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Notes that are not verse specific
3:12 This detail is at the same time as Haggai 2:3
4:4 It is not only enemies who can weaken hands. It is any adversary. The company we keep will affect the way that we respond to the things of God.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2003 Reply to Peter
DO WHAT YOU CAN
It may have seemed appropriate to begin the temple worship and the sacrifices when the temple itself had been completed, and the Jews could again begin their service in a complete way. But had the returned exiles waited until everything was ready, they would have been waiting for years. If they had waited they would have missed out on many opportunities to serve their God. So rather than waiting for the right moment, or waiting until everything was ready, they did what they could with what they had.
They did not have a temple, so they could not do many of the services that required the temple, but they did build an altar. On that altar they were able to offer sacrifices and re-establish the regular burnt offerings again. They also took the opportunity to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles.
The returned exiles could have sat around moping and waiting for the temple to be built, but instead they did what they could and made the most of what they had.
We too could wait for the perfect opportunities to serve the Lord - but they will never come. Let's not waste time, but do what we can with what we have, making the most of every moment in our service to our God.
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2002 Reply to Robert
Jeshua (or Joshua) was the priest, and Zerubbabel was the mayor (or civic leader). It's wonderful to realise that Ezekiel's prophecy of the kingship being overturned until He came Who's right it was (Eze 21:25-27), came so true. There was no king since Zedekiah.
David Simpson [Worcester (UK)] Comment added in 2004 Reply to David
9:4 Here and in Ezra 10:3, 9 we see Israel trembling when they heard the word of God. We may think that was fear. However Isa 66:1-2 teaches us that God seeks such an attitude to His word. Do we have such reverence for the Word of God, the Bible? Do we treat it as the very words of God or do we take parts of it to ourselves and ignore those parts which are less convenient to us?
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2012 Reply to Peter
What Daniel and Esther did
We probably all know the exciting Bible stories of Daniel and Esther. They both rose to great prominence and power in the kingdoms of Babylon and Persia. Esther was married to Ahasuerus. Daniel was adviser to Cyrus and Darius. A lesser know Jewish exile, Nehemiah, was chief butler to Artaxerxes. We may have wondered why these three specific stories are told to us in the Bible, each of them similar in that they speak of Jews getting close to the emperors of the time. When we read this chapter in Ezra 4, we suddenly glimpse what it was all about. Each of these emperors was receiving letters from the enemies of Judah, urging them to forbid the building the temple, and God ensured that His representative was close to each emperor to speak to him on the Jew's behalf. Notice how many letters are sent and how many kings mentioned in this chapter, yet all of them seemingly ignored the words of the enemies of Judah.
Rob de Jongh [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2013 Reply to Rob
OPPOSITION
It was bound to happen. As the Jews began to rebuild the temple of the LORD after their return from captivity, there were people around who were not happy about it. First their enemies tried becoming "friends", but that didn't succeed. So they began to bad-mouth the workers to discourage them, but that didn't work either. Then they took the Jews to court, writing a letter to the king to persuade him to force the Jews to stop the work. When the reply from the king was received, the Jews were forced to stop, and their enemies had succeeded.
As Christians, there are always going to be people who want to pull us down, change our ways and turn us from our faith. Sometimes it's really subtle. As "friends" they make us lower our guard by distraction with seemingly innocent invitations, distractions and discussions. Other times their verbal discouragement can be quite pointed. And in other cases, Christians suffer physical, political or religious persecution.
But it was God's will that the temple should be built. And it is His will that we remain faithful. Nothing and no one should be able to keep us from doing God's will. So let us stand firm in the face of opposition, no matter what the cost, and give our all to our God.
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2017 Reply to Robert
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1. And when the seventh <7637> month <2320> was come <5060>(8799), and the children <1121> of Israel <3478> were in the cities <5892>, the people <5971> gathered themselves together <622>(8735) as one <259> man <376> to Jerusalem <3389>.
2. Then stood up <6965>(8799) Jeshua <3442> the son <1121> of Jozadak <3136>, and his brethren <251> the priests <3548>, and Zerubbabel <2216> the son <1121> of Shealtiel <7597>, and his brethren <251>, and builded <1129>(8799) the altar <4196> of the God <430> of Israel <3478>, to offer <5927>(8687) burnt offerings <5930> thereon, as it is written <3789>(8803) in the law <8451> of Moses <4872> the man <376> of God <430>.
3. And they set <3559>(8686) the altar <4196> upon his bases <4350>; for fear <367> was upon them because of the people <5971> of those countries <776>: and they offered <5927>(8686) burnt offerings <5930> thereon unto the LORD <3068>, even burnt offerings <5930> morning <1242> and evening <6153>.
4. They kept <6213>(8799) also the feast <2282> of tabernacles <5521>, as it is written <3789>(8803), and offered the daily <3117> burnt offerings <5930> by number <4557>, according to the custom <4941>, as the duty <1697> of every day <3117> required <3117>;
5. And afterward <310> offered the continual <8548> burnt offering <5930>, both of the new moons <2320>, and of all the set feasts <4150> of the LORD <3068> that were consecrated <6942>(8794), and of every one that willingly offered <5068>(8693) a freewill offering <5071> unto the LORD <3068>.
