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Acts 24 - Romans 2
New American Standard Bible

Paul before Felix

24 Now after (A)five days the high priest (B)Ananias came down with some elders and an attorney named Tertullus, and they [a]brought charges against Paul to (C)the governor. 2 After [b]Paul had been summoned, Tertullus began accusing him, saying to the governor,

“Since we have attained great peace through you, and since reforms are being carried out for this nation by your foresight, 3 we acknowledge this in every way and everywhere, (D)most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness. 4 But, that I may not [c]weary you further, I beg you [d]to grant us a brief hearing, by your kindness. 5 For we have found this man a public menace and one who stirs up dissensions among all the Jews throughout [e]the world, and a ringleader of the (E)sect of the Nazarenes. 6 And he even tried to (F)desecrate the temple, so indeed we arrested him.[f] 8 By interrogating him yourself concerning all these matters, you will be able to ascertain the things of which we are accusing him.” 9 (G)The Jews also joined in the attack, asserting that these things were so.

10 And when (H)the governor had nodded for him to speak, Paul responded:

“Knowing that for many years you have been a judge to this nation, I cheerfully make my defense, 11 since you can take note of the fact that no more than (I)twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. 12 (J)And neither in the temple did they find me carrying on a discussion with anyone or (K)causing [g]a riot, nor in the synagogues, nor in the city itself. 13 (L)Nor can they prove to you the things of which they now accuse me. 14 But I confess this to you, that in accordance with [h](M)the Way, which they call a (N)sect, I do serve (O)the God of our fathers, (P)believing everything that is in accordance with the Law and is written in the Prophets; 15 having a hope in God, which (Q)these men cherish themselves, that there shall certainly be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. 16 In view of this (R)I also do my best to maintain a blameless conscience both before God and before other people, always. 17 Now (S)after several years I (T)came to bring charitable gifts to my nation and to present offerings, 18 in which they found me occupied in the temple, having been (U)purified, without any (V)crowd or uproar. But there were some (W)Jews from [i]Asia— 19 who ought to have been present before you and to have been (X)bringing charges, if they should have anything against me. 20 Or else have these men themselves declare what violation they discovered when I stood before (Y)the [j]Council, 21 other than in regard to this one declaration which (Z)I shouted while standing among them, ‘For the resurrection of the dead I am on trial before you today!’”

22 But Felix, [k]having quite accurate knowledge about [l](AA)the Way, adjourned them, saying, “When Lysias the commander comes down, I will decide your case.” 23 He gave orders to the centurion for [m]Paul to be (AB)kept in custody and yet (AC)have some freedom, and not to prevent any of (AD)his friends from providing for his needs.

24 Now some days later Felix arrived with Drusilla his [n]wife, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about (AE)faith in Christ Jesus. 25 But as he was discussing (AF)righteousness, (AG)self-control, and (AH)the judgment to come, Felix became frightened and responded, “Go away for now, and when I have an opportunity, I will summon you.” 26 At the same time he was also hoping that (AI)money would be given to him by Paul; therefore he also used to send for him quite often and talk with him. 27 But after two years had passed, Felix [o]was succeeded by Porcius (AJ)Festus; and Felix, (AK)wanting to do the Jews a favor, left Paul (AL)imprisoned.

Paul before Festus

25 Festus, then, after arriving in (AM)the province, went up to Jerusalem from (AN)Caesarea three days later. 2 And the chief priests and the leading men of the Jews (AO)brought charges against Paul, and they were pleading with [p]Festus, 3 requesting a [q]concession against [r]Paul, that he might [s]have him brought to Jerusalem (at the same time, (AP)setting an ambush to kill him on the way). 4 Festus then (AQ)answered that Paul (AR)was being kept in custody in (AS)Caesarea, and that he himself was about to leave shortly. 5 “Therefore,” he *said, “have the influential men among you [t]go there with me, and if there is anything wrong [u]about the man, have them bring charges against him.”

6 After Festus had spent no more than eight or ten days among them, he went down to (AT)Caesarea, and on the next day he took his seat on (AU)the tribunal and ordered that Paul be brought. 7 After Paul arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing (AV)many, and serious, charges against him (AW)which they could not prove, 8 while Paul said in his own defense, “(AX)I have not done anything wrong either against the Law of the Jews, or against the temple, or against Caesar.” 9 But Festus, (AY)wanting to do the Jews a favor, replied to Paul and said, “(AZ)Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and [v]stand trial before me on these charges?” 10 But Paul said, “I am standing before Caesar’s (BA)tribunal, where I ought to be tried. I have done nothing wrong to the Jews, as you also very well know. 11 If, therefore, I am in the wrong and have committed something deserving death, I am not trying to avoid execution; but if there is nothing to the accusations which these men are bringing against me, no one can hand me over to them. I (BB)appeal to Caesar.” 12 Then when Festus had conferred with [w]his council, he answered, “You have appealed to Caesar; to Caesar you shall go.”

13 Now when several days had passed, King Agrippa and Bernice arrived in (BC)Caesarea, paying their respects to Festus. 14 And while they were spending many days there, Festus presented Paul’s case to the king, saying, “There is a man who was (BD)left as a prisoner by Felix; 15 and when I was in Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews (BE)brought charges against him, asking for a sentence of condemnation against him. 16 I (BF)replied to them that it is not the custom of the Romans to hand over any person before (BG)the accused meets his accusers face to face, and has an opportunity to make his defense against the charges. 17 So after they had assembled here, I did not delay, but on the next day took my seat on (BH)the tribunal and ordered that the man be brought. 18 When the accusers stood up, they did not begin bringing any charges [x]against him of crimes that I suspected, 19 but they simply had some (BI)points of disagreement with him about their own [y](BJ)religion and about a dead man, Jesus, whom Paul asserted to be alive. 20 And (BK)being at a loss how to investigate [z]such matters, I [aa]asked whether he was willing to go to Jerusalem and stand trial there on these matters. 21 But when Paul (BL)appealed to be held in custody for [ab]the Emperor’s decision, I ordered that he be kept in custody until I send him to Caesar.” 22 Then (BM)Agrippa said to Festus, “I also would like to hear the man myself.” “Tomorrow,” he *said, “you shall hear him.”

Paul before Agrippa

23 So, on the next day when (BN)Agrippa and (BO)Bernice came amid great pomp and entered the auditorium, [ac]accompanied by the commanders and the prominent men of the city, at the command of Festus, Paul was brought before them. 24 And Festus *said, “King Agrippa, and all you gentlemen present with us, you see this man about whom (BP)all the people of the Jews appealed to me, both in Jerusalem and here, shouting that (BQ)he ought not to live any longer. 25 But I found that he had committed (BR)nothing deserving death; and since he himself (BS)appealed to [ad]the Emperor, I decided to send him. 26 [ae]Yet, I have nothing definite about him to write to my lord. Therefore, I have brought him before you all and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that after the investigation has taken place, I may have something to write. 27 For it seems absurd to me in sending a prisoner, not to indicate the charges against him as well.”

