there when they beat your witness Stephen and he was killed as I stood by and watched, even holding his clothing.

 ²¹And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles. God told Paul to leave Jerusalem and would send him far away to the Gentiles.

 ²²And 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. The crowd listened to Paul up till he mentioned the word (gentiles) and then shouted. Away with him! Kill him! He isn't fit to live!

 ²³And as they cried out, and cast off their clothes, and threw dust into the air. They just wanted Paul dead!

 ²⁴The 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 commander brought Paul inside and ordered him to be wiped to make him confess his crime. He wanted to find out why the crowd was so furious with Paul.

 ²⁵And 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? But, as they tied Paul down to lash him, Paul said to an officer standing there; "Is it legal for you to whip a Roman citizen who hasn't been tried yet? (There was no trial and Paul was not condemned yet). Ah... Oh... What did we do?

 ²⁶When the centurion heard that, he went and told the chief captain, saying, Take heed what thou doest: for this man is a Roman. The officer went to the commander and asked; "What are you doing? This man is a Roman citizen!" (We will get in trouble with Caesar)!

 ²⁷Then the chief captain came, and said unto him, Tell me, art thou a Roman? He said, Yea. The commander asked Paul, are you a Roman citizen? "Yes I am answered Paul."

 ²⁸And the chief captain answered, With a great sum obtained I this freedom. And Paul said, But I was free born. The commander muttered, I am a citizen too, and it cost me plenty. But Paul answered, I am (free born), a citizen by birth! (The Holy Spirit protecting Paul from the crowd by using the enemy). God uses whom ever He wills!

 ²⁹Then 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. The soldier ready to whip Paul quickly disappeared when he heard that Paul was a Roman. The commander was afraid because he had ordered him to be bound and whipped.

 ³⁰On 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 the commander freed Paul form the chains and ordered the chief priests into the session of the Jewish council. He brought Paul before them to find out what the trouble was all about. (Remember the word that upset the crowds was Gentiles, and the Romans were Gentiles themselves).

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Acts 23

 ¹And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day. Paul, staring the council down, tells them he has always lived for God.

 ²And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth. Then Ananias commanded those who were close to Paul to slap him on the mouth.

 ³Then 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 said to Ananias, "God will slap you, you whitewash fraud. What kind of judge are you that would break the law and have me slapped like that.

 ⁴And they that stood by said, Revilest thou God's high priest? Is that the way you talk to the high priest?

 ⁵Then 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. I didn't realize that he was the high priest Paul replied. The scriptures say not to speak bad about any of your rulers.

 ⁶But 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. Paul knew that some of the council were Pharisees (those who believe in the resurrection), and some were Sadducees (those who do not believe in the resurrection). Paul shouted out to them that he was of the Pharisees as were his ancestors. Paul knew just what to say, and told them that he was being tried because he believed in the resurrection of the dead. (Now he has both the Romans and the Pharisees on his side protecting him).

 ⁷And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided. They were divided right down the middle.

 ⁸For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both. Again, the Sadducees didn't believe in the resurrection of the eternal spirit within us, but the Pharisees did.

 ⁹And 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. Now the some of the Jewish leaders that were Pharisees jumped up and said that we find no wrong with Paul. Maybe an angel did speak with him on the road to Damascus.

 ¹⁰And 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. The shouting grew louder among the crowd and they began tugging at Paul from both sides. The commander fearing that they would tear him apart, ordered the soldiers to take him away and bring him back to the armory.

 ¹¹And 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. In the night the Lord came to Paul to comfort him. The Lord told him; just as you have told the people about me in Jerusalem, you must also go to Rome with the same message.

 ¹²And 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. Some of the Jews (probably kenites) banded together and made a vow not to eat nor drink till they killed Paul.

 ¹³And they were more than forty which had made this conspiracy. There were more than forty that were against Paul and wanted to kill him.

