Fire From Heaven Consumes the Offering

1. Then he made an altar of brass, twenty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and ten cubits high. 2. Also he made the molten sea of ten cubits from brim to brim. It was round, five cubits high, and thirty cubits in circumference. 3. Under it was the likeness of oxen, which encircled it, for ten cubits, encircling the sea. The oxen were in two rows, cast when it was cast. 4. It stood on twelve oxen, three looking toward the north, and three looking toward the west, and three looking toward the south, and three looking toward the east; and the sea was set on them above, and all their hindquarters were inward. 5. It was a handbreadth thick; and its brim was made like the brim of a cup, like the flower of a lily. It received and held three thousand baths. 6. He also made ten basins, and put five on the right hand, and five on the left, to wash in them. The things that belonged to the burnt offering were washed in them; but the sea was for the priests to wash in. 7. He made the ten lamp stands of gold according to the ordinance concerning them; and he set them in the temple, five on the right hand, and five on the left. 8. He made also ten tables, and placed them in the temple, five on the right side, and five on the left. He made one hundred basins of gold. 9. Furthermore he made the court of the priests, the great court, and doors for the court, and overlaid their doors with brass. 10. He set the sea on the right side of the house eastward, toward the south. 11. Huram made the pots, the shovels, and the basins. So Huram finished doing the work that he did for king Solomon in God’s house: 12. the two pillars, the bowls, the two capitals which were on the top of the pillars, the two networks to cover the two bowls of the capitals that were on the top of the pillars, 13. and the four hundred pomegranates for the two networks; two rows of pomegranates for each network, to cover the two bowls of the capitals that were on the pillars. 14. He also made the bases, and he made the basins on the bases; 15. one sea, and the twelve oxen under it. 16. Huram his father also made the pots, the shovels, the forks, and all its vessels for king Solomon, for Yahweh’s house, of bright brass. 17. The king cast them in the plain of the Jordan, in the clay ground between Succoth and Zeredah. 18. Thus Solomon made all these vessels in great abundance; for the weight of the brass could not be determined. 19. Solomon made all the vessels that were in God’s house, the golden altar also, and the tables with the show bread on them; 20. and the lamp stands with their lamps, to burn according to the ordinance before the inner sanctuary, of pure gold; 21. and the flowers, the lamps, and the tongs of gold that was perfect gold; 22. and the snuffers, the basins, the spoons, and the fire pans of pure gold. As for the entry of the house, its inner doors for the most holy place and the doors of the main hall of the temple were of gold. 1. Thus all the work that Solomon did for Yahweh’s house was finished. Solomon brought in the things that David his father had dedicated, even the silver, the gold, and all the vessels, and put them in the treasuries of God’s house. 2. Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, and all the heads of the tribes, the princes of the fathers’ households of the children of Israel, to Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of Yahweh’s covenant out of David’s city, which is Zion. 3. So all the men of Israel assembled themselves to the king at the feast, which was in the seventh month. 4. All the elders of Israel came. The Levites took up the ark; 5. and they brought up the ark, the Tent of Meeting, and all the holy vessels that were in the Tent; these the priests the Levites brought up. 6. King Solomon and all the congregation of Israel, who were assembled to him, were before the ark, sacrificing sheep and cattle that could not be counted or counted for multitude. 7. The priests brought in the ark of Yahweh’s covenant to its place, into the inner sanctuary of the house, to the most holy place, even under the wings of the cherubim. 8. For the cherubim spread out their wings over the place of the ark, and the cherubim covered the ark and its poles above. 9. The poles were so long that the ends of the poles were seen from the ark in front of the inner sanctuary; but they were not seen outside; and it is there to this day. 10. There was nothing in the ark except the two tablets which Moses put at Horeb, when Yahweh made a covenant with the children of Israel, when they came out of Egypt. 11. When the priests had come out of the holy place (for all the priests who were present had sanctified themselves, and didn’t keep their divisions; 12. also the Levites who were the singers, all of them, even Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun, and their sons and their brothers, arrayed in fine linen, with cymbals and stringed instruments and harps, stood at the east end of the altar, and with them one hundred twenty priests sounding with trumpets); 13. when the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking Yahweh; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised Yahweh, saying, “For he is good; for his loving kindness endures forever!” then the house was filled with a cloud, even Yahweh’s house, 14. so that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud; for Yahweh’s glory filled God’s house. 1. Then Solomon said, “Yahweh has said that he would dwell in the thick darkness. 2. But I have built you a house and home, a place for you to dwell in forever.” 3. The king turned his face, and blessed all the assembly of Israel: and all the assembly of Israel stood. 