Paul’s Defense before Agrippa

26 (BT)Now Agrippa said to Paul, “You are permitted to speak for yourself.” Then Paul extended his hand and proceeded to make his defense:

2 “Regarding all the things of which I am accused by the Jews, King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate that I am about to make my defense before you today, 3 [af]especially because you are an expert in all (BU)customs and [ag]questions among the Jews; therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently.

4 “So then, all Jews know (BV)my way of life since my youth, which from the beginning was spent among my own nation and in Jerusalem, 5 since they have known about me for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that I lived as a (BW)Pharisee (BX)according to the strictest (BY)sect of our religion. 6 And now I am standing trial (BZ)for the hope of (CA)the promise made by God to our fathers; 7 the promise (CB)to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly serve God night and day. For this (CC)hope, O king, I am being (CD)accused by Jews. 8 Why is it considered incredible among you people (CE)if God raises the dead?

9 “So (CF)I thought to myself that I had to act in strong opposition to (CG)the name of Jesus [ah]of Nazareth. 10 And this is [ai]just what I (CH)did in Jerusalem; not only did I lock up many of the [aj]saints in prisons, after (CI)receiving authority from the chief priests, but I also (CJ)cast my vote against them when they were being put to death. 11 And (CK)as I punished them often in all the synagogues, I tried to force them to blaspheme; and since I was (CL)extremely enraged at them, I kept pursuing them (CM)even to [ak]foreign cities.

12 “[al]While so engaged, (CN)as I was journeying to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests, 13 at midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, [am]brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who were journeying with me. 14 And when we had (CO)all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the [an](CP)Hebrew dialect, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? [ao]It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ 15 And I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. 16 But get up and (CQ)stand on your feet; for this purpose I have appeared to you, to (CR)appoint you as a (CS)servant and (CT)a witness not only to the things in which you have seen Me, but also to the things in which I will appear to you, 17 (CU)rescuing you (CV)from the Jewish people and from the Gentiles, to whom I am sending you, 18 to (CW)open their eyes so that they may turn from (CX)darkness to light, and from the [ap]power of (CY)Satan to God, that they may receive (CZ)forgiveness of sins and an (DA)inheritance among those who have been sanctified by (DB)faith in Me.’

19 “For that reason, King Agrippa, I did not prove disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but continually proclaimed (DC)to those in Damascus first, and (DD)in Jerusalem, and then all the region of Judea, and even (DE)to the Gentiles, that they are to (DF)repent and turn to God, performing deeds (DG)consistent with repentance. 21 For these reasons some Jews (DH)seized me in the temple and tried (DI)to murder me. 22 So, having obtained help from God, I stand to this day (DJ)testifying both to small and great, stating nothing but what (DK)the Prophets and Moses said was going to take place, 23 as to (DL)whether the [aq]Christ was [ar]to suffer, and whether, as (DM)first from the resurrection of the dead, He would proclaim (DN)light both to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles.”

24 While [as]Paul was stating these things in his defense, Festus *said in a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind! [at]Your great (DO)learning is [au]driving you insane.” 25 But Paul *said, “I am not insane, (DP)most excellent Festus; on the contrary, I am speaking out with [av]truthful and rational words. 26 For the king [aw](DQ)knows about these matters, and I also speak to him with confidence, since I am persuaded that none of these things escape his notice; for this has not been done in a [ax]corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the Prophets? I know that you believe.” 28 Agrippa replied to Paul, “[ay]In a short time you are going to persuade me to [az]make a (DR)Christian of myself.” 29 And Paul said, “I would [ba]wish to God that even [bb]in a short or long time not only you, but also all who hear me this day would become such as I myself am, except for these (DS)chains.”

30 (DT)The king stood up and the governor and Bernice, and those who were sitting with them, 31 and when they had gone out, they began talking to one another, saying, “(DU)This man is not doing anything deserving death or [bc]imprisonment.” 32 And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been (DV)set free if he had not (DW)appealed to Caesar.”

Paul Is Sent to Rome

27 Now when it was decided that (DX)we (DY)would sail for (DZ)Italy, they proceeded to turn Paul and some other prisoners over to a centurion of the Augustan [bd](EA)cohort, named Julius. 2 And we boarded an Adramyttian ship that was about to sail to the regions along the coast of [be](EB)Asia, and put out to sea accompanied by (EC)Aristarchus, a (ED)Macedonian of (EE)Thessalonica. 3 The next day we put in at (EF)Sidon; and Julius (EG)treated Paul with consideration and (EH)allowed him to go to his friends and receive care. 4 From there we put out to sea and sailed under the shelter of (EI)Cyprus, because (EJ)the winds were contrary. 5 When we had sailed through the sea along the coast of (EK)Cilicia and (EL)Pamphylia, we landed at Myra in Lycia. 6 There the centurion found an (EM)Alexandrian ship sailing for (EN)Italy, and he put us aboard it. 7 When we had sailed slowly for a good many days, and with difficulty had arrived off Cnidus, (EO)since the wind did not permit us to go farther, we sailed under the shelter of (EP)Crete, off Salmone; 8 and with difficulty (EQ)sailing past it, we came to a place called Fair Havens, near which was the city of Lasea.

9 When considerable time had passed and the voyage was now dangerous, since even (ER)the [bf]fast was already over, Paul started admonishing them, 10 saying to them, “Men, I perceive that the voyage will certainly be with (ES)damage and great loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives.” 11 But the centurion was more persuaded by the (ET)pilot and the [bg]captain of the ship than by what was being said by Paul. 12 The harbor was not suitable for wintering, so the majority reached a decision to put out to sea from there, if somehow they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of (EU)Crete facing southwest and northwest, and spend the winter there.

13 [bh]When a moderate south wind came up, thinking that they had attained their purpose, they weighed anchor and began (EV)sailing along (EW)Crete, closer to shore.

Shipwreck

14 But before very long a violent wind, called [bi]Euraquilo, (EX)rushed down from [bj]the land; 15 and when the ship was caught in it and could not head up into the wind, we gave up and let ourselves be driven by the wind. 16 Running under the shelter of a small island called Cauda, we were able to get the ship’s [bk]boat under control only with difficulty. 17 After they had hoisted it up, they used [bl]supporting cables in undergirding the ship; and fearing that they might (EY)run aground on the shallows of Syrtis, they let down the [bm]sea anchor and let themselves be driven along in this way. 18 The next day as we were being violently tossed by the storm, [bn]they began to (EZ)jettison the cargo; 19 and on the third day they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands. 20 Since neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small storm was assailing us, from then on all hope of our being saved was slowly abandoned.

21 [bo]When many had lost their appetites, Paul then stood among them and said, “[bp](FA)Men, you should have followed my advice and not have set sail from (FB)Crete, and thereby spared yourselves this (FC)damage and loss. 22 And yet now I urge you to (FD)keep up your courage, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. 23 For this very night (FE)an angel of the God to whom I belong, (FF)whom I also serve, (FG)came to me, 24 saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; (FH)you must stand before Caesar; and behold, God has graciously granted you (FI)all those who are sailing with you.’ 25 Therefore, (FJ)keep up your courage, men, for I believe God that [bq]it will turn out exactly as I have been told. 26 But we must (FK)run aground on a certain (FL)island.”