 ¹⁴And 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. The conspirators went to the chief priest and told them what they had done and that they wanted to kill Paul.

 ¹⁵Now therefore ye with the council signify to the chief captain that he bring him down unto you to morrow, as though ye would enquire something more perfectly concerning him: and we, or ever he come near, are ready to kill him. The conspirators wanted to set up Paul using the commander to bring him back to the council, then they were going to kill him on the way.

 ¹⁶And when Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul. Paul's nephew got wind of the conspiracy and told Paul what they were planning.

 ¹⁷Then 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. Paul told one of the officers to take his nephew to the commander. He has something important to tell him.

 ¹⁸So 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. Paul asked us to bring this young boy to you to tell you something.

 ¹⁹Then 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? What is it you want to tell me son?

 ²⁰And he said, The Jews have agreed to desire thee that thou wouldest bring down Paul to morrow into the council, as though they would enquire somewhat of him more perfectly. The young boy told him that some of the Jews want you to bring Paul back to the council pretending that they want to ask him more questions.

 ²¹But 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 do it the boy said! There are more than forty men hiding and waiting for Paul to kill him. They made a vow to kill him and they are waiting for you to agree to their request.

 ²²So 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. Don't tell anyone you told me this the chief captain told the boy.

 ²³And 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. The commander told two of his officers to get 200 soldiers ready to leave for Caesarea tonight. Also, take 200 spearmen and 70 mounted cavalry.

 ²⁴And provide them beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring him safe unto Felix the governor. Give Paul a horse to ride and escort him to Governor Felix. (A safe escort by the Romans).

 ²⁵And he wrote a letter after this manner. Claudius Lysias wrote wrote a personal letter to Governor Felix.

 ²⁶Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix sendeth greeting. To his Excellency, Governor Felix.

 ²⁷This 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 they wanted to kill him, but I would not allow it because he was a Roman citizen.

 ²⁸And when I would have known the cause wherefore they accused him, I brought him forth into their council. I took him to the council to find out what he had done wrong.

 ²⁹Whom I perceived to be accused of questions of their law, but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds. I soon discovered that they wanted to kill him over something about their Jewish beliefs. Nothing worth killing him over. (The Romans didn't care about their beliefs).

 ³⁰And 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. When I was informed that they wanted to kill him, I decided to send him to you and will tell his accusers to bring their charges before you.

 ³¹Then the soldiers, as it was commanded them, took Paul, and brought him by night to Antipatris. As ordered, the soldiers took Paul to Antipatris. (A city built by Herod the Great, and named in honour of his father, Antipater II of Judea). The city was destroyed in 363 CE by an earthquake.

 ³²On the morrow they left the horsemen to go with him, and returned to the castle. They returned with Paul to the armory leaving him with the cavalry to take him to Caesarea.

 ³³Who, when they came to Caesarea and delivered the epistle to the governor, presented Paul also before him. When they arrived in Caesarea, they turned Paul over to the governor along with the letter from the commander.

 ³⁴And when the governor had read the letter, he asked of what province he was. And when he understood that he was of Cilicia. The governor read the letter and asked Paul where he was from. Paul told him he was from Cilicia.

 ³⁵I will hear thee, said he, when thine accusers are also come. And he commanded him to be kept in Herod's judgment hall. Governor Felix told Paul he would here his case fully when his accusers arrived. Meanwhile, he ordered Paul to be kept in prison at King Herod's palace.

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Acts 24

 ¹And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul. Five days later Ananias and some of the Jewish leaders brought Tertullus (a scripture lawyer) to make their case against Paul.

 ²And 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. Terullus addressed the govenor with charges against Paul.

 ³We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness. He is praising Felix for bringing peace and less discrimination against Jews. (We have a real slick lawyer here).

 ⁴Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words. Now he is going to bring his case against Paul with his lies.

 ⁵For 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. Here comes the lies. We found this man to be a troublemaker among the Jews as well as the Romans. He is the ringleader of the sect know as the Nazarenes. (The first lie)!