4. He said, “Blessed be Yahweh, the God of Israel, who spoke with his mouth to David my father, and has with his hands fulfilled it, saying, 5. ‘Since the day that I brought my people out of the land of Egypt, I chose no city out of all the tribes of Israel to build a house in, that my name might be there and I chose no man to be prince over my people Israel; 6. but now I have chosen Jerusalem, that my name might be there; and I have chosen David to be over my people Israel.’ 7. Now it was in the heart of David my father to build a house for the name of Yahweh, the God of Israel. 8. But Yahweh said to David my father, ‘Whereas it was in your heart to build a house for my name, you did well that it was in your heart; 9. nevertheless you shall not build the house; but your son who will come out of your body, he shall build the house for my name.’ 10. “Yahweh has performed his word that he spoke; for I have risen up in the place of David my father, and sit on the throne of Israel, as Yahweh promised, and have built the house for the name of Yahweh, the God of Israel. 11. There I have set the ark, in which is Yahweh’s covenant, which he made with the children of Israel.” 12. He stood before Yahweh’s altar in the presence of all the assembly of Israel, and spread out his hands 13. (for Solomon had made a bronze scaffold, five cubits long, and five cubits wide, and three cubits high, and had set it in the middle of the court; and he stood on it, and knelt down on his knees before all the assembly of Israel, and spread out his hands toward heaven) 14. and he said, “Yahweh, the God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven or on earth; you who keep covenant and loving kindness with your servants who walk before you with all their heart; 15. who have kept with your servant David my father that which you promised him. Yes, you spoke with your mouth, and have fulfilled it with your hand, as it is today. 16. “Now therefore, Yahweh, the God of Israel, keep with your servant David my father that which you have promised him, saying, ‘There shall not fail you a man in my sight to sit on the throne of Israel, if only your children take heed to their way, to walk in my law as you have walked before me.’ 17. Now therefore, Yahweh, the God of Israel, let your word be verified, which you spoke to your servant David. 18. “But will God indeed dwell with men on the earth? Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens can’t contain you; how much less this house which I have built! 19. Yet have respect for the prayer of your servant, and to his supplication, Yahweh my God, to listen to the cry and to the prayer which your servant prays before you; 20. that your eyes may be open toward this house day and night, even toward the place where you have said that you would put your name; to listen to the prayer which your servant will pray toward this place. 21. Listen to the petitions of your servant, and of your people Israel, when they pray toward this place. Yes, hear from your dwelling place, even from heaven; and when you hear, forgive. 22. “If a man sins against his neighbor, and an oath is laid on him to cause him to swear, and he comes and swears before your altar in this house; 23. then hear from heaven, act, and judge your servants, bringing retribution to the wicked, to bring his way on his own head; and justifying the righteous, to give him according to his righteousness. 24. “If your people Israel are struck down before the enemy because they have sinned against you, and they turn again and confess your name, and pray and make supplication before you in this house; 25. then hear from heaven, and forgive the sin of your people Israel, and bring them again to the land which you gave to them and to their fathers. 26. “When the sky is shut up, and there is no rain, because they have sinned against you; if they pray toward this place, and confess your name, and turn from their sin, when you afflict them; 27. then hear in heaven, and forgive the sin of your servants of your people Israel, when you teach them the good way in which they should walk; and send rain on your land, which you have given to your people for an inheritance. 28. “If there is famine in the land, if there is pestilence, if there is blight or mildew, locust or caterpillar; if their enemies besiege them in the land of their cities; whatever plague or whatever sickness there is; 29. whatever prayer and supplication is made by any man, or by all your people Israel, who will each know his own plague and his own sorrow, and shall spread out his hands toward this house; 30. then hear from heaven your dwelling place and forgive, and render to every man according to all his ways, whose heart you know (for you, even you only, know the hearts of the children of men) 31. that they may fear you, to walk in your ways, so long as they live in the land which you gave to our fathers. 32. “Moreover concerning the foreigner, who is not of your people Israel, when he comes from a far country for your great name’s sake, and your mighty hand, and your outstretched arm; when they come and pray toward this house; 33. then hear from heaven, even from your dwelling place, and do according to all that the foreigner calls to you for; that all the peoples of the earth may know your name and fear you, as do your people Israel, and that they may know that this house which I have built is called by your name. 34. “If your people go out to battle against their enemies, by whatever way you send them, and they pray to you toward this city which you have chosen, and the house which I have built for your name; 35. then hear from heaven their prayer and their supplication, and maintain their cause. 