6. From the first <259> day <3117> of the seventh <7637> month <2320> began <2490>(8689) they to offer <5927>(8687) burnt offerings <5930> unto the LORD <3068>. But the foundation <3245> <0> of the temple <1964> of the LORD <3068> was not yet laid <3245>(8795).
7. They gave <5414>(8799) money <3701> also unto the masons <2672>(8802), and to the carpenters <2796>; and meat <3978>, and drink <4960>, and oil <8081>, unto them of Zidon <6722>, and to them of Tyre <6876>, to bring <935>(8687) cedar <730> trees <6086> from Lebanon <3844> to the sea <3220> of Joppa <3305>, according to the grant <7558> that they had of Cyrus <3566> king <4428> of Persia <6539>.
8. Now in the second <8145> year <8141> of their coming <935>(8800) unto the house <1004> of God <430> at Jerusalem <3389>, in the second <8145> month <2320>, began <2490>(8689) Zerubbabel <2216> the son <1121> of Shealtiel <7597>, and Jeshua <3442> the son <1121> of Jozadak <3136>, and the remnant <7605> of their brethren <251> the priests <3548> and the Levites <3881>, and all they that were come out <935>(8802) of the captivity <7628> unto Jerusalem <3389>; and appointed <5975>(8686) the Levites <3881>, from twenty <6242> years <8141> old <1121> and upward <4605>, to set forward <5329>(8763) the work <4399> of the house <1004> of the LORD <3068>.
9. Then stood <5975>(8799) Jeshua <3442> with his sons <1121> and his brethren <251>, Kadmiel <6934> and his sons <1121>, the sons <1121> of Judah <3063>, together <259>, to set forward <5329>(8763) the workmen <6213>(8802) <4399> in the house <1004> of God <430>: the sons <1121> of Henadad <2582>, with their sons <1121> and their brethren <251> the Levites <3881>.
10. And when the builders <1129>(8802) laid the foundation <3245>(8765) of the temple <1964> of the LORD <3068>, they set <5975>(8686) the priests <3548> in their apparel <3847>(8794) with trumpets <2689>, and the Levites <3881> the sons <1121> of Asaph <623> with cymbals <4700>, to praise <1984>(8763) the LORD <3068>, after the ordinance <3027> of David <1732> king <4428> of Israel <3478>.
11. And they sang together by course <6030>(8799) in praising <1984>(8763) and giving thanks <3034>(8687) unto the LORD <3068>; because he is good <2896>, for his mercy <2617> endureth for ever <5769> toward Israel <3478>. And all the people <5971> shouted <7321>(8689) with a great <1419> shout <8643>, when they praised <1984>(8763) the LORD <3068>, because the foundation <3245> <0> of the house <1004> of the LORD <3068> was laid <3245>(8717).
12. But many <7227> of the priests <3548> and Levites <3881> and chief <7218> of the fathers <1>, who were ancient men <2205>, that had seen <7200>(8804) the first <7223> house <1004>, when the foundation <3245> <0> of this house <1004> was laid <3245>(8800) before their eyes <5869>, wept <1058>(8802) with a loud <1419> voice <6963>; and many <7227> shouted <8643> aloud <7311>(8687) for joy <8057>:
13. So that the people <5971> could not discern <5234>(8688) the noise <6963> of the shout <8643> of joy <8057> from the noise <6963> of the weeping <1065> of the people <5971>: for the people <5971> shouted <7321>(8688) with a loud <1419> shout <8643>, and the noise <6963> was heard <8085>(8738) afar off <7350>.
1. Now when the adversaries <6862> of Judah <3063> and Benjamin <1144> heard <8085>(8799) that the children <1121> of the captivity <1473> builded <1129>(8802) the temple <1964> unto the LORD <3068> God <430> of Israel <3478>;
2. Then they came <5066>(8799) to Zerubbabel <2216>, and to the chief <7218> of the fathers <1>, and said <559>(8799) unto them, Let us build <1129>(8799) with you: for we seek <1875>(8799) your God <430>, as ye do; and we do sacrifice <2076>(8802) unto him since the days <3117> of Esarhaddon <634> king <4428> of Assur <804>, which brought us up hither <5927>(8688).
3. But Zerubbabel <2216>, and Jeshua <3442>, and the rest <7605> of the chief <7218> of the fathers <1> of Israel <3478>, said <559>(8799) unto them, Ye have nothing to do with us to build <1129>(8800) an house <1004> unto our God <430>; but we ourselves together <3162> will build <1129>(8799) unto the LORD <3068> God <430> of Israel <3478>, as king <4428> Cyrus <3566> the king <4428> of Persia <6539> hath commanded <6680>(8765) us.
4. Then the people <5971> of the land <776> weakened <7503>(8764) the hands <3027> of the people <5971> of Judah <3063>, and troubled <926>(8764)(8675) <1089>(8764) them in building <1129>(8800),
5. And hired <7936>(8802) counsellors <3289>(8802) against them, to frustrate <6565>(8687) their purpose <6098>, all the days <3117> of Cyrus <3566> king <4428> of Persia <6539>, even until the reign <4438> of Darius <1867> king <4428> of Persia <6539>.
6. And in the reign <4438> of Ahasuerus <325>, in the beginning <8462> of his reign <4438>, wrote <3789>(8804) they unto him an accusation <7855> against the inhabitants <3427>(8802) of Judah <3063> and Jerusalem <3389>.
