Acts

 Joseph  Ἰωσήφ Iōsḗph, ee-o-safe’; of Hebrew origin (H3130); Joseph, the name of seven Israelites:—Joseph.  35 in 34

 

Barsabas = “son of Sabas”  ΒαρσαβᾶςBarsabâs, bar-sab-as’; of Chaldee origin (H1247 and probably H6634); son of Sabas (or Tsaba); Bar-sabas, the name of two Israelites:—Barsabas.  2 in 2  G923

 

Surnamed  ἐπικαλέομαιepikaléomai, ep-ee-kal-eh’-om-ahee; middle voice from G1909and G2564; to entitle; by implication, to invoke (for aid, worship, testimony, decision, etc.):—appeal (unto), call (on, upon), surname.  33 in 32

 

Justus = “just”  a surname of Joseph, called Barsabas. Acts 1:23; of Titus, a Christian at Corinth, with whom Paul lodged. Acts 18:7; a surname of Jesus, a friend of Paul. Col. 4:11  ἸοῦστοςIoûstos, ee-ooce’-tos; of Latin origin (“just”); Justus, the name of three Christian:—Justus.  3 in 3

 
ACTS 2 :The Holy Spirit at Pentecost

(Joel 2:28-32; John 14:15-26; John 16:5-16; Acts 10:44-48; Acts 19:1-7)

1And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3And there appeared to them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat on each of them. 4And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 

Appeared  ὀπτάνομαι optánomai, op-tan’-om-ahee; a (middle voice) prolonged form of the primary (middle voice) ὄπτομαι óptomai op’-tom-ahee; which is used for it in certain tenses; and both as alternate of G3708; to gaze (i.e. with wide-open eyes, as at something remarkable;  60 in 57

Pentecost = “the 50th day”  the second of the three great Jewish feasts, celebrated at Jerusalem yearly, the seventh week after the Passover, in grateful recognition of the completed harvest;  πεντηκοστή pentēkostḗ, pen-tay-kos-tay’; feminine of the ordinal of G4004; fiftieth (G2250 being implied) from Passover, i.e. the festival of “Pentecost”:—Pentecost.  3 in 3

Rushing  φέρω phérō, fer’-o; a primary verb (for which other, and apparently not cognate ones are used in certain tenses only; namely, οἴω oíō oy’-o; and ἐνέγκω enénkō en-eng’-ko; to “bear” or carry (in a very wide application, literally and figuratively, as follows):  66 in 58

Wind  πνοή pnoḗ, pno-ay’; from G4154; respiration, a breeze:—breath, wind.  2 in 2

Cloven  διαμερίζω diamerízō, dee-am-er-id’-zo; from G1223 and G3307; to partition thoroughly (literally in distribution, figuratively in dissension):—cloven, divide, part.  12 in 11to be divided into opposing parts, to be at variance, in dissension

Tongues  γλῶσσα glōssa, gloce-sah’; of uncertain affinity; the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired):—tongue.  50 in 47

Sat  καθίζω kathízō, kath-id’-zo; another (active) form for G2516; to seat down, i.e. set (figuratively, appoint); intransitively, to sit (down); figuratively, to settle (hover, dwell):—continue, set, sit (down), tarry.  50 in 46

Filled  †πλήθω plḗthō, play’-tho; a prolonged form of a primary πλέω pléō pleh’-o (which appears only as an alternate in certain tenses and in the reduplicated form pimplemi); to “fill” (literally or figuratively (imbue, influence, supply)); specially, to fulfil (time):—accomplish, full (…come), furnish.  27 in 24

Confounded  †συγχέω synchéō, soong-kheh’-o; from G4862 and χέω chéō (to pour) or its alternate; to commingle promiscuously, i.e. (figuratively) to throw (an assembly) into disorder, to perplex (the mind):—confound, confuse, stir up, be in an uproar.  5 in 5 

5And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. 6Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. 7And they were all amazed and marveled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? 8And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? 9Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, 

Parthia = “a pledge”  an inhabitant of Parthia, a district of Asia, bounded on the north by Hyrcania, on the east by Ariana, on the south by Carmania Deserta, on the west by Media;  Πάρθος Párthos, par’-thos; probably of foreign origin; a Parthian, i.e. inhabitant of Parthia:—Parthian.  1 in 1

Parthia is a historical region located in north-eastern Iran. It was the political and cultural base of the Arsacid dynasty, rulers of the Parthian Empire (247 BC – 224 AD).

Parthia roughly corresponds to a region in northeastern Iran. It was bordered by the Karakum desert in the north, included Kopet Dag mountain range and the Dasht-e-Kavir desert in the south. It bordered Media on the west, Hyrcania on the north west, Margiana on the north east, and Aria on the south east.

Achaemenid Provinces during the rule of Darius I

Mede or Media = “middle land”   a Mede, a native or inhabitant of Media, a well known region of Asia whose chief city was Ecbatana “the place of gathering”;   Μῆδος Mēdos, may’-dos; of foreign origin (compare H4074); a Median, or inhabitant of Media:—Mede.  1 in 1

In the 5th century BC, Herodotus wrote of Ecbatana:

“The Medes built the city now called Ecbatana, the walls of which are of great size and strength, rising in circles one within the other. The plan of the place is, that each of the walls should out-top the one beyond it by the battlements. The nature of the ground, which is a gentle hill, favors this arrangements in some degree but it is mainly effected by art. The number of the circles is seven, the royal palace and the treasuries standing within the last. The circuit of the outer wall is very nearly the same with that of Athens. On this wall the battlements are white, of the next black, of the third scarlet, of the fourth blue, the fifth orange; all these colors with paint. The last two have their battlements coated respectively with silver and gold. All these fortifications Deioces had caused to be raised for himself and his own palace.”

Elamites  Ἐλαμίτης Elamítēs, el-am-ee’-tace; of Hebrew origin (H5867); an Elamite or Persian:—Elamite.  an Elamite, i.e. an inhabitant of the province of Elymais, a region stretching southwards to the Persian Gulf, but boundaries of which are variously given  (“Susiana” in map above)

Mesopotamia = “between two rivers”  the entire country between the two rivers, the Tigris and the Euphrates   Μεσοποταμία Mesopotamía, mes-op-ot-am-ee’-ah; from G3319 and G4215; Mesopotamia (as lying between the Euphrates and the Tigris; compare 0763), a region of Asia:—Mesopotamia.  2 in 2

Cappadocia = “province of good horses”  a region in Asia Minor, bounded under the Roman empire on the north by Pontus, on the east by Armenia Minor, on the south by Cilicia and Commagene, on the west by Lycaonia and Galatia;  Καππαδοκία Kappadokía, kap-pad-ok-ee’-ah; of foreign origin; Cappadocia, a region of Asia Minor:—Cappadocia.  2 in 2

Pontus = “the sea”  a region of eastern Asia Minor, bounded by the Euxine Sea, Armenia, Cappadocia, Galatia, Paphlagonia;  Πόντος Póntos, pon’-tos; of Latin origin; a sea; Pontus, a region of Asia Minor:—Pontus.  2 in 2 

10Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, 11Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. 12And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What means this? 13Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.

Phrygia = “dry, barren”  a region in Asia Minor bounded by Bithynia, Galatia, Lycaonia, Pisidia, Lydia, Mysia and it contained the cities of Laodicea, Hierapolis, and Colosse;  Φρυγία Phrygía, froog-ee’-ah; probably of foreign origin; Phrygia, a region of Asia Minor:—Phrygia.  3 in 3

Pamphylia = “of every tribe”  a province in Asia Minor, bounded on the east by Cilicia, on the west by Lycia and Phrygia Minor, on the north by Galatia and Cappadocia, and on the south by the Mediterranean Sea  Παμφυλία Pamphylía, pam-fool-ee’-ah; from a compound of G3956 and G4443; every-tribal, i.e. heterogeneous (G5561 being implied); Pamphylia, a region of Asia Minor:—Pamphylia. 5 in 5

Libya = “afflicted or weeping”  a large region of northern Africa, bordering Egypt. In that portion of it which had Cyrene for its capital and was thence called Libya Cyrenaica.  Λιβύη Libýē, lib-oo’-ay; probably from G3047; Libye, a region of Africa:—Libya. 1 in 1

λίψ líps, leeps; probably from λείβω leíbō (to pour a “libation”); the south(- west) wind (as bringing rain, i.e. (by extension) the south quarter):—southwest.  1 in 1

It was then nicknamed the “Athens of Africa”;  Nashville is nicknamed the “Athens of the South”  Cyrene lies in a lush valley in the Jebel Akhdar uplands. The city was named after a spring, Kyre, which the Greeks consecrated to Apollo. It was also the seat of the Cyrenaics, a famous school of philosophy in the 4th century BC, founded by Aristippus, a disciple of Socrates. It was then nicknamed the “Athens of Africa”.^[1][2][3][4]

Cyrene is now an archeological site near the village of Shahhat. One of its more significant features is the temple of Apollo which was originally constructed as early as 7th century BC. Other ancient structures include a temple to Demeter and a partially unexcavated temple to Zeus There is a large necropolis approximately 10 km between Cyrene and its ancient port of Apollonia. Since 1982, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.^[19]

Apart from conducting ongoing emergency conservation on a theater inside the Sanctuary of Apollo through the process of anastylosis, the GHF-led team is in the process of developing a comprehensive master site management plan.^[21]

In May 2011, a number of objects excavated from Cyrene in 1917 and held in the vault of the National Commercial Bank in Benghazi were stolen. Looters tunnelled into the vault and broke into two safes that held the artefacts which were part of the so-called ‘Benghazi Treasure’. The whereabouts of these objects are currently unknown.^[22]

Proselytes  προσήλυτος prosḗlytos, pros-ay’-loo-tos; from the alternate of G4334; an arriver from a foreign region, i.e. (specially), an acceder (convert) to Judaism (“proselyte”):—proselyte.  4 in 4

Crete = “fleshy”  the largest and most fertile island of the Mediterranean archipelago or Aegean Sea, now the modern Candia  Κρήτη Krḗtē, kray’-tay; of uncertain derivation; Crete, an island in the Mediterranean:—Crete.   5 in 5  

Crete, Greece’s largest island, is known for its varied terrain, which ranges from fine-sand beaches at Elafonisi to the White Mountains. Mt. Ida, the tallest of the range, is home to the Ideon Cave, which was the birthplace of Zeus, according to Greek mythology. The capital, Heraklion, is home to the renowned Heraklion Archaeological Museum, housing Minoan artifacts, and Knossos, a Bronze Age settlement.

In antiquity it was a place of worship, because it was believed to be the cave where the titan Rhea hid the infant Zeus, to protect him from his father Cronus who intended to swallow him like others of his progeny. It is one of a number of caves believed to have been the birthplace or hiding place of Zeus.^[1] According to a variant of this legend, the Kouretes, a band of mythical warriors, undertook to dance their wild, noisy war dances in front of the cave, so that the clamour would keep Cronus from hearing the infant’s crying.

Excavations have revealed a large number of votive cult offerings on the site.

The Cave of Zeus may also refer to a cave by the same name on the Aegean island of Naxos or the Psychro Cave on Crete.

 

In his Histories,^[17] the Ancient Roman historian Tacitus reported a belief, popular in antiquity, regarding Mount Ida and the origin of the Jews, complete with conjectural etymology:

“It is said that the Jews were originally exiles from the island of Crete who settled in the farthest parts of Libya at the time when Saturn had been deposed and expelled by Jove. An argument in favour of this is derived from the name: there is a famous mountain in Crete called Ida, and hence the inhabitants were called the Idaei, which was later lengthened into the barbarous form Iudaei.”(Book V:2)

Peter Preaches to the Crowd

14But Peter, standing up with the 11, lifted up his voice, and said to them, You men of Judaea, and all you that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known to you, and listen to my words: 15For these are not drunken, as you suppose, seeing it is but the 3rd hour of the day (10am). 16But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;  17And it shall come to pass in the last days, said God, I will pour out of my Spirit on all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:

18And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:  19And I will show wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke:  20The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and notable day of the Lord come:  21And it shall come to pass, that whoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.  22You men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the middle of you, as you yourselves also know: 23Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, you have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: 24Whom God has raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be held of it.

25For David speaks concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:  26Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:  27Because you will not leave my soul in hell, neither will you suffer your Holy One to see corruption.  28You have made known to me the ways of life; you shall make me full of joy with your countenance.  29Men and brothers, let me freely speak to you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulcher is with us to this day. 30Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; 31He seeing this before spoke of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. 32This Jesus has God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. 33Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he has shed forth this, which you now see and hear.

34For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he said himself, The Lord said to my Lord, Sit you on my right hand,  35Until I make your foes your footstool. 36Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God has made the same Jesus, whom you have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

Three Thousand Believe

37Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said to Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brothers, what shall we do? 38Then Peter said to them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39For the promise is to you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call. 40And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. 41Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added to them about 3000 souls.

Untoward  σκολιός skoliós, skol-ee-os’; from the base of G4628; warped, i.e. winding; figuratively, perverse:—crooked, froward, untoward.  4 in 4

Baptized  βαπτίζω baptízō, bap-tid’-zo; from a derivative of G911; to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e. fully wet); used only (in the New Testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordinance of Christian baptism:—Baptist, baptize, wash.    86 in 65

“Note on Baptism in Ac. Baptism in water (such as John’s) is distinguished from baptism with the Holy Spirit (i. 5, etc.). Those who receive the latter, however, may also be baptized in water (cf. xi. 16 with x. 47); and there is one example of people who had previously received John’s baptism receiving Christian baptism as a preliminary to receiving the Spirit (xix. 3 ff.). John’s was a baptism of repentance (xiii. 24; xix. 4), as was also Christian baptism (ii. 38), but as John’s pointed forward to Jesus (xix. 4), it became obsolete when He came. Christian baptism followed faith in the Lord Jesus (xvi. 31 ff.); it was associated with His name (ii. 38; viii. 16, etc.), which was invoked by the person baptized (xxii. 16); it signified the remission (ii. 38) or washing away of sins (xxii. 16); sometimes it preceded (ii. 38; viii. 15 ff.; xix. 5), sometimes followed (x. 47 f.) the receiving of the Spirit.” (F. F. Bruce. The Acts of the Apostles [Greek Text Commentary], London: Tyndale, 1952, p. 98, n. 1.)

This word should not be confused with baptô (911). The clearest example that shows the meaning of baptizo is a text from the Greek poet and physician Nicander, who lived about 200 B.C. It is a recipe for making pickles and is helpful because it uses both words. Nicander says that in order to make a pickle, the vegetable should first be ‘dipped’ (baptô) into boiling water and then ‘baptised’ (baptizô) in the vinegar solution. Both verbs concern the immersing of vegetables in a solution. But the first is temporary. The second, the act of baptising the vegetable, produces a permanent change.

The Fellowship of Believers

(Acts 4:32-37)

42And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.  43And fear came on every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 46And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

ACTS 3 : Healing the Lame Beggar

1Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour (3pm). 2And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; 3Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. 4And Peter, fastening his eyes on him with John, said, Look on us. 5And he gave heed to them, expecting to receive something of them. 6Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. 7And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. 8And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. 9And all the people saw him walking and praising God: 10And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened to him.

Womb  κοιλία koilía, koy-lee’-ah; from κοῖλος koîlos (“hollow”); a cavity, i.e. (especially) the abdomen; by implication, the matrix; figuratively, the heart:—belly, womb.  23 in 22

Gate  θύρα thýra, thoo’-rah; apparently a primary word (compare “door”); a portal or entrance (the opening or the closure, literally or figuratively):—door, gate.  39 in 37

Beutiful  ὡραῖος hōraîos, ho-rah’-yos; from G5610; belonging to the right hour or season (timely), i.e. (by implication) flourishing (beauteous (figuratively)):—beautiful.  4 in 4

Alms  ἐλεημοσύνη eleēmosýnē, el-eh-ay-mos-oo’-nay; from G1656; compassionateness, i.e. (as exercised towards the poor) beneficence, or (concretely) a benefaction:—alms(-deeds).  14 in 14

Right  δεξιός dexiós, dex-ee-os’; from G1209; the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes):—right (hand, side).  53 in 53

Lifted Up  ἐγείρω egeírō, eg-i’-ro; probably akin to the base of G58 (through the idea of collecting one’s faculties); to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e. rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from obscurity, inactivity, ruins, nonexistence):—awake, lift (up), raise (again, up), rear up, (a-)rise (again, up), stand, take up.  161 in 135

Feet  βάσις básis, bas’-ece; from βαίνω baínō (to walk); a pace (“base”), i.e. (by implication) the foot:—foot.  1 in 1

Ankle Bones  σφυρόν sphyrón, sfoo-ron’; neuter of a presumed derivative probably of the same as σφαῖρα sphaîra (a ball, “sphere”; compare the feminine σφῦρα sphŷra, a hammer); the ankle (as globular):—ancle bone.  1 in 1

Peter Speaks in Solomon’s Colonnade

11And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the porch that is called Solomon’s, greatly wondering. 12And when Peter saw it, he answered to the people, You men of Israel, why marvel you at this? or why look you so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk? 13The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his Son Jesus; whom you delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go. 14But you denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted to you; 15And killed the Prince of life, whom God has raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses. 16And his name through faith in his name has made this man strong, whom you see and know: yes, the faith which is by him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

Lame  χωλός chōlós, kho-los’; apparently a primary word; “halt”, i.e. limping:—cripple, halt, lame.  15 in 15  deprived of a foot, maimed

Porch  στοά stoá, sto-ah’; probably from G2476; a colonnade or interior piazza:—porch.  a portico, a covered colonnade where people can stand or walk protected from the weather and the heat of the sun;  he portico built by Solomon in the eastern part of the temple (which in the temple’s destruction by the Babylonians was left uninjured, and remained down to the time of King Agrippa, to whom the care of the temple was entrusted by the emperor Claudius, and who on account of its antiquity dare not demolish it and build anew.  4 in 4

Solomon = “peaceful”  the son of David and was the wisest and richest king that ever lived  Σολομών Solomṓn, sol-om-one’; of Hebrew origin (H8010); Solomon (i.e. Shelomoh), the son of David:—Solomon.  12 in 10

17And now, brothers, I know that through ignorance you did it, as did also your rulers. 18But those things, which God before had showed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he has so fulfilled. 19Repent you therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. 20And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached to you: 21Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. 22For Moses truly said to the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up to you of your brothers, like to me; him shall you hear in all things whatever he shall say to you. 23And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people. 24Yes, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days. 25You are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying to Abraham, And in your seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. 26To you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.

Repent  μετανοέω metanoéō, met-an-o-eh’-o; from G3326 and G3539; to think differently or afterwards, i.e. reconsider (morally, feel compunction):—repent  36 in 32  “Repentance (metanoia, ‘change of mind’) involves a turning with contrition from sin to God; the repentant sinner is in the proper condition to accept the divine forgiveness.” (F. F. Bruce. The Acts of the Apostles[Greek Text Commentary], London: Tyndale, 1952, p. 97.)

Blotted Out  ἐξαλείφω exaleíphō, ex-al-i’-fo; from G1537 and G218; to smear out, i.e. obliterate (erase tears, figuratively, pardon sin):—blot out, wipe away.   6 in 5

Refreshing  ἀνάψυξις anápsyxis, an-aps’-ook-sis; from G404; properly, a recovery of breath, i.e. (figuratively) revival:—revival.  1 in 1

Presence  πρόσωπον prósōpon, pros’-o-pon; from G4314 and ὤψ ṓps (the visage, from G3700); the front (as being towards view), i.e. the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person:—(outward) appearance, ×before, countenance, face, fashion, (men’s) person, presence.  78 in 73

Restitution  ἀποκατάστασις apokatástasis, ap-ok-at-as’-tas-is; from G600; reconstitution:—restitution.  1 in 1  restoration;  of the perfect state before the fall

ACTS 4 : Peter and John Before the Council

1And as they spoke to the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came on them, 2Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 3And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold to the next day: for it was now eventide. 4However, many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about 5000.

Sadducees = “the righteous”  a religious party at the time of Christ among the Jews, who denied that the oral law was a revelation of God to the Israelites, and who deemed the written law alone to be obligatory on the nation, as the divine authority. They denied the following doctrines:  resurrection of the body,  immortality of the soul,  existence of spirits and angels,  divine predestination, affirmed free will  Σαδδουκαῖος Saddoukaîos, sad-doo-kah’-yos; probably from G4524; a Sadducæan (i.e. Tsadokian), or follower of a certain heretical Israelite:—Sadducee.  14 in 14

Eventide  ἑσπέρα hespéra, hes-per’-ah; feminine of an adjective hesperos (evening); the eve (G5610 being implied):—evening(-tide).  3 in 3

5And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes, 6And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. 7And when they had set them in the middle, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have you done this? 8Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said to them, You rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, 9If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the weak man, by what means he is made whole; 10Be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him does this man stand here before you whole. 11This is the stone which was set at nothing of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. 12Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Annas = “humble”  high priest of the Jews, elevated to the priesthood by Quirinius the governor of Syria c. 6 or 7 A.D., but afterwards deposed by Valerius Gratus, the procurator of Judaea, who put in his place, first Ismael, son of Phabi, and shortly after Eleazar, son of Annas. From the latter, the office passed to Simon; from Simon c. 18 A.D. to Caiaphas; but Annas even after he had been put out of office, continued to have great influence.  Ἄννας Ánnas, an’-nas; of Hebrew origin (H2608); Annas (i.e. G367), an Israelite:—Annas.  4 in 4

Caiaphas = “as comely”  a high priest of the Jews appointed to that office by Valerius Gratus, governor of Judaea, after removal of Simon, son of Camith, A.D. 18, and was removed A.D. 36 by Vitellius, governor of Syria, who appointed Jonathan, son of Ananus (Annus, father-in-law of Caiaphas), his successor   9 in 9

Nought | Nothing   ἐξουθενέω exouthenéō, ex-oo-then-eh’-o; a variation of G1847 and meaning the same:—contemptible, despise, least esteemed, set at nought.  15 in 11

Corner  γωνία gōnía, go-nee’-ah; probably akin to G1119; an angle:—corner, quarter.  9 in 9

Salvation  σωτηρία sōtēría, so-tay-ree’-ah; feminine of a derivative of G4990 as (properly, abstract) noun; rescue or safety (physically or morally):—deliver, health, salvation, save, saving.  45 in 43  deliverance, preservation, safety, salvation

Peter and John Threatened, Released

13Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. 14And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. 15But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,16Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle has been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it. 17But that it spread no further among the people, let us straightly threaten them, that they speak from now on to no man in this name. 18And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 19But Peter and John answered and said to them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, judge you. 20For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. 21So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done.22For the man was above 40 years old, on whom this miracle of healing was showed.

Unlearned  ἀγράμματος agrámmatos, ag-ram-mat-os; from G1 (as negative particle) and G1121; unlettered, i.e. illiterate:—unlearned.  1 in 1

Ignorant  ἰδιώτης idiṓtēs, id-ee-o’-tace; from G2398; a private person, i.e. (by implication) an ignoramus (compare “idiot”):—ignorant, rude, unlearned.  5 in 5

The Believers’ Prayer for Boldness

(Psalm 2:1-12)

23And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. 24And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, you are God, which have made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:

25Who by the mouth of your servant David have said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?

26The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.

27For of a truth against your holy child Jesus, whom you have anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, 28For to do whatever your hand and your counsel determined before to be done. 29And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant to your servants, that with all boldness they may speak your word, 30By stretching forth your hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of your holy child Jesus. 31And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.

Sharing among Believers

(Acts 2:42-47)

32And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. 33And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was on them all. 34Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, 35And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made to every man according as he had need.  36And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, 37Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

Possessions  ὑπάρχοντα hypárchonta, hoop-ar’-khon-tah; neuter plural of present participle active of G5225 as noun; things extant or in hand, i.e. property or possessions:—goods, that which one has, things which (one) possesseth, substance, that hast.  14 in 14

Surnamed  ἐπικαλέομαι epikaléomai, ep-ee-kal-eh’-om-ahee; middle voice from G1909and G2564; to entitle; by implication, to invoke (for aid, worship, testimony, decision, etc.):—appeal (unto), call (on, upon), surname.  33 in 32  to put a name upon, to surname

Joses = “exalted”  one of the ancestors of Christ, Lk 3:29;  Joses, the brother of Jesus, Mk 6:3;  Joses, the son of Mary, the sister of the mother of Jesus, Mt. 27:56;  Joses, a Levite, Acts 4:36

Barnabas = “son of rest”;  the surname of Joses or Joseph, a Levite, a native of Cyprus He was a distinguished Christian teacher and companion and colleague of Paul. Βαρνάβας Barnábas, bar-nab’-as; of Chaldee origin (H1247 and H5029); son of Nabas (i.e. prophecy); Barnabas, an Israelite:—Barnabas.  29 in 28

Consolation  παράκλησις paráklēsis, par-ak’-lay-sis; from G3870; imploration, hortation, solace:—comfort, consolation, exhortation, intreaty.  a calling near, summons, (esp. for help)  consolation, comfort, solace; that which affords comfort or refreshment  29 in 28

παρακαλέω parakaléō, par-ak-al-eh’-o; from G3844 and G2564; to call near, i.e. invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation):—beseech, call for, (be of good) comfort, desire, (give) exhort(-ation), intreat, pray.  114 in 104

Cyprus = “love: a blossom”   a very fertile and delightful island of the Mediterranean, lying between Cilicia and Syria   Κύπριος Kýprios, koo’-pree-os; from G2954; a Cyprian (Cypriot), i.e. inhabitant of Cyprus:—of Cyprus.  The Republic of Cyprus occupies the southern part of the island of Cyprus in the eastern Mediterranean. The island (and capital city Nicosia) is divided with Turkey to the north. Known for beaches, it also has a rugged interior with wine regions. Coastal Paphos is famed for its archaeological sites relating to the cult of Aphrodite, including ruins of palaces, tombs and mosaic-tiled villas.  3 in 3

Land  ἀγρός agrós, ag-ros’; from G71; a field (as a drive for cattle); genitive case, the country; specially, a farm, i.e. hamlet:—country, farm, piece of ground, land.  36 in 34

Money  χρῆμα chrēma, khray’-mah; something useful or needed, i.e. wealth, price:—money, riches.  7 in 7

Laid  τίθημι títhēmi, tith’-ay-mee; a prolonged form of a primary θέω théō theh’-o (which is used only as alternate in certain tenses); to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from G2476, which properly denotes an upright and active position, while G2749 is properly reflexive and utterly prostrate): 104 in 94

Feet  πούς poús, pooce; a primary word; a “foot” (figuratively or literally):—foot(-stool)  93 in 86

ACTS 5 : Ananias and Sapphira

1But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, 2And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3But Peter said, Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? 4Whiles it remained, was it not your own? and after it was sold, was it not in your own power? why have you conceived this thing in your heart? you have not lied to men, but to God. 5And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. 6And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him.