36. “If they sin against you (for there is no man who doesn’t sin), and you are angry with them, and deliver them to the enemy, so that they carry them away captive to a land far off or near; 37. yet if they come to their senses in the land where they are carried captive, and turn again, and make supplication to you in the land of their captivity, saying, ‘We have sinned, we have done perversely, and have dealt wickedly;’ 38. if they return to you with all their heart and with all their soul in the land of their captivity, where they have carried them captive, and pray toward their land, which you gave to their fathers, and the city which you have chosen, and toward the house which I have built for your name; 39. then hear from heaven, even from your dwelling place, their prayer and their petitions, and maintain their cause, and forgive your people who have sinned against you. 40. “Now, my God, let, I beg you, your eyes be open, and let your ears be attentive, to the prayer that is made in this place. 41. “Now therefore arise, Yahweh God, into your resting place, you, and the ark of your strength. Let your priests, Yahweh God, be clothed with salvation, and let your saints rejoice in goodness. 42. “Yahweh God, don’t turn away the face of your anointed. Remember your loving kindnesses to David your servant.” 1. Now when Solomon had finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and Yahweh’s glory filled the house. 2. The priests could not enter into Yahweh’s house, because Yahweh’s glory filled Yahweh’s house. 3. All the children of Israel looked on, when the fire came down, and Yahweh’s glory was on the house. They bowed themselves with their faces to the ground on the pavement, worshiped, and gave thanks to Yahweh, saying, “For he is good; for his loving kindness endures for ever.” 4. Then the king and all the people offered sacrifices before Yahweh. 5. King Solomon offered a sacrifice of twenty-two thousand head of cattle and a hundred twenty thousand sheep. So the king and all the people dedicated God’s house. 6. The priests stood, according to their positions; the Levites also with instruments of music of Yahweh, which David the king had made to give thanks to Yahweh, when David praised by their ministry, saying “For his loving kindness endures for ever.” The priests sounded trumpets before them; and all Israel stood. 7. Moreover Solomon made the middle of the court that was before Yahweh’s house holy; for there he offered the burnt offerings, and the fat of the peace offerings, because the bronze altar which Solomon had made was not able to receive the burnt offering, the meal offering, and the fat. 8. So Solomon held the feast at that time for seven days, and all Israel with him, a very great assembly, from the entrance of Hamath to the brook of Egypt. 9. On the eighth day, they held a solemn assembly; for they kept the dedication of the altar seven days, and the feast seven days. 10. On the twenty-third day of the seventh month, he sent the people away to their tents, joyful and glad of heart for the goodness that Yahweh had shown to David, and to Solomon, and to Israel his people. 11. Thus Solomon finished Yahweh’s house and the king’s house; and he successfully completed all that came into Solomon’s heart to make in Yahweh’s house and in his own house. 12. Yahweh appeared to Solomon by night, and said to him, “I have heard your prayer, and have chosen this place for myself for a house of sacrifice. 13. “If I shut up the sky so that there is no rain, or if I command the locust to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; 14. if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 15. Now my eyes will be open my ears attentive to prayer that is made in this place. 16. For now I have chosen and made this house holy, that my name may be there forever; and my eyes and my heart will be there perpetually. 17. “As for you, if you will walk before me as David your father walked, and do according to all that I have commanded you, and will keep my statutes and my ordinances; 18. then I will establish the throne of your kingdom, according as I covenanted with David your father, saying, ‘There shall not fail you a man to be ruler in Israel.’ 19. But if you turn away, and forsake my statutes and my commandments which I have set before you, and shall go and serve other gods, and worship them; 20. then I will pluck them up by the roots out of my land which I have given them; and this house, which I have made holy for my name, I will cast out of my sight, and I will make it a proverb and a byword among all peoples. 21. This house, which is so high, everyone who passes by it shall be astonished, and shall say, ‘Why has Yahweh done this to this land and to this house?’ 22. They shall answer, ‘Because they abandoned Yahweh, the God of their fathers, who brought them out of the land of Egypt, and took other gods, worshiped them, and served them. Therefore he has brought all this evil on them.’”

1. Festus therefore, having come into the province, after three days went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. 2. Then the high priest and the principal men of the Jews informed him against Paul, and they begged him, 3. asking a favor against him, that he would summon him to Jerusalem; plotting to kill him on the way. 4. However Festus answered that Paul should be kept in custody at Caesarea, and that he himself was about to depart shortly. 5. “Let them therefore”, said he, “that are in power among you go down with me, and if there is anything wrong in the man, let them accuse him.” 6. When he had stayed among them more than ten days, he went down to Caesarea, and on the next day he sat on the judgment seat, and commanded Paul to be brought. 7. When he had come, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing against him many and grievous charges which they could not prove, 8. while he said in his defense, “Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar, have I sinned at all.” 9. But Festus, desiring to gain favor with the Jews, answered Paul and said, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem, and be judged by me there concerning these things?” 