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Acts 18:23-21:17
King James Version
Acts 18:23-21:17
King James Version
23 And 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.
24 And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.
25 This 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.
26 And 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.
27 And 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:
28 For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publicly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.
19 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
2 He 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.
3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.
4 Then 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.
5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
7 And all the men were about twelve.
8 And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.
9 But 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.
10 And 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.
11 And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:
12 So 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.
13 Then 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.
14 And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so.
15 And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?
16 And 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.
17 And 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.
18 And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds.
19 Many 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.
20 So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.
21 After 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.
22 So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season.
23 And the same time there arose no small stir about that way.
24 For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen;
25 Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth.
26 Moreover 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:
27 So 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.
28 And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.
29 And 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.
30 And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not.
31 And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre.
32 Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused: and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.
33 And 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.
34 But 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.
35 And 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?
36 Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly.
37 For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess.
38 Wherefore 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.
39 But if ye enquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly.
40 For 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.
41 And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.
20 And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia.
2 And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece,
3 And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia.
4 And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.
5 These going before tarried for us at Troas.
6 And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days.
7 And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.
8 And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together.
9 And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead.
10 And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him.
11 When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed.
12 And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.
13 And we went before to ship, and sailed unto Assos, there intending to take in Paul: for so had he appointed, minding himself to go afoot.
14 And when he met with us at Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene.
15 And we sailed thence, and came the next day over against Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next day we came to Miletus.
16 For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.
17 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.
18 And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons,
19 Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:
20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house,
21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
22 And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:
23 Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.
24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
25 And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.
26 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.
27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
33 I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.
34 Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.
35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
36 And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.
37 And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him,
38 Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.
21 And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them, and had launched, we came with a straight course unto Coos, and the day following unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara:
2 And finding a ship sailing over unto Phenicia, we went aboard, and set forth.
3 Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden.
4 And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.
5 And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed.
6 And when we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship; and they returned home again.
7 And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day.
8 And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.
9 And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.
10 And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus.
11 And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.
12 And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem.
13 Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.
14 And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.
15 And after those days we took up our carriages, and went up to Jerusalem.
16 There went with us also certain of the disciples of Caesarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge.
17 And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly.
Acts 18:23-21:17
New International Version
Acts 18:23-21:17
New International Version
23 After spending some time in Antioch, Paul set out from there and traveled from place to place throughout the region of Galatia(A) and Phrygia,(B) strengthening all the disciples.(C)
24 Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos,(D) a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus.(E) He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. 25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor[a](F) and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John.(G) 26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila(H) heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately.
27 When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia,(I) the brothers and sisters(J) encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. When he arrived, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. 28 For he vigorously refuted his Jewish opponents in public debate, proving from the Scriptures(K) that Jesus was the Messiah.(L)
Paul in Ephesus
19 While Apollos(M) was at Corinth,(N) Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus.(O) There he found some disciples 2 and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit(P) when[b] you believed?”
They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”
3 So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?”
“John’s baptism,” they replied.
4 Paul said, “John’s baptism(Q) was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.”(R) 5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.(S) 6 When Paul placed his hands on them,(T) the Holy Spirit came on them,(U) and they spoke in tongues[c](V) and prophesied. 7 There were about twelve men in all.
8 Paul entered the synagogue(W) and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God.(X) 9 But some of them(Y) became obstinate; they refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way.(Z) So Paul left them. He took the disciples(AA) with him and had discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. 10 This went on for two years,(AB) so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia(AC) heard the word of the Lord.(AD)
11 God did extraordinary miracles(AE) through Paul, 12 so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured(AF) and the evil spirits left them.
13 Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits(AG) tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, “In the name of the Jesus(AH) whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” 14 Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. 15 One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” 16 Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding.
17 When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus,(AI) they were all seized with fear,(AJ) and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor. 18 Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed what they had done. 19 A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas.[d] 20 In this way the word of the Lord(AK) spread widely and grew in power.(AL)
21 After all this had happened, Paul decided[e] to go to Jerusalem,(AM) passing through Macedonia(AN) and Achaia.(AO) “After I have been there,” he said, “I must visit Rome also.”(AP) 22 He sent two of his helpers,(AQ) Timothy(AR) and Erastus,(AS) to Macedonia, while he stayed in the province of Asia(AT) a little longer.