 ⁶Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law. He was also trying to defile the temple when we arrested him. (The second lie)! We should have killed him then!

 ⁷But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands. Took him out of the hands of the kenites! (A bunch of phony troublemakers).

 ⁸Commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him. Demanding that he be tried by Roman law. Why not... Paul was a Roman citizen.

 ⁹And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so. The Jews that were present (probably all kenites), joined in and said that everything Tertullus said was true. (All a bunch of lies). Paul was under the vow of a Nazarite. (Numbers 6:1-21)

 ¹⁰Then 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. Now it was Paul's turn to speak. I know that you have been a fair judge of Jewish affairs for years Paul exclaimed.

 ¹¹Because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship. It has been no more than twelve days since I had arrived in Jerusalem to worship in the temple.

 ¹²And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city. I never incited a riot in the city or in the synagogue.

 ¹³Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me. These men cannot prove the things they accuse me of, there lying to you.

 ¹⁴But 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. However, I do confess that I believe in the way of salvation, which they refer to as a sect. I follow the system of serving the God of our ancestors. I believe in the Jewish law and everything written in the books of prophecy.

 ¹⁵And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. I even believe as these men do. "That there is a resurrection of both the righteous and ungodly."

 ¹⁶And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void to offence toward God, and toward men. I try to always maintain a clear conscience before God and men. (Paul always told it like it was with no regrets).

 ¹⁷Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings. Even after I was away for I while, I returned to Jerusalem with money to aid the Jews, and offerings to God.

 ¹⁸Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult. I presented offerings and obeyed their laws by being purified in the temple, never starting a riot. These Jews from Turkey seen me there.

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

 ²⁰Or else let these same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council. Ask these men right here today if their council found any wrong in me.

 ²¹Except 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. "I said one thing that maybe I shouldn't have said and now I am here before the council to defend myself for believing that the dead will rise again!

 ²²And 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. Felix knew that Christians did not go around starting riots and knew that Paul was telling the truth. Then he told the Jews to wait for the arrival of Lysias (the garrison commander), and then he would decide the case.

 ²³And 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 Paul to prison with all liberties to make it more comfortable for him.

 ²⁴And 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. After a few days, Felix and his wife Drusilla (daughter of Herod Agrippa I),  sent for Paul and listened to him about his faith in Jesus Christ.

 ²⁵And 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. Paul laid the truth on them and reasoned with them about righteousness, self control, and the judgment to come. (Felix became a little terrified).

 ²⁶He 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. He was hoping that Paul would bribe him to let him free and sent for Paul pretty often. (He really enjoyed the Word that Paul was teaching).

 ²⁷But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound. Two years went by in this manner, until Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. Because Felix wanted to gain favor with the Jews, he left Paul bound in chains. (I believe Felix liked Paul because of his teachings and really wanted to protect Paul).

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Acts 25

 ¹Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem. Festus arrived in Caesarea to take over his new responsibilities.

 ²Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, and besought him. The chief priest and other Jewish leaders laid their false accusations on Festus about Paul.

 ³And desired favour against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem, laying wait in the way to kill him. They begged Festus to bring Paul to Jerusalem right away. (Their plan was to kill Paul).

 ⁴But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself would depart shortly thither. Festus was returning to Caesarea and suggested that Paul should be kept there till he arrived.

 ⁵Let them therefore, said he, which among you are able, go down with me, and accuse this man, if there be any wickedness in him. Festus told the others that those with authority should return with him for the trial to see if the accusations made against Paul were true.

 ⁶And 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. Ten days later he returned to Caesarea, and the following day opened Paul's trial.

 ⁷And 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 the Jews from Jerusalem came down to the trial, they started with all the false accusations. (Most of these Jews were probably kenites).

 ⁸While 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. Paul denied the charges and replied; "I never opposed the Jewish laws, desecrated the temple, or rebelled against the Roman government.