10. But Paul said, “I am standing before Caesar’s judgment seat, where I ought to be tried. I have done no wrong to the Jews, as you also know very well. 11. For if I have done wrong, and have committed anything worthy of death, I don’t refuse to die; but if none of those things is true that they accuse me of, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar!” 12. Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, “You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you shall go.” 13. Now when some days had passed, King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea, and greeted Festus. 14. As he stayed there many days, Festus laid Paul’s case before the king, saying, “There is a certain man left a prisoner by Felix; 15. about whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, asking for a sentence against him. 16. To whom I answered that it is not the custom of the Romans to give up any man to destruction, before the accused has met the accusers face to face, and has had opportunity to make his defense concerning the matter laid against him. 17. When therefore they had come together here, I didn’t delay, but on the next day sat on the judgment seat, and commanded the man to be brought. 18. Concerning whom, when the accusers stood up, they brought no charge of such things as I supposed; 19. but had certain questions against him about their own religion, and about one Jesus, who was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive. 20. Being perplexed how to inquire concerning these things, I asked whether he was willing to go to Jerusalem and there be judged concerning these matters. 21. But when Paul had appealed to be kept for the decision of the emperor, I commanded him to be kept until I could send him to Caesar.” 22. Agrippa said to Festus, “I also would like to hear the man myself.” “Tomorrow,” he said, “you shall hear him.” 23. So on the next day, when Agrippa and Bernice had come with great pomp, and they had entered into the place of hearing with the commanding officers and the principal men of the city, at the command of Festus, Paul was brought in. 24. Festus said, “King Agrippa, and all men who are here present with us, you see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews petitioned me, both at Jerusalem and here, crying that he ought not to live any longer. 25. But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and as he himself appealed to the emperor I determined to send him, 26. of whom I have no certain thing to write to my lord. Therefore I have brought him out before you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, that, after examination, I may have something to write. 27. For it seems to me unreasonable, in sending a prisoner, not to also specify the charges against him.” 1. Agrippa said to Paul, “You may speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand, and made his defense. 2. “I think myself happy, King Agrippa, that I am to make my defense before you today concerning all the things that I am accused by the Jews, 3. especially because you are expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews. Therefore I beg you to hear me patiently. 4. “Indeed, all the Jews know my way of life from my youth up, which was from the beginning among my own nation and at Jerusalem; 5. having known me from the first, if they are willing to testify, that after the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. 6. Now I stand here to be judged for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers, 7. which our twelve tribes, earnestly serving night and day, hope to attain. Concerning this hope I am accused by the Jews, King Agrippa! 8. Why is it judged incredible with you, if God does raise the dead? 9. “I myself most certainly thought that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10. This I also did in Jerusalem. I both shut up many of the saints in prisons, having received authority from the chief priests, and when they were put to death I gave my vote against them. 11. Punishing them often in all the synagogues, I tried to make them blaspheme. Being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities. 12. “Whereupon as I traveled to Damascus with the authority and commission from the chief priests, 13. at noon, O king, I saw on the way a light from the sky, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who traveled with me. 14. When we had all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ 15. “I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ “He said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 16. But arise, and stand on your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose: to appoint you a servant and a witness both of the things which you have seen, and of the things which I will reveal to you; 17. delivering you from the people, and from the Gentiles, to whom I send you, 18. to open their eyes, that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive remission of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’ 19. “Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20. but declared first to them of Damascus, at Jerusalem, and throughout all the country of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, doing works worthy of repentance. 21. For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple, and tried to kill me. 22. Having therefore obtained the help that is from God, I stand to this day testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would happen, 23. how the Christ must suffer, and how, by the resurrection of the dead, he would be first to proclaim light both to these people and to the Gentiles.” 24. As he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are crazy! Your great learning is driving you insane!” 25. But he said, “I am not crazy, most excellent Festus, but boldly declare words of truth and reasonableness. 26. For the king knows of these things, to whom also I speak freely. For I am persuaded that none of these things is hidden from him, for this has not been done in a corner. 27. