The Riot at Ephesus

^21 (A)When these things were accomplished, Paul ^(B)purposed in the Spirit, when he had passed through ^(C)Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, “After I have been there, ^(D)I must also see Rome.”

²² And see, now ^(A)I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there,

¹⁶ For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he would not have to spend time in Asia; for ^(A)he was hurrying ^(B)to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on ^(C)the Day of Pentecost.

The Plot Against Paul

¹¹ But ^(A)the following night the Lord stood by him and said, ^[a]“Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in ^(B)Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at ^(C)Rome.”

¹³ Now I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that I often planned to come to you (but ^(A)was hindered until now), that I might have some ^(B)fruit among you also, just as among the other Gentiles.

²¹ but took leave of them, saying, ^(A)“I^[a] must by all means keep this coming feast in Jerusalem; but I will return again to you, ^(B)God willing.” And he sailed from Ephesus.

⁷ so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe.

Christ Is Preached

¹² But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, ¹³ so that it has become evident ^(A)to the whole ^[a]palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; ¹⁴ and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

Defending the Gospel^(A)

2 Then after fourteen years ^(B)I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and also took Titus with me.

Sparing the Church