 ⁹But 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? Festus asked Paul if he was willing to go to Jerusalem and stand trial before him.

 ¹⁰Then 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. No way! Paul replied. You know very well I am not guilty. I demand a hearing before the Emperor himself. (Appealing to the highest court).

 ¹¹For 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 had done something worthy of death, then I will not refuse to die. But I am innocent, and neither you or anyone else has the right to turn me over to these men so that they can kill me. "I appeal to Caesar."

 ¹²Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, Hast thou appealed unto Caesar? unto Caesar shalt thou go. You want Caesar? Then to Caesar you will go!

 ¹³And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Caesarea to salute Festus. A few days later, King Agrippa came with Bernice to visit with Festus.

 ¹⁴And 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. During their stay, Festus discussed Paul's case with the king.

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

 ¹⁶To 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. Roman law does not convict a man unless he faces his accusers and has a chance to defend himself.

 ¹⁷Therefore, 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. When the accusers came here for the trial I called the case and brought in Paul.

 ¹⁸Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed. But the accusations against him were not what I supposed they would be. (They were all lies).

 ¹⁹But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive. It was something about their religion and someone called Jesus who died, but Paul insists that He lives.

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

 ²¹But 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, Paul appealed to Caesar! So I kept him in jail until I could arrange to get him to the Emperor.

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

 ²³And 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 king Agrippa entered the courtroom and Festus had Paul brought in.

 ²⁴And 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. This is the man that the local Jews and those in Jerusalem want to kill. (Many of the kenites were present among the Jews).

 ²⁵But 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, in my opinion Festus said, Paul has done nothing worthy of death. However, Paul appealed his case to Caesar, so I have no alternative but to send him.

 ²⁶Of 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. Now what? Festus had no charges to send to the Emperor against Paul and became a little nervous. (He was in a little trouble now trying to please the kenites). They were the enemy! So Festus figures he can tell king Agrippa to examine him and asks him what to do. (Trying to pass the buck)!

 ²⁷For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not withal to signify the crimes laid against him. It doesn't seem reasonable to send a prisoner to the Emperor without any charges. (If he did, he would be the one in trouble). Festus just wanted his hands clean of the matter.

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Acts 26

 ¹Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself. Paul will give the true story.

 ²I 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 will clear this matter all up for you Paul said to king Agrippa.

 ³Especially 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. Paul knew that king Agrippa was familiar with not only roman law, but also the Jewish laws and customs.

 ⁴My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews. The Jews are aware I had thorough Jewish training since I was a child in Tarsus, then Jerusalem, and lived accordingly.

 ⁵Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. They know that I was always the strictest of Pharisees. (And Paul was, following their laws and persecuting the church and Christians to the max).

 ⁶And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God, unto our fathers. Their real beef with me in their accusations is because I am looking forward to the fulfillment of God's promise made to our ancestors.

 ⁷Unto 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. The twelve tribes of Israel believe the same as I do about this fulfillment of God's promise, but for me it is a crime.

 ⁸Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead? Is it a crime to believe in the resurrection of the dead? Does it seem incredible to you that God can bring men back to life again? (For the Sadducees this would not fly, they did not believe in the resurrection and were upset that Paul was teaching this).

 ⁹I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. I used to believe that I should persecute the followers of Jesus of Nazareth.

 ¹⁰Which 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 brought many Christians to prison and testified against them. Casting my vote when they were brought to death.

 ¹¹And 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 tortured them and tried to make them curse against Christ. I even hounded them in distant cities when I could.

 ¹²Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests. I was on a mission to Damascus armed with authority by the chief priest to destroy the church.

 ¹³At 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. One day around noon, I seen a light from heaven shine down upon me and my companions. (again, the Shekinah Glory).

 ¹⁴And 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. Paul heard the voice form Heaven. Why are you persecuting me? "You are only hurting yourself."