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.” 28. Agrippa said to Paul, “With a little persuasion are you trying to make me a Christian?” 29. Paul said, “I pray to God, that whether with little or with much, not only you, but also all that hear me today, might become such as I am, except for these bonds.” 30. The king rose up with the governor, and Bernice, and those who sat with them. 31. When they had withdrawn, they spoke to one another, saying, “This man does nothing worthy of death or of bonds.” 32. Agrippa said to Festus, “This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.” 1. When it was determined that we should sail for Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners to a centurion named Julius, of the Augustan band. 2. Embarking in a ship of Adramyttium, which was about to sail to places on the coast of Asia, we put to sea; Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us. 3. The next day, we touched at Sidon. Julius treated Paul kindly, and gave him permission to go to his friends and refresh himself. 4. Putting to sea from there, we sailed under the lee of Cyprus, because the winds were contrary. 5. When we had sailed across the sea which is off Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia. 6. There the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing for Italy, and he put us on board. 7. When we had sailed slowly many days, and had come with difficulty opposite Cnidus, the wind not allowing us further, we sailed under the lee of Crete, opposite Salmone. 8. With difficulty sailing along it we came to a certain place called Fair Havens, near the city of Lasea. 9. When much time had passed and the voyage was now dangerous, because the Fast had now already gone by, Paul admonished them, 10. and said to them, “Sirs, I perceive that the voyage will be with injury and much loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives.” 11. But the centurion gave more heed to the master and to the owner of the ship than to those things which were spoken by Paul. 12. Because the haven was not suitable to winter in, the majority advised going to sea from there, if by any means they could reach Phoenix, and winter there, which is a port of Crete, looking northeast and southeast. 13. When the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, they weighed anchor and sailed along Crete, close to shore. 14. But before long, a stormy wind beat down from shore, which is called Euroclydon. 15. When the ship was caught, and couldn’t face the wind, we gave way to it, and were driven along. 16. Running under the lee of a small island called Clauda, we were able, with difficulty, to secure the boat. 17. After they had hoisted it up, they used cables to help reinforce the ship. Fearing that they would run aground on the Syrtis sand bars, they lowered the sea anchor, and so were driven along. 18. As we labored exceedingly with the storm, the next day they began to throw things overboard. 19. On the third day, they threw out the ship’s tackle with their own hands. 20. When neither sun nor stars shone on us for many days, and no small storm pressed on us, all hope that we would be saved was now taken away. 21. When they had been long without food, Paul stood up in the middle of them, and said, “Sirs, you should have listened to me, and not have set sail from Crete, and have gotten this injury and loss. 22. Now I exhort you to cheer up, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. 23. For there stood by me this night an angel, belonging to the God whose I am and whom I serve, 24. saying, ‘Don’t be afraid, Paul. You must stand before Caesar. Behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ 25. Therefore, sirs, cheer up! For I believe God, that it will be just as it has been spoken to me. 26. But we must run aground on a certain island.” 27. But when the fourteenth night had come, as we were driven back and forth in the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors surmised that they were drawing near to some land. 28. They took soundings, and found twenty fathoms. After a little while, they took soundings again, and found fifteen fathoms. 29. Fearing that we would run aground on rocky ground, they let go four anchors from the stern, and wished for daylight. 30. As the sailors were trying to flee out of the ship, and had lowered the boat into the sea, pretending that they would lay out anchors from the bow, 31. Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, “Unless these stay in the ship, you can’t be saved.” 32. Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the boat, and let it fall off. 33. While the day was coming on, Paul begged them all to take some food, saying, “Today is the fourteenth day that you wait and continue fasting, having taken nothing. 34. Therefore I beg you to take some food, for this is for your safety; for not a hair will perish from any of your heads.” 35. When he had said this, and had taken bread, he gave thanks to God in the presence of all, and he broke it, and began to eat. 36. Then they all cheered up, and they also took food. 37. In all, we were two hundred seventy-six souls on the ship. 38. When they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, throwing out the wheat into the sea. 39. When it was day, they didn’t recognize the land, but they noticed a certain bay with a beach, and they decided to try to drive the ship onto it. 40. Casting off the anchors, they left them in the sea, at the same time untying the rudder ropes. Hoisting up the foresail to the wind, they made for the beach. 41. But coming to a place where two seas met, they ran the vessel aground. The bow struck and remained immovable, but the stern began to break up by the violence of the waves. 42. The soldiers’ counsel was to kill the prisoners, so that none of them would swim out and escape. 