27 But when the fourteenth night came, as we were being driven about in the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors began to suspect that [br]they were approaching some land. 28 And they took soundings and found it to be twenty fathoms; and a little farther on they took another sounding and found it to be fifteen fathoms. 29 Fearing that we might (FM)run aground somewhere on the [bs]rocks, they cast four anchors from the stern and [bt]prayed for daybreak. 30 But as the sailors were trying to escape from the ship and had let down (FN)the ship’s boat into the sea, on the pretense that they were going to lay out anchors from the bow, 31 Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men remain on the ship, you yourselves cannot be saved.” 32 Then the soldiers cut away the (FO)ropes of the ship’s boat and let it fall away.

33 Until the day was about to dawn, Paul kept encouraging them all to take some food, saying, “Today is the fourteenth day that you have been constantly watching and going without eating, having taken in nothing. 34 Therefore, I encourage you to take some food, for this is for your survival, for (FP)not a hair from the head of any of you will perish.” 35 Having said this, he took bread and (FQ)gave thanks to God in the presence of them all, and he broke it and began to eat. 36 All (FR)of them [bu]were encouraged and they themselves also took food. 37 We were 276 [bv](FS)people on the ship in all. 38 When they had eaten enough, they began lightening the ship by (FT)throwing the wheat out into the sea.

39 Now when day came, (FU)they [bw]could not recognize the land; but they did notice a bay with a beach, and they resolved to run the ship onto it if they could. 40 And casting off (FV)the anchors, they left them in the sea while at the same time they were loosening the ropes of the rudders; and they hoisted the foresail to the wind and were heading for the beach. 41 But they struck a [bx]reef where two seas met and ran the ship aground; and the prow stuck firmly and remained immovable, while the stern started to break up due to the force of the waves. 42 The soldiers’ plan was to (FW)kill the prisoners, so that none of them would swim away and escape; 43 but the centurion, (FX)wanting to bring Paul safely through, kept them from accomplishing their intention, and commanded that those who could swim were to [by]jump overboard first and get to land, 44 and the rest were to follow, some on planks, and others on various things from the ship. And so it happened that (FY)they all were brought safely to land.

Safe at Malta

28 When (FZ)they had been brought safely through, (GA)then we found out that (GB)the island was called [bz]Malta. 2 (GC)The [ca]natives showed us extraordinary kindness, for they kindled a fire and (GD)took us all in because of the rain that had started and because of the cold. 3 But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out [cb]because of the heat and fastened itself on his hand. 4 When (GE)the [cc]natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they began saying to one another, “(GF)Undoubtedly this man is a murderer, and though he has been saved from the sea, [cd]justice has not allowed him to live.” 5 However, [ce](GG)Paul shook the creature off into the fire and suffered no harm. 6 Now they were expecting that he was going to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had waited a long time and had seen nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and (GH)began to say that he was a god.

7 Now in the neighboring parts of that place were lands belonging to the [cf]leading man of the island, named Publius, who welcomed us and entertained us warmly for three days. 8 And it happened that the father of Publius was lying in bed afflicted with a recurring fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him, and after he (GI)prayed, he (GJ)laid his hands on him and healed him. 9 After this happened, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases were coming to him and being cured. 10 They also showed us many honors, and when we were about to set sail, they [cg]supplied us with [ch]everything we needed.

Paul Arrives in Rome

11 After three months we set sail on (GK)an Alexandrian ship which had wintered at the island, and which had [ci]the Twin Brothers for its figurehead. 12 After we put in at Syracuse, we stayed there for three days. 13 From there we sailed around and arrived at Rhegium, and a day later a south wind came up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli. 14 [cj]There we found some (GL)brothers and sisters, and were invited to stay with them for seven days; and that is how we came to Rome. 15 And from there the (GM)brothers and sisters, when they heard about us, came as far as the [ck]Market of Appius and the [cl]Three Inns to meet us; and when Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage.

16 When we entered Rome, Paul was (GN)allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him.

17 After three days [cm]Paul called together those who were (GO)the leading men of the Jews, and when they came together, he began saying to them, “(GP)Brothers, (GQ)though I had done nothing against our people or (GR)the customs of our [cn]fathers, yet I was handed over to the Romans as a prisoner from Jerusalem. 18 And when they had (GS)examined me, they (GT)were willing to release me because there were (GU)no grounds [co]for putting me to death. 19 But when the Jews [cp]objected, I was forced to (GV)appeal to Caesar, not that I had any accusation against my nation. 20 For this reason, therefore, I [cq]requested to see you and to speak with you, since I am wearing (GW)this chain for (GX)the sake of the hope of Israel.” 21 They said to him, “We have neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor has any of (GY)the brothers come here and reported or spoken anything bad about you. 22 But we desire to hear from you what [cr]your views are; for regarding this (GZ)sect, it is known to us that (HA)it is spoken against everywhere.”

23 When they had set a day for [cs]Paul, people came to him at (HB)his lodging in large numbers; and he was explaining to them by solemnly (HC)testifying about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, (HD)from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, from morning until evening. 24 (HE)Some were being persuaded by the things said by Paul, but others would not believe. 25 And when they disagreed with one another, they began leaving after Paul said one parting statement: “The Holy Spirit rightly spoke through Isaiah the prophet to your fathers, 26 saying,

‘(HF)Go to this people and say,
“[ct](HG)You will keep on hearing, and will not understand;
And [cu]you will keep on seeing, and will not perceive;
27 (HH)For the hearts of this people have become [cv]insensitive,
And with their ears they [cw]hardly hear,
And they have closed their eyes;
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
And hear with their ears,
And understand with their heart and return,
And I would heal them.”’

28 Therefore, let it be known to you that (HI)this salvation of God has been sent (HJ)to the Gentiles; they will also listen.”[cx]

30 Now Paul stayed two full years [cy]in his own rented lodging and welcomed all who came to him, 31 [cz](HK)preaching the kingdom of God and teaching things about the Lord Jesus Christ (HL)with all openness, unhindered.

The Gospel Exalted

1 Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, [da](HM)called as an apostle, (HN)set apart for (HO)the gospel of God, 2 which He (HP)promised beforehand through His (HQ)prophets in the holy Scriptures, 3 concerning His Son, who was born (HR)of a [db]descendant of David (HS)according to the flesh, 4 who was declared (HT)the Son of God with power according to the [dc]Spirit of holiness [dd]by the resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, 5 through whom we have received grace and (HU)apostleship [de]to bring about the (HV)obedience of faith among (HW)all the Gentiles in behalf of His name, 6 among whom you also are the (HX)called of Jesus Christ;

7 to all who are (HY)beloved of God in Rome, called as [df](HZ)saints: (IA)Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

8 First, (IB)I thank my God through Jesus Christ [dg]for you all, because (IC)your faith is being proclaimed throughout the world. 9 For (ID)God, whom I (IE)serve in my spirit in the preaching of the gospel of His Son, is my witness as to how unceasingly (IF)I make mention of you, 10 always in my prayers requesting if perhaps now, at last by (IG)the will of God, I will succeed in coming to you. 11 For (IH)I long to see you so that I may impart some spiritual gift to you, that you may be [dh]established; 12 that is, that I may be encouraged together with you while among you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine. 13 (II)I do not want you to be unaware, (IJ)brothers and sisters, that often I (IK)have planned to come to you (and have been prevented so far) so that I may obtain some (IL)fruit among you also just as among the rest of the Gentiles. 14 (IM)I am [di]under obligation both to Greeks and to the [dj](IN)uncultured, both to the wise and to the foolish. 15 So, for my part, I am eager to (IO)preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.