7. And in the days <3117> of Artaxerxes <783> wrote <3789>(8804) Bishlam <1312>, Mithredath <4990>, Tabeel <2870>, and the rest <7605> of their companions <3674>, unto Artaxerxes <783> king <4428> of Persia <6539>; and the writing <3791> of the letter <5406> was written <3789>(8803) in the Syrian tongue <762>, and interpreted <8638>(8794) in the Syrian tongue <762>.
8. Rehum <7348> the chancellor <1169> <2942> and Shimshai <8124> the scribe <5613> wrote <3790>(8754) a <2298> letter <104> against <5922> Jerusalem <3390> to Artaxerxes <783> the king <4430> in this sort <3660>:
9. Then <116> wrote Rehum <7348> the chancellor <1169> <2942>, and Shimshai <8124> the scribe <5613>, and the rest <7606> of their companions <3675>; the Dinaites <1784>, the Apharsathchites <671>, the Tarpelites <2967>, the Apharsites <670>, the Archevites <756>, the Babylonians <896>, the Susanchites <7801>, the Dehavites <1723>, and the Elamites <5962>,
10. And the rest <7606> of the nations <524> whom <1768> the great <7229> and noble <3358> Asnappar <620> brought over <1541>(8684), and set <3488>(8684) <1994> in the cities <7149> of Samaria <8115>, and the rest <7606> that are on this side <5675> the river <5103>, and at such a time <3706>.
11. This <1836> is the copy <6573> of the letter <104> that <1768> they sent <7972>(8754) unto him <5922>, even unto Artaxerxes <783> the king <4430>; Thy servants <5649> the men <606> on this side <5675> the river <5103>, and at such a time <3706>.
12. Be it <1934>(8748) known <3046>(8752) unto the king <4430>, that the Jews <3062> which <1768> came up <5559>(8760) from <4481> thee <3890> to us <5922> are come <858>(8754) unto Jerusalem <3390>, building <1124>(8750) the rebellious <4779> and the bad <873> city <7149>, and have set up <3635>(8806)(8675) <3635>(8720) the walls <7792> thereof, and joined <2338>(8681) the foundations <787>.
13. Be it known <3046>(8752) <1934>(8748) now <3705> unto the king <4430>, that, if <2006> this <1791> city <7149> be builded <1124>(8731), and the walls <7792> set up <3635>(8720) again, then will they not <3809> pay <5415>(8748) toll <4061>, tribute <1093>, and custom <1983>, and so thou shalt endamage <5142>(8681) the revenue <674> of the kings <4430>.
14. Now <3705> because <6903> <3606> we have <1768> maintenance <4415>(8754) <4416> from the king's palace <1965>, and it was not <3809> meet <749>(8750) for us to see <2370>(8749) the king's <4430> dishonour <6173>, therefore <5922> <1836> have we sent <7972>(8754) and certified <3046>(8684) the king <4430>;
15. That search <1240>(8741) may be made in the book <5609> of the records <1799> of thy fathers <2>: so shalt thou find <7912>(8681) in the book <5609> of the records <1799>, and know <3046>(8748) that this <1791> city <7149> is a rebellious <4779> city <7149>, and hurtful <5142>(8683) unto kings <4430> and provinces <4083>, and that they have moved <5648>(8751) sedition <849> within <4481> the same <1459> of old <5957> time <3118>: for <5922> which <1836> cause was this <1791> city <7149> destroyed <2718>(8717).
16. We <586> certify <3046>(8683) the king <4430> that, if <2006> this <1791> city <7149> be builded <1124>(8731) again, and the walls <7792> thereof set up <3635>(8720), by this <1836> means <6903> thou shalt have <383> no <3809> portion <2508> on this side <5675> the river <5103>.
17. Then sent <7972>(8754) the king <4430> an answer <6600> unto <5922> Rehum <7348> the chancellor <1169> <2942>, and to Shimshai <8124> the scribe <5613>, and to the rest <7606> of their companions <3675> that dwell <3488>(8750) in Samaria <8115>, and unto the rest <7606> beyond <5675> the river <5103>, Peace <8001>, and at such a time <3706>.
18. The letter <5407> which ye sent <7972>(8754) unto us <5922> hath been plainly <6568>(8744) read <7123>(8752) before <6925> me.
19. And I <4481> commanded <7761>(8752) <2942>, and search <1240>(8745) hath been made, and it is found <7912>(8684) that this <1791> city <7149> of <4481> old <5957> time <3118> hath made insurrection <5376>(8723) against <5922> kings <4430>, and that rebellion <4776> and sedition <849> have been made <5648>(8727) therein.
20. There have been <1934>(8754) mighty <8624> kings <4430> also over <5922> Jerusalem <3390>, which have ruled <7990> over all <3606> countries beyond <5675> the river <5103>; and toll <4061>, tribute <1093>, and custom <1983>, was paid <3052>(8727) unto them.
21. Give <7761>(8747) ye now <3705> commandment <2942> to cause <989> <0> these <479> men <1400> to cease <989>(8749), and that this <1791> city <7149> be not <3809> builded <1124>(8731), until <5705> another commandment <2941> shall be given <7761>(8725) from me <4481>.
22. Take heed <1934>(8747) <2095>(8750) now that ye fail <7960> not to do <5922> <5648>(8749) this <1836>: why <4101> should damage <2257> grow <7680>(8748) to the hurt <5142>(8682) of the kings <4430>?