43. But the centurion, desiring to save Paul, stopped them from their purpose, and commanded that those who could swim should throw themselves overboard first to go toward the land; 44. and the rest should follow, some on planks, and some on other things from the ship. So they all escaped safely to the land. 1. When we had escaped, then they learned that the island was called Malta. 2. The natives showed us uncommon kindness; for they kindled a fire, and received us all, because of the present rain, 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 because of the heat, and fastened on his hand. 4. When the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped from the sea, yet Justice has not allowed to live.” 5. However he shook off the creature into the fire, and wasn’t harmed. 6. But they expected that he would have swollen or fallen down dead suddenly, but when they watched for a long time and saw nothing bad happen to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god. 7. Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received us, and courteously entertained us for three days. 8. The father of Publius lay sick of fever and dysentery. Paul entered in to him, prayed, and laying his hands on him, healed him. 9. Then when this was done, the rest also who had diseases in the island came, and were cured. 10. They also honored us with many honors, and when we sailed, they put on board the things that we needed. 11. After three months, we set sail in a ship of Alexandria which had wintered in the island, whose sign was “The Twin Brothers.” 12. Touching at Syracuse, we stayed there three days. 13. From there we circled around and arrived at Rhegium. After one day, a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli, 14. where we found brothers, and were entreated to stay with them for seven days. So we came to Rome. 15. From there the brothers, when they heard of us, came to meet us as far as The Market of Appius and The Three Taverns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God, and took courage. 16. When we entered into Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard, but Paul was allowed to stay by himself with the soldier who guarded him. 17. After three days Paul called together those who were the leaders of the Jews. When they had come together, he said to them, “I, brothers, though I had done nothing against the people, or the customs of our fathers, still was delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans, 18. who, when they had examined me, desired to set me free, because there was no cause of death in me. 19. But when the Jews spoke against it, I was constrained to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything about which to accuse my nation. 20. For this cause therefore I asked to see you and to speak with you. For because of the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.” 21. They said to him, “We neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor did any of the brothers come here and report or speak any evil of you. 22. But we desire to hear from you what you think. For, as concerning this sect, it is known to us that everywhere it is spoken against.” 23. When they had appointed him a day, many people came to him at his lodging. He explained to them, testifying about God’s Kingdom, and persuading them concerning Jesus, both from the law of Moses and from the prophets, from morning until evening. 24. Some believed the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved. 25. When they didn’t agree among themselves, they departed after Paul had spoken one word, “The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah, the prophet, to our fathers, 26. saying, ‘Go to this people, and say, in hearing, you will hear, but will in no way understand. In seeing, you will see, but will in no way perceive. 27. For this people’s heart has grown callous. Their ears are dull of hearing. Their eyes they have closed. Lest they should see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their heart, and would turn again, and I would heal them.’ 28. “Be it known therefore to you, that the salvation of God is sent to the nations, and they will listen.” 29. When he had said these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves. 30. Paul stayed two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who were coming to him, 31. preaching God’s Kingdom, and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, without hindrance.

1. Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to Yahweh’s law. 2. Blessed are those who keep his statutes, who seek him with their whole heart. 3. Yes, they do nothing wrong. They walk in his ways. 4. You have commanded your precepts, that we should fully obey them. 5. Oh that my ways were steadfast to obey your statutes! 6. Then I wouldn’t be disappointed, when I consider all of your commandments. 7. I will give thanks to you with uprightness of heart, when I learn your righteous judgments. 8. I will observe your statutes. Don’t utterly forsake me. 9. How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. 10. With my whole heart, I have sought you. Don’t let me wander from your commandments. 11. I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. 12. Blessed are you, Yahweh. Teach me your statutes. 13. With my lips, I have declared all the ordinances of your mouth. 14. I have rejoiced in the way of your testimonies, as much as in all riches. 15. I will meditate on your precepts, and consider your ways. 16. I will delight myself in your statutes. I will not forget your word. 17. Do good to your servant. I will live and I will obey your word. 18. Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things out of your law. 19. I am a stranger on the earth. Don’t hide your commandments from me. 20. My soul is consumed with longing for your ordinances at all times. 21. You have rebuked the proud who are cursed, who wander from your commandments. 22. Take reproach and contempt away from me, for I have kept your statutes. 