16 For I am not (IP)ashamed of the gospel, for (IQ)it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the (IR)Jew first and also to (IS)the Greek. 17 For in it (IT)the righteousness of God is revealed [dk]from faith to faith; as it is written: “[dl](IU)But the righteous one will live by faith.”

Unbelief and Its Consequences

18 For (IV)the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of people who (IW)suppress the truth [dm]in unrighteousness, 19 because (IX)that which is known about God is evident [dn]within them; for God made it evident to them. 20 For (IY)since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, (IZ)being understood by what has been made, so that they are without excuse. 21 For even though they knew God, they did not [do]honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became (JA)futile in their reasonings, and their senseless hearts were darkened. 22 (JB)Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23 and they (JC)exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible mankind, of birds, four-footed animals, and [dp]crawling creatures.

24 Therefore (JD)God gave them up to vile impurity in the lusts of their hearts, so that their bodies would be (JE)dishonored among them. 25 For they exchanged the truth of God for [dq](JF)falsehood, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, (JG)who is blessed [dr]forever. Amen.

26 For this reason (JH)God gave them over to (JI)degrading passions; for their women exchanged natural relations for that which is contrary to nature, 27 and likewise the men, too, abandoned natural relations [ds]with women and burned in their desire toward one another, (JJ)males with males committing [dt]shameful acts and receiving in [du]their own persons the due penalty of their error.

28 And just as they did not see fit [dv]to acknowledge God, (JK)God gave them up to a depraved mind, to do those things that are not proper, 29 people having been filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, and evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and malice; they are (JL)gossips, 30 slanderers, [dw](JM)haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, (JN)disobedient to parents, 31 without understanding, untrustworthy, (JO)unfeeling, and unmerciful; 32 and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of (JP)death, they not only do the same, but also (JQ)approve of those who practice them.

The Impartiality of God

2 Therefore you have (JR)no excuse, [dx]you foolish person, (JS)everyone of you who passes judgment; for [dy]in that matter in which (JT)you judge someone else, you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. 2 And we know that the judgment of God [dz]rightly falls upon those who practice such things. 3 But do you suppose this, [ea](JU)you foolish person who passes judgment on those who practice such things, and yet does them as well, that you will escape the judgment of God? 4 Or do you think lightly of (JV)the riches of His (JW)kindness and [eb](JX)restraint and (JY)patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance? 5 But [ec]because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart (JZ)you are storing up wrath for yourself (KA)on the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, 6 (KB)who will repay each person according to his deeds: 7 to those who by (KC)perseverance in doing good seek (KD)glory, honor, and (KE)immortality, He will give (KF)eternal life; 8 but to those who are (KG)self-serving and (KH)do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, He will give wrath and indignation. 9 There will be (KI)tribulation and distress [ed]for every soul of mankind who does evil, [ee]for the Jew (KJ)first and also [ef]for the Greek, 10 but (KK)glory, honor, and peace to everyone who does what is good, to the Jew (KL)first and also to the Greek. 11 For (KM)there is no partiality with God.

12 For all who have sinned [eg](KN)without the Law will also perish [eh]without the Law, and all who have sinned [ei]under the Law will be judged [ej]by the Law; 13 for it is (KO)not the hearers [ek]of the Law who are [el]righteous before God, but the doers [em]of the Law who will be justified. 14 For when Gentiles who do not have [en]the Law [eo](KP)instinctively perform the requirements of the Law, these, though not having [ep]the Law, are a law to themselves, 15 in that they show (KQ)the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience testifying and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them, 16 on the day when, (KR)according to my gospel, (KS)God will judge the secrets of mankind through Christ Jesus.

The Jews under the Law

17 But if you call yourself a [eq]Jew and (KT)rely [er]upon the Law and boast in God, 18 and know His will and [es](KU)distinguish the things that matter, being instructed from the Law, 19 and are confident that you yourself are a guide to people who are blind, a light to those in darkness, 20 a [et]corrector of the foolish, a teacher of [eu]the immature, possessing in the Law (KV)the embodiment of knowledge and of the truth— 21 you, therefore, (KW)who teach someone else, do you not teach yourself? You who [ev]preach that one is not to steal, do you steal? 22 You who say that one is not to commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who loathe idols, do you (KX)rob temples? 23 You who (KY)boast [ew]in the Law, through your breaking the Law, do you dishonor God? 24 For “(KZ)the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles (LA)because of you,” just as it is written.

25 For indeed circumcision is of value if you (LB)practice [ex]the Law; but if you are a violator [ey]of the Law, (LC)your circumcision has turned into uncircumcision. 26 (LD)So if (LE)the [ez]uncircumcised man (LF)keeps the requirements of the Law, will his uncircumcision not be regarded as circumcision? 27 And (LG)he who is physically uncircumcised, if he keeps the Law, will he not (LH)judge you who [fa]though having the letter of the Law and circumcision are a violator [fb]of the Law? 28 For (LI)he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh. 29 But (LJ)he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and (LK)circumcision is of the heart, by the (LL)Spirit, not by the letter; (LM)and his praise is not from people, but from God.