Ananias = “whom Jehovah has graciously given”  Ἀνανίας Ananías, an-an-ee’-as; of Hebrew origin (H2608); Ananias, the name of three Israelites:—Ananias.  11 in 10

Sapphira = “a sapphire”  Σαπφείρη Sappheírē, sap-fi’-ray; feminine of G4552; Sapphire, an Israelitess:—Sapphira.  1 in 1

Possession  κτῆμα ktēma, ktay’-mah; from G2932; an acquirement, i.e. estate:—possession   4 in 4

Kept Back  †νοσφίζομαι nosphízomai, nos-fid’-zom-ahee; middle voice from νοσφί nosphí (apart or clandestinely); to sequestrate for oneself, i.e. embezzle:—keep back, purloin.  to purloin, embezzle, withdraw covertly and appropriate to one’s own use  3 in 3

Price  τιμή timḗ, tee-may’; from G5099; a value, i.e. money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself:—honour, precious, price, some.   a valuing by which the price is fixed   43 in 42

Privy  συνείδω syneídō, soon-i’-do; from G4862 and G1492; to see completely; used (like its primary) only in two past tenses, respectively meaning to understand or become aware, and to be conscious or (clandestinely) informed of:—consider, know, be privy, be ware of.  4 in 4

Certain  τὶς tìs, tis; an enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object:—  450 in 419

Satan  Σατανᾶς Satanâs, sat-an-as’; of Chaldee origin corresponding to H4566 (with the definite affix); the accuser, i.e. the devil:—Satan.  36 in 33

Lie  ψεύδομαι pseúdomai, psyoo’-dom-ahee; middle voice of an apparently primary verb; to utter an untruth or attempt to deceive by falsehood:—falsely, lie.  13 in 12

While’s it Remain  μένω ménō, men’-o; a primary verb; to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy):—abide, continue, dwell, endure, be present, remain, stand, tarry 127 times in 105

After it was sold  πιπράσκω pipráskō, pip-ras’-ko; contracted from περάω peráō (to traverse; from the base of G4008); to traffic (by travelling), i.e. dispose of as merchandise or into slavery (literally or figuratively):—sell.   10 in 9

Hast Thou Conceived  τίθημι títhēmi, tith’-ay-mee; a prolonged form of a primary θέω théō theh’-o (which is used only as alternate in certain tenses); to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from G2476, which properly denotes an upright and active position, while G2749 is properly reflexive and utterly prostrate):    104 in 94

Hearing  ἀκούω akoúō, ak-oo’-o; a primary verb; to hear (in various senses):—give (in the) audience (of), come (to the ears), (shall) hear(-er, -ken), be noised, be reported, understand.  454 in 402

Fell Down  πίπτω píptō, pip’-to; probably akin to G4072 through the idea of alighting; to fall (literally or figuratively):—fail, fall (down), light on.  93 in 85

Gave up the Ghost  ἐκψύχω ekpsýchō, ek-psoo’-kho; from G1537 and G5594; to expire:—give (yield) up the ghost.  3 in 3

7And it was about the space of 3 hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. 8And Peter answered to her, Tell me whether you sold the land for so much? And she said, Yes, for so much. 9Then Peter said to her, How is it that you have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried your husband are at the door, and shall carry you out. 10Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband. 11And great fear came on all the church, and on as many as heard these things.

The Space  διάστημα diástēma, dee-as’-tay-mah; from G1339; an interval:—space.  2 in 1

Yea  ναί naí, nahee; a primary particle of strong affirmation; yes:—even so, surely, truth, verily, yea, yes.   34 in 29

For So Much  τοσοῦτος tosoûtos, tos-oo’-tos; from τόσος tósos (so much; apparently from G3588 and G3739) and G3778 (including its variations); so vast as this, i.e. such (in quantity, amount, number of space):—as large, so great (long, many, much), these many.  21 in 19

Tempt  πειράζω peirázō, pi-rad’-zo; from G3984; to test (objectively), i.e. endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline:—assay, examine, go about, prove, tempt(-er), try.  42 in 35

Buried  θάπτω tháptō, thap’-to; a primary verb; to celebrate funeral rites, i.e. inter:—bury  11 in 11

Husband  ἀνήρ anḗr, an’-ayr; a primary word (compare G444); a man (properly as an individual male):—fellow, husband, man, sir  215 in 193

Shall Carry  ἐκφέρω ekphérō, ek-fer’-o; from G1537 and G5342; to bear out (literally or figuratively):—bear, bring forth, carry forth (out).  9 in 7

Straightway  παραχρῆμα parachrēma, par-akh-ray’-mah; from G3844 and G5536 (in its original sense); at the thing itself, i.e. instantly:—forthwith, immediately, presently, straightway, soon.  19 in 19

The Apostles Heal Many

12And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders worked among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s porch. 13And of the rest dared no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them. 14And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.) 15So that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them. 16There came also a multitude out of the cities round about to Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.

Signs  σημεῖον sēmeîon, say-mi’-on; neuter of a presumed derivative of the base of G4591; an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally:—miracle, sign, token, wonder.  77 in 69

Wonders  τέρας téras, ter’-as; of uncertain affinity; a prodigy or omen:—wonder.  16 in 16

Wrought  γίνομαι gínomai, ghin’-om-ahee; a prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be (“gen”-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.):—arise, be assembled, be(-come, -fall, -have self), be brought (to pass), (be  709 in 636

Of the Rest  λοιποί loipoí, loy-poy’; masculine plural of a derivative of G3007; remaining ones:—other, which remain, remnant, residue, rest.  41 in 41

Durst  ολμάω tolmáō, tol-mah’-o; from τόλμα tólma (boldness; probably itself from the base of G5056 through the idea of extreme conduct); to venture (objectively or in act; while G2292 is rather subjective or in feeling); by implication, to be courageous:—be bold, boldly, dare, durst. 18 in 15

Join Himself  κολλάω kolláō, kol-lah’-o; from κόλλα kólla (“glue”); to glue, i.e. (passively or reflexively) to stick (figuratively):—cleave, join (self), keep company.  11 in 11   to glue, to glue together, cement, fasten together

Magnified  μεγαλύνω megalýnō, meg-al-oo’-no; from G3173; to make (or declare) great, i.e. increase or (figuratively) extol:—enlarge, magnify, shew great.  8 in 8

Believers  πιστεύω pisteúō, pist-yoo’-o; from G4102; to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e. credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one’s spiritual well-being to Christ):—believe(-r), commit (to trust), put in trust with.  264 in 200

Added  προστίθημι prostíthēmi, pros-tith’-ay-mee; from G4314 and G5087; to place additionally, i.e. lay beside, annex, repeat:—add, again, give more, increase, lay unto, proceed further, speak to any more.  20 in 18

Shadow  σκιά skiá, skee’-ah; apparently a primary word; “shade” or a shadow (literally or figuratively (darkness of error or an adumbration)):—shadow.  the interception of light; an image cast by an object and representing the form of that object  7 in 7

Streets  πλατεῖα plateîa, plat-i’-ah; feminine of G4116; a wide “plat” or “place”, i.e. open square:—street.  9 in 9   a broad way

Passing By  ἔρχομαι érchomai, er’-khom-ahee; middle voice of a primary verb (used only in the present and imperfect tenses, the others being supplied by a kindred (middle voice) ἐλεύθομαι eleúthomai el-yoo’-thom-ahee, or (active) ἔλθω élthō el’-tho, which do not otherwise occur); to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively):   665 in 604

Overshadow  ἐπισκιάζω episkiázō, ep-ee-skee-ad’-zo; from G1909 and a derivative of G4639; to cast a shade upon, i.e. (by analogy) to envelop in a haze of brilliancy; figuratively, to invest with preternatural influence:—overshadow.  to throw a shadow upon, to envelop in a shadow  5 in 5  Lex:  From a vaporous cloud that casts a shadow the word is transferred to a shining cloud surrounding and enveloping person with brightness:  Tropically, of the Holy Spirit exerting creative energy upon the womb of the virgin Mary and impregnating it.

Unclean  ἀκάθαρτος akáthartos, ak-ath’-ar-tos; from G1 (as a negative particle) and a presumed derivative of G2508 (meaning cleansed); impure (ceremonially, morally (lewd) or specially, (demonic)):—foul, unclean.  30 in 29

Healed  θεραπεύω therapeúō, ther-ap-yoo’-o; from the same as G2324; to wait upon menially, i.e. (figuratively) to adore (God), or (specially) to relieve (of disease):—cure, heal, worship.  44 in 43

The Apostles Arrested and Freed

17Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation,18And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison. 19But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said, 20Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life. 21And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. 22But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned and told, 23Saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within.

Chief | High Priest  ἀρχιερεύς archiereús, ar-khee-er-yuce’; from G746 and G2409; the high-priest (literally, of the Jews, typically, Christ); by extension a chief priest:—chief (high) priest, chief of the priests.  123 in 120

the high priests, these comprise in addition to one holding the high priestly office, both those who had previously discharged it and although disposed, continued to have great power in the State, as well as the members of the families from which high priest were created, provided that they had much influence in public affairs.

the high priests, these comprise in addition to one holding the high priestly office, both those who had previously discharged it and although disposed, continued to have great power in the State, as well as the members of the families from which high priest were created, provided that they had much influence in public affairs.

Sect  αἵρεσις haíresis, hah’-ee-res-is; from G138; properly, a choice, i.e. (specially) a party or (abstractly) disunion:—heresy (which is the Greek word itself), sect.   act of taking, capture: e.g. storming a city  9 in 9

Indignation  ζῆλος zēlos, dzay’-los; from G2204; properly, heat, i.e. (figuratively) “zeal” (in a favorable sense, ardor; in an unfavorable one, jealousy, as of a husband (figuratively, of God), or an enemy, malice):—emulation, envy(-ing), fervent mind, indignation, jealousy, zeal.  17 in 17

Common  δημόσιος dēmósios, day-mos’ee-os; from G1218; public; (feminine singular dative case as adverb) in public:—common, openly, publickly.  4 in 4   belonging to the people or state, public

Prison  τήρησις tḗrēsis, tay’-ray-sis; from G5083; a watching, i.e. (figuratively) observance, or (concretely) a prison:—hold.  3 in 3

Senate  γερουσία gerousía, gher-oo-see’-ah; from G1088; the eldership, i.e. (collectively) the Jewish Sanhedrin:—senate.  1 in 1

The Apostles Before the Council

24Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow. 25Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people. 26Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.

Grow  γίνομαι gínomai, ghin’-om-ahee; a prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be (“gen”-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.):  709 in 636

Stoned  λιθάζω litházō, lith-ad’-zo; from G3037; to lapidate:—stone.  8 in 8 

27And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, 28Saying, Did not we straightly command you that you should not teach in this name? and, behold, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood on us. 29Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. 30The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you slew and hanged on a tree. 31Him has God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. 32And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God has given to them that obey him.

Council  συνέδριον synédrion, soon-ed’-ree-on; neuter of a presumed derivative of a compound of G4862 and the base of G1476; a joint session, i.e. (specially), the Jewish Sanhedrin; by analogy, a subordinate tribunal:—council.  22 in 22    any assembly (esp. of magistrates, judges, ambassadors), whether convened to deliberate or pass judgment

The Sanhedrin, the great council at Jerusalem, consisting of the seventy one members, viz. scribes, elders, prominent members of the high priestly families and the high priest, the president of the assembly. The most important causes were brought before this tribunal, inasmuch as the Roman rulers of Judaea had left to it the power of trying such cases, and also of pronouncing sentence of death, with the limitation that a capital sentence pronounced by the Sanhedrin was not valid unless it was confirmed by the Roman procurator.

Hanged  κρεμάννυμι kremánnymi, krem-an’-noo-mee; a prolonged form of a primary verb; to hang:—hang.   7 in 7

Tree ξύλον xýlon, xoo’-lon; from another form of the base of G3582; timber (as fuel or material); by implication, a stick, club or tree or other wooden article or substance:—staff, stocks, tree, wood.  19 in 17

Exalted ὑψόω hypsóō, hoop-so’-o; from G5311; to elevate (literally or figuratively):—exalt, lift up.  22 in 16

Prince  ἀρχηγός archēgós, ar-khay-gos’; from G746 and G71; a chief leader:—author, captain, prince.  4 in 4

Saviour  σωτήρ sōtḗr, so-tare’; from G4982; a deliverer, i.e. God or Christ:—saviour.  24 in 24   saviour, deliverer, preserver

σώζω sṓzō, sode’-zo; from a primary σῶς sōs (contraction for obsolete σάος sáos, “safe”); to save, i.e. deliver or protect (literally or figuratively):—heal, preserve, save (self), do well, be (make) whole.  118 in 113

The name was given by the ancients to deities, esp. tutelary deities, to princes, kings, and in general to men who had conferred signal benefits upon their country, and in more degenerate days by the way of flattery to personages of influence.(Wigram) The word soter was a common Greek epithet for the gods (e.g., Zeus, Apollo, and Hermes), active personalities in world affairs (e.g., Epicurus) and rulers (e.g., Ptolemy Philopator, and later Roman Emporers). (cf. LSJ and BDAG)

Repentance  μετάνοια metánoia, met-an’-oy-ah; from G3340; (subjectively) compunction (for guilt, including reformation); by implication, reversal (of (another’s) decision):—repentance.  24 in 24

Sins  ἁμαρτία hamartía, ham-ar-tee’-ah; from G264; a sin (properly abstract):—offence, sin(-ful).  174 in 151

Cut  διαπρίω diapríō, dee-ap-ree’-o; from G1223 and the base of G4249; to saw asunder, i.e. (figuratively) to exasperate:—cut (to the heart).  2 in 2

And  καί kaí, kahee; apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:—and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.   9,247 times in 5,210

Counsel  βουλεύω bouleúō, bool-yoo’-o; from G1012; to advise, i.e. (reflexively) deliberate, or (by implication) resolve:—consult, take counsel, determine, be minded, purpose.  10 in 6

Slay  ἀναιρέω anairéō, an-ahee-reh’-o; from G303 and (the active of) G138; to take up, i.e. adopt; by implication, to take away (violently), i.e. abolish, murder:—put to death, kill, slay, take away, take up.  24 in 22

Gamaliel’s Counsel

33When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them. 34Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space; 35And said to them, You men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do as touching these men. 36For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about 400, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nothing. 37After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed. 38And now I say to you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nothing: 39But if it be of God, you cannot overthrow it; lest haply you be found even to fight against God.

Pharisee Φαρισαῖος Pharisaîos, far-is-ah’-yos; of Hebrew origin (compare H6567); a separatist, i.e. exclusively religious; a Pharisean, i.e. Jewish sectary:—Pharisee.  100 in 95

A sect that seems to have started after the Jewish exile. In addition to OT books the Pharisees recognised in oral tradition a standard of belief and life. They sought for distinction and praise by outward observance of external rites and by outward forms of piety, and such as ceremonial washings, fastings, prayers, and alms giving; and, comparatively negligent of genuine piety, they prided themselves on their fancied good works. They held strenuously to a belief in the existence of good and evil angels, and to the expectation of a Messiah; and they cherished the hope that the dead, after a preliminary experience either of reward or of penalty in Hades, would be recalled to life by him, and be requited each according to his individual deeds. In opposition to the usurped dominion of the Herods and the rule of the Romans, they stoutly upheld the theocracy and their country’s cause, and possessed great influence with the common people. According to Josephus they numbered more than 6000. They were bitter enemies of Jesus and his cause; and were in turn severely rebuked by him for their avarice, ambition, hollow reliance on outward works, and affection of piety in order to gain popularity.

Gamaliel = “my recompenser is God”   a Pharisee and celebrated doctor of the law, who gave prudent worldly advice in the Sanhedrin respecting the treatment of the followers of Jesus of Nazareth. Acts 5:34 ff. (A.D.29.) We learn from Acts 22:3 that he was the preceptor of Paul. He is generally identified with the very celebrated Jewish doctor Gamaliel, grandson of Hillel, and who is referred to as authority in the Jewish Mishna.   Γαμαλιήλ Gamaliḗl, gam-al-ee-ale’; of Hebrew origin (H1583); Gamaliel (i.e. Gamliel), an Israelite:—Gamaliel.    Died 18 years before destruction of Jerusalem  2 in 2

Doctor of the Law  νομοδιδάσκαλος nomodidáskalos, nom-od-id-as’-kal-os; from G3551 and G1320; an expounder of the (Jewish) law, i.e. a Rabbi:—doctor (teacher) of the law.     a teacher and interpreter of the law: among the Jews,  of those who among Christians went about as champions and interpreters of the Mosaic law  3 in 3

διδάσκαλος didáskalos, did-as’-kal-os; from G1321; an instructor (genitive case or specially):—doctor, master, teacher.  58 in 57

Reputation  τίμιος tímios, tim’-ee-os; from G5092; valuable, i.e. (objectively) costly, or (subjectively) honored, esteemed, or (figuratively) beloved:—dear, honourable, (more, most) precious, had in reputation.  as of great price   14 in 13  

Commanded  κελεύω keleúō, kel-yoo’-o; from a primary κέλλω kéllō (to urge on); “hail”; to incite by word, i.e. order:—bid, (at, give) command(-ment). 27 in 27

Forth  ἔξω éxō, ex’-o; adverb from G1537; out(-side, of doors), literally or figuratively:—away, forth, (with-)out (of, -ward), strange.  without, out of doors   65 in 64

A little space  βραχύς brachýs, brakh-ooce’; of uncertain affinity; short (of time, place, quantity, or number):—few words, little (space, while).  7 in 7

Theudas = “God-given”  the name of an insurgent mentioned in Gamaliel’s speech before the Jewish council, Acts 5:35-39, at the time of the arraignment of the apostles. He appeared, according to Luke’s account, at the head of about 400 men. He was probably one of the insurrectionary chiefs or fanatics by whom the land was overrun in the last year of Herod’s reign. Josephus speaks of a Theudas who played a similar part at the time of Claudius, about A.D. 44; but the Theudas mentioned by Luke must be a different person from the one spoken of by Josephus.   Θευδᾶς Theudâs, thyoo-das’; of uncertain origin; Theudas, an Israelite:—Theudas.  An imposter who instigated a rebellion which came to a wretched end in the time of Augustus  1 in 1

Boasting  †λέγω légō, leg’-o; a primary verb; properly, to “lay” forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas G2036 and G5346generally refer to an individual expression or speech respectively; while G4483 is properly to break silence merely, and G2980 means an extended or random harangue)); by implication, to mean:—ask, bid, boast, call, describe, give out, name, put forth, say(-ing, on), shew, speak, tell, utter.    1349 (19*71; 4Div; Sum1440) in 1244(2*2*311; Sum 2184: Hex888; 2184thP:19259)

Number  ἀριθμός arithmós, ar-ith-mos’; from G142; a number (as reckoned up):—number  18 in 15

400  τετρακόσιοι tetrakósioi, tet-rak-os’-ee-oy; plural from G5064 and G1540; four hundred:—four hundred.  4 in 4

Joined Themselves  προσκολλάω proskolláō, pros-kol-lah’-o; from G4314 and G2853; to glue to, i.e. (figuratively) to adhere:—cleave, join (self).  To glue upon  4 in 4

Obeyed  πείθω peíthō, pi’-tho; a primary verb; to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence or authority), to rely (by inward certainty):—agree, assure, believe, have confidence, be (wax) conflent, make friend, obey, persuade, trust, yield.  63 (Binary:111111) in 55 (10thFib; triangular(10), heptagonal(5))

Scattered  διαλύω dialýō, dee-al-oo’-o; from G1223 and G3089; to dissolve utterly:—scatter  1 in 1;  of a body of men broken up and scattered

Taxing  ἀπογραφή apographḗ, ap-og-raf-ay’; from G583; an enrollment; by implication, an assessment:—taxing.  2 in 2  an enrollment or registration in the public records of persons together with their income and property, as the basis of a census or valuation, i.e. that it might appear how much tax should be levied upon each one

Drew Away  ἀφίστημι aphístēmi, af-is’-tay-mee; from G575 and G2476; to remove, i.e. (actively) instigate to revolt; usually (reflexively) to desist, desert, etc.:—depart, draw (fall) away, refrain, withdraw self.  16 in 15   to make stand off, cause to withdraw, to remove

Perished  ἀπόλλυμι apóllymi, ap-ol’-loo-mee; from G575 and the base of G3639; to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively:—destroy, die, lose, mar, perish.  100 in 86

Dispersed  διασκορπίζω diaskorpízō, dee-as-kor-pid’-zo; from G1223 and G4650; to dissipate, i.e. (genitive case) to rout or separate; specially, to winnow; figuratively, to squander:—disperse, scatter (abroad), strew, waste.  to scatter abroad, disperse, to winnow;  to throw the grain a considerable distance, or up into the air, that it may be separated from the chaff  11 in 9

Refrain  ἀφίστημι aphístēmi, af-is’-tay-mee; from G575 and G2476; to remove, i.e. (actively) instigate to revolt; usually (reflexively) to desist, desert, etc.:—depart, draw (fall) away, refrain, withdraw self.  16 in 15

Overthrow  καταλύω katalýō, kat-al-oo’-o; from G2596 and G3089; to loosen down (disintegrate), i.e. (by implication) to demolish (literally or figuratively); specially (compare G2646) to halt for the night:—destroy, dissolve, be guest, lodge, come to nought, overthrow, throw down.  20 in 16 (17x)

Haply  μήποτε mḗpote, may’-pot-eh; from G3361 and G4218; not ever; also if (or lest) ever (or perhaps):—if peradventure, lest (at any time, haply), not at all, whether or not.  28 in 25    that … not, lest, whether perhaps, whether or not, in no way, perhaps

Be Found  εὑρίσκω heurískō, hyoo-ris’-ko; a prolonged form of a primary εὕρω heúrō hyoo’-ro, which (together with another cognate form) εὑρέω heuréō hyoo-reh’-o is used for it in all the tenses except the present and imperfect; to find (literally or figuratively):—find, get, obtain, perceive, see.  194 in 168

To Fight Against God  θεομάχος theomáchos, theh-om’-akh-os; from G2316 and G3164; an opponent of deity:—to fight against God.   1 in 1

40And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. 42And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

Teach  διδάσκω didáskō, did-as’-ko; a prolonged (causative) form of a primary verb δάω dáō (to learn); to teach (in the same broad application):—teach.  99 in 91

Preach  εὐαγγελίζω euangelízō, yoo-ang-ghel-id’-zo; from G2095 and G32; to announce good news (“evangelize”) especially the gospel:—declare, bring (declare, show) glad (good) tidings, preach (the gospel).  61 (18thP) in 52 (5thBell; decagonal(4);  52ndP:  239)  1699 = 266thP (9/23)  1700Sum   8/27 : 239th Day  8/27/2003 ::  2003 – Mars makes its closest approach to Earth in nearly 60,000 years, passing 34,646,418 miles (55,758,005 km) distant.