23. Though princes sit and slander me, your servant will meditate on your statutes. 24. Indeed your statutes are my delight, and my counselors. 25. My soul is laid low in the dust. Revive me according to your word! 26. I declared my ways, and you answered me. Teach me your statutes. 27. Let me understand the teaching of your precepts! Then I will meditate on your wondrous works. 28. My soul is weary with sorrow: strengthen me according to your word. 29. Keep me from the way of deceit. Grant me your law graciously! 30. I have chosen the way of truth. I have set your ordinances before me. 31. I cling to your statutes, Yahweh. Don’t let me be disappointed. 32. I run in the path of your commandments, for you have set my heart free. 33. Teach me, Yahweh, the way of your statutes. I will keep them to the end. 34. Give me understanding, and I will keep your law. Yes, I will obey it with my whole heart. 35. Direct me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in them. 36. Turn my heart toward your statutes, not toward selfish gain. 37. Turn my eyes away from looking at worthless things. Revive me in your ways. 38. Fulfill your promise to your servant, that you may be feared. 39. Take away my disgrace that I dread, for your ordinances are good. 40. Behold, I long for your precepts! Revive me in your righteousness. 41. Let your loving kindness also come to me, Yahweh, your salvation, according to your word. 42. So I will have an answer for him who reproaches me, for I trust in your word. 43. Don’t snatch the word of truth out of my mouth, for I put my hope in your ordinances. 44. So I will obey your law continually, forever and ever. 45. I will walk in liberty, for I have sought your precepts. 46. I will also speak of your statutes before kings, and will not be disappointed. 47. I will delight myself in your commandments, because I love them. 48. I reach out my hands for your commandments, which I love. I will meditate on your statutes. 49. Remember your word to your servant, because you gave me hope. 50. This is my comfort in my affliction, for your word has revived me. 51. The arrogant mock me excessively, but I don’t swerve from your law. 52. I remember your ordinances of old, Yahweh, and have comforted myself. 53. Indignation has taken hold on me, because of the wicked who forsake your law. 54. Your statutes have been my songs, in the house where I live. 55. I have remembered your name, Yahweh, in the night, and I obey your law. 56. This is my way, that I keep your precepts. 57. Yahweh is my portion. I promised to obey your words. 58. I sought your favor with my whole heart. Be merciful to me according to your word. 59. I considered my ways, and turned my steps to your statutes. 60. I will hurry, and not delay, to obey your commandments. 61. The ropes of the wicked bind me, but I won’t forget your law. 62. At midnight I will rise to give thanks to you, because of your righteous ordinances. 63. I am a friend of all those who fear you, of those who observe your precepts. 64. The earth is full of your loving kindness, Yahweh. Teach me your statutes. 65. Do good to your servant, according to your word, Yahweh. 66. Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in your commandments. 67. Before I was afflicted, I went astray; but now I observe your word. 68. You are good, and do good. Teach me your statutes. 69. The proud have smeared a lie upon me. With my whole heart, I will keep your precepts. 70. Their heart is as callous as the fat, but I delight in your law. 71. It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn your statutes. 72. The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of pieces of gold and silver. 73. Your hands have made me and formed me. Give me understanding, that I may learn your commandments. 74. Those who fear you will see me and be glad, because I have put my hope in your word. 75. Yahweh, I know that your judgments are righteous, that in faithfulness you have afflicted me. 76. Please let your loving kindness be for my comfort, according to your word to your servant. 77. Let your tender mercies come to me, that I may live; for your law is my delight. 78. Let the proud be disappointed, for they have overthrown me wrongfully. I will meditate on your precepts. 79. Let those who fear you turn to me. They will know your statutes. 80. Let my heart be blameless toward your decrees, that I may not be disappointed. 81. My soul faints for your salvation. I hope in your word. 82. My eyes fail for your word. I say, “When will you comfort me?” 83. For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke. I don’t forget your statutes. 84. How many are the days of your servant? When will you execute judgment on those who persecute me? 85. The proud have dug pits for me, contrary to your law. 86. All of your commandments are faithful. They persecute me wrongfully. Help me! 87. They had almost wiped me from the earth, but I didn’t forsake your precepts. 88. Preserve my life according to your loving kindness, so I will obey the statutes of your mouth. 89. Yahweh, your word is settled in heaven forever. 90. Your faithfulness is to all generations. You have established the earth, and it remains. 91. Your laws remain to this day, for all things serve you. 92. Unless your law had been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. 93. I will never forget your precepts, for with them, you have revived me. 94. I am yours. Save me, for I have sought your precepts. 95. The wicked have waited for me, to destroy me. I will consider your statutes. 96. I have seen a limit to all perfection, but your commands are boundless. 97. How I love your law! It is my meditation all day. 98. Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for your commandments are always with me. 99. I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation. 100. I understand more than the aged, because I have kept your precepts. 