Footnotes

  1. Acts 24:1 Or presented their evidence or case
  2. Acts 24:2 Lit he
  3. Acts 24:4 Or impose on
  4. Acts 24:4 Lit to hear...briefly
  5. Acts 24:5 Lit the inhabited earth
  6. Acts 24:6 Late mss add as the remainder of v 6: We wanted to judge him according to our own Law. v 7: But Lysias the commander came along and took him out of our hands with much violence, and the first part of v 8: ordering his accusers to come before you.
  7. Acts 24:12 Lit an attack of a mob
  8. Acts 24:14 See John 14:6
  9. Acts 24:18 I.e., west coast province of Asia Minor
  10. Acts 24:20 Or Sanhedrin
  11. Acts 24:22 Lit knowing more accurately
  12. Acts 24:22 See John 14:6
  13. Acts 24:23 Lit him
  14. Acts 24:24 Lit own wife
  15. Acts 24:27 Lit received as a successor, Porcius Festus
  16. Acts 25:2 Lit him
  17. Acts 25:3 Or favor
  18. Acts 25:3 Lit him
  19. Acts 25:3 Lit summon him to Jerusalem
  20. Acts 25:5 Lit go down
  21. Acts 25:5 Lit in
  22. Acts 25:9 Lit be judged
  23. Acts 25:12 A different group from that mentioned in Acts 4:15 and 24:20
  24. Acts 25:18 Lit in regard to him
  25. Acts 25:19 Or superstition
  26. Acts 25:20 Lit these
  27. Acts 25:20 Lit said
  28. Acts 25:21 Lit the Augustus’ (in this case Nero)
  29. Acts 25:23 Lit and with
  30. Acts 25:25 See note v 21
  31. Acts 25:26 Lit About whom I
  32. Acts 26:3 Or because you are especially expert
  33. Acts 26:3 Or controversial issues
  34. Acts 26:9 Or the Nazarene
  35. Acts 26:10 Lit also
  36. Acts 26:10 Lit holy ones; i.e., God’s people
  37. Acts 26:11 Or outlying
  38. Acts 26:12 Lit In which things
  39. Acts 26:13 Lit above the brightness of
  40. Acts 26:14 I.e., Jewish Aramaic
  41. Acts 26:14 An idiom referring to an animal’s futile resistance to being prodded with a spiked stick
  42. Acts 26:18 Or dominion
  43. Acts 26:23 I.e., Messiah
  44. Acts 26:23 Lit subject to suffering
  45. Acts 26:24 Lit he
  46. Acts 26:24 Lit The many letters; i.e., education
  47. Acts 26:24 Lit turning you to madness
  48. Acts 26:25 Lit words of truth and rationality
  49. Acts 26:26 Or understands
  50. Acts 26:26 I.e., a hidden or secret place
  51. Acts 26:28 Or With a little
  52. Acts 26:28 Or act as a Christian
  53. Acts 26:29 Or pray to
  54. Acts 26:29 Or with a little or with much
  55. Acts 26:31 Lit bonds
  56. Acts 27:1 Normally 600 men (the number varied)
  57. Acts 27:2 I.e., west coast province of Asia Minor
  58. Acts 27:9 I.e., Day of Atonement in September or October, which was a dangerous time of year for navigation
  59. Acts 27:11 Or owner
  60. Acts 27:13 Lit a south wind having gently blown
  61. Acts 27:14 I.e., a northeaster
  62. Acts 27:14 Lit it
  63. Acts 27:16 Or skiff: a small boat in tow for emergencies, transportation to and from shore, etc.
  64. Acts 27:17 Lit helps
  65. Acts 27:17 Lit implement, an object designed to stabilize a boat from the stern against the wind.
  66. Acts 27:18 Lit they were doing a throwing out
  67. Acts 27:21 Lit there being much lack of appetite
  68. Acts 27:21 Lit O men
  69. Acts 27:25 Lit it will be
  70. Acts 27:27 Lit some land was approaching them
  71. Acts 27:29 Lit rough places
  72. Acts 27:29 Or wished for
  73. Acts 27:36 Lit became cheerful
  74. Acts 27:37 Lit souls
  75. Acts 27:39 Lit were not recognizing
  76. Acts 27:41 Lit place
  77. Acts 27:43 Lit throw themselves
  78. Acts 28:1 Or Melita
  79. Acts 28:2 Gr barbaroi, referring to people who did not speak Greek
  80. Acts 28:3 Or from the heat
  81. Acts 28:4 See note v 2
  82. Acts 28:4 Or Justice; i.e., the personification of a goddess
  83. Acts 28:5 Lit he
  84. Acts 28:7 Prob. the Roman governor of the island
  85. Acts 28:10 Or put on board
  86. Acts 28:10 Lit the things pertaining to the needs
  87. Acts 28:11 Gr Dioscuri; i.e., Castor and Pollux, twin sons of Zeus
  88. Acts 28:14 Lit Where
  89. Acts 28:15 Lat Appii Forum, a station about 43 miles or 69.2 km from Rome
  90. Acts 28:15 Lat Tres Tabernae, a station about 33 miles or 53.1 km from Rome
  91. Acts 28:17 Lit he
  92. Acts 28:17 Or forefathers
  93. Acts 28:18 Lit of death in me
  94. Acts 28:19 Lit spoke against
  95. Acts 28:20 Or invited you to see me and speak with me
  96. Acts 28:22 Lit you think
  97. Acts 28:23 Lit him
  98. Acts 28:26 Lit with a hearing you will hear
  99. Acts 28:26 Lit seeing you will see
  100. Acts 28:27 Lit dull
  101. Acts 28:27 Or are hard of hearing
  102. Acts 28:28 Late mss add as v 29: When he had spoken these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves.
  103. Acts 28:30 Or at his own expense
  104. Acts 28:31 Or proclaiming
  105. Romans 1:1 Lit a called apostle
  106. Romans 1:3 Lit seed
  107. Romans 1:4 Or spirit
  108. Romans 1:4 Or as a result of
  109. Romans 1:5 Lit for obedience
  110. Romans 1:7 Lit holy ones; i.e., God’s people
  111. Romans 1:8 Or concerning you all, that...
  112. Romans 1:11 Or strengthened
  113. Romans 1:14 Lit debtor
  114. Romans 1:14 I.e., non-Hellenes
  115. Romans 1:17 Or by
  116. Romans 1:17 Or But the one who is righteous by faith shall live
  117. Romans 1:18 Or by
  118. Romans 1:19 Or among
  119. Romans 1:21 Lit glorify
  120. Romans 1:23 Or reptiles
  121. Romans 1:25 Lit the lie
  122. Romans 1:25 Lit unto the ages
  123. Romans 1:27 Lit of the female
  124. Romans 1:27 Lit shamelessness
  125. Romans 1:27 Lit themselves
  126. Romans 1:28 Lit to have God in knowledge
  127. Romans 1:30 Or hateful to God
  128. Romans 2:1 Lit O
  129. Romans 2:1 Or when you judge
  130. Romans 2:2 Lit is according to truth against
  131. Romans 2:3 Lit O
  132. Romans 2:4 I.e., from inflicting punishment
  133. Romans 2:5 Or in accordance with
  134. Romans 2:9 Lit upon
  135. Romans 2:9 Lit of the
  136. Romans 2:9 Lit of the
  137. Romans 2:12 Or without law
  138. Romans 2:12 Or without law
  139. Romans 2:12 Or under law
  140. Romans 2:12 Or by law
  141. Romans 2:13 Or of law
  142. Romans 2:13 Or just
  143. Romans 2:13 Or of law
  144. Romans 2:14 Or law
  145. Romans 2:14 Lit by nature
  146. Romans 2:14 Or law
  147. Romans 2:17 Or Judean
  148. Romans 2:17 Or upon law
  149. Romans 2:18 Or approve
  150. Romans 2:20 Or instructor
  151. Romans 2:20 Lit infants
  152. Romans 2:21 Or proclaim
  153. Romans 2:23 Or in law
  154. Romans 2:25 Or law
  155. Romans 2:25 Or of law
  156. Romans 2:26 Lit uncircumcision
  157. Romans 2:27 Lit through the letter
  158. Romans 2:27 Or of law
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Acts 24 - Romans 2
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Paul’s Trial Before Felix

24 Five days later the high priest Ananias(A) went down to Caesarea with some of the elders and a lawyer named Tertullus, and they brought their charges(B) against Paul before the governor.(C) 2 When Paul was called in, Tertullus presented his case before Felix: “We have enjoyed a long period of peace under you, and your foresight has brought about reforms in this nation. 3 Everywhere and in every way, most excellent(D) Felix, we acknowledge this with profound gratitude. 4 But in order not to weary you further, I would request that you be kind enough to hear us briefly.