 ¹⁵And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. Who are you I asked? I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting the Lord replied.

 ¹⁶But 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. The Lord told me that I was to be His servant and witness. To tell the world about this experience and about many other experiences when the Lord appeared to me.

 ¹⁷Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee. The Lord told me He would protect me from my own people as well as the Gentiles whom He will send me too.

 ¹⁸To 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. The purpose is to open their eyes to the truth so that they may repent and live in the light of God, instead of Satan's darkness. So that they may receive forgiveness from God for their sins and receive God's inheritance along with all people everywhere whose sins are cleansed.

 ¹⁹Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision. I embraced that vision from Heaven and was not disobedient.

 ²⁰But 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. I taught about Jesus Christ to the Jews and the Gentiles and that all must come to repentance for their sins and turn to God by doing good deeds.

 ²¹For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me. This is why the Jews arrested me in the temple and tried to kill me. For teaching the truth!

 ²²Having 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. God protected me so that I could tell these facts to everyone. I taught what the prophets and Moses taught.

 ²³That 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 the Messiah would suffer and be the first to rise form the dead. "To bring the light to the Jews and Gentiles alike."

 ²⁴And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad. Are you insane Festus shouted out? All this studying has made you mad!

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

 ²⁶For 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. King Agrippa knows about these things. They were not done under wraps and these events should be familiar to him.

 ²⁷King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. Paul asked king Agrippa if he believed the prophets and continued, I know you do.

 ²⁸Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. Agrippa said to Paul; Do you expect me to become a Christian with trivial proof like this?

 ²⁹And 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. Paul replied, "Whether my arguments are trivial or strong, it is God's will that both you and everyone hear become the same as I am, except for these chains.

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

 ³¹And when they were gone aside, they talked between themselves, saying, This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds. They all talked it over afterwards and came to the agreement that Paul had done nothing wrong worthy of death or imprisonment.

 ³²Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar. But, Agrippa said to Festus, "this man could have been set free if he hadn't appealed to Caesar." (They knew Paul was innocent, but Paul was going to Rome anyway, just as the Lord said).

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Acts 27

 ¹And 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. On their way to Rome and Paul was placed under the custody of an officer named Julius, a member of the imperial guard.

 ²And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us. As they left for Rome by boat there was a Greek from Thessalonica named Aristarchus was with them. (Aristarchus was a Greek astronomer and mathematician).

 ³And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself. While docked at Sidon, Julius let Paul have some liberties and he went ashore to visit with some friends. (Julius probably knew Paul when Paul served as a Roman soldier).

 ⁴And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary. Headed north of Cyprus between the island and mainland.

 ⁵And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia. They landed in Myra in the province of Lycia. (In early Christian times, Myra was the metropolis of Lycia. The town is traditionally associated with Saint Paul, who changed ships in its harbor. Also the earliest church of St. Nicholas at Myra was built in the 6th century).

 ⁶And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy; and he put us therein. Then they boarded an Egyptian ship that was bound for Italy.

 ⁷And 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. After several days of rough sailing they came across to Crete, passing the port of Salmone.

 ⁸And, hardly passing it, came unto a place which is called The fair havens; nigh whereunto was the city of Lasea. As they moved along the southern coast, they arrived at "Fair Havens" near the city of Lasea. (Modern name is Kali Limenes, meaning "Good Harbors," "Fair Havens" is a natural port near the southernmost point of Crete).

 ⁹Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them. The weather was becoming a little dangerous and Paul spoke to the officers about it.

 ¹⁰And 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. Paul warns them that they could ship wreck with loss of cargo and even their lives.

 ¹¹Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul. The officer didn't listen to Paul and listened to the captain and the owner of the ship instead.

 ¹²And 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. Fair Heavens was an exposed harbor and winter was moving in so they decided to go further up the coast to Phoenix (the palm tree), that had less exposure to the winter.

 ¹³And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete. They had a light wind and it seemed like a nice day for sailing. They pulled up anchor and sailed along close to shore.