ACTS 6 : The 7 Chosen to Serve

(1 Timothy 3:8-13)

1And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. 2Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples to them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. 3Why, brothers, look you out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 4But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. 5And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: 6Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.  7And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

The Number  πληθύνω plēthýnō, play-thoo’-no; from another form of G4128; to increase (transitively or intransitively):—abound, multiply.   13 in 11

Disciples  μαθητής mathētḗs, math-ay-tes’; from G3129; a learner, i.e. pupil:—disciple.  268 in 252

Murmuring  γογγυσμός gongysmós, gong-goos-mos’; from G1111; a grumbling:—grudging, murmuring.   a secret debate  4 in 4

Grecian  Ἑλληνιστής Hellēnistḗs, hel-lay-nis-tace’; from a derivative of G1672; a Hellenist or Greek-speaking Jew:—Grecian.  A Hellenist;  one who imitates the manners and customs or the worship of the Greeks, and use the Greek tongue  3 in 3

Hebrew  Ἑβραῖος Hebraîos, heb-rah’-yos; from G1443; a Hebræan (i.e. Hebrew) or Jew:—Hebrew.   3 in 3

Widows  χήρα chḗra, khay’-rah; feminine of a presumed derivative apparently from the base of G5490 through the idea of deficiency; a widow (as lacking a husband), literally or figuratively:—widow.  27 in 25

Neglected  παραθεωρέω paratheōréō, par-ath-eh-o-reh’-o; from G3844 and G2334; to overlook or disregard:—neglect.  1 in 1

Ministration  διακονία diakonía, dee-ak-on-ee’-ah; from G1249; attendance (as a servant, etc.); figuratively (eleemosynary) aid, (official) service (especially of the Christian teacher, or technically of the diaconate):—(ad-)minister(-ing, -tration, -try), office, relief, service(-ing).  36 in 32

Reason  ἀρεστός arestós, ar-es-tos’; from G700; agreeable; by implication, fit:—(things that) please(-ing), reason.  4 in 4

Leave  καταλείπω kataleípō, kat-al-i’-po; from G2596 and G3007; to leave down, i.e. behind; by implication, to abandon, have remaining:—forsake, leave, reserve.  29 in 25

The Word  λόγος lógos, log’-os; from G3004; something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, (with the article in John) the Divine Expression (i.e. Christ):   331 (67thP) in 316(2*2*79)

Note: A Greek philosopher named Heraclitus first used the term Logos around 600 B.C. to designate the divine reason or plan which coordinates a changing universe.

Serve  διακονέω diakonéō, dee-ak-on-eh’-o; from G1249; to be an attendant, i.e. wait upon (menially or as a host, friend, or (figuratively) teacher); technically, to act as a Christian deacon:—(ad-)minister (unto), serve, use the office of a deacon.  38 in 32  to be a servant, attendant, domestic, to serve, wait upon

Tables τράπεζα trápeza, trap’-ed-zah; probably contracted from G5064 and G3979; a table or stool (as being four-legged), usually for food (figuratively, a meal); also a counter for money (figuratively, a broker’s office for loans at interest):—bank, meat, table.  15 in 14

Seven  ἑπτά heptá, hep-tah’; a primary number; seven:—seven.  87(3*29) in 63

Honest Report  μαρτυρέω martyréō, mar-too-reh’-o; from G3144; to be a witness, i.e. testify (literally or figuratively):—charge, give (evidence), bear record, have (obtain, of) good (honest) report, be well reported of, testify, give (have) testimony, (be, bear, give, obtain) witness.  86 in 75  to be a witness, to bear witness, i.e. to affirm that one has seen or heard or experienced something, or that he knows it because taught by divine revelation or inspiration

Look ye out  ἐπισκέπτομαι episképtomai, ep-ee-skep’-tom-ahee; middle voice from G1909and the base of G4649; to inspect, i.e. (by implication) to select; by extension, to go to see, relieve:—look out, visit.  11 in 11  to look upon or after, to inspect, examine with the eyes

Wisdom  σοφία sophía, sof-ee’-ah; from G4680; wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual):—wisdom.  51 in 49

Appoint  καθίστημι kathístēmi, kath-is’-tay-mee; from G2596 and G2476; to place down (permanently), i.e. (figuratively) to designate, constitute, convoy:—appoint, be, conduct, make, ordain, set.  26 in 21

Business χρεία chreía, khri’-ah; from the base of G5530 or G5534; employment, i.e. an affair; also (by implication) occasion, demand, requirement or destitution:—business, lack, necessary(-ity), need(-ful), use, want.  49 in 47

Ministry  διακονία diakonía, dee-ak-on-ee’-ah; from G1249; attendance (as a servant, etc.); figuratively (eleemosynary) aid, (official) service (especially of the Christian teacher, or technically of the diaconate):—(ad-)minister(-ing, -tration, -try), office, relief, service(-ing).  36 in 32

Stephen = “crowned”  one of the seven deacons in Jerusalem and the first Christian martyr   Στέφανος Stéphanos, stef’-an-os; the same as G4735; Stephanus, a Christian:—Stephen.  7 in 7

στεφανόω stephanóō, stef-an-o’-o; from G4735; to adorn with an honorary wreath (literally or figuratively):—crown.  to encircle with a crown, to crown: the victor in a contest

Philip = “lover of horses” an apostle of Christ; an evangelist and one of the seven deacons of the Jerusalem church; tetrarch of Trachonitis, was brother to Herod Antipas, by the father’s, but not by the mother’s side. Philip was born of Cleopatra, of Jerusalem, and Herod of Malthace, a Samaritan: he died in the twentieth year of Tiberias, five years after his mention in Lk. 3:1. He built Caesarea Philippi. His step brother Herod Antipas, married his wife unlawfully. (Gill)

Prochorus = “leader of the chorus”   Πρόχορος Próchoros, prokh’-or-os; from G4253 and G5525; before the dance; Prochorus, a Christian:—Prochorus.  1 in 1

Nicanor = “conqueror”  Νικάνωρ Nikánōr, nik-an’-ore; probably from G3528; victorious; Nicanor, a Christian:—Nicanor.

Timon = “honourable”  Τίμων Tímōn, tee’-mone; from G5092; valuable; Timon, a Christian:—Timon.

Parmenas = “abiding”  Παρμενᾶς Parmenâs, par-men-as’; probably by contraction for Παρμενίδης Parmenídēs (a derivative of a compound of G3844 and G3306); constant; Parmenas, a Christian:—Parmenas

Nicolas = “victor of the people”  was a proselyte of Antioch  Νικόλαος Nikólaos, nik-ol’-ah-os; from G3534 and G2994; victorious over the people; Nicolaus, a heretic:—Nicolaus.

Antioch = ‘driven against”  Capital of Syria, situated on the river Orontes, founded by Seleucus Nicanor in 300 B.C. and named in honour of his father, Antiochus. Many Greek-Jews lived there and it was here that the followers of Christ were first called Christians.  A city in Pisidia on the borders Phrygia, founded by Seleucus Nicanor. Under the Romans it became a “colonia” and was also called Caesarea  Ἀντιόχεια Antiócheia, an-tee-okh’-i-ah; from Ἀντίοχυς Antíochys (a Syrian king); Antiochia, a place in Syria:—Antioch.  18 in 17   Most celebrated city of all

Founded 293 BC  The settlement of Meroe pre-dated Antioch. A shrine of the Semitic goddess Anat, called by Herodotus the “Persian Artemis,” was located here. This site was included in the eastern suburbs of Antioch. There was a village on the spur of Mount Silpius named Io, or Iopolis. This name was always adduced as evidence by Antiochenes (e.g. Libanius) anxious to affiliate themselves to the Attic Ionians—an eagerness which is illustrated by the Athenian types used on the city’s coins. Io may have been a small early colony of trading Greeks (Javan). John Malalas also mentions an archaic village, Bottia, in the plain by the river.

Macedonian ruler Alexander the Great is said to have camped on the site of Antioch, and dedicated an altar to Zeus Bottiaeus; it lay in the northwest of the future city. This account is found^[4] only in the writings of Libanius, a 4th-century orator from Antioch, and may be legend intended to enhance Antioch’s status. But the story is not unlikely in itself.^[5]

After Alexander’s death in 323 BC, his generals divided up the territory he had conquered. Seleucus I Nicator won the territory of Syria, and he proceeded to found four “sister cities” in northwestern Syria, one of which was Antioch, a city named, according to Suda, after his son Antiochus.^[6] He is reputed to have built sixteen Antiochs.^[7]

Seleucus founded Antioch on a site chosen through ritual means. An eagle, the bird of Zeus, had been given a piece of sacrificial meat and the city was founded on the site to which the eagle carried the offering. Seleucus did this on the 22nd day of the month of Artemisios in the twelfth year of his reign (equivalent to May 300 BC).^[8]Antioch soon rose above Seleucia Pieria to become the Syrian capital.

The original city of Seleucus was laid out in imitation of the grid plan of Alexandria by the architect Xenarius. Libanius describes the first building and arrangement of this city (i. p. 300. 17). The citadel was on Mt. Silpius and the city lay mainly on the low ground to the north, fringing the river. Two great colonnaded streets intersected in the centre. Shortly afterwards a second quarter was laid out, probably on the east and by Antiochus I, which, from an expression of Strabo, appears to have been the native, as contrasted with the Greek, town. It was enclosed by a wall of its own.

In the Orontes, north of the city, lay a large island, and on this Seleucus II Callinicus began a third walled “city,” which was finished by Antiochus III. A fourth and last quarter was added by Antiochus IV Epiphanes (175–164 BC); thenceforth Antioch was known as Tetrapolis. From west to east the whole was about 6 kilometres (4 miles) in diameter and a little less from north to south. This area including many large gardens.

The new city was populated by a mix of local settlers that Athenians brought from the nearby city of Antigonia, Macedonians, and Jews (who were given full status from the beginning). The total free population of Antioch at its foundation has been estimated at between 17,000 and 25,000, not including slaves and native settlers.^[5]During the late Hellenistic period and Early Roman period, Antioch’s population reached its peak of over 500,000 inhabitants (estimates vary from 400,000 to 600,000) and was the third largest city in the world after Rome and Alexandria. By the 4th century, Antioch’s declining population was about 200,000 according to Chrysostom^{[citation needed]}, a figure which again does not include slaves.

About 6 kilometres (4 miles) west and beyond the suburb Heraclea lay the paradise of Daphne, a park of woods and waters, in the midst of which rose a great temple to the Pythian Apollo, also founded by Seleucus I and enriched with a cult-statue of the god, as Musagetes, by Bryaxis. A companion sanctuary of Hecate was constructed underground by Diocletian. The beauty and the lax morals of Daphne were celebrated all over the western world; and indeed Antioch as a whole shared in both these titles to fame. Its amenities awoke both the enthusiasm and the scorn of many writers of antiquity.^{[citation needed]}

Antioch became the capital and court-city of the western Seleucid empire under Antiochus I, its counterpart in the east being Seleucia on the Tigris; but its paramount importance dates from the battle of Ancyra (240 BC), which shifted the Seleucid centre of gravity from Asia Minor, and led indirectly to the rise of Pergamum.

The Seleucids reigned from Antioch.^[9] We know little of it in the Hellenistic period, apart from Syria, all our information coming from authors of the late Roman time. Among its great Greek buildings we hear only of the theatre, of which substructures still remain on the flank of Silpius, and of the royal palace, probably situated on the island. It enjoyed a reputation for being “a populous city, full of most erudite men and rich in the most liberal studies,”^[10] but the only names of distinction in these pursuits during the Seleucid period that have come down to us are Apollophanes, the Stoic, and one Phoebus, a writer on dreams. The mass of the population seems to have been only superficially Hellenic, and to have spoken Aramaic in non-official life^{[dubious – discuss][citation needed]}. The nicknames which they gave to their later kings were Aramaic; and, except Apollo and Daphne, the great divinities of north Syria seem to have remained essentially native, such as the “Persian Artemis” of Meroe and Atargatis of Hierapolis Bambyce.

The epithet “Golden” suggests that the external appearance of Antioch was impressive, but the city needed constant restoration owing to the seismic disturbances to which the district has always been subjected. The first great earthquake in recorded history was related by the native chronicler John Malalas. It occurred in 148 BC and did immense damage.^[11]

Local politics were turbulent. In the many dissensions of the Seleucid house the population took sides, and frequently rose in rebellion, for example against Alexander Balas in 147 BC, and Demetrius II in 129 BC. The latter, enlisting a body of Jews, punished his capital with fire and sword. In the last struggles of the Seleucid house, Antioch turned against its feeble rulers, invited Tigranes of Armenia to occupy the city in 83 BC, tried to unseat Antiochus XIII in 65 BC, and petitioned Rome against his restoration in the following year. Antioch’s wish prevailed, and it passed with Syria to the Roman Republic in 64 BC, but remained a civitas libera. 

Company  ὄχλος óchlos, okh’los; from a derivative of G2192 (meaning a vehicle); a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot:—company, multitude, number (of people), people, press.  Crowd   175 in 170

Increased  αὐξάνω auxánō, owx-an’-o; a prolonged form of a primary verb; to grow (“wax”), i.e. enlarge (literal or figurative, active or passive):—grow (up), (give the) increase.  22 in 22

Priests  ἱερεύς hiereús, hee-er-yooce’; from G2413; a priest (literally or figuratively):—(high) priest.  32 in 30

Obedient ὑπακούω hypakoúō, hoop-ak-oo’-o; from G5259 and G191; to hear under (as a subordinate), i.e. to listen attentively; by implication, to heed or conform to a command or authority:—hearken, be obedient to, obey.  23 in 21

Stephen Arrested

8And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. 9Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen. 10And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spoke. 11Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God. 12And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came on him, and caught him, and brought him to the council, 13And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceases not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law: 14For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us. 15And all that sat in the council, looking steadfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.

 Faith  πίστις pístis, pis’-tis; from G3982; persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly, constancy in such profession; by extension, the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself:—assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity.   conviction of the truth of anything, belief; in the NT of a conviction or belief respecting man’s relationship to God and divine things, generally with the included idea of trust and holy fervour born of faith and joined with it  244 in 228

Wonders  τέρας téras, ter’-as; of uncertain affinity; a prodigy or omen:—wonder.  16 in 16

Miracles  σημεῖον sēmeîon, say-mi’-on; neuter of a presumed derivative of the base of G4591; an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally:—miracle, sign, token, wonder.  77 in 69

Libertine  Λιβερτῖνος Libertînos, lib-er-tee’-nos; of Latin origin; a Roman freedman:—Libertine.  Libertine, denotes Jews (according to Philo) who had been made captives of the Romans under Pompey but were afterwards set free; and who although they had fixed their abode in Rome, had built at their own expense a synagogue at Jerusalem which they frequented when in that city, The name Libertines adhered to them to distinguish them from free born Jews who had subsequently taken up their residence at Rome. Evidence seems to have been discovered of the existence of a “synagogue of the Libertines” at Pompeii.  1 in 1

Cyrene = “supremacy of the bridle”  a large and very flourishing city of Libya Cyrenaica or Pentapolitana, about 11 miles (17 km) from the sea. Among its inhabitants were a great number of Jews, whom Ptolemy I. had brought there, and invested with the right of citizens  Κυρήνη Kyrḗnē, koo-ray’-nay; of uncertain derivation; Cyrene, a region of Africa:—Cyrene. 

Cilicia = “the land of Celix”  a maritime province in the southeast of Asia Minor, boarding on Pamphylia in the west, Lycaonia and Cappadocia in the north and Syria in the east. Its capital, Tarsus, was the birth place of Paul;  Κιλικία Kilikía, kil-ik-ee’-ah; probably of foreign origin; Cilicia, a region of Asia Minor:—Cilicia.  8 in 8

Tarsus  

• Cleopatra’s Gate – to the west of the city, the only ancient city gate still standing, where Antony and Cleopatra entered the city in 41 BC, though the “restoration” of this structure has involved covering much of it over with shiny new stone (see [1] for a picture of the gate before the work was done).
• The mosque said to be the burial place of the Prophet Daniel.
• The ancient story of Pegasus, the winged horse, also concerns Tarsus. Because of Pegasus’ faithful service to Zeus, Pegasus was honored with a constellation. On the last day of his life, Zeus transformed him into a constellation, then a single feather fell to the earth near the city of Tarsus.
• The geographer Strabo states that Tarsus was founded by people from Argos who were exploring this coast. Another legend states that Bellerophon fell off his winged horse Pegasus and landed here, hurting his foot, and thus the city was named tar-sos (the sole of the foot). Other candidates for legendary founder of the city include the hero Perseus and Triptolemus, son of the earth-goddess Demeter, doubtless because the countryside around Tarsus is excellent farmland. Later the coinage of Tarsus bore the image of Hercules, due to yet another tale in which the hero was held prisoner here by the local god Sandon.
• the fourth-largest metropolitan area in Turkey with a population of 3 million people. Tarsus forms an administrative district in the eastern part of the Mersin Province and lies in the core of Çukurova region.
• With a history going back over 6,000 years, Tarsus has long been an important stop for traders and a focal point of many civilisations. During the Roman Empire, Tarsus was the capital of the province of Cilicia. It was the scene of the first meeting between Mark Antony and Cleopatra, and the birthplace of Paul the Apostle.

Subborned  ὑποβάλλω hypobállō, hoop-ob-al’-lo; from G5259 and G906; to throw in stealthily, i.e. introduce by collusion:—suborn.  1 in 1

Blasphemous  βλάσφημος blásphēmos, blas’-fay-mos; from a derivative of G984 and G5345; scurrilious, i.e. calumnious (against men), or (specially) impious (against God):—blasphemer(-mous), railing.  5 in 5

Stirred Up  συγκινέω synkinéō, soong-kin-eh’-o; from G4682 and G2795; to move together, i.e. (specially), to excite as a mass (to sedition):—stir up.  1 in 1

Change  ἀλλάσσω allássō, al-las’-so; from G243; to make different:—change.  7 in 6

Customs  ἔθος éthos, eth’-os; from G1486; a usage (prescribed by habit or law):—custom, manner, be wont.   12 in 12

Delivered  παραδίδωμι paradídōmi, par-ad-id’-o-mee; from G3844 and G1325; to surrender, i.e yield up, intrust, transmit:—betray, bring forth, cast, commit, deliver (up), give (over, up), hazard, put in prison, recommend.  135 in 118 (2*59)

Face  πρόσωπον prósōpon, pros’-o-pon; from G4314 and ὤψ ṓps (the visage, from G3700); the front (as being towards view), i.e. the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person:—(outward) appearance, ×before, countenance, face, fashion, (men’s) person, presence.  78 in 73

ACTS 7 : Stephen Addresses the Sanhedrin

1Then said the high priest, Are these things so?  2And he said, Men, brothers, and fathers, listen; The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelled in Charran, 3And said to him, Get you out of your country, and from your kindred, and come into the land which I shall show you. 4Then came he out of the land of the Chaldaeans, and dwelled in Charran: and from there, when his father was dead, he removed him into this land, wherein you now dwell. 5And he gave him none inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on: yet he promised that he would give it to him for a possession, and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child. 6And God spoke on this wise, That his seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat them evil 400 years. 7And the nation to whom they shall be in bondage will I judge, said God: and after that shall they come forth, and serve me in this place. 8And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat the twelve patriarchs.

 Haran = “a mountaineer”  a city in Mesopotamia, of great antiquity and made famous by the defeat of Crassus  Χαῤῥάν Charrhán, khar-hran’; of Hebrew origin (H2771); Charrhan (i.e. Charan), a place in Mesopotamia:—Charran.   2 in 2   Haran was killed in the “fire/furnace” Ur Kasdim (Nimrod furnace).   He was the father of Lot

Chaldean = “as clod breakers”   Χαλδαῖος Chaldaîos, khal-dah’-yos; probably of Hebrew or (H3778); a Chaldæan (i.e. Kasdi), or native or the region of the lower Euphrates:—Chaldæan.  1 in 1

כַּשְׂדִּי Kasdîy, kas-dee’; (occasionally with enclitic) כַּשְׂדִּימָה Kasdîymâh; towards the Kasdites into Chaldea), patronymically from H3777 (only in the plural); a Kasdite, or descendant of Kesed; by implication, a Chaldaean (as if so descended); also an astrologer (as if proverbial of that people:—Chaldeans, Chaldees, inhabitants of Chaldea).  80 in 80

Bondage  δουλόω doulóō, doo-lo’-o; from G1401; to enslave (literally or figuratively):—bring into (be under) bondage, × given, become (make) servant.  11 in 8

Covenant   διαθήκη diathḗkē, dee-ath-ay’-kay; from G1303; properly, a disposition, i.e. (specially) a contract (especially a devisory will):—covenant, testament.   a disposition, arrangement, of any sort, which one wishes to be valid, the last disposition which one makes of his earthly possessions after his death, a testament or will   33 in 20

Circumcision  περιτομή peritomḗ, per-it-om-ay’; from G4059; circumcision (the rite, the condition or the people, literally or figuratively):—X circumcised, circumcision.  36 in 32

Isaac  Ἰσαάκ Isaák, ee-sah-ak’; of Hebrew origin (H3327); Isaac (i.e. Jitschak), the son of Abraham:—Isaac.  20 in 18

Jacob = “heel-catcher or supplanter”  Ἰακώβ Iakṓb, ee-ak-obe’; of Hebrew origin (H3290); Jacob (i.e. Ja`akob), the progenitor of the Israelites:—also an Israelite:—Jacob.  the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary  27 in 25

12  δώδεκα dṓdeka, do’-dek-ah; from G1417 and G1176; two and ten, i.e. a dozen:—twelve.  72 in 59

Patriarchs  πατριάρχης patriárchēs, pat-ree-arkh’-ace; from G3965 and G757; a progenitor (“patriarch”):—patriarch.  4 in 4

Egypt = “double straits”  Αἴγυπτος Aígyptos, ah’-ee-goop-tos; of uncertain derivation; Ægyptus, the land of the Nile:—Egypt.  24 in 22

a country occupying the northeast angle of Africa

metaph. Jerusalem, for the Jews persecuting the Christ and his followers, and so to be likened to the Egyptians treating the Jews 

9And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him, 10And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.

Affiction   θλῖψις thlîpsis, thlip’-sis; from G2346; pressure (literally or figuratively):—afflicted(-tion), anguish, burdened, persecution, tribulation, trouble.  a pressing, pressing together, pressure  45 in 43

Favour  χάρις cháris, khar’-ece; from G5463; graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude):—acceptable, benefit, favour, gift, grace(- ious), joy, liberality, pleasure, thank(-s, -worthy).  156 in 147

Dearth  λιμός limós, lee-mos’; probably from G3007 (through the idea of destitution); a scarcity of food:—dearth, famine, hunger.  scarcity of harvest, famine   12 in 12

Canaan = “lowland”  Χαναάν Chanaán, khan-ah-an’; of Hebrew origin (H3667); Chanaan (i.e. Kenaan), the early name of Palestine:—Chanaan.  2 in 2 

Sustenance  χόρτασμα chórtasma, khor’-tas-mah; from G5526; forage, i.e. food:—sustenance.  1 in 1

11Now there came a dearth over all the land of Egypt and Chanaan, and great affliction: and our fathers found no sustenance. 12But when Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt, he sent out our fathers first. 13And at the second time Joseph was made known to his brothers; and Joseph’s kindred was made known to Pharaoh. 14Then sent Joseph, and called his father Jacob to him, and all his kindred, 75 souls. 15So Jacob went down into Egypt, and died, he, and our fathers, 16And were carried over into Sychem, and laid in the sepulcher that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Emmor the father of Sychem.

 Shechem = “shoulder (literal early rising): diligence”  a city in Ephraim;  Συχέμ Sychém, soo-khem’; of Hebrew origin (H7927); Sychem (i.e. Shekem), the name of a Canaanite and of a place in Palestine:—Sychem.  2 in 1 

Abraham = “father of a multitude”  Ἀβραάμ Abraám, ab-rah-am’; of Hebrew origin (H85); Abraham, the Hebrew patriarch:—Abraham. (In Acts 7:16 the text should probably read Jacob.)  73 in 69

Emmor = “an ass”  Ἐμμόρ Emmór, em-mor’; of Hebrew origin (H2544); Emmor (i.e. Chamor), a Canaanite:—Emmor.  1 in 1

17But when the time of the promise drew near, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt, 18Till another king arose, which knew not Joseph. 19The same dealt subtly with our kindred, and evil entreated our fathers, so that they cast out their young children, to the end they might not live. 20In which time Moses was born, and was exceeding fair, and nourished up in his father’s house three months: 21And when he was cast out, Pharaoh’s daughter took him up, and nourished him for her own son.22And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds. 23And when he was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brothers the children of Israel. 24And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged him that was oppressed, and smote the Egyptian: 25For he supposed his brothers would have understood how that God by his hand would deliver them: but they understood not. 26And the next day he showed himself to them as they strove, and would have set them at one again, saying, Sirs, you are brothers; why do you wrong one to another? 27But he that did his neighbor wrong thrust him away, saying, Who made you a ruler and a judge over us? 28Will you kill me, as you did the Egyptian yesterday? 29Then fled Moses at this saying, and was a stranger in the land of Madian, where he begat two sons.

 Promise  ἐπαγγελία epangelía, ep-ang-el-ee’-ah; from G1861; an announcement (for information, assent or pledge; especially a divine assurance of good):—message, promise.   53 in 51

Drew Nigh  ἐγγίζω engízō, eng-id’-zo; from G1451; to make near, i.e. (reflexively) approach:—approach, be at hand, come (draw) near, be (come, draw) nigh  43 in 42

Sworn  ὀμνύω omnýō, om-noo’-o; a prolonged form of a primary, but obsolete ὄμω ómō, for which another prolonged form ὀμόω omóō om-o’-o is used in certain tenses; to swear, i.e. take (or declare on) oath:—swear.  27 in 21

Moses = “drawing out”  the legislator of the Jewish people and in a certain sense the founder of the Jewish religion. He wrote the first five books of the Bible, commonly referred to as the Books of Moses.  Μωσεύς Mōseús, moce-yoos’; of Hebrew origin; (H4872); Moseus, Moses, or Mouses (i.e. Mosheh), the Hebrew lawgiver:—Moses.  80 in 79

Fair  ἀστεῖος asteîos, as-ti’-os; from ἄστυ ásty (a city); urbane, i.e. (by implication) handsome:—fair.  of the city, of polished manners, elegant of body, comely, fair  2 in 2

Nourished Up  ἀνατρέφω anatréphō, an-at-ref’-o; from G303 and G5142; to rear (physically or mentally):—bring up, nourish (up).  3 in 3

Learned  παιδεύω paideúō, pahee-dyoo’-o; from G3816; to train up a child, i.e. educate, or (by implication), discipline (by punishment):—chasten(-ise), instruct, learn, teach.  15 in 13

Deeds  ἔργον érgon, er’-gon; from a primary (but obsolete) ἔργω érgō (to work); toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act:—deed, doing, labour, work.  176 in 161

Forty  τεσσαρακονταετής tessarakontaetḗs, tes-sar-ak-on-tah-et-ace’; from G5062and G2094; of forty years of age:—(+ full, of) forty years (old).  2 in 2

Strove  μάχομαι máchomai, makh’-om-ahee; middle voice of an apparently primary verb; to war, i.e. (figuratively) to quarrel, dispute:—fight, strive.   4 in 4

Madian or Midian = “contention: strife”  a land near the Red Sea, and took its name from one of the sons of Abraham by Keturah;  Μαδιάν Madián, mad-ee-on’; of Hebrew origin (H4080); Madian (i.e. Midian), a region of Arabia:—Madian.  1 in 1

30And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush. 31When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight: and as he drew near to behold it, the voice of the LORD came to him,32Saying, I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Then Moses trembled, and dared not behold. 33Then said the Lord to him, Put off your shoes from your feet: for the place where you stand is holy ground. 34I have seen, I have seen the affliction of my people which is in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send you into Egypt.