5 “We have found this man to be a troublemaker, stirring up riots(E) among the Jews(F) all over the world. He is a ringleader of the Nazarene(G) sect(H) 6 and even tried to desecrate the temple;(I) so we seized him. [7] [a] 8 By examining him yourself you will be able to learn the truth about all these charges we are bringing against him.”

9 The other Jews joined in the accusation,(J) asserting that these things were true.

10 When the governor(K) motioned for him to speak, Paul replied: “I know that for a number of years you have been a judge over this nation; so I gladly make my defense. 11 You can easily verify that no more than twelve days(L) ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. 12 My accusers did not find me arguing with anyone at the temple,(M) or stirring up a crowd(N) in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city. 13 And they cannot prove to you the charges they are now making against me.(O) 14 However, I admit that I worship the God of our ancestors(P) as a follower of the Way,(Q) which they call a sect.(R) I believe everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets,(S) 15 and I have the same hope in God as these men themselves have, that there will be a resurrection(T) of both the righteous and the wicked.(U) 16 So I strive always to keep my conscience clear(V) before God and man.

17 “After an absence of several years, I came to Jerusalem to bring my people gifts for the poor(W) and to present offerings. 18 I was ceremonially clean(X) when they found me in the temple courts doing this. There was no crowd with me, nor was I involved in any disturbance.(Y) 19 But there are some Jews from the province of Asia,(Z) who ought to be here before you and bring charges if they have anything against me.(AA) 20 Or these who are here should state what crime they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin— 21 unless it was this one thing I shouted as I stood in their presence: ‘It is concerning the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.’”(AB)

22 Then Felix, who was well acquainted with the Way,(AC) adjourned the proceedings. “When Lysias the commander comes,” he said, “I will decide your case.” 23 He ordered the centurion to keep Paul under guard(AD) but to give him some freedom(AE) and permit his friends to take care of his needs.(AF)

24 Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus.(AG) 25 As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control(AH) and the judgment(AI) to come, Felix was afraid(AJ) and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.” 26 At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him.

27 When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus,(AK) but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews,(AL) he left Paul in prison.(AM)

Paul’s Trial Before Festus

25 Three days after arriving in the province, Festus(AN) went up from Caesarea(AO) to Jerusalem, 2 where the chief priests and the Jewish leaders appeared before him and presented the charges against Paul.(AP) 3 They requested Festus, as a favor to them, to have Paul transferred to Jerusalem, for they were preparing an ambush to kill him along the way.(AQ) 4 Festus answered, “Paul is being held(AR) at Caesarea,(AS) and I myself am going there soon. 5 Let some of your leaders come with me, and if the man has done anything wrong, they can press charges against him there.”

6 After spending eight or ten days with them, Festus went down to Caesarea. The next day he convened the court(AT) and ordered that Paul be brought before him.(AU) 7 When Paul came in, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him. They brought many serious charges against him,(AV) but they could not prove them.(AW)

8 Then Paul made his defense: “I have done nothing wrong against the Jewish law or against the temple(AX) or against Caesar.”

9 Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor,(AY) said to Paul, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and stand trial before me there on these charges?”(AZ)

10 Paul answered: “I am now standing before Caesar’s court, where I ought to be tried. I have not done any wrong to the Jews,(BA) as you yourself know very well. 11 If, however, I am guilty of doing anything deserving death, I do not refuse to die. But if the charges brought against me by these Jews are not true, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!”(BB)

12 After Festus had conferred with his council, he declared: “You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you will go!”

Festus Consults King Agrippa

13 A few days later King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea(BC) to pay their respects to Festus. 14 Since they were spending many days there, Festus discussed Paul’s case with the king. He said: “There is a man here whom Felix left as a prisoner.(BD) 15 When I went to Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews brought charges against him(BE) and asked that he be condemned.

16 “I told them that it is not the Roman custom to hand over anyone before they have faced their accusers and have had an opportunity to defend themselves against the charges.(BF) 17 When they came here with me, I did not delay the case, but convened the court the next day and ordered the man to be brought in.(BG) 18 When his accusers got up to speak, they did not charge him with any of the crimes I had expected. 19 Instead, they had some points of dispute(BH) with him about their own religion(BI) and about a dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive. 20 I was at a loss how to investigate such matters; so I asked if he would be willing to go to Jerusalem and stand trial there on these charges.(BJ) 21 But when Paul made his appeal to be held over for the Emperor’s decision, I ordered him held until I could send him to Caesar.”(BK)

22 Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I would like to hear this man myself.”

He replied, “Tomorrow you will hear him.”(BL)

Paul Before Agrippa(BM)

23 The next day Agrippa and Bernice(BN) came with great pomp and entered the audience room with the high-ranking military officers and the prominent men of the city. At the command of Festus, Paul was brought in. 24 Festus said: “King Agrippa, and all who are present with us, you see this man! The whole Jewish community(BO) has petitioned me about him in Jerusalem and here in Caesarea, shouting that he ought not to live any longer.(BP) 25 I found he had done nothing deserving of death,(BQ) but because he made his appeal to the Emperor(BR) I decided to send him to Rome. 26 But I have nothing definite to write to His Majesty about him. Therefore I have brought him before all of you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that as a result of this investigation I may have something to write. 27 For I think it is unreasonable to send a prisoner on to Rome without specifying the charges against him.”

26 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.”(BS)

So Paul motioned with his hand(BT) and began his defense: 2 “King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you(BU) today as I make my defense against all the accusations of the Jews,(BV) 3 and especially so because you are well acquainted with all the Jewish customs(BW) and controversies.(BX) Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently.

4 “The Jewish people all know the way I have lived ever since I was a child,(BY) from the beginning of my life in my own country, and also in Jerusalem. 5 They have known me for a long time(BZ) and can testify, if they are willing, that I conformed to the strictest sect(CA) of our religion, living as a Pharisee.(CB) 6 And now it is because of my hope(CC) in what God has promised our ancestors(CD) that I am on trial today. 7 This is the promise our twelve tribes(CE) are hoping to see fulfilled as they earnestly serve God day and night.(CF) King Agrippa, it is because of this hope that these Jews are accusing me.(CG) 8 Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?(CH)

9 “I too was convinced(CI) that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose(CJ) the name of Jesus of Nazareth.(CK) 10 And that is just what I did in Jerusalem. On the authority of the chief priests I put many of the Lord’s people(CL) in prison,(CM) and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them.(CN) 11 Many a time I went from one synagogue to another to have them punished,(CO) and I tried to force them to blaspheme. I was so obsessed with persecuting them that I even hunted them down in foreign cities.