23. Now <116> when <4481> <1768> the copy <6573> of king <4430> Artaxerxes <783>' letter <5407> was read <7123>(8752) before <6925> Rehum <7348>, and Shimshai <8124> the scribe <5613>, and their companions <3675>, they went up <236>(8754) in haste <924> to Jerusalem <3390> unto <5922> the Jews <3062>, and made them <1994> to cease <989>(8754) by force <153> and power <2429>.
24. Then <116> ceased <989>(8754) the work <5673> of the house <1005> of God <426> which is at Jerusalem <3390>. So it ceased <1934>(8754) <989>(8750) unto <5705> the second <8648> year <8140> of the reign <4437> of Darius <1868> king <4430> of Persia <6540>.
Notes that are not verse specific
6:4 This message is directed both at the north and the south kingdoms. Both of them had a transient goodness. It was soon dispersed.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2003 Reply to Peter
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1. Come <3212>(8798), and let us return <7725>(8799) unto the LORD <3068>: for he hath torn <2963>(8804), and he will heal <7495>(8799) us; he hath smitten <5221>(8686), and he will bind us up <2280>(8799).
2. After two days <3117> will he revive <2421>(8762) us: in the third <7992> day <3117> he will raise us up <6965>(8686), and we shall live <2421>(8799) in his sight <6440>.
3. Then shall we know <3045>(8799), if we follow <7291>(8799) on to know <3045>(8800) the LORD <3068>: his going forth <4161> is prepared <3559>(8737) as the morning <7837>; and he shall come <935>(8799) unto us as the rain <1653>, as the latter <4456> and former rain <3384>(8802) unto the earth <776>.
4. O Ephraim <669>, what shall I do <6213>(8799) unto thee? O Judah <3063>, what shall I do <6213>(8799) unto thee? for your goodness <2617> is as a morning <1242> cloud <6051>, and as the early <7925>(8688) dew <2919> it goeth away <1980>(8802).
5. Therefore have I hewed <2672>(8804) them by the prophets <5030>; I have slain <2026>(8804) them by the words <561> of my mouth <6310>: and thy judgments <4941> are as the light <216> that goeth forth <3318>(8799).
6. For I desired <2654>(8804) mercy <2617>, and not sacrifice <2077>; and the knowledge <1847> of God <430> more than burnt offerings <5930>.
7. But they like men <120> have transgressed <5674>(8804) the covenant <1285>: there have they dealt treacherously <898>(8804) against me.
8. Gilead <1568> is a city <7151> of them that work <6466>(8802) iniquity <205>, and is polluted <6121> with blood <1818>.
9. And as troops <1416> of robbers wait <2442>(8763) for a man <376>, so the company <2267> of priests <3548> murder <7523>(8762) in the way <1870> by consent <7926>(8677) <7927>: for they commit <6213>(8804) lewdness <2154>.
10. I have seen <7200>(8804) an horrible thing <8186> in the house <1004> of Israel <3478>: there is the whoredom <2184> of Ephraim <669>, Israel <3478> is defiled <2930>(8738).
11. Also, O Judah <3063>, he hath set <7896>(8804) an harvest <7105> for thee, when I returned <7725>(8800) the captivity <7622> of my people <5971>.
Notes that are not verse specific
23:14-15 - It is interesting to see the total lack of obeying the law. The men come to the priests to involve them in a conspiracy to kill Paul. They did not fear to lie to the Roman governor in order to kill Paul. The priesthood of Israel had abandon any respect for the law they were to uphold. At least with Jesus that let the Roman rulers do their dirty work. It would appear that they Roman support was even less reliable under Felix compared to Pilate that this more direct action must have seemed like a convenient and more sure way of getting rid of Paul.
Alex Browning [Kitchener-Waterloo] Comment added in 2009 Reply to Alex
At all events, whatever his fears and feelings may have been, they received a perfect quietus from an angelic visit towards the end of the disastrous voyage. The angel stood by him during the night and said,
Fear not, Paul, thou must be brought before Caesar, and lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.
This may help us to realise the potency of Spirit power. If ever there is a time when spiritual things seem unreal, it is during a storm at sea; amid the howl of the tempest; the rage of the waters; the reel and lurch of the helpless vessel; the cold and wet and confusion among those on board, who, with chattering teeth and failing heart, await with prayer and patience the subsidence of the elements. At such a time our poor, weak faith is liable to fall like a lifeless bird to the bottom of its cage. But here, an angel stands by Paul in the midst of it all; the storm no impediment to his arrival at the vessel.
A storm is but air in motion, though impressing frail mortals so much; and there is something more subtle and powerful than air. The rushing waters and flying foam are no distraction to his mind or message; the perilous position of the ship no discouragement to his clear sight and confidence. The Spirit of God underlies all elements and all phenomena, and this messenger is Spirit, and can even make the storm his chariot to bear him onward on his journey. It is but at any time a question of the will of the Almighty Father, who is Spirit, and at whose command are legions of these His angels who excel in strength
Exhortation by Brother Roberts -
‘I BELIEVE GOD THAT IT SHALL BE EVEN AS IT WAS TOLD ME’
‘I BELIEVE GOD THAT IT SHALL BE EVEN AS IT WAS TOLD ME’READING 3 - ACTS 27;23,24
At all events, whatever his fears and feelings may have been, they received a perfect quietus from an angelic visit towards the end of the disastrous voyage. The angel stood by him during the night and said,
Fear not, Paul, thou must be brought before Caesar, and lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.