 ¹⁴But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon. A heavy wind came up called a Euroclydon, also known as a gregale (a Greece gale or northeaster), of typhoon strength.

 ¹⁵And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive. Not having control of the ship, they let the ship run before the gale.

 ¹⁶And running under a certain island which is called Clauda, we had much work to come by the boat. They sailed behind a small island called Clauda. (now called Gozzo).

 ¹⁷Which 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. They banded the ship with ropes to strengthen the hull and lowered the top sails. They didn't want to enter the quick sands of the African coast and cast upon the Syrtis. (Two shallow sandy gulfs on the coast of Libya).

 ¹⁸And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship. The seas grew higher and they began to through the cargo overboard.

 ¹⁹And the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship. They following day they threw the tackle and anything else they could find overboard.

 ²⁰And 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. The storm lasted many days, until at last all hope was gone. They were in quite of a mess now!

 ²¹But 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. Paul called the crew together and told them that they should have listened to him and not left fair heavens. They would have avoided all the injuries and loss if they would have listened to Paul.

 ²²And 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. Paul told them to cheer up! The ship may go down, but not one of us will lose their lives. (Paul knew it would be alright, he was on a mission from God).

 ²³For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve. I received a message from an angel of God Paul told them.

 ²⁴Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. The angel assured me that I would surely stand trial before Caesar and not to worry.

 ²⁵Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me. Have courage! I believe what God told me and it will be just as He said. (Paul had the faith in our Heavenly Father)! How is your faith in God?

 ²⁶Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island. However, we will be shipwrecked on an island.

 ²⁷But 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. After fourteen nights of being driven up and down the Adriatic sea, the crew suspected that land was near.

 ²⁸And sounded, and found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms. They sounded and found 120 feet of water below, then a little further they found 90 feet of water below. (Getting close to land here).

 ²⁹Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day. To avoid the rocks below, they anchored ship and waited for daylight. (I'm sure their was a little praying going on that night).

 ³⁰And 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. Some of the soldiers wanted to abandon ship and take their chances in the lifeboat, so they started to lower it down.

 ³¹Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved. Paul told them they would all die unless they stayed aboard.

 ³²Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off. When the soldiers heard this, they cut the lifeboat free and let it fall.

 ³³And 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. Paul wanted everyone to eat because they have been fasting for fourteen days.

 ³⁴Wherefore 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. Eat for your health, and not a hair on your heads will be touched. (Luke 21:18)

 ³⁵And 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. Giving thanks to God before them all. (Always thank God when he pulls you out of trouble, or provides for you).

 ³⁶Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat. They all felt better now and began to eat.

 ³⁷And we were in all in the ship two hundred threescore and sixteen souls. 276 people were aboard the ship.

 ³⁸And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the sea. They threw all the wheat overboard to lighten the ship and get out of the storm.

 ³⁹And 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. They didn't recognize the coastline, but noticed the bay. ( They were near St. Paul's Isles, which are situated in St Paul's Bay). The Maltese people believe that it was St. Paul who laid the foundations of Christianity on the island.

 ⁴⁰And 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. Raised anchor, hoisted the main sails and headed for shore.

 ⁴¹And 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. But, the ship hit a sandbar and ran aground. The bow of the ship stuck, while the stern of the ship began to break apart.

 ⁴²And the soldiers' counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape. The soldiers wanted to kill the prisoners so they would not swim out and escape.

 ⁴³But 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. Julius the centurion told them no because he wanted to spare Paul. Then he ordered all the men who could swim to jump overboard and head for land.

 ⁴⁴And 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. The ones who could not swim were told to head for shore on planks and other debris form the ship. They all escaped and safely made it ashore.

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Acts 28

 ¹And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita. Also known as Malta.

 ²And 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 people of the island were kind and built a bonfire on the beach to welcome them in the rain and cold.