12 “On one of these journeys I was going to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. 13 About noon, King Agrippa, as I was on the road, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, blazing around me and my companions. 14 We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice(CP) saying to me in Aramaic,[b](CQ) ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’

15 “Then I asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’

“ ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ the Lord replied. 16 ‘Now get up and stand on your feet.(CR) I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen and will see of me.(CS) 17 I will rescue you(CT) from your own people and from the Gentiles.(CU) I am sending you to them 18 to open their eyes(CV) and turn them from darkness to light,(CW) and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins(CX) and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’(CY)

19 “So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient(CZ) to the vision from heaven. 20 First to those in Damascus,(DA) then to those in Jerusalem(DB) and in all Judea, and then to the Gentiles,(DC) I preached that they should repent(DD) and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds.(DE) 21 That is why some Jews seized me(DF) in the temple courts and tried to kill me.(DG) 22 But God has helped me to this very day; so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen(DH)— 23 that the Messiah would suffer(DI) and, as the first to rise from the dead,(DJ) would bring the message of light to his own people and to the Gentiles.”(DK)

24 At this point Festus interrupted Paul’s defense. “You are out of your mind,(DL) Paul!” he shouted. “Your great learning(DM) is driving you insane.”

25 “I am not insane, most excellent(DN) Festus,” Paul replied. “What I am saying is true and reasonable. 26 The king is familiar with these things,(DO) and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.”

28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?”(DP)

29 Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”(DQ)

30 The king rose, and with him the governor and Bernice(DR) and those sitting with them. 31 After they left the room, they began saying to one another, “This man is not doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment.”(DS)

32 Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free(DT) if he had not appealed to Caesar.”(DU)

Paul Sails for Rome

27 When it was decided that we(DV) would sail for Italy,(DW) Paul and some other prisoners were handed over to a centurion named Julius, who belonged to the Imperial Regiment.(DX) 2 We boarded a ship from Adramyttium about to sail for ports along the coast of the province of Asia,(DY) and we put out to sea. Aristarchus,(DZ) a Macedonian(EA) from Thessalonica,(EB) was with us.

3 The next day we landed at Sidon;(EC) and Julius, in kindness to Paul,(ED) allowed him to go to his friends so they might provide for his needs.(EE) 4 From there we put out to sea again and passed to the lee of Cyprus because the winds were against us.(EF) 5 When we had sailed across the open sea off the coast of Cilicia(EG) and Pamphylia,(EH) we landed at Myra in Lycia. 6 There the centurion found an Alexandrian ship(EI) sailing for Italy(EJ) and put us on board. 7 We made slow headway for many days and had difficulty arriving off Cnidus. When the wind did not allow us to hold our course,(EK) we sailed to the lee of Crete,(EL) opposite Salmone. 8 We moved along the coast with difficulty and came to a place called Fair Havens, near the town of Lasea.

9 Much time had been lost, and sailing had already become dangerous because by now it was after the Day of Atonement.[c](EM) So Paul warned them, 10 “Men, I can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous and bring great loss to ship and cargo, and to our own lives also.”(EN) 11 But the centurion, instead of listening to what Paul said, followed the advice of the pilot and of the owner of the ship. 12 Since the harbor was unsuitable to winter in, the majority decided that we should sail on, hoping to reach Phoenix and winter there. This was a harbor in Crete,(EO) facing both southwest and northwest.

The Storm

13 When a gentle south wind began to blow, they saw their opportunity; so they weighed anchor and sailed along the shore of Crete. 14 Before very long, a wind of hurricane force,(EP) called the Northeaster, swept down from the island. 15 The ship was caught by the storm and could not head into the wind; so we gave way to it and were driven along. 16 As we passed to the lee of a small island called Cauda, we were hardly able to make the lifeboat(EQ) secure, 17 so the men hoisted it aboard. Then they passed ropes under the ship itself to hold it together. Because they were afraid they would run aground(ER) on the sandbars of Syrtis, they lowered the sea anchor[d] and let the ship be driven along. 18 We took such a violent battering from the storm that the next day they began to throw the cargo overboard.(ES) 19 On the third day, they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands. 20 When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved.

21 After they had gone a long time without food, Paul stood up before them and said: “Men, you should have taken my advice(ET) not to sail from Crete;(EU) then you would have spared yourselves this damage and loss. 22 But now I urge you to keep up your courage,(EV) because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. 23 Last night an angel(EW) of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve(EX) stood beside me(EY) 24 and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar;(EZ) and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’(FA) 25 So keep up your courage,(FB) men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me.(FC) 26 Nevertheless, we must run aground(FD) on some island.”(FE)

The Shipwreck

27 On the fourteenth night we were still being driven across the Adriatic[e] Sea, when about midnight the sailors sensed they were approaching land. 28 They took soundings and found that the water was a hundred and twenty feet[f] deep. A short time later they took soundings again and found it was ninety feet[g] deep. 29 Fearing that we would be dashed against the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern and prayed for daylight. 30 In an attempt to escape from the ship, the sailors let the lifeboat(FF) down into the sea, pretending they were going to lower some anchors from the bow. 31 Then Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay with the ship, you cannot be saved.”(FG) 32 So the soldiers cut the ropes that held the lifeboat and let it drift away.

33 Just before dawn Paul urged them all to eat. “For the last fourteen days,” he said, “you have been in constant suspense and have gone without food—you haven’t eaten anything. 34 Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head.”(FH) 35 After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it(FI) and began to eat. 36 They were all encouraged(FJ) and ate some food themselves. 37 Altogether there were 276 of us on board. 38 When they had eaten as much as they wanted, they lightened the ship by throwing the grain into the sea.(FK)

39 When daylight came, they did not recognize the land, but they saw a bay with a sandy beach,(FL) where they decided to run the ship aground if they could. 40 Cutting loose the anchors,(FM) they left them in the sea and at the same time untied the ropes that held the rudders. Then they hoisted the foresail to the wind and made for the beach. 41 But the ship struck a sandbar and ran aground. The bow stuck fast and would not move, and the stern was broken to pieces by the pounding of the surf.(FN)

42 The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners to prevent any of them from swimming away and escaping. 43 But the centurion wanted to spare Paul’s life(FO) and kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land. 44 The rest were to get there on planks or on other pieces of the ship. In this way everyone reached land safely.(FP)

Paul Ashore on Malta

28 Once safely on shore, we(FQ) found out that the island(FR) was called Malta. 2 The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold. 3 Paul gathered a pile of brushwood and, as he put it on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand. 4 When the islanders saw the snake hanging from his hand,(FS) they said to each other, “This man must be a murderer; for though he escaped from the sea, the goddess Justice has not allowed him to live.”(FT) 5 But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects.(FU) 6 The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead; but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god.(FV)

7 There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and showed us generous hospitality for three days. 8 His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer,(FW) placed his hands on him(FX) and healed him.(FY) 9 When this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured. 10 They honored us(FZ) in many ways; and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed.