 Expired  πληρόω plēróō, play-ro’-o; from G4134; to make replete, i.e. (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute (an office), finish (a period or task), verify (or coincide with a prediction), etc.:  95 in 90

Wilderness ἔρημος érēmos, er’-ay-mos; of uncertain affinity; lonesome, i.e. (by implication) waste (usually as a noun, G5561 being implied):—desert, desolate, solitary, wilderness.  50 in 50

Sinai = “thorny”  a mountain or rather a mountainous region in the peninsula of Arabia Petraea, made famous by the giving of the Mosaic law;  Σινᾶ Sinâ, see-nah’; of Hebrew origin (H5514); Sina (i.e. Sinai), a mountain in Arabia:—Sina.  4 in 4

Flame  φλόξ phlóx, flox; from a primary φλέγω phlégō (to “flash” or “flame”); a blaze:—flame(-ing).  7 in 7

Bush  βάτος bátos, bat’-os; of uncertain derivation; a brier shrub:—bramble, bush.  5 in 5

Deliver  ἐξαιρέω exairéō, ex-ahee-reh’-o; from G1537 and G138; actively, to tear out; middle voice, to select; figuratively, to release:—deliver, pluck out, rescue.  10 in 8

Aaron = “light-bringer”  the brother of Moses, the first high priest of Israel and head of the whole priestly order;  Ἀαρών Aarṓn, ah-ar-ohn’; of Hebrew origin (H175); Aaron, the brother of Moses:—Aaron.  5 in 5

Tabernacle σκηνή skēnḗ, skay-nay’; apparently akin to G4632 and G4639; a tent or cloth hut (literally or figuratively):—habitation, tabernacle.   tent, tabernacle, (made of green boughs, or skins or other materials)  20 in 20

Molech = “king”  the name of the idol god of the Ammonites, to which human victims, particularly young children were offered in sacrifice. Its image was a hollow brazen figure, with the head of an ox, and outstretched human arms. It was heated red hot by a fire from within, and the little ones placed in its arms to be slowly burned, while to prevent the parents from hearing the dying cries, the sacrificing priests beat drums  Μολόχ Molóch, mol-okh’; of Hebrew origin (H4432); Moloch (i.e. Molek), an idol:—Moloch.  1 in 1  Idol of Ammonites, to which human victims particularly young children were offed in sacrifce.  Its image was a hollow brazen figure, with the head of an ox, and outstretched human arms.  It was heated red hot by fire from within, and the little ones placed in its arms to be slowly burned, while to prevent their parents from hearing their dying cries the priests beat drums

Star ἄστρον ástron, as’-tron; neuter from G792; properly, a constellation; put for a single star (natural or artificial):—star.  4 in 4

Remphan = “the shrunken (as lifeless)”  the name of an idol worshipped secretly by the Israelites in the wilderness;  Ῥεμφάν Rhemphán, hrem-fan’; by incorrect transliteration for a word of Hebrew origin (H3594); Remphan (i.e. Kijun), an Egyptian idol:—Remphan.   Chiun = “an image” or “pillar”  probably a statue of the Assyrian-Babylonian god of the planet Saturn and used to symbolise Israelite apostasy

Babylon = “confusion”  a very large and famous city, the residence of the Babylonian kings, situated on both banks of the Euphrates. Cyrus had formerly captured it, but Darius Hystaspis threw down its gates and walls, and Xerxes destroyed the temple of Belis. At length the city was reduced to almost solitude, the population having been drawn off by the neighbouring Seleucia, built on the Tigris by Seleucus Nicanor.  of the territory of Babylonia;  allegorically, of Rome as the most corrupt seat of idolatry and the enemy of Christianity   Βαβυλών Babylṓn, bab-oo-lone’; of Hebrew origin (H894); Babylon, the capitol of Chaldæa (literally or figuratively (as a type of tyranny)):—Babylon.  12 in 11

35This Moses whom they refused, saying, Who made you a ruler and a judge? the same did God send to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the angel which appeared to him in the bush. 36He brought them out, after that he had showed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red sea, and in the wilderness forty years. 37This is that Moses, which said to the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up to you of your brothers, like to me; him shall you hear. 38This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spoke to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give to us:39To whom our fathers would not obey, but thrust him from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt, 40Saying to Aaron, Make us gods to go before us: for as for this Moses, which brought us out of the land of Egypt, we know not what is become of him.41And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice to the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands. 42Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, O you house of Israel, have you offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices by the space of forty years in the wilderness? 43Yes, you took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which you made to worship them: and I will carry you away beyond Babylon.

44Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed, speaking to Moses, that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seen. 45Which also our fathers that came after brought in with Jesus into the possession of the Gentiles, whom God drove out before the face of our fathers, to the days of David; 46Who found favor before God, and desired to find a tabernacle for the God of Jacob. 47But Solomon built him an house. 48However, the most High dwells not in temples made with hands; as said the prophet,  49Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will you build me? said the Lord: or what is the place of my rest?  50Has not my hand made all these things?  51You stiff necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, you do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do you. 52Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which showed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom you have been now the betrayers and murderers: 53Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.

Law  νόμος nómos, nom’-os; from a primary νέμω némō (to parcel out, especially food or grazing to animals); law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of Moses (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively (a principle):—law.  197 (45thP) in 158 (2*79)

Disposition  διαταγή diatagḗ, dee-at-ag-ay’; from G1299; arrangement, i.e. institution:—instrumentality.  2 in 2

διατάσσω diatássō, dee-at-as’-so; from G1223 and G5021; to arrange thoroughly, i.e. (specially) institute, prescribe, etc.:—appoint, command, give, (set in) order, ordain  17 in 16

The Stoning of Stephen

54When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. 55But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, 56And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. 57Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran on him with one accord, 58And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul. 59And they stoned Stephen, calling on God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 60And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Fell Asleep  κοιμάω koimáō, koy-mah’-o; from G2749; to put to sleep, i.e. (passively or reflexively) to slumber; figuratively, to decease:—(be a-, fall a-, fall on) sleep, be dead.  19 in 18

ACTS 8 : Saul Persecutes the Church

1And Saul was consenting to his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. 2And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. 3As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.

Saul = “desired”  Σαῦλος Saûlos, sow’-los; of Hebrew origin, the same as G4549; Saulus (i.e. Shaul), the Jewish name of Paul:—Saul.  17 in 17 

Time  ἡμέρα hēméra, hay-mer’-ah; feminine (with G5610 implied) of a derivative of ἧμαι hēmai (to sit; akin to the base of G1476) meaning tame, i.e. gentle; day, i.e. (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the Jews as inclusive of the parts of both extremes); figuratively, a period (always defined more or less clearly by the context):  389 (77P) in 366

Scattered Abroad  διασπείρω diaspeírō, dee-as-pi’-ro; from G1223 and G4687; to sow throughout, i.e. (figuratively) distribute in foreign lands:—scatter abroad. 4 in 3

Lamentation  κοπετός kopetós, kop-et-os’; from G2875; mourning (properly, by beating the breast):—lamentation.  1 in 1

Havock  λυμαίνομαι lymaínomai, loo-mah’-ee-nom-ahee; middle voice from a probably derivative of G3089 (meaning filth); properly, to soil, i.e. (figuratively) insult (maltreat):—make havock of.  1 in 1  to affix a stigma to, to dishonour, spot, defile

Haling σύρω sýrō, soo’-ro; probably akin to G138; to trail:—drag, draw, hale.  5 in 5

Committed  παραδίδωμι paradídōmi, par-ad-id’-o-mee; from G3844 and G1325; to surrender, i.e yield up, intrust, transmit:—betray, bring forth, cast, commit, deliver (up), give (over, up), hazard, put in prison, recommend.  135 in118

Philip in Samaria

4Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word. 5Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ to them. 6And the people with one accord gave heed to those things which Philip spoke, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. 7For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. 8And there was great joy in that city.

Simon the Sorcerer

(Deuteronomy 18:9-14)

9But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: 10To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God. 11And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries. 12But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.

 Simon  Peter = “a rock or stone”   Σίμων Símōn, see’-mone; of Hebrew origin (H8095); Simon (i.e. Shimon), the name of nine Israelites:—Simon. Compare G4826.  75 in 70

Beforetime  προϋπάρχω proÿpárchō, pro-oop-ar’-kho; from G4253 and G5225; to exist before, i.e. (adverbially) to be or do something previously:—+ be before(-time).  2 in 2

Sorcery  μαγεύω mageúō, mag-yoo’-o; from G3097; to practice magic:—use sorcery.  1 in 1  to be a magician, to practise magical arts

Bewitched  ἐξίστημι exístēmi, ex-is’-tay-mee; from G1537 and G2476; to put (stand) out of wits, i.e. astound, or (reflexively) become astounded, insane:—amaze, be (make) astonished, be beside self (selves), bewitch, wonder.  21 in 17

Least μικρός mikrós, mik-ros’; apparently a primary word; small (in size, quantity, number or (figuratively) dignity):—least, less, little, small.  30 in 30

Greatest  μέγας mégas, meg’-as; (including the prolonged forms, feminine μεγάλη megálē, plural μεγάλοι megáloi, etc.; compare also G3176, G3187); big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application):—  195 in185

Kingdom  βασιλεία basileía, bas-il-i’-ah; from G935; properly, royalty, i.e. (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively):—kingdom, + reign  162 in 154

14Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John: 15Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: 16(For as yet he was fallen on none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) 17Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. 18And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,19Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. 20But Peter said to him, Your money perish with you, because you have thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. 21You have neither part nor lot in this matter: for your heart is not right in the sight of God. 22Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. 23For I perceive that you are in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. 24Then answered Simon, and said, Pray you to the LORD for me, that none of these things which you have spoken come on me.  25And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.

Gift  δωρεά dōreá, do-reh-ah’; from G1435; a gratuity:—gift.  11 in 11

Perish εἴην eíēn, i’-ane; optative (i.e. English subjunctive) present of G1510 (including the other person); might (could, would, or should) be:—mean, + perish, should be, was, were.  12 in 12

Purchased  κτάομαι ktáomai, ktah’-om-ahee; a primary verb; to get, i.e. acquire (by any means; own):—obtain, possess, provide, purchase.  to acquire, get, or procure a thing for one’s self, to possess  7 in 7

Wickedness  κακία kakía, kak-ee’-ah; from G2556; badness, i.e. (subjectively) depravity, or (actively) malignity, or (passively) trouble:—evil, malice(-iousness), naughtiness, wickedness.  11 in 11

May be Forgiven  ἀφίημι aphíēmi, af-ee’-ay-mee; from G575 and ἵημι híēmi (to send; an intensive form of εἶμι eîmi, to go); to send forth, in various applications (as follow):—cry, forgive, forsake, lay aside, leave, let (alone, be, go, have), omit, put (send) away, remit, suffer, yield up.  174 in 133

Gall χολή cholḗ, khol-ay’; feminine of an equivalent perhaps akin to the same as 5514 (from the greenish hue); “gall” or bile, i.e. (by analogy) poison or an anodyne (wormwood, poppy, etc.):—gall.  2 in 2

Art  ὤν ṓn, oan; present participle of G1510; being:—be, come, have.  161 in 154

Bitterness πικρία pikría, pik-ree’-ah; from G4089; acridity (especially poison), literally or figuratively:—bitterness.  4 in 4

Iniquity  ἀδικία adikía, ad-ee-kee’-ah; from G94; (legal) injustice (properly, the quality, by implication, the act); morally, wrongfulness (of character, life or act):—iniquity, unjust, unrighteousness, wrong.  25 in 24

Philip and the Ethiopian

26And the angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south to the way that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza, which is desert. 27And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, 28Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet. 29Then the Spirit said to Philip, Go near, and join yourself to this chariot. 30And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understand you what you read? 31And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.

 The South  μεσημβρία mesēmbría, mes-ame-bree’-ah; from G3319 and G2250; midday; by implication, the south:—noon, south.  2 in 2

Gaza = “the fortified; the strong”  one of the five chief cities of the Philistines in Palestine;  Γάζα Gáza, gad’-zah; of Hebrew origin (H5804); Gazah (i.e. Azzah), a place in Palestine:—Gaza.  1 in 1

Ethiopian = “black”  Αἰθίοψ Aithíops, ahee-thee’-ops; from αἴθω aíthō (to scorch) and ὤψ ṓps (the face, from G3700); an Æthiopian (as a blackamoor):—Ethiopian.  2 in 1

Eunuch  εὐνοῦχος eunoûchos, yoo-noo’-khos; from εὐνή eunḗ (a bed) and G2192; a castrated person (such being employed in Oriental bed-chambers); by extension an impotent or unmarried man; by implication, a chamberlain (state-officer):—eunuch.  a bed keeper, bed guard, superintendent of the bedchamber, chamberlain;  n the palace of oriental monarchs who support numerous wives the superintendent of the women’s apartment or harem, an office held by eunuchs;  an emasculated man  8 in 6

Authority  δυνάστης dynástēs, doo-nas’-tace; from G1410; a ruler or officer:—of great authority, mighty, potentate.  3 in 3

Candace = “prince of servants”  a queen of Ethiopia mentioned in Acts 8:27. (A.D. 38) The name was not a proper name of an individual, but that of a dynasty of Ethiopian queens.  Κανδάκη Kandákē, kan-dak’-ay; of foreign origin; Candacè, an Egyptian queen:—Candace.  1 in 1

Treasure  γάζα gáza, gad’-zah; of foreign origin; a treasure:—treasure.  1 in 1

Worship  προσκυνέω proskynéō, pros-koo-neh’-o; from G4314 and a probable derivative of G2965 (meaning to kiss, like a dog licking his master’s hand); to fawn or crouch to, i.e. (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore):—worship.  65 in 54   to kiss the hand to (towards) one, in token of reverence;  in the NT by kneeling or prostration to do homage (to one) or make obeisance, whether in order to express respect or to make supplication

Chariot  ἅρμα hárma, har’-mah; probably from G142 (perhaps with G1 (as a particle of union) prefixed); a chariot (as raised or fitted together (compare G719)):—chariot   4 in 4

32The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:33In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.  34And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray you, of whom speaks the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? 35Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached to him Jesus. 36And as they went on their way, they came to a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what does hinder me to be baptized? 37And Philip said, If you believe with all your heart, you may. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. 38And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. 39And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing. 40But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.

 Humiliation  ταπείνωσις tapeínōsis, tap-i’-no-sis; from G5013; depression (in rank or feeling):—humiliation, be made low, low estate, vile.  4 in 4

Judgement  κρίσις krísis, kree’-sis; decision (subjectively or objectively, for or against); by extension, a tribunal; by implication, justice (especially, divine law):—accusation, condemnation, damnation, judgment.  a separating, sundering, separation  48 in 47

Generation  γενεά geneá, ghen-eh-ah’; from (a presumed derivative of) G1085; a generation; by implication, an age (the period or the persons):—age, generation, nation, time.  42 in 37

Ashdod or Azotus = “a stronghold”  one of the five chief cities of the Philistines, lying between Ashkelon and Jamnia and near the Mediterranean;  Ἄζωτος Ázōtos, ad’-zo-tos; of Hebrew origin (H795); Azotus (i.e. Ashdod), a place in Palestine:—Azotus.  1 in 1

 

• Upon Joshua‘s conquest of the Promised Land, Ashdod was allotted to the Tribe of Judah (Book of Joshua 15:46).
• In I Samuel 6:17 Ashdod is mentioned among the principal Philistine cities. After capturing the Ark of the covenant from the Israelites, the Philistines took it to Ashdod and placed it in the temple of Dagon. The next morning Dagon was found prostrate before the Ark; on being restored to his place, he was on the following morning again found prostrate and broken. The people of Ashdod were smitten with boils; a plague of mice was sent over the land (1 Samuel 6:5).^[17]
• According to the Bible, during the 10th century BCE Ashdod became, along with all the kingdom of Philistia, a patronage area of the Kingdom of Israel under the control of King David.
• The capture of the city by King Uzziah of Judah shortly after 815 BCE is mentioned within 2 Chronicles (26:6) and in the Book of Zechariah (9:6), speaking of the false Jews.
• In the Book of Nehemiah (Nehemiah 13:23–24), some 5th century BCE residents of Jerusalem are said to have married women from Ashdod, and half of the children of these unions were reportedly unable to understand Hebrew; instead, they spoke “the language of Ashdod”.
• The planners divided the city into 17 neighborhoods of ten to fifteen thousand people

Gaza to Ashdod  59.88 KM,  37.21 M,  32.33 NM

Jeru to Ashdod  52.99 km,  32.93 miles,  28.61 nmi

 

ACTS 9 : Saul’s Damascus Road Conversion

(Acts 22:1-21; Acts 26:1-23)

1And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest, 2And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: 4And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying to him, Saul, Saul, why persecute you me? 5And he said, Who are you, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom you persecute: it is hard for you to kick against the pricks. 6And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what will you have me to do? And the Lord said to him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told you what you must do. 7And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. 8And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. 9And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.

Ananias Baptizes Saul

10And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. 11And the Lord said to him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prays, 12And has seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. 13Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem: 14And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on your name. 15But the Lord said to him, Go your way: for he is a chosen vessel to me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: 16For I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake. 17And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared to you in the way as you came, has sent me, that you might receive your sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. 18And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight immediately, and arose, and was baptized. 19And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.

Straight  εὐθύς euthýs, yoo-thoos’; perhaps from G2095 and G5087; straight, i.e. (literally) level, or (figuratively) true; adverbially (of time) at once:—anon, by and by, forthwith, immediately, straightway.  16 in16 G2117

Saul = “desired”  Σαῦλος Saûlos, sow’-los; of Hebrew origin, the same as G4549; Saulus (i.e. Shaul), the Jewish name of Paul:—Saul. 17 in 17

Saul Preaches Christ at Damascus

20And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. 21But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came here for that intent, that he might bring them bound to the chief priests? 22But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelled at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.

Saul Escapes from Damascus

(1 Samuel 19:11-24)

23And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him: 24But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him. 25Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.

Wall  τεῖχος teîchos, ti’-khos; akin to the base of G5088; a wall (as formative of a house):—wall.  9 in 9

Basket σπυρίς spyrís, spoo-rece’; from G4687 (as woven); a hamper or lunch-receptacle:—basket.    a reed basket, (a plaited basket, a lunch basket, hamper)  5 in 5

Saul in Jerusalem

26And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. 27But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared to them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. 28And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem. 29And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him. 30Which when the brothers knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.

Tarsus = “a flat basket”   a major city in Cilicia and the birthplace and early home of Paul. Acts 9:11; 21:39; 22:3. Even in the flourishing period of Greek history it was an important city. In the Roman civil wars, it sided with Caesar and on the occasion of a visit from him its name changed to Juliopolis. Augustus made it a free city. Its was renowned as a place of education under the early Roman emperors. Strabo compares it in this respect to Athens and Alexandria. Tarsus also was a place of much commerce. It was situated in a wild and fertile plain on the banks of the Cydnus. No ruins of any importance remain.   Ταρσός Tarsós, tar-sos’; perhaps the same as ταρσός tarsós (a flat basket); Tarsus, a place in Asia Minor:—Tarsus.  3 in 3 ;   Situated on the river Cydnus, which divided it into two parts.  It is now called Tarso, a mean city of some 6000 inhabitants

31Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

Peter Heals Aeneas

32And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelled at Lydda. 33And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy. 34And Peter said to him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ makes you whole: arise, and make your bed. And he arose immediately. 35And all that dwelled at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.

Lydda = “strife”  a town is 9 miles (15 km) from Joppa, and is the first town on the northernmost of the two roads between that place and Jerusalem  Λύδδα Lýdda, lud’-dah; of Hebrew origin (H3850); Lydda (i.e. Lod), a place in Palestine:—Lydda.  3 in 3     Lod = “travail”  a city approx 11 miles (17 km) southeast of Joppa in the plain of Sharon in the territory of Benjamin;  

Aeneas = “laudable” the name of a paralytic cured by Peter at Lydia;  Αἰνέας Ainéas, ahee-neh’-as; of uncertain derivation; Ænĕas, an Israelite:—Æneas.  2 in 2

Bed  κράββατος krábbatos, krab’-bat-os; probably of foreign origin; a mattress:—bed.  a pallet, camp bed (a rather simple bed holding only one person)  12 in 12

Sick of Palsy  παραλύω paralýō, par-al-oo’-o; from G3844 and G3089; to loosen beside, i.e. relax (perfect passive participle, paralyzed or enfeebled):—feeble, sick of the (taken with) palsy.    5 in 5

Sharon = “plain or level”  a level region extending from Caesarea of Palestine as far as Joppa, abounding in good pasture and famous for its fertility   Σάρων Sárōn, sar’-one; of Hebrew origin (H8289); Saron (i.e. Sharon), a district of Palestine:—Saron.  1 in 1

Peter Raises Dorcas from the Dead

36Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and giving of alms which she did. 37And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. 38And for as much as Lydda was near to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent to him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them. 39Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. 40But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 41And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. 42And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord. 43And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.

Joppa or Japho = “beautiful” a city of Palestine on the Mediterranean, lying on the border of the tribes of Dan and Ephraim. It was subject to the Jews from the times of the Maccabees. It had a famous but dangerous port and carried on a flourishing trade. It is now called Jaffa.  Ἰόππη Ióppē, ee-op’-pay; of Hebrew origin (H3305); Joppe (i.e. Japho), a place in Palestine:—Joppa.  10 in 10

Dorcas = “gazelle” the name of a woman Peter raised from the dead  Δορκάς Dorkás, dor-kas’; gazelle; Dorcas, a Christian woman:—Dorcas.  2 in 2

Full  πλήρης plḗrēs, play’-race; from G4130; replete, or covered over; by analogy, complete:—full.  17 in 17

Almsdeeds  ἐλεημοσύνη eleēmosýnē, el-eh-ay-mos-oo’-nay; from G1656; compassionateness, i.e. (as exercised towards the poor) beneficence, or (concretely) a benefaction:—alms(-deeds).  mercy, pity  14 in 14

Washed  λούω loúō, loo’-o; a primary verb; to bathe (the whole person; whereas G3538means to wet a part only, and G4150 to wash, cleanse garments exclusively):—wash.  6 in 6

Upper Chamber  ὑπερῷον hyperōion, hoop-er-o’-on; neuter of a derivative of G5228; a higher part of the house, i.e. apartment in the third story:—upper chamber (room).  4 in 4  the highest part of the house, the upper rooms or story where the women resided;  a room in the upper part of a house, sometimes built upon the flat roof of the house, whither Orientals were wont to retire in order to sup, meditate, pray

ACTS 10 : Cornelius Sends for Peter

1There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, 2A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always. 3He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying to him, Cornelius. 4And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said to him, Your prayers and your alms are come up for a memorial before God. 5And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter: 6He lodges with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell you what you ought to do. 7And when the angel which spoke to Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually; 8And when he had declared all these things to them, he sent them to Joppa.

Cornelius = “of a horn”  a Roman centurion of the Italian cohort stationed in Caesarea who converted to Christianity;  Κορνήλιος Kornḗlios, kor-nay’-lee-os; of Latin origin; Cornelius, a Roman:—Cornelius.  10 in 10

Peter’s Vision

(Leviticus 11:1-47; Deuteronomy 14:1-21)

9On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew near to the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:10And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, 11And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending on him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: 12Wherein were all manner of four footed beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. 13And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. 14But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.15And the voice spoke to him again the second time, What God has cleansed, that call not you common. 16This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.

Trance  ἔκστασις ékstasis, ek’-stas-is; from G1839; a displacement of the mind, i.e. bewilderment, “ecstasy”:—+ be amazed, amazement, astonishment, trance.  7 in 7

Opened  ἀνοίγω anoígō, an-oy’-go; from G303 and οἴγω oígō (to open); to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications):—open.  78 in 75

Peter Summoned to Caesarea

17Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate, 18And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there. 19While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said to him, Behold, three men seek you. 20Arise therefore, and get you down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them. 21Then Peter went down to the men which were sent to him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom you seek: what is the cause why you are come? 22And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that fears God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for you into his house, and to hear words of you. 23Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brothers from Joppa accompanied him.