This may help us to realise the potency of Spirit power. If ever there is a time when spiritual things seem unreal, it is during a storm at sea; amid the howl of the tempest; the rage of the waters; the reel and lurch of the helpless vessel; the cold and wet and confusion among those on board, who, with chattering teeth and failing heart, await with prayer and patience the subsidence of the elements. At such a time our poor, weak faith is liable to fall like a lifeless bird to the bottom of its cage. But here, an angel stands by Paul in the midst of it all; the storm no impediment to his arrival at the vessel.
A storm is but air in motion, though impressing frail mortals so much; and there is something more subtle and powerful than air. The rushing waters and flying foam are no distraction to his mind or message; the perilous position of the ship no discouragement to his clear sight and confidence. The Spirit of God underlies all elements and all phenomena, and this messenger is Spirit, and can even make the storm his chariot to bear him onward on his journey. It is but at any time a question of the will of the Almighty Father, who is Spirit, and at whose command are legions of these His angels who excel in strength
Exhortation by Brother Roberts -
‘I BELIEVE GOD THAT IT SHALL BE EVEN AS IT WAS TOLD ME’
Nick Kendall [In Isolation] Comment added in 2017 Reply to Nick
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1. And <1161> Paul <3972>, earnestly beholding <816>(5660) the council <4892>, said <2036>(5627), Men <435> and brethren <80>, I <1473> have lived <4176>(5769) in all <3956> good <18> conscience <4893> before God <2316> until <891> this <5026> day <2250>.
2. And <1161> the high priest <749> Ananias <367> commanded <2004>(5656) them that stood by <3936>(5761) him <848> to smite <5180>(5721) him <846> on the mouth <4750>.
3. Then <5119> said <2036>(5627) Paul <3972> unto <4314> him <846>, God <2316> shall <3195>(5719) smite <5180>(5721) thee <4571>, thou whited <2867>(5772) wall <5109>: for <2532> sittest <2521>(5736) thou <4771> to judge <2919>(5723) me <3165> after <2596> the law <3551>, and <2532> commandest <2753>(5719) me <3165> to be smitten <5180>(5745) contrary to the law <3891>(5723)?
4. And <1161> they that stood by <3936>(5761) said <2036>(5627), Revilest thou <3058>(5719) God's <2316> high priest <749>?
5. Then <5037> said <5346>(5713) Paul <3972>, I wist <1492>(5715) not <3756>, brethren <80>, that <3754> he was <2076>(5748) the high priest <749>: for <1063> it is written <1125>(5769), Thou shalt <2046> <0> not <3756> speak <2046>(5692) evil <2560> of the ruler <758> of thy <4675> people <2992>.
6. But <1161> when Paul <3972> perceived <1097>(5631) that <3754> the one <1520> part <3313> were <2076>(5748) Sadducees <4523>, and <1161> the other <2087> Pharisees <5330>, he cried out <2896>(5656) in <1722> the council <4892>, Men <435> and brethren <80>, I <1473> am <1510>(5748) a Pharisee <5330>, the son <5207> of a Pharisee <5330>: of <4012> the hope <1680> and <2532> resurrection <386> of the dead <3498> I <1473> am called in question <2919>(5743).
7. And <1161> when he had <2980> <0> so <5124> said <2980>(5660), there arose <1096>(5633) a dissension <4714> between the Pharisees <5330> and <2532> the Sadducees <4523>: and <2532> the multitude <4128> was divided <4977>(5681).
8. For <1063> <3303> the Sadducees <4523> say <3004>(5719) that there is <1511>(5750) no <3361> resurrection <386>, neither <3366> angel <32>, nor <3383> spirit <4151>: but <1161> the Pharisees <5330> confess <3670>(5719) both <297>.
9. And <1161> there arose <1096>(5633) a great <3173> cry <2906>: and <2532> the scribes <1122> that were of the Pharisees <5330>' part <3313> arose <450>(5631), and strove <1264>(5711), saying <3004>(5723), We find <2147>(5719) no <3762> evil <2556> in <1722> this <5129> man <444>: but <1161> if <1487> a spirit <4151> or <2228> an angel <32> hath spoken <2980>(5656) to him <846>, let us <2313> <0> not <3361> fight <2313>(5725) against God.
10. And <1161> when there arose <1096>(5637) a great <4183> dissension <4714>, the chief captain <5506>, fearing <2125>(5685) lest <3361> Paul <3972> should have been pulled in pieces <1288>(5686) of <5259> them <846>, commanded <2753>(5656) the soldiers <4753> to go down <2597>(5631), and to take <726> <0> him <846> by force <726>(5658) from <1537> among <3319> them <846>, and <5037> to bring <71>(5721) him into <1519> the castle <3925>.
11. And <1161> the night <3571> following <1966>(5752) the Lord <2962> stood by <2186>(5631) him <846>, and said <2036>(5627), Be of good cheer <2293>(5720), Paul <3972>: for <1063> as <5613> thou hast testified <1263>(5662) of <4012> me <1700> in <1519> Jerusalem <2419>, so <3779> must <1163>(5748) thou <4571> bear witness <3140>(5658) also <2532> at <1519> Rome <4516>.