Paul’s Arrival at Rome

11 After three months we put out to sea in a ship that had wintered in the island—it was an Alexandrian ship(GA) with the figurehead of the twin gods Castor and Pollux. 12 We put in at Syracuse and stayed there three days. 13 From there we set sail and arrived at Rhegium. The next day the south wind came up, and on the following day we reached Puteoli. 14 There we found some brothers and sisters(GB) who invited us to spend a week with them. And so we came to Rome. 15 The brothers and sisters(GC) there had heard that we were coming, and they traveled as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns to meet us. At the sight of these people Paul thanked God and was encouraged. 16 When we got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him.(GD)

Paul Preaches at Rome Under Guard

17 Three days later he called together the local Jewish leaders.(GE) When they had assembled, Paul said to them: “My brothers,(GF) although I have done nothing against our people(GG) or against the customs of our ancestors,(GH) I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans. 18 They examined me(GI) and wanted to release me,(GJ) because I was not guilty of any crime deserving death.(GK) 19 The Jews objected, so I was compelled to make an appeal to Caesar.(GL) I certainly did not intend to bring any charge against my own people. 20 For this reason I have asked to see you and talk with you. It is because of the hope of Israel(GM) that I am bound with this chain.”(GN)

21 They replied, “We have not received any letters from Judea concerning you, and none of our people(GO) who have come from there has reported or said anything bad about you. 22 But we want to hear what your views are, for we know that people everywhere are talking against this sect.”(GP)

23 They arranged to meet Paul on a certain day, and came in even larger numbers to the place where he was staying. He witnessed to them from morning till evening, explaining about the kingdom of God,(GQ) and from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets(GR) he tried to persuade them about Jesus.(GS) 24 Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe.(GT) 25 They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: “The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your ancestors when he said(GU) through Isaiah the prophet:

26 “‘Go to this people and say,
“You will be ever hearing but never understanding;
    you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.”
27 For this people’s heart has become calloused;(GV)
    they hardly hear with their ears,
    and they have closed their eyes.
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
    hear with their ears,
    understand with their hearts
and turn, and I would heal them.’[h](GW)

28 “Therefore I want you to know that God’s salvation(GX) has been sent to the Gentiles,(GY) and they will listen!” [29] [i]

30 For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. 31 He proclaimed the kingdom of God(GZ) and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness(HA) and without hindrance!

1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle(HB) and set apart(HC) for the gospel of God(HD)— 2 the gospel he promised beforehand(HE) through his prophets(HF) in the Holy Scriptures(HG) 3 regarding his Son, who as to his earthly life[j](HH) was a descendant of David,(HI) 4 and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power[k](HJ) by his resurrection from the dead:(HK) Jesus Christ our Lord.(HL) 5 Through him we received grace(HM) and apostleship to call all the Gentiles(HN) to the obedience that comes from[l] faith(HO) for his name’s sake. 6 And you also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.(HP)

7 To all in Rome who are loved by God(HQ) and called to be his holy people:(HR)

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.(HS)

Paul’s Longing to Visit Rome

8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you,(HT) because your faith is being reported all over the world.(HU) 9 God, whom I serve(HV) in my spirit in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness(HW) how constantly I remember you 10 in my prayers at all times;(HX) and I pray that now at last by God’s will(HY) the way may be opened for me to come to you.(HZ)

11 I long to see you(IA) so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift(IB) to make you strong— 12 that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith. 13 I do not want you to be unaware,(IC) brothers and sisters,[m](ID) that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now)(IE) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles.

14 I am obligated(IF) both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. 15 That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are in Rome.(IG)

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel,(IH) because it is the power of God(II) that brings salvation to everyone who believes:(IJ) first to the Jew,(IK) then to the Gentile.(IL) 17 For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed(IM)—a righteousness that is by faith(IN) from first to last,[n] just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”[o](IO)

God’s Wrath Against Sinful Humanity

18 The wrath of God(IP) is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them.(IQ) 20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made,(IR) so that people are without excuse.(IS)

21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.(IT) 22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools(IU) 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images(IV) made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles.

24 Therefore God gave them over(IW) in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another.(IX) 25 They exchanged the truth about God for a lie,(IY) and worshiped and served created things(IZ) rather than the Creator—who is forever praised.(JA) Amen.(JB)

26 Because of this, God gave them over(JC) to shameful lusts.(JD) Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones.(JE) 27 In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error.(JF)

28 Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over(JG) to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done. 29 They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips,(JH) 30 slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents;(JI) 31 they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love,(JJ) no mercy. 32 Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death,(JK) they not only continue to do these very things but also approve(JL) of those who practice them.

God’s Righteous Judgment

2 You, therefore, have no excuse,(JM) you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.(JN) 2 Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. 3 So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? 4 Or do you show contempt for the riches(JO) of his kindness,(JP) forbearance(JQ) and patience,(JR) not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?(JS)

5 But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath(JT), when his righteous judgment(JU) will be revealed. 6 God “will repay each person according to what they have done.”[p](JV) 7 To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor(JW) and immortality,(JX) he will give eternal life.(JY) 8 But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil,(JZ) there will be wrath and anger.(KA) 9 There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil:(KB) first for the Jew, then for the Gentile;(KC) 10 but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.(KD) 11 For God does not show favoritism.(KE)

12 All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law(KF) will be judged by the law. 13 For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey(KG) the law who will be declared righteous. 14 (Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law,(KH) they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law. 15 They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them.) 16 This will take place on the day when God judges people’s secrets(KI) through Jesus Christ,(KJ) as my gospel(KK) declares.

The Jews and the Law

17 Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the law and boast in God;(KL) 18 if you know his will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the law; 19 if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those who are in the dark, 20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of little children, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth— 21 you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal?(KM) 22 You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?(KN) 23 You who boast in the law,(KO) do you dishonor God by breaking the law? 24 As it is written: “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”[q](KP)

25 Circumcision has value if you observe the law,(KQ) but if you break the law, you have become as though you had not been circumcised.(KR) 26 So then, if those who are not circumcised keep the law’s requirements,(KS) will they not be regarded as though they were circumcised?(KT) 27 The one who is not circumcised physically and yet obeys the law will condemn you(KU) who, even though you have the[r] written code and circumcision, are a lawbreaker.

28 A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly,(KV) nor is circumcision merely outward and physical.(KW) 29 No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart,(KX) by the Spirit,(KY) not by the written code.(KZ) Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God.(LA)

Footnotes

  1. Acts 24:7 Some manuscripts include here him, and we would have judged him in accordance with our law. 7 But the commander Lysias came and took him from us with much violence, 8 ordering his accusers to come before you.
  2. Acts 26:14 Or Hebrew
  3. Acts 27:9 That is, Yom Kippur
  4. Acts 27:17 Or the sails
  5. Acts 27:27 In ancient times the name referred to an area extending well south of Italy.
  6. Acts 27:28 Or about 37 meters
  7. Acts 27:28 Or about 27 meters
  8. Acts 28:27 Isaiah 6:9,10 (see Septuagint)
  9. Acts 28:29 Some manuscripts include here After he said this, the Jews left, arguing vigorously among themselves.
  10. Romans 1:3 Or who according to the flesh
  11. Romans 1:4 Or was declared with power to be the Son of God
  12. Romans 1:5 Or that is
  13. Romans 1:13 The Greek word for brothers and sisters (adelphoi) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God’s family; also in 7:1, 4; 8:12, 29; 10:1; 11:25; 12:1; 15:14, 30; 16:14, 17.
  14. Romans 1:17 Or is from faith to faith
  15. Romans 1:17 Hab. 2:4
  16. Romans 2:6 Psalm 62:12; Prov. 24:12
  17. Romans 2:24 Isaiah 52:5 (see Septuagint); Ezek. 36:20,22
  18. Romans 2:27 Or who, by means of a
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