The Riot in Ephesus
23 About that time there arose a great disturbance about the Way.(AU) 24 A silversmith named Demetrius, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought in a lot of business for the craftsmen there. 25 He called them together, along with the workers in related trades, and said: “You know, my friends, that we receive a good income from this business.(AV) 26 And you see and hear how this fellow Paul has convinced and led astray large numbers of people here in Ephesus(AW) and in practically the whole province of Asia.(AX) He says that gods made by human hands are no gods at all.(AY) 27 There is danger not only that our trade will lose its good name, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited; and the goddess herself, who is worshiped throughout the province of Asia and the world, will be robbed of her divine majesty.”
28 When they heard this, they were furious and began shouting: “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”(AZ) 29 Soon the whole city was in an uproar. The people seized Gaius(BA) and Aristarchus,(BB) Paul’s traveling companions from Macedonia,(BC) and all of them rushed into the theater together. 30 Paul wanted to appear before the crowd, but the disciples(BD) would not let him. 31 Even some of the officials of the province, friends of Paul, sent him a message begging him not to venture into the theater.
32 The assembly was in confusion: Some were shouting one thing, some another.(BE) Most of the people did not even know why they were there. 33 The Jews in the crowd pushed Alexander to the front, and they shouted instructions to him. He motioned(BF) for silence in order to make a defense before the people. 34 But when they realized he was a Jew, they all shouted in unison for about two hours: “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”(BG)
35 The city clerk quieted the crowd and said: “Fellow Ephesians,(BH) doesn’t all the world know that the city of Ephesus is the guardian of the temple of the great Artemis and of her image, which fell from heaven? 36 Therefore, since these facts are undeniable, you ought to calm down and not do anything rash. 37 You have brought these men here, though they have neither robbed temples(BI) nor blasphemed our goddess. 38 If, then, Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen(BJ) have a grievance against anybody, the courts are open and there are proconsuls.(BK) They can press charges. 39 If there is anything further you want to bring up, it must be settled in a legal assembly. 40 As it is, we are in danger of being charged with rioting because of what happened today. In that case we would not be able to account for this commotion, since there is no reason for it.” 41 After he had said this, he dismissed the assembly.
Through Macedonia and Greece
20 When the uproar had ended, Paul sent for the disciples(BL) and, after encouraging them, said goodbye and set out for Macedonia.(BM) 2 He traveled through that area, speaking many words of encouragement to the people, and finally arrived in Greece, 3 where he stayed three months. Because some Jews had plotted against him(BN) just as he was about to sail for Syria,(BO) he decided to go back through Macedonia.(BP) 4 He was accompanied by Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea, Aristarchus(BQ) and Secundus from Thessalonica,(BR) Gaius(BS) from Derbe, Timothy(BT) also, and Tychicus(BU) and Trophimus(BV) from the province of Asia.(BW) 5 These men went on ahead and waited for us(BX) at Troas.(BY) 6 But we sailed from Philippi(BZ) after the Festival of Unleavened Bread, and five days later joined the others at Troas,(CA) where we stayed seven days.
Eutychus Raised From the Dead at Troas
7 On the first day of the week(CB) we came together to break bread.(CC) Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight. 8 There were many lamps in the upstairs room(CD) where we were meeting. 9 Seated in a window was a young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell to the ground from the third story and was picked up dead. 10 Paul went down, threw himself on the young man(CE) and put his arms around him. “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “He’s alive!”(CF) 11 Then he went upstairs again and broke bread(CG) and ate. After talking until daylight, he left. 12 The people took the young man home alive and were greatly comforted.