12. And <1161> when it was <1096>(5637) day <2250>, certain <5100> of the Jews <2453> banded together <4160>(5660) <4963>, and bound <332> <0> themselves <1438> under a curse <332>(5656), saying <3004>(5723) that they would <5315> <0> neither <3383> eat <5315>(5629) nor <3383> drink <4095>(5629) till <2193> they had killed <615>(5725) Paul <3972>.
13. And <1161> they were <2258>(5713) more than <4119> forty <5062> which <3588> had made <4160>(5761) this <5026> conspiracy <4945>.
14. And they <3748> came to <4334>(5631) the chief priests <749> and <2532> elders <4245>, and said <2036>(5627), We have bound <332>(5656) ourselves <1438> under a great curse <331>, that we will eat <1089>(5664) nothing <3367> until <2193> <3739> we have slain <615>(5725) Paul <3972>.
15. Now <3568> therefore <3767> ye <5210> with <4862> the council <4892> signify <1718>(5657) to the chief captain <5506> that <3704> he bring <2609> <0> him <846> down <2609>(5632) unto <4314> you <5209> to morrow <839>, as <5613> though ye would <3195>(5723) enquire <1231>(5721) something more perfectly <197> concerning <4012> him <846>: and <1161> we <2249>, or ever <4253> he <846> come near <1448>(5658), are <2070>(5748) ready <2092> to kill <337>(5629) him <846>.
16. And <1161> when Paul's <3972> sister's <79> son <5207> heard <191>(5660) of their lying in wait <1749>, he went <3854>(5637) and <2532> entered <1525>(5631) into <1519> the castle <3925>, and told <518>(5656) Paul <3972>.
17. Then <1161> Paul <3972> called <4341>(5666) one <1520> of the centurions <1543> unto him, and said <5346>(5713), Bring <520>(5628) this <5126> young man <3494> unto <4314> the chief captain <5506>: for <1063> he hath <2192>(5719) a certain thing <5100> to tell <518>(5658) him <846>.
18. So <3767> <3303> he took <3880>(5631) him <846>, and brought <71>(5627) him to <4314> the chief captain <5506>, and <2532> said <5346>(5748), Paul <3972> the prisoner <1198> called <4341>(5666) me <3165> unto him, and prayed me <2065>(5656) to bring <71>(5629) this <5126> young man <3494> unto <4314> thee <4571>, who hath <2192>(5723) something <5100> to say <2980>(5658) unto thee <4671>.
19. Then <1161> the chief captain <5506> took <1949>(5637) him <846> by the hand <5495>, and <2532> went with him aside <402>(5660) privately <2596> <2398>, and asked <4441>(5711) him, What <5101> is <2076>(5748) that thou hast <2192>(5719) to tell <518>(5658) me <3427>?
20. And <1161> he said <2036>(5627), <3754> The Jews <2453> have agreed <4934>(5639) to desire <2065>(5658) thee <4571> that <3704> thou wouldest bring down <2609>(5632) Paul <3972> to morrow <839> into <1519> the council <4892>, as <5613> though they would <3195>(5723) enquire <4441>(5738) somewhat <5100> of <4012> him <846> more perfectly <197>.
21. But <3767> do <3982> <0> not <3361> thou <4771> yield <3982>(5686) unto them <846>: for <1063> there lie in wait for <1748>(5719) him <846> of <1537> them <846> more than <4119> forty <5062> men <435>, which <3748> have bound <332> <0> themselves <1438> with an oath <332>(5656), that they will <5315> <0> neither <3383> eat <5315>(5629) nor <3383> drink <4095>(5629) till <2193> they have killed <337>(5661) him <846>: and <2532> now <3568> are they <1526>(5748) ready <2092>, looking for <4327>(5740) a promise <1860> from <575> thee <4675>.
22. So <3303> <3767> the chief captain <5506> then let <630> <0> the young man <3494> depart <630>(5656), and charged <3853>(5660) him, See thou tell <1583>(5658) no man <3367> that <3754> thou hast shewed <1718>(5656) these things <5023> to <4314> me <3165>.
23. And <2532> he called unto <4341>(5666) him <5100> two <1417> centurions <1543>, saying <2036>(5627), Make ready <2090>(5657) two hundred <1250> soldiers <4757> to <3704> go <4198>(5680) to <2193> Caesarea <2542>, and <2532> horsemen <2460> threescore and ten <1440>, and <2532> spearmen <1187> two hundred <1250>, at <575> the third <5154> hour <5610> of the night <3571>;
24. And <5037> provide <3936>(5658) them beasts <2934>, that <2443> they may set <1913> <0> Paul <3972> on <1913>(5660), and bring him safe <1295>(5661) unto <4314> Felix <5344> the governor <2232>.
25. And he wrote <1125>(5660) a letter <1992> after <4023>(5723) this <5126> manner <5179>:
26. Claudius <2804> Lysias <3079> unto the most excellent <2903> governor <2232> Felix <5344> sendeth greeting <5463>(5721).
27. This <5126> man <435> was taken <4815>(5685) of <5259> the Jews <2453>, and <2532> should <3195>(5723) have been killed <337>(5745) of <5259> them <846>: then came I <2186>(5631) with <4862> an army <4753>, and rescued <1807>(5639) him <846>, having understood <3129>(5631) that <3754> he was <2076>(5748) a Roman <4514>.