Peter at Caesarea

24And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and he had called together his kinsmen and near friends. 25And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. 26But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man. 27And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together. 28And he said to them, You know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come to one of another nation; but God has showed me that I should not call any man common or unclean. 29Therefore came I to you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent you have sent for me?

30And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, 31And said, Cornelius, your prayer is heard, and your alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God. 32Send therefore to Joppa, and call here Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he comes, shall speak to you. 33Immediately therefore I sent to you; and you have well done that you are come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded you of God.

The Gentiles Hear the Good News

34Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35But in every nation he that fears him, and works righteousness, is accepted with him. 36The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) 37That word, I say, you know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; 38How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. 39And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: 40Him God raised up the third day, and showed him openly; 41Not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. 42And he commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. 43To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whoever believes in him shall receive remission of sins.

The Gentiles Receive the Holy Spirit

(Joel 2:28-32; John 14:15-26; John 16:5-16; Acts 2:1-13; Acts 19:1-7)

44While Peter yet spoke these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 45And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.46For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 48And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

ACTS 11 : Peter Reports to the Church at Jerusalem

1And the apostles and brothers that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. 2And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him, 3Saying, You went in to men uncircumcised, and did eat with them. 4But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order to them, saying, 5I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me: 6On the which when I had fastened my eyes, I considered, and saw four footed beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. 7And I heard a voice saying to me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat. 8But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean has at any time entered into my mouth. 9But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God has cleansed, that call not you common. 10And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven. 11And, behold, immediately there were three men already come to the house where I was, sent from Caesarea to me. 12And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brothers accompanied me, and we entered into the man’s house: 13And he showed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said to him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter; 14Who shall tell you words, whereby you and all your house shall be saved. 15And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. 16Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but you shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. 17For as much then as God gave them the like gift as he did to us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God? 18When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then has God also to the Gentiles granted repentance to life.

The Church at Antioch

19Now they which were scattered abroad on the persecution that arose about Stephen traveled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but to the Jews only. 20And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spoke to the Grecians, preaching the LORD Jesus. 21And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned to the Lord. 22Then tidings of these things came to the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. 23Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would hold to the Lord. 24For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added to the Lord. 25Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: 26And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

27And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. 29Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brothers which dwelled in Judaea: 30Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

ANTIOCH = ‘DRIVEN AGAINST”Ἀντιόχεια Antiócheia, an-tee-okh’-i-ah; from Ἀντίοχυς Antíochys (a Syrian king); Antiochia, a place in Syria:—Antioch.  Capital of Syria, situated on the river Orontes, founded by Seleucus Nicanor in 300 B.C. and named in honour of his father, Antiochus. Many Greek-Jews lived there and it was here that the followers of Christ were first called Christians.  A city in Pisidia on the borders Phrygia, founded by Seleucus Nicanor. Under the Romans it became a “colonia” and was also called Caesarea  18 in 17

Agabus = “locust”  Ἄγαβος Ágabos, ag’-ab-os; of Hebrew origin (compare H2285); Agabus, an Israelite:—Agabus.  2 in 2

ACTS 12 : James Killed, Peter Imprisoned

1Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. 2And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. 3And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) 4And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four squads of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.

Vex  κακόω kakóō, kak-o’-o; from G2556; to injure; figuratively, to exasperate:—make evil affected, entreat evil, harm, hurt, vex.  6 in 6

Church  ἐκκλησία ekklēsía, ek-klay-see’-ah; from a compound of G1537 and a derivative of G2564; a calling out, i.e. (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both):—assembly, church.  115 in 112

James = “supplanter”  Ἰάκωβος Iákōbos, ee-ak’-o-bos; the same as G2384 Græcized; Jacobus, the name of three Israelites:—James.  42 in 38

Sword  μάχαιρα máchaira, makh’-ahee-rah; probably feminine of a presumed derivative of G3163; a knife, i.e. dirk; figuratively, war, judicial punishment:—sword.  29 in 26

Quaterion  τετράδιον tetrádion, tet-rad’-ee-on; neuter of a presumed derivative of τέτρας tétras (a tetrad; from G5064); a quaternion or squad (picket) of four Roman soldiers:—quaternion  A guard consisting of four soldiers (for among the Romans this was the usual number of the guard to which the custody of captives and prisoners was intrusted; two soldiers were confined with the prisoner and two kept guard outside). Four quaternions of soldiers would be used to guard one all night, one for each of the four night watches..  1 in 1 

Easter  πάσχα páscha, pas’-khah; of Chaldee origin (compare H6453); the Passover (the meal, the day, the festival or the special sacrifices connected with it):—Easter, Passover.  29 in 27

Peter Rescued

5Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church to God for him.

6And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. 7And, behold, the angel of the Lord came on him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. 8And the angel said to him, Gird yourself, and bind on your sandals. And so he did. And he said to him, Cast your garment about you, and follow me. 9And he went out, and followed him; and knew not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision. 10When they were past the first and the second ward, they came to the iron gate that leads to the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and immediately the angel departed from him. 11And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the LORD has sent his angel, and has delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews. 12And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying. 13And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to listen, named Rhoda. 14And when she knew Peter’s voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate. 15And they said to her, You are mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel. 16But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished. 17But he, beckoning to them with the hand to hold their peace, declared to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go show these things to James, and to the brothers. And he departed, and went into another place.

Garment  ἱμάτιον himátion, him-at’-ee-on; neuter of a presumed derivative of ennumi (to put on); a dress (inner or outer):—apparel, cloke, clothes, garment, raiment, robe, vesture.  62 in 59

Mark = “a defense”  an evangelist, the author of the Gospel of Mark. Marcus was his Latin surname, his Jewish name was John. He was a cousin of Barnabas and a companion of Paul in some of his missionary journeys  Μάρκος Márkos, mar’-kos; of Latin origin; Marcus, a Christian:—Marcus, Mark.  8 in 8

Rhoda = “rose” the name of a certain maid servant   Ῥόδη Rhódē, hrod’-ay; probably for rhode (a rose); Rode, a servant girl:—Rhoda.  1 in 1

Knocked At  κρούω kroúō, kroo’-o; apparently a primary verb; to rap:—knock.  9 in 9

Gate  πυλών pylṓn, poo-lone’; from G4439; a gate-way, door-way of a building or city; by implication, a portal or vestibule:—gate, porch.  18 in 12

18Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter. 19And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there stayed.

The Death of Herod

20And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king’s chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king’s country. 21And on a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat on his throne, and made an oration to them. 22And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. 23And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.

Blastus = “sprout” the chamberlain of Herod Agrippa I  Βλάστος Blástos, blas’-tos; perhaps the same as the base of G985; Blastus, an officer of Herod Agrippa:—Blastus.  1 in 1

Eaten of Worms   σκωληκόβρωτος skōlēkóbrōtos, sko-lay-kob’-ro-tos; from G4663 and a derivative of G977; worm-eaten, i.e. diseased with maggots:—eaten of worms.  1 in 1

24But the word of God grew and multiplied.

25And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.

ACTS 13 : Paul’s First Missionary Journey

(Acts 15:36-41; Acts 18:23-28)

1Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. 3And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

Niger = “black”  surname of the prophet Simeon;   Νίγερ Níger, neeg’-er; of Latin origin; black; Niger, a Christian:—Niger.

Lucius = “light: bright: white”  a man from Cyrene who was a prophet and a teacher of the church in Antioch (Acts 13:1), perhaps the same one as mentioned in Ro. 16:21  Λούκιος Loúkios, loo’-kee-os; of Latin origin; illuminative; Lucius, a Christian:—Lucius.  2 in 2

Cyrene = “supremacy of the bridle”  a large and very flourishing city of Libya Cyrenaica or Pentapolitana, about 11 miles (17 km) from the sea. Among its inhabitants were a great number of Jews, whom Ptolemy I. had brought there, and invested with the right of citizens    Κυρηναῖος Kyrēnaîos, koo-ray-nah’-yos; from G2957; i.e. Cyrenæan, i.e. inhabitant of Cyrene:—of Cyrene, Cyrenian.  6 in 6 

Manaen = “comforter”  one of the teachers and prophets in the church at Antioch  Μαναήν Manaḗn, man-ah-ane’; of uncertain origin; Manaën, a Christian:—Manaen.  1 in 1

On Cyprus

4So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed to Seleucia; and from there they sailed to Cyprus. 5And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister. 6And when they had gone through the isle to Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus: 7Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God.8But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. 9Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him. 10And said, O full of all subtlety and all mischief, you child of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? 11And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is on you, and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand. 12Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.

Seleucia = “white light”  a city of Syria near the mouth of the Orontes, about 16 miles (25 km) from Antioch;  Σελεύκεια Seleúkeia, sel-yook’-i-ah; from Σέλευκος Séleukos (Seleucus, a Syrian king); Seleuceia, a place in Syria:—Seleucia.  1 in 1

Salmis = “salt”  a principal city at the east end of the island of Cyprus  1 in 1

Paphos = “boiling or hot”  a maritime city on the west end of Cyprus, with a harbour. It was the residence of a Roman proconsul. “Old Paphos” was noted for the worship and shrine of Venus (Aphrodite) and lay some 7 miles (10 km) to the south-east of it.  Πάφος Páphos, paf’-os; of uncertain derivation; Paphus, a place in Cyprus:—Paphos.  2 in 2

Sorcerer  μάγος mágos, mag’-os; of foreign origin (H7248); a Magian, i.e. Oriental scientist; by implication, a magician:—sorcerer, wise man.  a magus; the name given by the Babylonians (Chaldeans), Medes, Persians, and others, to the wise men, teachers, priests, physicians, astrologers, seers, interpreters of dreams, augers, soothsayers, sorcerers etc.; the oriental wise men (astrologers) who, having discovered by the rising of a remarkable star that the Messiah had just been born, came to Jerusalem to worship him;  a false prophet and sorcerer  6 in 5

False Prophe  ψευδοπροφήτης pseudoprophḗtēs, psyoo-dop-rof-ay’-tace; from G5571 and G4396; a spurious prophet, i.e. pretended foreteller or religious impostor:—false prophet.  11 in 11

Barjesus = “son of Jesus”  Βαριησοῦς Bariēsoûs, bar-ee-ay-sooce’; of Chaldee origin (H1247 and H3091); son of Jesus (or Joshua); Bar-jesus, an Israelite:—Barjesus.  1 in 1

Sergius = “earth-born: born a wonder”  surnamed Paulus, a deputy or proconsul of Cyprus and converted to Christianity by Paul;  Σέργιος Sérgios, serg’-ee-os; of Latin origin; Sergius, a Roman:—Sergius.  1 in 1

Elymas = “a wise man” the Arabic name of the Jewish magnus or sorcerer Barjesus, Act 13:6  Ἐλύμας Elýmas, el-oo’-mas; of foreign origin; Elymas, a wizard:—Elymas.  1 in 1

Subtilty  δόλος dólos, dol’-os; from an obsolete primary verb, δέλλω déllō (probably meaning to decoy; compare G1185); a trick (bait), i.e. (figuratively) wile:—craft, deceit, guile, subtilty.  12 in 12

Mischief  ῥᾳδιουργία rhaidiourgía, hrad-ee-oorg-ee’-a; from the same as G4467; recklessness, i.e. (by extension) malignity:—mischief.  1 in 1

Devil  διάβολος diábolos, dee-ab’-ol-os; from G1225; a traducer; specially, Satan (compare H7854):—false accuser, devil, slanderer.  38 in 36

Enemy ἐχθρός echthrós, ech-thros’; from a primary ἔχθω échthō (to hate); hateful (passively, odious, or actively, hostile); usually as a noun, an adversary (especially Satan):—enemy, foe.  32 in 32

Pervert  διαστρέφω diastréphō, dee-as-tref’-o; from G1223 and G4762; to distort, i.e. (figuratively) misinterpret, or (morally) corrupt:—perverse(-rt), turn away.  7 in 7

In Pisidian Antioch

13Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem. 14But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down. 15And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent to them, saying, You men and brothers, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say on. 16Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and you that fear God, give audience. 17The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelled as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high arm brought he them out of it. 18And about the time of 40 years suffered he their manners in the wilderness. 19And when he had destroyed 7 nations in the land of Chanaan, he divided their land to them by lot. 20And after that he gave to them judges about the space of 450 years, until Samuel the prophet. 21And afterward they desired a king: and God gave to them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of 40 years.22And when he had removed him, he raised up to them David to be their king; to whom also he gave their testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after my own heart, which shall fulfill all my will. 23Of this man’s seed has God according to his promise raised to Israel a Savior, Jesus: 24When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. 25And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think you that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there comes one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose.

Perga = “earthy”  a town in Pamphylia, on the river Cestius, at a distance of 7 miles (10 km) from its mouth, and famous in antiquity for the worship of Artemis (Diana);  Πέργη Pérgē, perg’-ay; probably from the same as G4010; a tower; Perga, a place in Asia Minor:—Perga.  3 in 3

Pamphylia = “of every tribe”  a province in Asia Minor, bounded on the east by Cilicia, on the west by Lycia and Phrygia Minor, on the north by Galatia and Cappadocia, and on the south by the Mediterranean Sea  Παμφυλία Pamphylía, pam-fool-ee’-ah; from a compound of G3956 and G4443; every-tribal, i.e. heterogeneous (G5561 being implied); Pamphylia, a region of Asia Minor:—Pamphylia.  5 in 5 

Pisidia = “pitchy”  a region in Asia Minor bounded by Pamphylia, and the Pamphylian Sea, Phrygia, and Lycaonia

Cis Kish = “a snare”  Κίς Kís, kis; of Hebrew origin (H7027); Cis (i.e. Kish), an Israelite:—Cis.  1 in 1

Jesse = “wealthy”  the father of David the king  Ἰεσσαί Iessaí, es-es-sah’-ee; of Hebrew origin (H3448); Jessæ (i.e. Jishai), an Israelite:—Jesse.  5 in 5

26Men and brothers, children of the stock of Abraham, and whoever among you fears God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.27For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him. 28And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain. 29And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulcher. 30But God raised him from the dead: 31And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses to the people. 32And we declare to you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made to the fathers, 33God has fulfilled the same to us their children, in that he has raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, You are my Son, this day have I begotten you. 34And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David. 35Why he said also in another psalm, You shall not suffer your Holy One to see corruption. 36For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid to his fathers, and saw corruption: 37But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption. 38Be it known to you therefore, men and brothers, that through this man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins: 39And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses. 40Beware therefore, lest that come on you, which is spoken of in the prophets;

41Behold, you despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which you shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it to you.

The Gentiles Ask to Hear the Gospel

42And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles sought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath. 43Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.

44And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God. 45But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spoke against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming. 46Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing you put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, see, we turn to the Gentiles.

47For so has the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set you to be a light of the Gentiles, that you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth. 48And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed. 49And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region. 50But the Jews stirred up the devout and honorable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts. 51But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came to Iconium. 52And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.

ACTS 14 : Paul and Barnabas at Iconium

1And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spoke, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed. 2But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brothers. 3Long time therefore stayed they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony to the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands. 4But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles. 5And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them spitefully, and to stone them, 6They were ware of it, and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the region that lies round about: 7And there they preached the gospel.

Iconium = “little image”  a famous city of Asia Minor, which was the capital of Lycaonia;  Ἰκόνιον Ikónion, ee-kon’-ee-on; perhaps from G1504; image-like; Iconium, a place in Asia Minor:—Iconium.;  last city of Phrygia   6 in 6

Lystra = “ransoming”  a city in the eastern part of the great plain of Lycaonia;  Λύστρα Lýstra, loos’-trah; of uncertain origin; Lystra, a place in Asia Minor:—Lystra.  6 in 6

Derbe = “tanner: tanner of skin: coverer with skin” a city of Lycaonia, on the confines of Isauria; Δέρβη Dérbē, der-bay’; of foreign origin; Derbe, a place in Asia Minor:—Derbe.  3 in 3

Lycaonia = “wolf land”  a region in Asia Minor, situated between Pisidia, Cilicia, Cappadocia, Galatia and Phrygia, whose chief towns were Derbe, Lystra and Iconium;  Λυκαονία Lykaonía, loo-kah-on-ee’-ah; perhaps remotely from G3074; Lycaonia, a region of Asia Minor:—Lycaonia.  1 in 1

The Visit to Lystra and Derbe

8And there sat a certain man at Lystra, weak in his feet, being a cripple from his mother’s womb, who never had walked: 9The same heard Paul speak: who steadfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed, 10Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on your feet. And he leaped and walked. 11And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men. 12And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker. 13Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people. 14Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out, 15And saying, Sirs, why do you these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach to you that you should turn from these vanities to the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein: 16Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. 17Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness. 18And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice to them.

Mephoshibeth was also crippled in feet 2nd Samuel 4

Barnabas = “son of rest” the surname of Joses or Joseph, a Levite, a native of Cyprus He was a distinguished Christian teacher and companion and colleague of Paul.  Βαρνάβας Barnábas, bar-nab’-as; of Chaldee origin (H1247 and H5029); son of Nabas (i.e. prophecy); Barnabas, an Israelite:—Barnabas.  29 in 28

Mercurius or Hermes = “herald of the gods”  Ἑρμῆς Hermēs, her-mace’; perhaps from G2046; Hermes, the name of the messenger of the Greek deities; also of a Christian:—Hermes, Mercury.  2 in 2

Oxen  ταῦρος taûros, tow’-ros; apparently a primary word (compare H8450, “steer”); a bullock:—bull, ox.  4 in 4

Garlands  στέμμα stémma, stem’-mah; from the base of G4735; a wreath for show:—garland.  1 in 1

Vanity  μάταιος mátaios, mat’-ah-yos; from the base of G3155; empty, i.e. (literally) profitless, or (specially), an idol:—vain, vanity  6 in 6

19And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead. 20However,, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

The Return to Syrian Antioch

21And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, 22Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. 23And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

Tribulation  θλῖψις thlîpsis, thlip’-sis; from G2346; pressure (literally or figuratively):—afflicted(-tion), anguish, burdened, persecution, tribulation, trouble.  45 in 43; a pressing, pressing together, pressure

24And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. 25And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia:

Attalia = “Jah’s due season” a maritime city of Pamphylia in Asia, very near the borders of Lycia, built and named by Attalus Philadelphus, king of Pergamos, now called Antali;  Ἀττάλεια Attáleia, at-tal’-i-ah; from Ἄτταλος Áttalos (a king of Pergamus); Attaleia, a place in Pamphylia:—Attalia.  1 in 1

The Report to the Church at Antioch

26And there sailed to Antioch, from where they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled. 27And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. 28And there they stayed long time with the disciples.

ACTS 15 : The Dispute over Circumcision

(Genesis 17:9-27; Leviticus 12:1-8; Joshua 5:1-9)

1And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brothers, and said, Except you be circumcised after the manner of Moses, you cannot be saved. 2When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders about this question. 3And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy to all the brothers. 4And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.

Samaria = “guardianship”  a territory in Palestine, which had Samaria as its capital  Σαμάρεια Samáreia, sam-ar’-i-ah; of Hebrew origin (H8111); Samaria (i.e. Shomeron), a city and region of Palestine:—Samaria.  11 in 11

Phenicia = “land of palm trees”  a territory of the province of Syria, situated on the coast of the Mediterranean between the river Eleutherus and the promontory of Carmel, some 30 miles (50 km) long and 3 (5 km) broad;  Φοινίκη Phoiníkē, foy-nee’-kay; from G5404; palm-country; Phœnice (or Phœnicia), a region of Palestine:—Phenice, Phenicia.  3 in 3

The Council at Jerusalem

5But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.

6And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter. 7And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said to them, Men and brothers, you know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. 8And God, which knows the hearts, bore them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did to us; 9And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. 10Now therefore why tempt you God, to put a yoke on the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? 11But we believe that through the grace of the LORD Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.

12Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had worked among the Gentiles by them.  13And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brothers, listen to me: 14Simeon has declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. 15And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,  16After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:  17That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, on whom my name is called, said the Lord, who does all these things.  18Known to God are all his works from the beginning of the world. 19Why my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God: 20But that we write to them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood. 21For Moses of old time has in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.

The Letter to the Gentile Believers

22Then pleased it the apostles and elders with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas and Silas, chief men among the brothers: 23And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brothers send greeting to the brothers which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia.24For as much as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, You must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment: 25It seemed good to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth. 28For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay on you no greater burden than these necessary things; 29That you abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if you keep yourselves, you shall do well. Fare you well.

Cilicia = “the land of Celix”  a maritime province in the southeast of Asia Minor, boarding on Pamphylia in the west, Lycaonia and Cappadocia in the north and Syria in the east. Its capital, Tarsus, was the birth place of Paul;  Κιλικία Kilikía, kil-ik-ee’-ah; probably of foreign origin; Cilicia, a region of Asia Minor:—Cilicia.  8 in 8

Syria = “exalted”  a region of Asia bounded on the north by Taurus and Amanus ranges, on the east by the Euphrates and Arabia, on the south by Palestine, and the west by Phoenicia and the Mediterranean;  Συρία Syría, soo-ree’-ah; probably of Hebrew origin (H6865); Syria (i.e. Tsyria or Tyre), a region of Asia:—Syria.  8 in 8

Silas = “woody”  a Roman citizen, the companion of the apostle Paul on several of his missionary journeys;  Σίλας Sílas, see’-las; contraction for G4610; Silas, a Christian:—Silas.  13 in 13

The Believers at Antioch Rejoice

30So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter:31Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation. 32And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brothers with many words, and confirmed them. 33And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace from the brothers to the apostles. 34Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still. 35Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.

Paul’s Second Missionary Journey

(Acts 13:1-3; Acts 18:23-28)

36And some days after Paul said to Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brothers in every city where we have preached the word of the LORD, and see how they do. 37And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. 38But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. 39And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed to Cyprus;

40And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brothers to the grace of God. 41And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.

ACTS 16 : Timothy Joins Paul and Silas

1Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek: 2Which was well reported of by the brothers that were at Lystra and Iconium.3Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek. 4And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem. 5And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.

Timothy = “honouring God”  a resident of Lystra, apparently, whose father was a Greek and mother a Jewess; he was Paul’s travelling companion and fellow labourer;  Τιμόθεος Timótheos, tee-moth’-eh-os; from G5092 and G2316; dear to God; Timotheus, a Christian:—Timotheus, Timothy.  24 in 24

Paul’s Vision of the Macedonian

6Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, 7After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not. 8And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas. 9And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us. 10And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavored to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel to them.

Phrygia = “dry, barren”  a region in Asia Minor bounded by Bithynia, Galatia, Lycaonia, Pisidia, Lydia, Mysia and it contained the cities of Laodicea, Hierapolis, and Colosse;  Φρυγία Phrygía, froog-ee’-ah; probably of foreign origin; Phrygia, a region of Asia Minor:—Phrygia.  3 in 3

Galatia = “land of the Galli, Gauls”  the Roman province of Galatia my be roughly described as the central region of the peninsula of Asia Minor, bounded on the north by Bithynia and Paphlagonia; on the east by Pontus; on the south by Cappadocia and Lycaonia; on the west by Phrygia;  Γαλατία Galatía, gal-at-ee’-ah; of foreign origin; Galatia, a region of Asia:—Galatia.  4 in 4

Mysia = “land of beach trees”  a province of Asia Minor on the shore of the Aegean Sea, between Lydia and Popontis; it included the cities of Pergamos, Troas, and Assos;  Μυσία Mysía, moo-see’-ah; of uncertain origin; Mysia, a region of Asia Minor:—Mysia.   2 in 2

Bithynia = “a violent rushing”  a Roman province in Asia Minor, bounded by the Euxine Sea, the Propontis, Mysia, Phrygia, Galatia, Paphlagonia;  Βιθυνία Bithynía, bee-thoo-nee’-ah; of uncertain derivation; Bithynia, a region of Asia:—Bithynia.  2 in 2

Troas = “a Trojan”  a city near Hellespont  Τρωάς Trōás, tro-as’; from Τρός Trós (a Trojan); the Troad (or plain of Troy), i.e. Troas, a place in Asia Minor:—Troas.  6 in 6

Lydia Converted at Philippi

(Revelation 2:18-29)

11Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis; 12And from there to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days. 13And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spoke to the women which resorted thither.

Samothracia = “a sign of rags” an island on the Aegean Sea, about 38 Miles (60 km) from the coast of Thrace at the mouth of the river Hebrus;  Σαμοθρᾴκη Samothráikē, sam-oth-rak’-ay; from G4544 and Θτρᾴκη Thtráikē (Thrace); Samo-thrace (Samos of Thrace), an island in the Mediterranean:—Samothracia.  1 in 1

Neapolis = “new city”  a maritime city of Macedonia, on the gulf of Syrymon, having a port and colonised by Chalcidians;  Νεάπολις Neápolis, neh-ap’-ol-is; from G3501 and G4172; new town; Neapolis, a place in Macedonia:—Neapolis.  1 in 1

Philippi = “Lover of horses”  a city of Macedonia located on or near the northern coast of the Aegean Sea, between the rivers Strymon and Nestus, and the cities Neapolis and Amphipolis;  Φίλιπποι Phílippoi, fil’-ip-poy; plural of G5376; Philippi, a place in Macedonia:—Philippi.  4 in 4

 

14And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended to the things which were spoken of Paul. 15And when she was baptized, and her household, she sought us, saying, If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.