Paul’s Farewell to the Ephesian Elders
13 We went on ahead to the ship and sailed for Assos, where we were going to take Paul aboard. He had made this arrangement because he was going there on foot. 14 When he met us at Assos, we took him aboard and went on to Mitylene. 15 The next day we set sail from there and arrived off Chios. The day after that we crossed over to Samos, and on the following day arrived at Miletus.(CH) 16 Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus(CI) to avoid spending time in the province of Asia,(CJ) for he was in a hurry to reach Jerusalem,(CK) if possible, by the day of Pentecost.(CL)
17 From Miletus,(CM) Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders(CN) of the church. 18 When they arrived, he said to them: “You know how I lived the whole time I was with you,(CO) from the first day I came into the province of Asia.(CP) 19 I served the Lord with great humility and with tears(CQ) and in the midst of severe testing by the plots of my Jewish opponents.(CR) 20 You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything(CS) that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house. 21 I have declared to both Jews(CT) and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance(CU) and have faith in our Lord Jesus.(CV)
22 “And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem,(CW) not knowing what will happen to me there. 23 I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me(CX) that prison and hardships are facing me.(CY) 24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me;(CZ) my only aim is to finish the race(DA) and complete the task(DB) the Lord Jesus has given me(DC)—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.(DD)
25 “Now I know that none of you among whom I have gone about preaching the kingdom(DE) will ever see me again.(DF) 26 Therefore, I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of any of you.(DG) 27 For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God.(DH) 28 Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock(DI) of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers.(DJ) Be shepherds of the church of God,[f](DK) which he bought(DL) with his own blood.[g](DM) 29 I know that after I leave, savage wolves(DN) will come in among you and will not spare the flock.(DO) 30 Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples(DP) after them. 31 So be on your guard! Remember that for three years(DQ) I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.(DR)
32 “Now I commit you to God(DS) and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance(DT) among all those who are sanctified.(DU) 33 I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing.(DV) 34 You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions.(DW) 35 In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
36 When Paul had finished speaking, he knelt down with all of them and prayed.(DX) 37 They all wept as they embraced him and kissed him.(DY) 38 What grieved them most was his statement that they would never see his face again.(DZ) Then they accompanied him to the ship.(EA)
On to Jerusalem
21 After we(EB) had torn ourselves away from them, we put out to sea and sailed straight to Kos. The next day we went to Rhodes and from there to Patara. 2 We found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia,(EC) went on board and set sail. 3 After sighting Cyprus and passing to the south of it, we sailed on to Syria.(ED) We landed at Tyre, where our ship was to unload its cargo. 4 We sought out the disciples(EE) there and stayed with them seven days. Through the Spirit(EF) they urged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. 5 When it was time to leave, we left and continued on our way. All of them, including wives and children, accompanied us out of the city, and there on the beach we knelt to pray.(EG) 6 After saying goodbye to each other, we went aboard the ship, and they returned home.
7 We continued our voyage from Tyre(EH) and landed at Ptolemais, where we greeted the brothers and sisters(EI) and stayed with them for a day. 8 Leaving the next day, we reached Caesarea(EJ) and stayed at the house of Philip(EK) the evangelist,(EL) one of the Seven. 9 He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied.(EM)
10 After we had been there a number of days, a prophet named Agabus(EN) came down from Judea. 11 Coming over to us, he took Paul’s belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, “The Holy Spirit says,(EO) ‘In this way the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem will bind(EP) the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.’”(EQ)
12 When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die(ER) in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”(ES) 14 When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up(ET) and said, “The Lord’s will be done.”(EU)
15 After this, we started on our way up to Jerusalem.(EV) 16 Some of the disciples from Caesarea(EW) accompanied us and brought us to the home of Mnason, where we were to stay. He was a man from Cyprus(EX) and one of the early disciples.
Paul’s Arrival at Jerusalem
17 When we arrived at Jerusalem, the brothers and sisters(EY) received us warmly.(EZ)
Footnotes
- Acts 18:25 Or with fervor in the Spirit
- Acts 19:2 Or after
- Acts 19:6 Or other languages
- Acts 19:19 A drachma was a silver coin worth about a day’s wages.
- Acts 19:21 Or decided in the Spirit
- Acts 20:28 Many manuscripts of the Lord
- Acts 20:28 Or with the blood of his own Son
New International Version (NIV) 
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