28. And <1161> when <1014> <0> I would <1014>(5740) have known <1097>(5629) the cause <156> wherefore <1223> <3739> they accused <1458>(5707) him <846>, I brought <2609> <0> him <846> forth <2609>(5627) into <1519> their <846> council <4892>:
29. Whom <3739> I perceived <2147>(5627) to be accused <1458>(5746) of <4012> questions <2213> of their <846> law <3551>, but <1161> to have <2192>(5723) nothing <3367> laid to his charge <1462> worthy <514> of death <2288> or <2228> of bonds <1199>.
30. And <1161> when it was told <3377>(5685) me <3427> how that <5259> the Jews <2453> laid wait <1917> <3195>(5721) <1510>(5705) for <1519> the man <435>, I sent <3992>(5656) straightway <1824> to <4314> thee <4571>, and gave commandment <3853>(5660) to his accusers <2725> also <2532> to say <3004>(5721) before <1909> thee <4675> what they had against <4314> him <846>. Farewell <4517>(5770).
31. Then <3767> <3303> the soldiers <4757>, as <2596> it was commanded <1299>(5772) them <846>, took <353>(5631) Paul <3972>, and brought <71>(5627) him by <1223> night <3571> to <1519> Antipatris <494>.
32. <1161> On the morrow <1887> they left <1439>(5660) the horsemen <2460> to go <4198>(5738) with <4862> him <846>, and returned <5290>(5656) to <1519> the castle <3925>:
33. Who <3748>, when they came <1525>(5631) to <1519> Caesarea <2542>, and <2532> delivered <325>(5631) the epistle <1992> to the governor <2232>, presented <3936>(5656) Paul <3972> also <2532> before him <846>.
34. And <1161> when the governor <2232> had read <314>(5631) the letter, <2532> he asked <1905>(5660) of <1537> what <4169> province <1885> he was <2076>(5748). And <2532> when he understood <4441>(5637) that <3754> he was of <575> Cilicia <2791>;
35. I will hear <1251>(5695) thee <4675>, said he <5346>(5713), when <3752> thine <4675> accusers <2725> are <3854> <0> also <2532> come <3854>(5638). And <5037> he commanded <2753>(5656) him <846> to be kept <5442>(5733) in <1722> Herod's <2264> judgment hall <4232>.
1. And <1161> after <3326> five <4002> days <2250> Ananias <367> the high priest <749> descended <2597>(5627) with <3326> the elders <4245>, and <2532> with a certain <5100> orator <4489> named Tertullus <5061>, who <3748> informed <1718>(5656) the governor <2232> against <2596> Paul <3972>.
2. And <1161> when he was called forth <2564>(5685), Tertullus <5061> began <756>(5662) to accuse <2723>(5721) him, saying <3004>(5723), Seeing that by <1223> thee <4675> we enjoy <5177>(5723) great <4183> quietness <1515>, and <2532> that very worthy deeds <2735> are done <1096>(5740) unto this <5129> nation <1484> by <1223> thy <4674> providence <4307>,
3. <5037> We accept <588>(5736) it always <3839>, and <2532> in all places <3837>, most noble <2903> Felix <5344>, with <3326> all <3956> thankfulness <2169>.
4. Notwithstanding <1161>, that <3363> <0> I be <4119> <0> not <3363> <1909> further <4119> tedious <1465>(5725) unto thee <4571>, I pray <3870>(5719) thee <4571> that thou wouldest hear <191>(5658) us <2257> of thy <4674> clemency <1932> a few words <4935>.
5. For <1063> we have found <2147>(5631) this <5126> man <435> a pestilent <3061> fellow, and <2532> a mover <2795>(5723) of sedition <4714> among all <3956> the Jews <2453> throughout <2596> the world <3625>, and <5037> a ringleader <4414> of the sect <139> of the Nazarenes <3480>:
6. Who <3739> also <2532> hath gone about <3985>(5707) to profane <953>(5658) the temple <2411>: <2532> whom <3739> we took <2902>(5656), and <2532> would <2309>(5656) have judged <2919>(5721) according <2596> to our <2251> law <3551>.
7. But <1161> the chief captain <5506> Lysias <3079> came <3928>(5631) upon us, and with <3326> great <4183> violence <970> took him away <520>(5627) out of <1537> our <2257> hands <5495>,
8. Commanding <2753>(5660) his <846> accusers <2725> to come <2064>(5738) unto <1909> thee <4571>: by examining <350>(5660) of <3844> whom <3739> thyself <846> mayest <1410>(5695) take knowledge <1921>(5629) of <4012> all <3956> these things <5130>, whereof <3739> we <2249> accuse <2723>(5719) him <846>.
9. And <1161> the Jews <2453> also <2532> assented <4934>(5639), saying <5335>(5723) that these things <5023> were <2192>(5721) so <3779>.
10. Then <1161> Paul <3972>, after that the governor <2232> had beckoned <3506>(5660) unto him <846> to speak <3004>(5721), answered <611>(5662), Forasmuch as I know <1987>(5740) that thou <4571> hast been <5607>(5752) of <1537> many <4183> years <2094> a judge <2923> unto this <5129> nation <1484>, I do <626> <0> the more cheerfully <2115> answer <626>(5736) for <4012> myself <1683>:
11. Because that thou <4675> mayest <1410>(5740) understand <1097>(5629), that <3754> there are <1526>(5748) yet but <2228> <3756> twelve <1177> days <2250> <4119> since <575> <3739> I <3427> went up <305>(5627) to <1722> Jerusalem <2419> for to worship <4352>(5694).