Lydia = “travail”  a woman of Thyatira, a seller of purple, the first European convert of Paul, and afterward his hostess during his first stay at Philippi;  Λυδία Lydía, loo-dee’-ah; properly, feminine of Ludios (of foreign origin) (a Lydian, in Asia Minor); Lydia, a Christian woman:—Lydia.  2 in 2

Seller of Purple  πορφυρόπωλις porphyrópōlis, por-foo-rop’-o-lis; feminine of a compound of G4209 and G4453; a female trader in purple cloth:—seller of purple  1 in 1

Thyatira = “odour of affliction” a colony of Macedonia Greeks, situated between Sardis and Pergamos on the river Lycus; its inhabitants gained their living by traffic and the art of dyeing in purple;  Θυάτειρα Thyáteira, thoo-at’-i-rah; of uncertain derivation; Thyatira, a place in Asia Minor:—Thyatira.  4 in 4

Paul and Silas in Prison

16And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: 17The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which show to us the way of salvation. 18And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.

Divination  Πύθων Pýthōn, poo’-thone; from Πυθώ Pythṓ (the name of the region where Delphi, the seat of the famous oracle, was located); a Python, i.e. (by analogy, with the supposed diviner there) inspiration (soothsaying):—divination.    In Greek mythology the name of the Pythian serpent or dragon that dwelt in the region of Pytho at the foot of Parnassus in Phocis, and was said to have guarded the oracle at Delphi and been slain by Apollo  1 in 1

Soothsaying  μαντεύομαι manteúomai, mant-yoo’-om-ahee; from a derivative of G3105(meaning a prophet, as supposed to rave through inspiration); to divine, i.e. utter spells (under pretense of foretelling:—by soothsaying.  1 in 1

19And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace to the rulers, 20And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city, 21And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans.  22And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them. 23And when they had laid many stripes on them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: 24Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.

The Conversion of the Jailer

25And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises to God: and the prisoners heard them. 26And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed. 27And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. 28But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do yourself no harm: for we are all here. 29Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, 30And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?

Earthquake  σεισμός seismós, sice-mos’; from G4579; a commotion, i.e. (of the air) a gale, (of the ground) an earthquake:—earthquake, tempest.  14 in 12

Foundations  θεμέλιος themélios, them-el’-ee-os; from a derivative of G5087; something put down, i.e. a substruction (of a building, etc.), (literally or figuratively):—foundation.  16 in 15

Bands  δεσμόν desmón, des-mon’; neuter and masculine respectively from G1210; a band, i.e. ligament (of the body) or shackle (of a prisoner); figuratively, an impediment or disability:—band, bond, chain, string.  20 in 20

Stripes  ἀπό apó, apo’; a primary particle; “off,” i.e. away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative):—(X here-)after, ago, at, because of, before, by (the space of), for(-th), from, in, (out) of, off, (up-)on(-ce), since, with.  657 in 602

Straightway  παραχρῆμα parachrēma, par-akh-ray’-mah; from G3844 and G5536 (in its original sense); at the thing itself, i.e. instantly:—forthwith, immediately, presently, straightway, soon.  19 in 19

31And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved, and your house. 32And they spoke to him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. 33And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. 34And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.

Paul and Silas are Released

35And when it was day, the magistrates sent the sergeants, saying, Let those men go. 36And the keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul, The magistrates have sent to let you go: now therefore depart, and go in peace. 37But Paul said to them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privately? no truly; but let them come themselves and fetch us out. 38And the sergeants told these words to the magistrates: and they feared, when they heard that they were Romans. 39And they came and sought them, and brought them out, and desired them to depart out of the city. 40And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia: and when they had seen the brothers, they comforted them, and departed.

ACTS 17 : Paul Preaches at Thessalonica

1Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews:2And Paul, as his manner was, went in to them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures, 3Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach to you, is Christ.4And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few.

Amphipolis = “a city surrounded by the sea” a city in Macedonia Prima, so called because the Strymon flowed around it; Ἀμφίπολις Amphípolis, am-fip’-ol-is; from the base of G297 and G4172; a city surrounded by a river; Amphipolis, a place in Macedonia:—Amphipolis  1 in 1

Apollonia = “belonging to Apollo” a maritime city of Macedonia, about a day’s journey from Amphipolis;  Ἀπολλωνία Apollōnía, ap-ol-lo-nee’-ah; from the pagan deity Ἀπόλλων Apóllōn (i.e. the sun; from G622); Apollonia, a place in Macedonia:—Apollonia.  1 in 1

Thessalonica = “victory of falsity”  a famous and populous city, situated on the Thermaic Gulf, the capital of the second division of Macedonia and the residence of a Roman governor and quaestor;  Θεσσαλονίκη Thessaloníkē, thes-sal-on-ee’-kay; from Θεσσαλός Thessalós (a Thessalian) and G3529; Thessalonice, a place in Asia Minor:—Thessalonica.  5 in 5

νίκη níkē, nee’-kay; apparently a primary word; conquest (abstractly), i.e. (figuratively) the means of success:—victory. 1 in 1

Jason Seized

5But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took to them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people. 6And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brothers to the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come here also; 7Whom Jason has received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus. 8And they troubled the people and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things. 9And when they had taken security of Jason, and of the other, they let them go.

Upside Down  ἀναστατόω anastatóō, an-as-tat-o’-o; from a derivative of G450 (in the sense of removal); properly, to drive out of home, i.e. (by implication) to disturb (literally or figuratively):—trouble, turn upside down, make an uproar.  4 in 3

Berea = “well watered”  a city in Macedonia, near Pella, at the foot of Mount Bermius;  Βέροια Béroia, ber’-oy-ah; perhaps a provincial from a derivative of G4008(Perœa, i.e. the region beyond the coast-line); Berœa, a place in Macedonia:—Berea.  2 in 2

Paul and Silas at Berea

10And the brothers immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night to Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.11These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. 12Therefore many of them believed; also of honorable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few. 13But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people. 14And then immediately the brothers sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus stayed there still. 15And they that conducted Paul brought him to Athens: and receiving a commandment to Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed, they departed.

Paul at Athens

16Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry. 17Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him. 18Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seems to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached to them Jesus, and the resurrection. 19And they took him, and brought him to Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof you speak, is? 20For you bring certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean. 21(For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.)

 Athens = “uncertainty”  A famous city in Greece, the capital of Attica, and the chief seat of learning and civilisation during the golden period of the history of Greece;  Ἀθῆναι Athēnai, ath-ay-nahee; plural of Ἀθήνη Athḗnē (the goddess of wisdom, who was reputed to have founded the city); Athenæ, the capitol of Greece:—Athens.  4 in 4

Idolatry  κατείδωλος kateídōlos, kat-i’-do-los; from G2596 (intensively) and G1497; utterly idolatrous:—wholly given to idolatry.  1 in 1

Epicurean = “a helper: defender”  belonging to the sect of Epicurius, the philosopher  Ἐπικούρειος Epikoúreios, ep-ee-koo’-ri-os; from Ἐπίκουρος Epíkouros (compare G1947) (a noted philosopher); an Epicurean or follower of Epicurus:—Epicurean.  1 in 1

Philosopher  φιλόσοφος philósophos, fil-os’-of-os; from G5384 and G4680; fond of wise things, i.e. a “philosopher”:—philosopher.  1 in 1

Stoics = “of the portico”  pertaining to the Stoic philosophy, the author of which, Zeno of Citium, taught at Athens;  Στωϊκός Stōïkós, sto-ik-os’; from G4745; a “Stoic” (as occupying a particular porch in Athens), i.e. adherent of a certin philosophy:—Stoick.  1 in 1

Paul Before the Areopagus

22Then Paul stood in the middle of Mars’ hill, and said, You men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are too superstitious. 23For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore you ignorantly worship, him declare I to you. 24God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwells not in temples made with hands; 25Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he gives to all life, and breath, and all things; 26And has made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; 27That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: 28For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. 29For as much then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like to gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device. 30And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commands all men every where to repent: 31Because he has appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he has ordained; whereof he has given assurance to all men, in that he has raised him from the dead.

Areopagus = “martial peak”  a rocky height in the city of Athens, opposite the western end of the Acropolis toward the west.  This hill belonged to (Ares) Mars and was called Mar’s Hill; so called, because, as the story went, Mars, having slain Halirrhothius, son of Neptune, for the attempted violation of his daughter Alicippe, was tried for the murder here before twelve gods as judges. This place was the location where the judges convened who, by appointment of Solon, had jurisdiction of capital offences, (as wilful murder, arson, poisoning, malicious wounding, and breach of established religious usages). The court itself was called Areopagus from the place where it sat, also “Areum judicium” an “curia”. To that hill the apostle Paul was not led to defend himself before judges, but that he might set forth his opinions on divine subjects to a greater multitude of people, flocking together there and eager to hear something new.  Ἄρειος Πάγος Áreios Págos, ar’-i-os pag’-os; from Ἄρης Árēs (the name of the Greek deity of war) and a derivative of G4078; rock of Ares, a place in Athens:—Areopagus, Mars’ Hill.  2 in 2

Unknown  Epimenides, a certain Cretan, came to Athens to stop a plague. He offered a sheep on altars which did not bear the name of any god, but were addressed to the “unknown god”. At least one of the altars survived till Paul’s day.   ἄγνωστος ágnōstos, ag’-noce-tos’; from G1 (as negative particle) and G1110; unknown:—unknown.  1 in 1

GodHead θεῖος theîos, thi’-os; from G2316; godlike (neuter as noun, divinity):—divine, godhead.  3 in 3

Gold  χρυσός chrysós, khroo-sos’; perhaps from the base of G5530 (through the idea of the utility of the metal); gold; by extension, a golden article, as an ornament or coin:—gold.  13 in 12

Silver  ἄργυρος árgyros, ar’-goo-ros; from ἀργός argós (shining); silver (the metal, in the articles or coin):—silver.  5 in 5

Stone  λίθος líthos, lee’-thos; apparently a primary word; a stone (literally or figuratively):—(mill-, stumbling-)stone.  60 in 55

Graven  χάραγμα cháragma, khar’-ag-mah; from the same as G5482; a scratch or etching, i.e. stamp (as a badge of servitude), or scupltured figure (statue):—graven, mark.  9 in 9

Art  τέχνη téchnē, tekh’-nay; from the base of G5088; art (as productive), i.e. (specially), a trade, or (generally) skill:—art, craft, occupation.  3 in 3

Winked At  ὑπερείδω hypereídō, hoop-er-i’-do; from G5228 and G1492; to overlook, i.e. not punish:—wink at.   1 in 1

32And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear you again of this matter. 33So Paul departed from among them. 34However, certain men joined to him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.

Mocked  χλευάζω chleuázō, khlyoo-ad’-zo; from a derivative probably of G5491; to throw out the lip, i.e. jeer at:—mock.  2 in 2

Dionysius = “devoted to Bacchus”  an Athenian, a member of the Areopagus, converted to Christianity by Paul; Διονύσιος Dionýsios, dee-on-oo’-see-os; from Διόνυσος Diónysos (Bacchus); reveller; Dionysius, an Athenian:—Dionysius.  1 in 1

Damaris = “a heifer” an Athenian woman converted to Christianity by Paul’s preaching;  Δάμαρις Dámaris, dam’-ar-is; probably from the base of G1150; perhaps gentle; Damaris, an Athenian woman:—Damaris.  1 in 1

ACTS 18 : Paul’s Ministry in Corinth

1After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth; 2And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came to them.3And because he was of the same craft, he stayed with them, and worked: for by their occupation they were tentmakers. 4And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.

Corinth = “satiated” an ancient and famous city of Greece, on the Isthmus of Corinth, and about 40 miles (65 km) west of Athens;  Κόρινθος Kórinthos, kor’-in-thos; of uncertain derivation; Corinthus, a city of Greece:—Corinth.  6 in 6

Aquila = “an eagle” a Jew of Pontus, a tent maker convert to Christ, companion and ally of Paul in propagating Christianity;  Ἀκύλας Akýlas, ak-oo’-las; probably for Latin aquila (an eagle); Akulas, an Israelite:—Aquila.  6 in 6

 Pontus  Ποντικός Pontikós, pon-tik-os’; from G4195; a Pontican, i.e. native of Pontus:—born in Pontus.  1 in 1

Priscilla = “ancient” a Christian woman, the wife of Aquila;  Πρίσκιλλα Prískilla, pris’-cil-lah; diminutive of G4251; Priscilla (i.e. little Prisca), a Christian woman:—Priscilla.  5 in 5

Claudius = “lame”   C. Caesar the name of the fourth Roman emperor, who came to power in 41 A.D. and was poisoned by his wife Agrippina, in 54 A.D.  C. Lysias a tribune of the Roman cohort who rescued Paul from the hands of the mob at Jerusalem;  Κλαύδιος Klaúdios, klow’-dee-os; of Latin origin; Claudius, the name of two Romans:—Claudius.  3 in 3

Tentmaker  σκηνοποιός skēnopoiós, skay-nop-oy-os’; from G4633 and G4160; a manufacturer of tents:—tent-maker.  1 in 1  one that makes small portable tents, of leather or cloth of goat’s hair or linen, for the use of travellers

5And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ. 6And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said to them, Your blood be on your own heads; I am clean; from now on I will go to the Gentiles. 7And he departed there, and entered into a certain man’s house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue. 8And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized. 9Then spoke the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not your peace: 10For I am with you, and no man shall set on you to hurt you: for I have much people in this city. 11And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

Justus = “just” a surname of Joseph, called Barsabas. Acts 1:23;  of Titus, a Christian at Corinth, with whom Paul lodged. Acts 18:7;  a surname of Jesus, a friend of Paul. Col. 4:11;  Ἰοῦστος Ioûstos, ee-ooce’-tos; of Latin origin (“just”); Justus, the name of three Christian:—Justus.  3 in 3

Crispus = “curled” the ruler of the Jewish synagogue in Corinth, baptised by Paul;  Κρίσπος Kríspos, kris’-pos; of Latin origin; “crisp”; Crispus, a Corinthian:—Crispus.  2 in 2

Corinthian  Κορίνθιος Korínthios, kor-in’-thee-os; from G2882; a Corinthian, i.e. inhabitant of Corinth:—Corinthian.  2 in 2

Paul Before Gallio

12And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat, 13Saying, This fellow persuades men to worship God contrary to the law. 14And when Paul was now about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O you Jews, reason would that I should bear with you:15But if it be a question of words and names, and of your law, look you to it; for I will be no judge of such matters. 16And he drove them from the judgment seat. 17Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. And Gallio cared for none of those things.

Achaia = “trouble”; in a restricted sense, the maritime region of northern Peloponnesus;  in a broader sense, a Roman province embracing all Greece except Thessaly  11 in 11

Sosthenes = “saviour of his nation”  a Jew at Corinth who was seized and beaten in the presence of Gallio;  a certain Christian associate of Paul;  Σωσθένης Sōsthénēs, soce-then’-ace; from the base of G4982 and that of G4599; of safe strength; Sosthenes, a Christian:—Sosthenes.  2 in 2

Judgement Seat  βῆμα bēma, bay’-ma; from the base of G939; a step, i.e. foot-breath; by implication, a rostrum, i.e. a tribunal:—judgment-seat, set (foot) on, throne.  13 in 12

Gallio = “One who lives on milk”  Junius Annaeus Gallio, the Roman proconsul of Achaia when Paul was at Corinth, 53 A.D., under the emperor Claudius. Acts 18:12. He was brother to Jucius Annaeus Seneca, the philosopher. Jerome in the Chronicle of Eusebius says that he committed suicide in 65 A.D. Winer thinks he was put to death by Nero.  Γαλλίων Gallíōn, gal-lee’-own; of Latin origin; Gallion (i.e. Gallio), a Roman officer:—Gallio.  3 in 3

Paul Returns to Antioch

18And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brothers, and sailed there into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow. 19And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews. 20When they desired him to tarry longer time with them, he consented not; 21But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that comes in Jerusalem: but I will return again to you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus.

Cenchrea = “millet”  the eastern harbour of Corinth (i.e. its harbour on the Saronic Gulf) and the emporium of its trade with the Asiatic shores of the Mediterranean, as Lechaeum on the Corinthian Gulf connected it with Italy and the west;  Κεγχρεαί Kenchreaí, keng-khreh-a’-hee; probably from kegchros (millet); Cenchreæ, a port of Corinth:—Cencrea.  2 in 2

Ephesus = “permitted”  a maritime city of Asia Minor, capital of Ionia and under the Romans, of proconsular Asia, situated on the Icarian Sea between Smyrna and Miletus;  Ἔφεσος Éphesos, ef’-es-os; probably of foreign origin; Ephesus, a city of Asia Minor:—Ephesus.  15 in 15

22And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up, and saluted the church, he went down to Antioch.

Paul’s Third Missionary Journey

(Acts 13:1-3; Acts 15:36-41)

23And after he had spent some time there, he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.  24And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. 25This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spoke and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. 26And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him to them, and expounded to him the way of God more perfectly. 27And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brothers wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace: 28For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publicly, showing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.

Apollos = ” given by Apollo”   a learned Jew from Alexandria and mighty in the scriptures who became a Christian and a teacher of Christianity;  Ἀπολλῶς Apollōs, ap-ol-loce’; probably from the same as G624; Apollos, an Israelite:—Apollos.  10 in 10

ACTS 19 : The Holy Spirit Received at Ephesus

(Joel 2:28-32; John 14:15-26; John 16:5-16; Acts 2:1-13; Acts 10:44-48)

1And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, 2He said to them, Have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed? And they said to him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. 3And he said to them, To what then were you baptized? And they said, To John’s baptism. 4Then said Paul, John truly baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying to the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. 5When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spoke with tongues, and prophesied. 7And all the men were about twelve.

Paul Ministers in Ephesus

(Revelation 2:1-7)

8And he went into the synagogue, and spoke boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God. 9But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spoke evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus. 10And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelled in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.

11And God worked special miracles by the hands of Paul: 12So that from his body were brought to the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.

The Sons of Sceva

13Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took on them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the LORD Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preaches. 14And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. 15And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you? 16And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. 17And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. 18And many that believed came, and confessed, and showed their deeds. 19Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it 50,000 pieces of silver. 20So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.

Sceva = “mind reader”  a certain chief priest residing at Ephesus;  Σκευᾶς Skeuâs, skyoo-as’; apparently of Latin origin; left-handed; Scevas (i.e. Scævus), an Israelite:—Sceva.  1 in 1

The Riot in Ephesus

21After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome. 22So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered to him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season.

Erastus = “beloved” a companion of the apostle Paul; the chamberlain or rather the public treasurer, of Corinth;  Ἔραστος Érastos, er’-as-tos; from ἐράω eráō (to love); beloved; Erastus, a Christian:—Erastus.  3 in 3

Demetrius = “belonging to Ceres”  a heathen silversmith at Ephesus;  Δημήτριος Dēmḗtrios, day-may’-tree-os; from Δημήτηρ Dēmḗtēr (Ceres); Demetrius, the name of an Ephesian and of a Christian:—Demetrius.  3 in 3

Shrines  ναός naós, nah-os’; from a primary ναίω naíō (to dwell); a fane, shrine, temple:—shrine, temple. Compare G2411.  46 in 40  

used of the temple at Jerusalem, but only of the sacred edifice (or sanctuary) itself, consisting of the Holy place and the Holy of Holies (in classical Greek it is used of the sanctuary or cell of the temple, where the image of the god was placed which is distinguished from the whole enclosure);  any heathen temple or shrine;  metaph. the spiritual temple consisting of the saints of all ages joined together by and in Christ

Diana = “complete light: flow restrained”;  Artemis, that is to say the so called Tauric or Persian or Ephesian Artemis, the goddess of many Asiatic people, to be distinguished from the Artemis of the Greeks, the sister of Apollo. A very splendid temple was built to her at Ephesus, which was set on fire by Herostratus and reduced to ashes; but afterwards in the times of Alexander the Great, it was rebuilt in a style of greater magnificence.  Ἄρτεμις Ártemis, ar’-tem-is; probably from the same as G736; prompt; Artemis, the name of a Grecian goddess borrowed by the Asiatics for one of their deities:—Diana.  5 in 5

23And the same time there arose no small stir about that way. 24For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain to the craftsmen; 25Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, you know that by this craft we have our wealth. 26Moreover you see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands: 27So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nothing; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worships.

28And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. 29And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul’s companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre. 30And when Paul would have entered in to the people, the disciples suffered him not. 31And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent to him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre.32Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused: and the more part knew not why they were come together. 33And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defense to the people. 34But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. 35And when the town cleark had appeased the people, he said, You men of Ephesus, what man is there that knows not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter? 36Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, you ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly. 37For you have brought here these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess.38Why if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them accuse one another. 39But if you inquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly. 40For we are in danger to be called in question for this day’s uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse. 41And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly. 

Confusion  σύγχυσις sýnchysis, soong’-khoo-sis; from G4797; commixture, i.e. (figuratively) riotous disturbance:—confusion  1 in 1  

Gaius = “lord”  a Macedonian who accompanied Paul in his travels; a man from Derbe who went with Paul from Corinth in his last journey to Jerusalem; a man of Corinth who was his host in his second sojourn in that city;  an unknown Christian to whom John’s third epistle is addressed;  5 in 5  Γάϊος Gáïos, gah’-ee-os; of Latin origin; Gaius (i.e. Caius), a Christian:—Gaius.

Aristarchus = “the best ruler”  a certain Christian of Thessalonica, and accompanied Paul on his third missionary journey;  Ἀρίσταρχος Arístarchos, ar-is’-tar-khos; from the same as G712 and G757; best ruling; Aristarchus, a Macedonian:—Aristarchus.  5 in 5

Theatre  θέατρον théatron, theh’-at-ron; from G2300; a place for public show (“theatre”), i.e. general audience-room; by implication, a show itself (figuratively):—spectacle, theatre.  3 in 3  a theatre, a place in which games and dramatic spectacles are exhibited, and public assemblies held (for the Greeks used the theatre also as a forum)

Alexander = “man defender”  son of Simon of Cyrene who carried Jesus’s cross, Mk 15:21; a certain man of the kindred of the high priest, Acts 4:6; a certain Jew, Acts 19:33;  a certain coppersmith who opposed the Apostle Paul, 1 Ti. 1:20;  Ἀλέξανδρος Aléxandros, al-ex’-an-dros; from the same as (the first part of) G220 and G435; man-defender; Alexander, the name of three Israelites and one other man:—Alexander.  6 in 5

Fallen from Jupiter  διοπετής diopetḗs, dee-op-et’-ace; from the alternate of G2203 and the alternate of G4098; sky-fallen (i.e. an aerolite):—which fell down from Jupiter.  fallen from Zeus, i.e. from heaven  1 in 1

ACTS 20 : Paul in Macedonia and Greece

1And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called to him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia. 2And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece, 3And there stayed three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia. 4And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus. 5These going before tarried for us at Troas. 6And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came to them to Troas in five days; where we stayed seven days.

Sopater = “saviour of his father”  the son of Pyrhus of Berea, a companion of Paul;  Σώπατρος Sṓpatros, so’-pat-ros; from the base of G4982 and G3962; of a safe father; Sopatrus, a Christian:—Sopater. Compare G4989.  1 in 1

Secundus = “fortunate” Σεκοῦνδος Sekoûndos, sek-oon’-dos; of Latin origin; “second”; Secundus, a Christian:—Secundus. 1 in 1

Tychicus = “fateful”  an Asiatic Christian, friend and companion of the apostle Paul;  Τυχικός Tychikós, too-khee-kos’; from a derivative of G5177; fortuitous, i.e. fortunate; Tychicus, a Christian:—Tychicus.  5 in 5

Trophimus = “nutritious”  an Ephesian Christian, and friend of the apostle Paul;  Τρόφιμος Tróphimos, trof’-ee-mos; from G5160; nutritive; Trophimus, a Christian:—Trophimus.  3 in 3

Eutychus Raised from the Dead

(John 11:38-44)

7And on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached to them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. 8And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together. 9And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead. 10And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him. 11When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed. 12And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.

Eutychus = “fortunate” a youth restored to life by Paul   Εὔτυχος Eútychos, yoo’-too-khos; from G2095 and a derivative of G5177; well- fated, i.e. fortunate; Eutychus, a young man:—Eutychus.  1 in 1

From Troas to Miletus

13And we went before to ship, and sailed to Assos, there intending to take in Paul: for so had he appointed, minding himself to go afoot. 14And when he met with us at Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene. 15And we sailed there, and came the next day over against Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next day we came to Miletus. 16For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hurried, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.