 ³And 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 grabbed for some sticks to throw on the fire, a poisonous snake latched onto his hand.

 ⁴And 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. The people of the island thought that Paul was a murderer and that the snake would kill him.

 ⁵And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm. But Paul just shook of the snake into the fire and was unharmed. (This was a little strange to the barbarian people on the island). He just shook of a deadly snake and was not harmed.

 ⁶Howbeit 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. After waiting a while for Paul to start to swell up and die, the barbarians changed their minds and called Paul a god.

 ⁷In 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. A man named Publius (the govenor), had an estate on the island and put them up for three days.

 ⁸And 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. The father of Publius was very sick with fever and dysentery. Paul went in and prayed for him, and laying hands on him, healed him. Was it Paul who did the healing? No! He prayed to God and He did the healing.

 ⁹So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed. So all the other people that were sick on the island came to Paul and were healed.

 ¹⁰Who also honoured us with many honours; and when we departed, they laded us with such things as were necessary. The people of the island showered them with gifts with things they would need for the trip when they left.

 ¹¹And 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 on the island they set sail again on another ship. The Twin Brothers of Alexandria.

 ¹²And landing at Syracuse, we tarried there three days. First stop was Syracuse where they stayed three days.

 ¹³And 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. After a day or so they ended up in Puteoli. (Pozzuoli is a city and comune of the province of Naples, in the Italian region of Campania). Christ told Paul he was going to Rome and hear we go.

 ¹⁴Where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome. They found some believers their that they stayed with for seven days before they headed for Rome.

 ¹⁵And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage. When the brothers in Rome had heard they were coming they met them at the forum on the Appian way. Others joined them at the Three Taverns. (Better known as The Three Shops). The general store, the blacksmith's, and the refreshment-house. (Kind of a reception area for travelers).

 ¹⁶And 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 they arrived in Rome, Paul was permitted to stay anywhere he wanted as long as a guard was with him.

 ¹⁷And 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. Paul spoke to the local Jewish leaders and told them that he was arrested by the Jews in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans for prosecution. Paul explained to them that he had harmed no one nor violated the customs of their ancestors.

 ¹⁸Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me. The Romans wanted to release me Paul told them, because they found no cause for the death sentence demanded by the Jews.

 ¹⁹But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of. When the Jews protested the decision, I felt it necessary to appeal to Caesar.

 ²⁰For 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. Now I come to you to tell you why I am bound with these chains. It is because I believe that the Messiah has come and for teaching the truth of His Word.

 ²¹And 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. The local Jewish leaders told Paul that they have had no letters or reports from Jerusalem that were against him. (There were no Kenites who were the accusers here).

 ²²But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against. We want to hear more of what you believe they said to Paul. The only thing we know about these Christians is that they are denounced everywhere.

 ²³And 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. They appointed Paul a day for teaching and he told them about the Kingdom of God and taught them about Jesus from the Scriptures. Paul taught them from the five books of Moses and the books of prophecy. (Paul knew the Word, especially the books of the law and prophecy).

 ²⁴And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not. Some believed and some didn't. (So it is today when you teach the truth of the Word).

 ²⁵And 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. They argued among themselves about what they had heard. But, the one thing they left with ringing in their ear is when Paul said: The Holy Spirit was right when He said through Isaiah the prophet.

 ²⁶Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive. (Isaiah 6:9)

 ²⁷For 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. (Isaiah 6:10)

 ²⁸Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it. Paul wanted them to realize that this salvation from God was available to the Gentiles too, and that they would accept it.

 ²⁹And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves. They left talking all about God.

 ³⁰And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him. Paul lived in his rented house for the next couple of years and welcomed all who would visit him.

 ³¹Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him. Paul continued teaching with boldness about the Kingdom of God and about the Lord Jesus Christ; with no one trying to stop him. THANKS BE TO GOD! Then the Apostles continued with great acts, such as Paul's citizenship as a Roman!

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