12. And <2532> they neither <3777> found <2147>(5627) me <3165> in <1722> the temple <2411> disputing <1256>(5740) with <4314> any man <5100>, neither <2228> raising up <1999> <0> <4160>(5723) the people <3793> <1999>, neither <3777> in <1722> the synagogues <4864>, nor <3777> in <2596> the city <4172>:
13. Neither <3777> can <1410>(5736) they prove <3936>(5658) <3165> the things <4012> whereof <3739> they <2723> <0> now <3568> accuse <2723>(5719) me <3450>.
14. But <1161> this <5124> I confess <3670>(5719) unto thee <4671>, that <3754> after <2596> the way <3598> which <3739> they call <3004>(5719) heresy <139>, so <3779> worship I <3000>(5719) the God <2316> of my fathers <3971>, believing <4100>(5723) all things <3956> which <3588> are written <1125>(5772) in <2596> the law <3551> and <2532> in <1722> the prophets <4396>:
15. And have <2192>(5723) hope <1680> toward <1519> God <2316>, which <3739> they <3778> themselves <846> also <2532> allow <4327>(5736), that there shall be <3195>(5721) <1510>(5705) a resurrection <386> of the dead <3498>, both <5037> of the just <1342> and <2532> unjust <94>.
16. And <1161> herein <1722> <5129> do I exercise <778>(5719) myself <846>, to have <2192>(5721) always <1275> a conscience <4893> void of offence <677> toward <4314> God <2316>, and <2532> toward men <444>.
17. Now <1161> after <1223> many <4119> years <2094> I came <3854>(5633) to bring <4160>(5694) alms <1654> to <1519> my <3450> nation <1484>, and <2532> offerings <4376>.
18. <1161> Whereupon <1722> <3739> certain <5100> Jews <2453> from <575> Asia <773> found <2147>(5627) me <3165> purified <48>(5772) in <1722> the temple <2411>, neither <3756> with <3326> multitude <3793>, nor <3761> with <3326> tumult <2351>.
19. Who <3739> ought <1163>(5748)(5625) <1163>(5713) to have been here <3918>(5750) before <1909> thee <4675>, and <2532> object <2723>(5721), if <1536> <0> they had <2192>(5722) ought <1536> against <4314> me <3165>.
20. Or else <2228> let <2036> <0> these same <3778> here say <2036>(5628), if <1536> <0> they have found <2147>(5627) any <1536> evil doing <92> in <1722> me <1698>, while I <3450> stood <2476>(5631) before <1909> the council <4892>,
21. Except <2228> it be for <4012> this <5026> one <3391> voice <5456>, that <3739> I cried <2896>(5656) standing <2476>(5761) among <1722> them <846>, Touching <3754> <4012> the resurrection <386> of the dead <3498> I <1473> am called in question <2919>(5743) by <5259> you <5216> this day <4594>.
22. And <1161> when Felix <5344> heard <191>(5660) these things <5023>, having more perfect <197> knowledge <1492>(5761) of <4012> that way <3598>, he deferred <306>(5639) them <846>, and said <2036>(5631), When <3752> Lysias <3079> the chief captain <5506> shall come down <2597>(5632), I will know the uttermost <1231>(5695) of your <5209> matter <2596>.
23. And <5037> he commanded <1299>(5671) a centurion <1543> to keep <5083>(5745) Paul <3972>, and <5037> to let him have <2192>(5721) liberty <425>, and <2532> that he should forbid <2967>(5721) none <3367> of his <846> acquaintance <2398> to minister <5256>(5721) or <2228> come <4334>(5738) unto him <846>.
24. And <1161> after <3326> certain <5100> days <2250>, when Felix <5344> came <3854>(5637) with <4862> his <848> wife <1135> Drusilla <1409>, which was <5607>(5752) a Jewess <2453>, he sent for <3343>(5662) Paul <3972>, and <2532> heard <191>(5656) him <846> concerning <4012> the faith <4102> in <1519> Christ <5547>.
25. And <1161> as he reasoned <1256>(5740) of <4012> righteousness <1343>, temperance <2532> <1466>, and <2532> judgment <2917> to come <3195>(5723) <1510>(5705), Felix <5344> trembled <1096>(5637) <1719>, and answered <611>(5662), Go thy way <4198>(5737) for this time <3568>; when <1161> I have <2192>(5723) <3335>(5631) a convenient season <2540>, I will call for <3333>(5698) thee <4571>.
26. He hoped <1679>(5723) also <260> <1161> <2532> that <3754> money <5536> should have been given <1325>(5701) him <846> of <5259> Paul <3972>, that <3704> he might loose <3089>(5661) him <846>: wherefore <1352> he sent for <3343>(5740) him <846> the oftener <4437>, and <2532> communed with <3656>(5707) him <846>.
27. But <1161> after <4137>(5685) two years <1333> Porcius <4201> Festus <5347> came <2983>(5627) into Felix <5344>' room <1240>: and <5037> Felix <5344>, willing <2309>(5723) to shew <2698>(5641) the Jews <2453> a pleasure <5485>, left <2641>(5627) Paul <3972> bound <1210>(5772).