Mitylene = “mutilated”  the chief maritime town of the island of Lesbos in the Aegean;  Μιτυλήνη Mitylḗnē, mit-oo-lay’-nay; for μυτιλήνη mytilḗnē (abounding in shellfish); Mitylene (or Mytilene), a town on the island of Lesbos:—Mitylene.  1 in 1

 Chios = “snowy”   is an island in the Aegean, between Samos and Lesbos, not far from the shore of Lydia;  1 in 1

Samos = “a sandy bluff” an island off that part of Asia Minor where Ionia touches Caria; Σάμος Sámos, sam’-os; of uncertain affinity; Samus, an island of the Mediterranean:—Samos. 1 in 1

Trogyllium = “a cache”  the name of a town and a promontory of Ionia, not far from the island of Samos, at the foot of Mt. Mycale between Ephesus and the mouth of the river Maeander;  Τρωγύλλιον Trōgýllion, tro-gool’-lee-on; of uncertain derivation; Trogyllium, a place in Asia Minor:—Trogyllium.  1 in 1

Miletus = “pure white fine wool”   a maritime city, now nearly 10 miles (16 km), from the coast of Caria or Ionia, near the mouth of the Maeander and 35 miles (55 km) from Ephesus. It was the mother of about eighty colonies, the the birth place of Thales, Anaximander, and other famous men.  Μίλητος Mílētos, mil’-ay-tos; of uncertain origin; Miletus, a city of Asia Minor:—Miletus.  3 in 3

Paul’s Farewell to the Ephesian Elders

17And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. 18And when they were come to him, he said to them, You know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, 19Serving the LORD with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: 20And how I kept back nothing that was profitable to you, but have showed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house, 21Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. 22And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: 23Save that the Holy Ghost witnesses in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. 24But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear to myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

25And now, behold, I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. 26Why I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. 27For I have not shunned to declare to you all the counsel of God. 28Take heed therefore to yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost has made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he has purchased with his own blood. 29For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. 31Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.32And now, brothers, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. 33I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel. 34Yes, you yourselves know, that these hands have ministered to my necessities, and to them that were with me. 35I have showed you all things, how that so laboring you ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

36And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all. 37And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul’s neck, and kissed him, 38Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spoke, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship.

ACTS 21 : Paul’s Journey to Jerusalem

1And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them, and had launched, we came with a straight course to Coos, and the day following to Rhodes, and from there to Patara: 2And finding a ship sailing over to Phenicia, we went aboard, and set forth. 3Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden. 4And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem. 5And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed. 6And when we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship; and they returned home again. 7And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brothers, and stayed with them one day.

Philip the Evangelist

8And the next day we that were of Paul’s company departed, and came to Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and stayed with him. 9And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.10And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus. 11And when he was come to us, he took Paul’s girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus said the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that ownes this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles. 12And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, sought him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13Then Paul answered, What mean you to weep and to break my heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. 14And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.

15And after those days we took up our carriages, and went up to Jerusalem. 16There went with us also certain of the disciples of Caesarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge.

Paul’s Arrival at Jerusalem

17And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly. 18And the day following Paul went in with us to James; and all the elders were present. 19And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had worked among the Gentiles by his ministry. 20And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said to him, You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law: 21And they are informed of you, that you teach all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.22What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that you are come. 23Do therefore this that we say to you: We have four men which have a vow on them; 24Them take, and purify yourself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning you, are nothing; but that you yourself also walk orderly, and keep the law. 25As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication. 26Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them.

Paul Seized in the Temple

27And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him, 28Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teaches all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and has polluted this holy place. 29(For they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.) 30And all the city was moved, and the people ran together: and they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and immediately the doors were shut. 31And as they went about to kill him, tidings came to the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar. 32Who immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down to them: and when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they left beating of Paul. 33Then the chief captain came near, and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and demanded who he was, and what he had done. 34And some cried one thing, some another, among the multitude: and when he could not know the certainty for the tumult, he commanded him to be carried into the castle. 35And when he came on the stairs, so it was, that he was borne of the soldiers for the violence of the people. 36For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away with him.

Paul Speaks to the People

37And as Paul was to be led into the castle, he said to the chief captain, May I speak to you? Who said, Can you speak Greek? 38Are not you that Egyptian, which before these days made an uproar, and led out into the wilderness four thousand men that were murderers? 39But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech you, suffer me to speak to the people. 40And when he had given him license, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand to the people. And when there was made a great silence, he spoke to them in the Hebrew tongue, saying,

ACTS 22 : Paul’s Defense to the Crowd

(Acts 9:1-9; Acts 26:1-23)

1Men, brothers, and fathers, hear you my defense which I make now to you.  2(And when they heard that he spoke in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more silence: and he said,)

3I am truly a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as you all are this day. 4And I persecuted this way to the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women. 5As also the high priest does bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters to the brothers, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound to Jerusalem, for to be punished.

6And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come near to Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me. 7And I fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to me, Saul, Saul, why persecute you me? 8And I answered, Who are you, Lord? And he said to me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you persecute. 9And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spoke to me. 10And I said, What shall I do, LORD? And the Lord said to me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told you of all things which are appointed for you to do. 11And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus.

12And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelled there, 13Came to me, and stood, and said to me, Brother Saul, receive your sight. And the same hour I looked up on him. 14And he said, The God of our fathers has chosen you, that you should know his will, and see that Just One, and should hear the voice of his mouth. 15For you shall be his witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. 16And now why tarry you? arise, and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

17And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance; 18And saw him saying to me, Make haste, and get you quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive your testimony concerning me. 19And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on you: 20And when the blood of your martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting to his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him. 21And he said to me, Depart: for I will send you far hence to the Gentiles.

Paul the Roman Citizen

22And they gave him audience to this word, and then lifted up their voices, and said, Away with such a fellow from the earth: for it is not fit that he should live. 23And as they cried out, and cast off their clothes, and threw dust into the air, 24The chief captain commanded him to be brought into the castle, and bade that he should be examined by scourging; that he might know why they cried so against him. 25And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said to the centurion that stood by, Is it lawful for you to whip a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned? 26When the centurion heard that, he went and told the chief captain, saying, Take heed what you do: for this man is a Roman. 27Then the chief captain came, and said to him, Tell me, are you a Roman? He said, Yes. 28And the chief captain answered, With a great sum obtained I this freedom. And Paul said, But I was free born. 29Then straightway they departed from him which should have examined him: and the chief captain also was afraid, after he knew that he was a Roman, and because he had bound him.  30On the morrow, because he would have known the certainty why he was accused of the Jews, he loosed him from his bands, and commanded the chief priests and all their council to appear, and brought Paul down, and set him before them.

ACTS 23 : Paul Before the Sanhedrin

1And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brothers, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.2And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth. 3Then said Paul to him, God shall smite you, you white washed wall: for sit you to judge me after the law, and command me to be smitten contrary to the law? 4And they that stood by said, Revile you God’s high priest? 5Then said Paul, I knew not, brothers, that he was the high priest: for it is written, You shall not speak evil of the ruler of your people.

6But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question. 7And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided. 8For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both. 9And there arose a great cry: and the scribes that were of the Pharisees’ part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him, let us not fight against God. 10And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle.

11And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as you have testified of me in Jerusalem, so must you bear witness also at Rome.

The Plot to Kill Paul

(John 16:1-4)

12And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. 13And they were more than forty which had made this conspiracy. 14And they came to the chief priests and elders, and said, We have bound ourselves under a great curse, that we will eat nothing until we have slain Paul. 15Now therefore you with the council signify to the chief captain that he bring him down to you to morrow, as though you would inquire something more perfectly concerning him: and we, or ever he come near, are ready to kill him.

16And when Paul’s sister’s son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul. 17Then Paul called one of the centurions to him, and said, Bring this young man to the chief captain: for he has a certain thing to tell him. 18So he took him, and brought him to the chief captain, and said, Paul the prisoner called me to him, and prayed me to bring this young man to you, who has something to say to you. 19Then the chief captain took him by the hand, and went with him aside privately, and asked him, What is that you have to tell me? 20And he said, The Jews have agreed to desire you that you would bring down Paul to morrow into the council, as though they would inquire somewhat of him more perfectly. 21But do not you yield to them: for there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men, which have bound themselves with an oath, that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him: and now are they ready, looking for a promise from you. 22So the chief captain then let the young man depart, and charged him, See you tell no man that you have showed these things to me.

Paul Sent to Felix at Caesarea

23And he called to him two centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, and horsemen three score and ten, and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night; 24And provide them beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring him safe to Felix the governor. 25And he wrote a letter after this manner:

26Claudius Lysias to the most excellent governor Felix sends greeting.

27This man was taken of the Jews, and should have been killed of them: then came I with an army, and rescued him, having understood that he was a Roman. 28And when I would have known the cause why they accused him, I brought him forth into their council: 29Whom I perceived to be accused of questions of their law, but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds.

30And when it was told me how that the Jews laid wait for the man, I sent straightway to you, and gave commandment to his accusers also to say before you what they had against him. Farewell. 31Then the soldiers, as it was commanded them, took Paul, and brought him by night to Antipatris. 32On the morrow they left the horsemen to go with him, and returned to the castle: 33Who, when they came to Caesarea and delivered the letter to the governor, presented Paul also before him. 34And when the governor had read the letter, he asked of what province he was. And when he understood that he was of Cilicia; 35I will hear you, said he, when your accusers are also come. And he commanded him to be kept in Herod’s judgment hall.

ACTS 24 : Tertullus Accuses Paul Before Felix

1And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul. 2And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that by you we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done to this nation by your providence, 3We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness. 4Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious to you, I pray you that you would hear us of your clemency a few words. 5For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes: 6Who also has gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law. 7But the chief captain Lysias came on us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands,8Commanding his accusers to come to you: by examining of whom yourself may take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him. 9And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so.

Tertullus = “triple-hardened”  a Roman orator  Τέρτυλλος Tértyllos, ter’-tool-los; of uncertain derivation; Tertullus, a Roman:—Tertullus.   2 in 1

Paul Defends His Testimony

10Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned to him to speak, answered, For as much as I know that you have been of many years a judge to this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself: 11Because that you may understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship. 12And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city: 13Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.14But this I confess to you, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets: 15And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. 16And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void to offense toward God, and toward men. 17Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings. 18Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult. 19Who ought to have been here before you, and object, if they had ought against me. 20Or else let these same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council, 21Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day.

Felix Holds Paul in Custody

22And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter. 23And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come to him.

24And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. 25And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go your way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for you. 26He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: why he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him. 27But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix’ room: and Felix, willing to show the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.

 Drusilla = “watered by the dew”  the daughter of Agrippa the elder, wife of Felix, the governor of Judaea, a most licentious woman;  Δρούσιλλα Droúsilla, droo’-sil-lah; a feminine diminutive of Drusus (a Roman name); Drusilla, a member of the Herodian family:—Drusilla.  1 in 1 

Felix = “happy”  a Roman procurator of Judea appointed by the emperor Claudius in A.D. 53. He ruled the province in a mean, cruel, and profligate manner. His period of office was full of troubles and seditions. Paul was brought before Felix at Caesarea. He was remanded in prison, and kept there two years in hopes of extorting money from him. Acts 24:26,27. At the end of that time Porcius Festus was appointed to supersede Felix, who, on his return to Rome, was accused by the Jews in Caesarea, and would have suffered the penalty due to his atrocities had not his brother Pallas prevailed with the emperor Nero to spare him. The wife of Felix was Drusilla, daughter of Herod Agrippa I., who was his third wife and whom he persuaded to leave her husband and marry him  Φῆλιξ Phēlix, fay’-lix; of Latin origin; happy; Phelix (i.e. Felix), a Roman:—Felix.  9 in 8

Porcius [Festus] = “swinish”  the successor of Felix as procurator of Judea;  Πόρκιος Pórkios, por’-kee-os; of Latin origin; apparently swinish; Porcius, a Roman:—Porcius.  1 in 1

[Porcius] Festus = “festival”  the successor of Felix as procurator of Judea;  Φῆστος Phēstos, face’-tos; of Latin derivation; festal; Phestus (i.e. Festus), a Roman:—Festus.  13 in 13

ACTS 25 : Paul’s Trial Before Festus

1Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem. 2Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, and sought him, 3And desired favor against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem, laying wait in the way to kill him. 4But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself would depart shortly thither. 5Let them therefore, said he, which among you are able, go down with me, and accuse this man, if there be any wickedness in him.

6And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down to Caesarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be brought. 7And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could not prove. 8While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Caesar, have I offended any thing at all. 9But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Will you go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?

Paul Appeals to Caesar

10Then said Paul, I stand at Caesar’s judgment seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as you very well know. 11For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me to them. I appeal to Caesar. 12Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, Have you appealed to Caesar? to Caesar shall you go.

Festus Consults King Agrippa

13And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came to Caesarea to salute Festus. 14And when they had been there many days, Festus declared Paul’s cause to the king, saying, There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix: 15About whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, desiring to have judgment against him. 16To whom I answered, It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die, before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face, and have license to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him. 17Therefore, when they were come here, without any delay on the morrow I sat on the judgment seat, and commanded the man to be brought forth. 18Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed: 19But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive. 20And because I doubted of such manner of questions, I asked him whether he would go to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these matters. 21But when Paul had appealed to be reserved to the hearing of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Caesar. 22Then Agrippa said to Festus, I would also hear the man myself. To morrow, said he, you shall hear him.

Agrippa = “Hero like” Name of a ruling family in Israel at the time of Christ;  Ἀγρίππας Agríppas, ag-rip’-pas; apparently from G66 and G2462; wild-horse tamer; Agrippas, one of the Herods:—Agrippa.  12 in 12

Pomp  φαντασία phantasía, fan-tas-ee’-ah; from a derivative of G5324; (properly abstract) a (vain) show (“fantasy”):—pomp.  1 in 1

Paul Before Agrippa and Bernice

23And on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with great pomp, and was entered into the place of hearing, with the chief captains, and principal men of the city, at Festus’ commandment Paul was brought forth. 24And Festus said, King Agrippa, and all men which are here present with us, you see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews have dealt with me, both at Jerusalem, and also here, crying that he ought not to live any longer. 25But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and that he himself has appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him. 26Of whom I have no certain thing to write to my lord. Why I have brought him forth before you, and specially before you, O king Agrippa, that, after examination had, I might have somewhat to write. 27For it seems to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not with to signify the crimes laid against him.

Bernice = “bring victory”   Βερνίκη Berníkē, ber-nee’-kay; from a provincial form of G5342 and G3529; victorious; Bernice, a member of the Herodian family:—Bernice.  She married her Uncle King Herod, then her Brother Agrippa  3 in 3  She was first married to her uncle Herod, king of Chalcis, and after his death (A.D. 48) she lived under circumstances of great suspicion with her own brother, Agrippa II, in connection with whom she is mentioned as having visited Festus on his appointment as procurator of Judea.

φέρω phérō, fer’-o; a primary verb (for which other, and apparently not cognate ones are used in certain tenses only; namely, οἴω oíō oy’-o; and ἐνέγκω enénkō en-eng’-ko; to “bear” or carry (in a very wide application, literally and figuratively, as follows):—be, bear, bring (forth), carry, come, + let her drive, be driven, endure, go on, lay, lead, move, reach, rushing, uphold.  66 in 58

νίκη níkē, nee’-kay; apparently a primary word; conquest (abstractly), i.e. (figuratively) the means of success:—victory.  1 in 1

ACTS 26 : Paul’s Testimony to Agrippa

(Acts 9:1-9; Acts 22:1-21)

1Then Agrippa said to Paul, You are permitted to speak for yourself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself:

2I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before you touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews: 3Especially because I know you to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: why I beseech you to hear me patiently.

4My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among my own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews; 5Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most strait sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. 6And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God, to our fathers: 7To which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope’s sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews. 8Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?

9I truly thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. 11And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even to strange cities.

12Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, 13At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me. 14And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking to me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecute you me? it is hard for you to kick against the pricks. 15And I said, Who are you, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom you persecute. 16But rise, and stand on your feet: for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of these things which you have seen, and of those things in the which I will appear to you; 17Delivering you from the people, and from the Gentiles, to whom now I send you, 18To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

19Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision: 20But showed first to them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. 21For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me. 22Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue to this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: 23That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should show light to the people, and to the Gentiles.

Festus Interrupts Paul’s Defense

24And as he thus spoke for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, you are beside yourself; much learning does make you mad.25But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness. 26For the king knows of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner. 27King Agrippa, believe you the prophets? I know that you believe. 28Then Agrippa said to Paul, Almost you persuade me to be a Christian. 29And Paul said, I would to God, that not only you, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.

30And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the governor, and Bernice, and they that sat with them: 31And when they were gone aside, they talked between themselves, saying, This man does nothing worthy of death or of bonds. 32Then said Agrippa to Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed to Caesar.

ACTS 27 : Paul Sails for Rome

1And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners to one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus’ band. 

Sail  ἀποπλέω apopléō, ap-op-leh’-o; from G575 and G4126; to set sail:—sail away.  4 in 4

To Sail  πλέω pléō, pleh’-o; probably a form of G4150 (through the idea of plunging through the water); to pass in a vessel:—sail. See also G4130.   5 in 5

Italy = “calf like”  the whole peninsula between the Alps and the Straits of Messina  4 in 4

Paul or Paulus = “small or little”  Παῦλος Paûlos, pow’-los; of Latin origin; (little; but remotely from a derivative of G3973, meaning the same); Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle:—Paul, Paulus.  163 (38P, 117Duod) times in 159(3*53, 216)

Julius = “soft-haired” the centurion of “Augustus Band”, to whose charge Paul was delivered when he was sent prisoner from Caesarea to Rome  Ἰούλιος Ioúlios, ee-oo’-lee-os; of Latin origin; Julius, a centurion:—Julius.  2 in 2

Aristarchus = “the best ruler”  a certain Christian of Thessalonica, and accompanied Paul on his third missionary journey  Ἀρίσταρχος Arístarchos, ar-is’-tar-khos; from the same as G712 and G757; best ruling; Aristarchus, a Macedonian:—Aristarchus.  5 in 5

Centurion  ἑκατοντάρχης hekatontárchēs, hek-at-on-tar’-khace; from G1540 and G757; the captain of one hundred men:—centurion.  21 in 21

Augustus  σεβαστός sebastós, seb-as-tos’; from G4573; venerable (august), i.e. (as noun) a title of the Roman Emperor, or (as adjective) imperial:—Augustus(-‘).  3 in 3

Band  σπεῖρα speîra, spi’-rah; of immediate Latin origin, but ultimately a derivative of G138 in the sense of its cognate G1507; a coil (spira, “spire”), i.e. (figuratively) a mass of men (a Roman military cohort; also (by analogy) a squad of Levitical janitors):  7 in 7

2And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.  3And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go to his friends to refresh himself.

 

Adramyttium = “I shall abide in death”  Adramyttium, a seaport of Mysia  Ἀδραμυττηνός Adramyttēnós, ad-ram-oot-tay-nos’; from Ἀδραμύττειον Adramýtteion (a place in Asia Minor); Adramyttene or belonging to Adramyttium:—of Adramyttium.  1 in 1

Launched   anágō, an-ag’-o; from G303 and G71; to lead up; by extension to bring out; specially, to sail away:—bring (again, forth, up again), depart, launch (forth), lead (up), loose, offer, sail, set forth, take up.  27 in 24

Meaning  έλλω méllō, mel’-lo; a strengthened form of G3199 (through the idea of expectation); to intend, i.e. be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probability, possibility, or hesitation):  110 in 107 

Prisoner  δεσμώτης desmṓtēs, des-mo’-tace; from the same as G1201; (passively) a captive:—prisoner.  2 in 2

Macedon  Μακεδών Makedṓn, mak-ed’-ohn; of uncertain derivation; a Macedon (Macedonian), i.e. inhabitant of Macedonia:—of Macedonia, Macedonian.

Thessalonica  Θεσσαλονικεύς Thessalonikeús, thes-sal-on-ik-yoos’; from G2332; a Thessalonican, i.e. inhabitant of Thessalonice:—Thessalonian.  4 in 4

Ship  πλοῖον ploîon, ploy’-on; from G4126; a sailer, i.e. vessel:—ship(-ing).  67 in 64

Next  ἕτερος héteros, het’-er-os; of uncertain affinity; (an-, the) other or different:—altered, else, next (day), one, (an-)other, some, strange.  99 in 94

Gave Him Liberty  ἐπιτρέπω epitrépō, ep-ee-trep’-o; from G1909 and the base of G5157; to turn over (transfer), i.e. allow:—give leave (liberty, license), let, permit, suffer.  22 in 18

Refresh  τυγχάνω tynchánō, toong-khan’-o; probably for an obsolete τύχω týchō (for which the middle voice of another alternate τεύχω teúchō (to make ready or bring to pass) is used in certain tenses;  15 in 13

4And when we had launched from there, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary. 5And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia.

 Sail Under  ὑποπλέω hypopléō, hoop-op-leh’-o; from G5259 and G4126; to sail under the lee of:—sail under.  2 in 2

Cyprus = “love: a blossom”  a very fertile and delightful island of the Mediterranean, lying between Cilicia and Syria  Κύπρος Kýpros, koo’-pros; of uncertain origin; Cyprus, an island in the Mediterranean:—Cyprus.  5 in 5

The Winds  ἄνεμος ánemos, an’-em-os; from the base of G109; wind; (plural) by implication, (the four) quarters (of the earth):—wind.  31 in 29 

Contrary  ἐναντίος enantíos, en-an-tee’-os; from G1725; opposite; figuratively, antagonistic:—(over) against, contrary.  8 in 8

Cilicia = “the land of Celix”  a maritime province in the southeast of Asia Minor, boarding on Pamphylia in the west, Lycaonia and Cappadocia in the north and Syria in the east. Its capital, Tarsus, was the birth place of Paul  Κιλικία Kilikía, kil-ik-ee’-ah; probably of foreign origin; Cilicia, a region of Asia Minor:—Cilicia.  8 in 8

Pamphylia = “of every tribe”  a province in Asia Minor, bounded on the east by Cilicia, on the west by Lycia and Phrygia Minor, on the north by Galatia and Cappadocia, and on the south by the Mediterranean Sea  Παμφυλία Pamphylía, pam-fool-ee’-ah; from a compound of G3956 and G4443; every-tribal, i.e. heterogeneous (G5561 being implied); Pamphylia, a region of Asia Minor:—Pamphylia.  5 in 5

Myra = “myrrh: myrtle juice”  an important town in Lycia, on the southwest coast of Asia Minor, on the river Andriacus, 2.5 miles (4 km) from the mouth  Μύρα Mýra, moo’-rah; of uncertain derivation; Myra, a place in Asia Minor:—Myra.  1 in 1

Lycia = “wolfish”  a mountainous region in Asia Minor, bounded by Pamphylia, Phrygia, Caria, and the Mediterranean Sea  1 in 1

6And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy; and he put us therein.

Alexandria  Ἀλεξανδρῖνος Alexandrînos, al-ex-an-dree’-nos; from the same as G221; Alexandrine, or belonging to Alexandria:—of Alexandria.  2 in 2

7And when we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under Crete, over against Salmone;

Cnidus or Gnidus = “nettled”  a peninsula [now Cape Crio] and a city by the same name, situated at the extreme south west of the peninsula of Asia Minor, on a promontory now called Cape Crio, which projects between the islands of Cos and Rhodes  Κνίδος Knídos, knee’-dos; probably of foreign origin; Cnidus, a place in Asia Minor:—Cnidus.  1 in 1

Crete = “fleshy”  the largest and most fertile island of the Mediterranean archipelago or Aegean Sea, now the modern Candia  Κρήτη Krḗtē, kray’-tay; of uncertain derivation; Crete, an island in the Mediterranean:—Crete.   5 in 5

Salmone = “clothed” a bold promontory on the east point of the island of Crete  Σαλμώνη Salmṓnē, sal-mo’-nay; perhaps of similar origin to G4529; Salmone, a place in Crete:—Salmone.  1 in 1

8And, hardly passing it, came to a place which is called The fair havens; near whereunto was the city of Lasea.  

Fair  καλός kalós, kal-os’; of uncertain affinity; properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e. valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished from G18, which is properly intrinsic):  beautiful, handsome, excellent, eminent, choice, surpassing, precious, useful, suitable, commendable, admirable  102 in 91

Fair Havens = “goodly ports”  a bay of Crete, near the city Lasaea, so called because it had a good harbour  Καλοὶ Λιμένες Kaloì Liménes, kal-oy’ lee-men’-es; plural of G2570 and G3040; Good Harbors, i.e. Fairhaven, a bay of Crete:—fair havens.  1 in 1

Lasea = “shaggy”  a city in Crete on the coast near Fair Havens  Λασαία Lasaía, las-ah’-yah; of uncertain origin; Lasæa, a place in Crete:—Lasea.  1 in 1

9Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them, 10And said to them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives. 11Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul. 12And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to depart there also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice, and there to winter; which is an haven of Crete, and lies toward the south west and north west.