101. I have kept my feet from every evil way, that I might observe your word. 102. I have not turned away from your ordinances, for you have taught me. 103. How sweet are your promises to my taste, more than honey to my mouth! 104. Through your precepts, I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way. 105. Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path. 106. I have sworn, and have confirmed it, that I will obey your righteous ordinances. 107. I am afflicted very much. Revive me, Yahweh, according to your word. 108. Accept, I beg you, the willing offerings of my mouth. Yahweh, teach me your ordinances. 109. My soul is continually in my hand, yet I won’t forget your law. 110. The wicked have laid a snare for me, yet I haven’t gone astray from your precepts. 111. I have taken your testimonies as a heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart. 112. I have set my heart to perform your statutes forever, even to the end. 113. I hate double-minded men, but I love your law. 114. You are my hiding place and my shield. I hope in your word. 115. Depart from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commandments of my God. 116. Uphold me according to your word, that I may live. Let me not be ashamed of my hope. 117. Hold me up, and I will be safe, and will have respect for your statutes continually. 118. You reject all those who stray from your statutes, for their deceit is in vain. 119. You put away all the wicked of the earth like dross. Therefore I love your testimonies. 120. My flesh trembles for fear of you. I am afraid of your judgments. 121. I have done what is just and righteous. Don’t leave me to my oppressors. 122. Ensure your servant’s well-being. Don’t let the proud oppress me. 123. My eyes fail looking for your salvation, for your righteous word. 124. Deal with your servant according to your loving kindness. Teach me your statutes. 125. I am your servant. Give me understanding, that I may know your testimonies. 126. It is time to act, Yahweh, for they break your law. 127. Therefore I love your commandments more than gold, yes, more than pure gold. 128. Therefore I consider all of your precepts to be right. I hate every false way. 129. Your testimonies are wonderful, therefore my soul keeps them. 130. The entrance of your words gives light. It gives understanding to the simple. 131. I opened my mouth wide and panted, for I longed for your commandments. 132. Turn to me, and have mercy on me, as you always do to those who love your name. 133. Establish my footsteps in your word. Don’t let any iniquity have dominion over me. 134. Redeem me from the oppression of man, so I will observe your precepts. 135. Make your face shine on your servant. Teach me your statutes. 136. Streams of tears run down my eyes, because they don’t observe your law. 137. You are righteous, Yahweh. Your judgments are upright. 138. You have commanded your statutes in righteousness. They are fully trustworthy. 139. My zeal wears me out, because my enemies ignore your words. 140. Your promises have been thoroughly tested, and your servant loves them. 141. I am small and despised. I don’t forget your precepts. 142. Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness. Your law is truth. 143. Trouble and anguish have taken hold of me. Your commandments are my delight. 144. Your testimonies are righteous forever. Give me understanding, that I may live. 145. I have called with my whole heart. Answer me, Yahweh! I will keep your statutes. 146. I have called to you. Save me! I will obey your statutes. 147. I rise before dawn and cry for help. I put my hope in your words. 148. My eyes stay open through the night watches, that I might meditate on your word. 149. Hear my voice according to your loving kindness. Revive me, Yahweh, according to your ordinances. 150. They draw near who follow after wickedness. They are far from your law. 151. You are near, Yahweh. All your commandments are truth. 152. Of old I have known from your testimonies, that you have founded them forever. 153. Consider my affliction, and deliver me, for I don’t forget your law. 154. Plead my cause, and redeem me! Revive me according to your promise. 155. Salvation is far from the wicked, for they don’t seek your statutes. 156. Great are your tender mercies, Yahweh. Revive me according to your ordinances. 157. Many are my persecutors and my adversaries. I haven’t swerved from your testimonies. 158. I look at the faithless with loathing, because they don’t observe your word. 159. Consider how I love your precepts. Revive me, Yahweh, according to your loving kindness. 160. All of your words are truth. Every one of your righteous ordinances endures forever. 161. Princes have persecuted me without a cause, but my heart stands in awe of your words. 162. I rejoice at your word, as one who finds great plunder. 163. I hate and abhor falsehood. I love your law. 164. Seven times a day, I praise you, because of your righteous ordinances. 165. Those who love your law have great peace. Nothing causes them to stumble. 166. I have hoped for your salvation, Yahweh. I have done your commandments. 167. My soul has observed your testimonies. I love them exceedingly. 168. I have obeyed your precepts and your testimonies, for all my ways are before you. 169. Let my cry come before you, Yahweh. Give me understanding according to your word. 170. Let my supplication come before you. Deliver me according to your word. 171. Let my lips utter praise, for you teach me your statutes. 172. Let my tongue sing of your word, for all your commandments are righteousness. 173. Let your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts. 174. I have longed for your salvation, Yahweh. Your law is my delight. 175. Let my soul live, that I may praise you. Let your ordinances help me. 176. I have gone astray like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I don’t forget your commandments.