 

 

Sailing  πλόος plóos, plo’-os; from G4126; a sail, i.e. navigation:—course, sailing, voyage.  3 in 3

Dangerous  ἐπισφαλής episphalḗs, ep-ee-sfal-ace’; from a compound of G1909 and σφάλλω sphállō (to trip); figuratively, insecure:—dangerous.  1 in 1

Fasting  νηστεία nēsteía, nace-ti’-ah; from G3522; abstinence (from lack of food, or voluntary and religious); specially, the fast of the Day of Atonement:—fast(-ing).  8 in 8

Damage  ζημία zēmía, dzay-mee’-ah; probably akin to the base of G1150 (through the idea of violence); detriment:—damage, loss.  4 in 4

Lading  φόρτος phórtos, for’-tos; from G5342; something carried, i.e. the cargo of a ship:—lading.  1 in 1

Ship  πλοῖον ploîon, ploy’-on; from G4126; a sailer, i.e. vessel:—ship(-ing).  67 in 64

Master  κυβερνήτης kybernḗtēs, koo-ber-nay’-tace; from the same as G2941; helmsman, i.e. (by implication) captain:—(ship) master.  2 in 2

Owner of the Ship  ναύκληρος naúklēros, now’-klay-ros; from G3491 and G2819 (“clerk”); a captain:—owner of a ship.   1 in 1 

Not Commodius  ἀνεύθετος aneúthetos, an-yoo’-the-tos; from G1 (as a negative particle) and G2111; not well set, i.e. inconvenient:—not commodious.  1 in 1

Winter  παραχειμάζω paracheimázō, par-akh-i-mad’-zo; from G3844 and G5492; to winter near, i.e. stay with over the rainy season:—winter.  G3914

Advised  βουλή boulḗ, boo-lay’; from G1014; volition, i.e. (objectively) advice, or (by implication) purpose:—+ advise, counsel, will.  12 in 12

Attain  καταντάω katantáō, kat-an-tah’-o; from G2596 and a derivative of G473; to meet against, i.e. arrive at (literally or figuratively):—attain, come.  13 in 13

South West  λίψ líps, leeps; probably from λείβω leíbō (to pour a “libation”); the south(- west) wind (as bringing rain, i.e. (by extension) the south quarter):—southwest.  1 in 1

Phenice = “palm tree”  the name of a haven in Crete on the south coast  Φοῖνιξ Phoînix, foy’-nix; probably the same as G5404; Phœnix, a place in Crete:—Phenice.  1 in 1

Northwest  χῶρος chōros, kho’-ros; of Latin origin; the north-west wind:—north west.  1 in 1

The Storm at Sea

(Jeremiah 6:10-21; Jeremiah 25:15-33; Jonah 1:4-10; Romans 1:18-32)

13And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing there, they sailed close by Crete.

Blew Softly  ὑποπνέω hypopnéō, hoop-op-neh’-o; from G5259 and G4154; to breathe gently, i.e. breeze:—blow softly.  1 in 1

Their Purpose  πρόθεσις próthesis, proth’-es-is; from G4388; a setting forth, i.e. (figuratively) proposal (intention); specially, the show-bread (in the Temple) as exposed before God:—purpose, shew(-bread).  12 in 12  

a setting forth of a thing, placing of it in view, the shewbread

twelve loaves of wheaten bread, corresponding to the number of the tribes of Israel, which loaves were offered to God every Sabbath, and separated into two rows, lay for seven days upon a table placed in the sanctuary or front portion of the tabernacle, and afterwards of the temple

Close By  ἆσσον âsson, as’-son; neuter comparative of the base of G1451; more nearly, i.e. very near:—close.  1 in 1

14But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon. 15And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive. 16And running under a certain island which is called Clauda, we had much work to come by the boat:

Tempestous  τυφωνικός typhōnikós, too-fo-nee-kos’; from a derivative of G5188; stormy (as if smoky):—tempestuous.  1 in 1   Whirlwind, Hurricane, Typhoon

Euraquilo = “a north east wind” or variant reading Euroclydon = “a violent agitation”  south east wind raising mighty waves;  a wind causing broad waves;  Εὐροκλύδων Euroklýdōn, yoo-rok-loo’-dohn; from Εὖρος Eûros (the east wind) and G2830; a storm from the East (or southeast), i.e. (in modern phrase) a Levanter:—Euroklydon.  1 in 1

Running Under  ὑποτρέχω hypotréchō, hoop-ot-rekh’-o; from G5259 and G5143 (including its alternate); to run under, i.e. (specially), to sail past:—run under.  1 in 1

Clauda = “lame”  a small island nearly due west of Cape Malta on the south coast of Crete, and nearly due south of Phoenice  1 in 1

Much Work ἰσχύω ischýō, is-khoo’-o; from G2479; to have (or exercise) force (literally or figuratively):—be able, avail, can do(-not), could, be good, might, prevail, be of strength, be whole, + much work.  36 in 29

Boat  σκάφη skáphē, skaf’-ay; a “skiff” (as if dug out), or yawl (carried aboard a large vessel for landing):—boat.  3 in 3

17Which when they had taken up, they used helps, under girding the ship; and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, struck sail, and so were driven. 18And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship; 19And the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship. 

Taken UP  αἴρω aírō, ah’-ee-ro; a primary root; to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e. weigh anchor); by Hebraism (compare H5375) to expiate sin:  110 in 98

Helps  βοήθεια boḗtheia, bo-ay’-thi-ah; from G998; aid; specially, a rope or chain for frapping a vessel:—help.  2 in 2

Ungirt  ὑποζώννυμι hypozṓnnymi, hoop-od-zone’-noo-mee; from G5259 and G2224; to gird under, i.e. frap (a vessel with cables across the keel, sides and deck):—undergirt.    to bind a ship together laterally: i.e. with girths or cables, to enable it to survive the force of waves and tempest  1 in 1

Quicksands  σύρτις sýrtis, soor’-tis; from G4951; a shoal (from the sand drawn thither by the waves), i.e. the Syrtis Major or great bay on the north coast of Africa:—quicksands.    

Syrtis, the name of two places in the African or Libyan Sea between Carthage and Cyrenaicia, full of shallows and sandbanks, and therefore destructive to ships; the western Syrtis, between the islands Cercina and Meninx (or the promontories of Zeitha and Brachodes), was called Syris minor, the eastern (extending from the promontories of Cephalae on the west to that of Boreum on the east) was called Syris major; this latter must be the one referred to in Acts 27:17, for upon this the ship in which Paul was sailing might easily be cast after leaving Crete

Strake  χαλάω chaláō, khal-ah’-o; from the base of G5490; to lower (as into a void):—let down, strike.  7 in 7

Sail  σκεῦος skeûos, skyoo’-os; of uncertain affinity; a vessel, implement, equipment or apparatus (literally or figuratively [specially, a wife as contributing to the usefulness of the husband]):—goods, sail, stuff, vessel.  “Vessel” was a common Greek metaphor for “body” since Greeks thought of souls living temporarily in bodies.  23 in 22

Tossed with the Tempest  χειμάζω cheimázō, khi-mad’-zo; from the same as G5494; to storm, i.e. (passively) to labor under a gale:—be tossed with tempest.  1 in 1

Next  ἑξῆς hexēs, hex-ace’; from G2192 (in the sense of taking hold of, i.e. adjoining); successive:—after, following, × morrow, next.  5 in 5

Lighten the Ship  ἐκβολή ekbolḗ, ek-bol-ay’; from G1544; ejection, i.e. (specially) a throwing overboard of the cargo:—+ lighten the ship. 1 in 1

Cast Out  ῥίπτω rhíptō, hrip’-to; a primary verb (perhaps rather akin to the base of G4474, through the idea of sudden motion); to fling (properly, with a quick toss,  8 in 7

Own Hands  αὐτόχειρ autócheir, ow-tokh’-ire; from G846 and G5495; self-handed, i.e. doing personally:—with … own hands;  doing a thing with one’s own hands (Often in the tragedians and Attic orators) 1 in 1

Tackling  σκευή skeuḗ, skyoo-ay’; from G4632; furniture, i.e. spare tackle:—tackling.  1 in 1

20And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away.

Sun  ἥλιος hḗlios, hay’-lee-os; from ἕλη hélē (a ray; perhaps akin to the alternate of G138); the sun; by implication, light:—+ east, sun.  32 in 32

Stars  ἄστρον ástron, as’-tron; neuter from G792; properly, a constellation; put for a single star (natural or artificial):—star.  4 in 4

Tempest  χειμών cheimṓn, khi-mone’; from a derivative of χέω chéō (to pour; akin to the base of G5490 through the idea of a channel), meaning a storm (as pouring rain); by implication, the rainy season, i.e. winter:—tempest, foul weather, winter.    6 in 6

Hope  ἐλπίς elpís, el-pece’; from a primary ἔλπω élpō (to anticipate, usually with pleasure); expectation (abstractly or concretely) or confidence:—faith, hope.  54 in 48

To Be Saved  σώζω sṓzō, sode’-zo; from a primary σῶς sōs (contraction for obsolete σάος sáos, “safe”); to save, i.e. deliver or protect (literally or figuratively):—heal, preserve, save (self), do well, be (make) whole.  118 in 103

21But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the middle of them, and said, Sirs, you should have listened to me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss. 22And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but of the ship. 23For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,24Saying, Fear not, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar: and, see, God has given you all them that sail with you. 25Why, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me. 26However, we must be cast on a certain island.

Long  πολύς polýs, pol-oos’; including the forms from the alternate πολλός pollós; (singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely:  367 in 331

Abstinence  ἀσιτία asitía, as-ee-tee’-ah; from G777; fasting (the state):—abstinence.  1 in 1

Midst  μέσος mésos, mes’-os; from G3326; middle (as an adjective or (neuter) noun):  61 in 59

Sirs  ὦ ō, o; a primary interjection; as a sign of the vocative case, O; as a note of exclamation, oh:—O.  17 in 17

Loosed  ἀνάγω anágō, an-ag’-o; from G303 and G71; to lead up; by extension to bring out; specially, to sail away:—bring (again, forth, up again), depart, launch (forth), lead (up), loose, offer, sail, set forth, take up.  27 in 24

Hearkened  πειθαρχέω peitharchéō, pi-tharkh-eh’-o; from a compound of G3982 and G757; to be persuaded by a ruler, i.e. (genitive case) to submit to authority; by analogy, to conform to advice:—hearken, obey (magistrates).  4 in 4

Harm  ὕβρις hýbris, hoo’-bris; from G5228; insolence (as over-bearing), i.e. insult, injury:—harm, hurt, reproach.  3 in 3

Gained  κερδαίνω kerdaínō, ker-dah’-ee-no; from G2771; to gain (literally or figuratively):—(get) gain, win.  19 in 15 (17x)

Good Cheer  εὐθυμέω euthyméō, yoo-thoo-meh’-o; from G2115; to cheer up, i.e. (intransitively) be cheerful; neuter comparative (adverbially) more cheerfully:—be of good cheer (merry).   4 in 3

Loss  ἀποβολή apobolḗ, ap-ob-ol-ay’; from G577; rejection; figuratively, loss:—casting away, loss.  2 in 2

Any Mans Life ψυχή psychḗ, psoo-khay’; from G5594; breath, i.e. (by implication) spirit,  105 in 95

Whom I Serve  λατρεύω latreúō, lat-ryoo’-o; from λάτρις látris (a hired menial); to minister (to God), i.e. render religious homage:—serve, do the service, worship(-per).  21 in 21

Certain  450 in 419

Island  νῆσος nēsos, nay’-sos; probably from the base of G3491; an island:—island, isle.  9 in 9

The Shipwreck on Malta

27But when the fourteenth night was come, as we were driven up and down in Adria, about midnight the shipmen deemed that they drew near to some country; 28And sounded, and found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms.

14th  τεσσαρεσκαιδέκατος tessareskaidékatos, tes-sar-es-kahee-dek’-at-os; from G5064 and G2532 and G1182; fourteenth:—fourteenth.  2 in 2

Driven up and Down  διαφέρω diaphérō, dee-af-er’-o; from G1223 and G5342; to bear through, i.e. (literally) transport; usually to bear apart, i.e. (objectively) to toss about (figuratively, report); subjectively, to “differ”, or (by implication) surpass:  16 in 13

Adriatic = “without wood”  Adriatic Sea, Adrias, the sea between Greece and Italy  1 in 1

Midnight  μέσος mésos, mes’-os; from G3326; middle (as an adjective or (neuter) noun):—  61 in 59

Shipman  ναύτης naútēs, now’-tace; from G3491; a boatman, i.e. seaman:—sailor, shipman.  3 in 3

Deemed  ὑπονοέω hyponoéō, hoop-on-o-eh’-o; from G5259 and G3539; to think under (privately), i.e. to surmise or conjecture:—think, suppose, deem.  3 in 3

Drew Near  προσάγω proságō, pros-ag’-o; from G4314 and G71; to lead towards, i.e. (transitively) to conduct near (summon, present), or (intransitively) to approach:—bring, draw near.  4 in 4

Country  χώρα chṓra, kho’-rah; feminine of a derivative of the base of G5490 through the idea of empty expanse; room, i.e. a space of territory (more or less extensive; often including its inhabitants):  27 in 27

Sounded  βολίζω bolízō, bol-id’-zo; from G1002; to heave the lead:—sound.  2 in 1 G1001

20  εἴκοσι eíkosi, i’-kos-ee; of uncertain affinity; a score:—twenty.  12 in 11

Fathom  ὀργυιά orguiá, org-wee-ah’; from G3713; a stretch of the arms, i.e. a fathom:—fathom.    fathom, the distance across the breast from the tip of one middle finger to the tip of the other when the arms are outstretched, 5 to 6 feet (2 m)  2 in 1

15  δεκαπέντε dekapénte, dek-ap-en’-teh; from G1176 and G4002; ten and five, i.e. fifteen:—fifteen.  3 in 3

29Then fearing lest we should have fallen on rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day.

Rocks  τόπος tópos, top’-os; apparently a primary word; a spot (general in space, but limited by occupancy; whereas G5561 is a large but participle locality), i.e. location (as a position, home, tract, etc.); figuratively, condition, opportunity; specially, a scabbard:—  92 in 88

Anchors  ἄγκυρα ánkyra, ang’-koo-rah; from the same as G43; an “anchor” (as crooked):—anchor.  4 in 4  Ancient anchors resembled modern ones in form: they were of iron, provided with a stock, and with two teeth-like extremities often but by no means without flukes.

Stem  πρύμνα prýmna, proom’-nah; feminine of πρυμνύς prymnýs (hindmost); the stern of a ship:—hinder part, stern.  3 in 3

Wished  εὔχομαι eúchomai, yoo’-khom-ahee; middle voice of a primary verb; to wish; by implication, to pray to God:—pray, will, wish.  7 in 7

30And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, under color as though they would have cast anchors out of the bow, 

Flee  φεύγω pheúgō, fyoo’-go; apparently a primary verb; to run away (literally or figuratively); by implication, to shun; by analogy, to vanish:—escape, flee (away).  33 in 31

Let Down  χαλάω chaláō, khal-ah’-o; from the base of G5490; to lower (as into a void):—let down, strike.  7 in 7

Under Colour  πρόφασις próphasis, prof’-as-is; from a compound of G4253 and G5316; an outward showing, i.e. pretext:—cloke, colour, pretence, show.  7 in 7

Foreship  πρῶρα prōra, pro’-ra; feminine of a presumed derivative of G4253 as noun; the prow, i.e. forward part of a vessel:—forepart(-ship).  2 in 2

31Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, you cannot be saved. 32Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off.

Paul  Παῦλος Paûlos, pow’-los; of Latin origin; (little; but remotely from a derivative of G3973, meaning the same); Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle:—Paul, Paulus.  163 in 159

Said  ἔπω épō, ep’-o; a primary verb (used only in the definite past tense, the others being borrowed from G2046, G4483, and G5346); to speak or say (by word or writing):  987 in 907

Centurion  ἑκατοντάρχης hekatontárchēs, hek-at-on-tar’-khace; from G1540 and G757; the captain of one hundred men:—centurion.  21 in 21

Soldiers  στρατιώτης stratiṓtēs, strat-ee-o’-tace; from a presumed derivative of the same as G4756; a camper-out, i.e. a (common) warrior (literally or figuratively):—soldier.  26 in 24

Except  ἐὰν μή eàn mḗ, eh-an’ may; i.e. G1437 and G3361; if not, i.e. unless:—X before, but, except, if, no, (if, + whosoever) not.  77 in 59

Abide  μένω ménō, men’-o; a primary verb; to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy):—abide, continue, dwell, endure, be present, remain, stand, tarry (for), × thine own.  127 in 105

Ship  πλοῖον ploîon, ploy’-on; from G4126; a sailer, i.e. vessel:—ship(-ing).  67 in 64

Cannot  οὐ ou, oo; a primary word; the absolute negative (compare G3361) adverb; no or not:—+ long, nay, neither, never, no (X man), none,  1,537 times in 1,328

Saved  σώζω sṓzō, sode’-zo; from a primary σῶς sōs (contraction for obsolete σάος sáos, “safe”); to save, i.e. deliver or protect (literally or figuratively):—heal, preserve, save (self), do well, be (make) whole.  118 in 103

Cut off ἀποκόπτω apokóptō, ap-ok-op’-to; from G575 and G2875; to amputate; reflexively (by irony) to mutilate (the privy parts):—cut off. Compare G2699.  9 in 6

Ropes  σχοινίον schoiníon, skhoy-nee’-on; diminutive of σχοῖνος schoînos (a rush or flag-plant; of uncertain derivation); a rushlet, i.e. grass-withe or tie (generally):—small cord, rope.  a cord or rope made of rushes  2 in 2

Boat  σκάφη skáphē, skaf’-ay; a “skiff” (as if dug out), or yawl (carried aboard a large vessel for landing):—boat.  3 in 3

33And while the day was coming on, Paul sought them all to take meat, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that you have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing. 34Why I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your health: for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you. 35And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all: and when he had broken it, he began to eat. 36Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat. 37And we were in all in the ship 276 souls. 38And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the sea.

Meat  τροφή trophḗ, trof-ay’; from G5142; nourishment (literally or figuratively); by implication, rations (wages):—food, meat.   16 in 16

Was Coming  γίνομαι gínomai, ghin’-om-ahee; a prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be (“gen”-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.):—arise  709 in 636

Tarried  προσδοκάω prosdokáō, pros-dok-ah’-o; from G4314 and dokeuo (to watch); to anticipate (in thought, hope or fear); by implication, to await:—(be in) expect(-ation), look (for), when looked, tarry, wait for.  18 in 15

Fasting  ἄσιτος ásitos, as’-ee-tos; from G1 (as a negative particle) and G4621; without (taking) food:—fasting.  1 in 1

Nothing  μηδείς mēdeís, may-dice’; from G3361 and G1520; not even one (man, woman, thing):—any (man, thing), no (man), none, not (at all, any man, a whit), nothing, +without delay.  93 in 88

Health  σωτηρία sōtēría, so-tay-ree’-ah; feminine of a derivative of G4990 as (properly, abstract) noun; rescue or safety (physically or morally):—deliver, health, salvation, save, saving.    deliverance, preservation, safety, salvation   future salvation, the sum of benefits and blessings which the Christians, redeemed from all earthly ills, will enjoy after the visible return of Christ from heaven in the consummated and eternal kingdom of God.  45 in 43

Hair  θρίξ thríx, threeks; genitive case τριχός trichós, etc.; of uncertain derivation; hair:—hair. Compare G2864.  15 in 14

Fall  πίπτω píptō, pip’-to; probably akin to G4072 through the idea of alighting; to fall (literally or figuratively):—fail, fall (down), light on.  93 in 85

Head  κεφαλή kephalḗ, kef-al-ay’; from the primary κάπτω káptō (in the sense of seizing); the head (as the part most readily taken hold of), literally or figuratively:—head.  76 in 68

Of You  ὑμῶν hymōn, hoo-mone’; genitive case of G5210; of (from or concerning) you:—ye, you, your (own, -selves).  583 in 503

Broken κλάω kláō, klah’-o; a primary verb; to break (specially, of bread):—break.  15 in14

Eat  ἐσθίω esthíō, es-thee’-o; strengthened for a primary ἔδω édō (to eat); used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by G5315; to eat (usually literal):—devour, eat, live.  66 in 65

v37 : 969th verse;  276: 23rd Tri, 12th Hex; 12 divisors, 9th-69; Sum of Div: 672(Anagram); Sum of Div: 2016;   (277: 59thP)   

Wheat  σῖτος sîtos, see’-tos; of uncertain derivation; grain, especially wheat:—corn, wheat.  14 in 14

39And when it was day, they knew not the land: but they discovered a certain creek with a shore, into the which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship. 40And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves to the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoisted up the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore.

They Discovered  κατανοέω katanoéō, kat-an-o-eh’-o; from G2596 and G3539; to observe fully:—behold, consider, discover, perceive.  14 in 14

Creek  κόλπος kólpos, kol’-pos; apparently a primary word; the bosom; by analogy, a bay:—bosom, creek.    the front of the body between the arms; the bosom of a garment, i.e. the hollow formed by the upper forepart of a rather loose garment bound by a girdle or sash, used for keeping and carrying things (the fold or pocket)  6 in 6

Shore  αἰγιαλός aigialós, ahee-ghee-al-os’; from ἀΐσσω aḯssō (to rush) and G251 (in the sense of the sea; a beach (on which the waves dash):—shore.  6 in 6

Minded  βουλεύω bouleúō, bool-yoo’-o; from G1012; to advise, i.e. (reflexively) deliberate, or (by implication) resolve:—consult, take counsel, determine, be minded, purpose.  10 in 6

It Were Possible  δύναμαι dýnamai, doo’-nam-ahee; of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible:—be able, can (do, + -not), could, may, might, be possible, be of power.  214 in 201

Thrust Out  ἐξωθέω exōthéō, ex-o-theh’-o; from G1537 and ὠθέω ōthéō (to push); to expel; by implication, to propel:—drive out, thrust in.  2 in 2

Committed  ἐάω eáō, eh-ah’-o; of uncertain affinity; to let be, i.e. permit or leave alone:—commit, leave, let (alone), suffer. See also G1436.  15 in 13

Rudder πηδάλιον pēdálion, pay-dal’-ee-on; neuter of a (presumed) derivative of πηδόν pēdón (the blade of an oar; from the same as G3976); a “pedal”, i.e. helm:—rudder.  2 in 2

Bands  ζευκτηρία zeuktēría, dzook-tay-ree’-ah; feminine of a derivative (at the second stage) from the same as G2218; a fastening (tiller-rope):—band.  1 in 1

Hoised Up  ἐπαίρω epaírō, ep-ahee’-ro; from G1909 and G142; to raise up (literally or figuratively):—exalt self, poise (lift, take) up.  19 in 19

Mainsail  ἀρτέμων artémōn, ar-tem’-ohn; from a derivative of G737; properly, something ready (or else more remotely from G142 (compare G740); something hung up), i.e. (specially) the topsail (rather foresail or jib) of a vessel:—mainsail.  1 in 1

Shore  αἰγιαλός aigialós, ahee-ghee-al-os’; from ἀΐσσω aḯssō (to rush) and G251 (in the sense of the sea; a beach (on which the waves dash):—shore.  6 in 6

41And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmovable, but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves. 42And the soldiers’ counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape. 43But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land: 44And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land.

Falling  περιπίπτω peripíptō, per-ee-pip’-to; from G4012 and G4098; to fall into something that is all around, i.e. light among or upon, be surrounded with:—fall among (into).  so to fall into as to be encompassed  3 in 3

Where the 2 Seas Met  διθάλασσος dithálassos, dee-thal’-as-sos; from G1364 and G2281; having two seas, i.e. a sound with a double outlet:—where two seas meet.    resembling or forming two seas: thus of the Euxine (Black) Sea;  lying between two seas, i.e. washed on both sides by the sea;  an isthmus or tongue of land, the extremity of which is covered by the waves;  a projecting reef or bar against which the waves dash on both sides

Area: 168,496 mi²

Elevation: 0′

Max. depth: 2,212 m (7,257 ft)

Coordinates: 44°N 35°E / 44°N 35°E Coordinates: 44°N 35°E / 44°N 35°E

Max. length: 1,175 km (730 mi)

Average depth: 1,253 m (4,111 ft)

Islands: Snake Island, St. Ivan Island, St. Anastasia Island, More

 

It is through the most active of these connective routes, the Turkish Straits, that the Black Sea joins the world ocean.

The World Ocean or global ocean (colloquially the sea or the ocean) is the interconnected system of Earth‘s oceanicwaters, and comprises the bulk of the hydrosphere, covering almost 71% of Earth’s surface, with a total volume of 1.332 billion cubic kilometers (351 quintillion US gallons).^[1]

 

The Black Sea is one of four seas named in English after common colour terms—the others being the Red Sea, the White Sea and the Yellow Sea.

 

The Black Sea deluge is a hypothesized catastrophic rise in the level of the Black Sea circa 5600 BC due to waters from the Mediterranean Sea breaching a sill in the Bosporus Strait. The hypothesis was headlined when The New York Times published it in December 1996, shortly before it was published in an academic journal.^[61]While it is agreed that the sequence of events described did occur, there is debate over the suddenness, dating and magnitude of the events. Relevant to the hypothesis is that its description has led some to connect this catastrophe with prehistoric flood myths.^[62]

 

Most of the shores of the strait are heavily settled, straddled by the city of Istanbul‘s metropolitan population of 17 million inhabitants extending inland from both coasts.

The original name of the channel comes from an Anglicization of the Ancient Greek Βόσπορος (Bosporos), which was folk-etymologized^[2] as βοὸς πόρος, i.e. “cattle strait” (or “Ox-ford“^[3]), from the genitive of bous βοῦς “ox, cattle” + poros πόρος “passage”, thus meaning “cattle-passage”, or “cow passage”.^[4] This is in reference to the mythological story of Io, who was transformed into a cow, and was subsequently condemned to wander the Earth until she crossed the Bosphorus, where she met the Titan Prometheus, who comforted her with the information that she would be restored to human form by Zeus and become the ancestress of the greatest of all heroes, Heracles (Hercules).

This folk etymology was canonized by Aeschylus in Prometheus Bound (v. 734f.), where Prometheus prophesies to Io that the strait would be named after her. The site where Io supposedly went ashore was near Chrysopolis (present-day Üsküdar), and was named Bous “the Cow”. The same site was also known as Damalis, as it was where the Athenian general Chares had erected a monument to his wife Damalis, which included a colossal statue of a cow (the name Damalis translating to “calf”).^[5]

The spelling with -ph-, as Bosphorus, has no justification in the ancient Greek name, but it occurs as a variant in medieval Latin (as Bosphorus, and occasionally Bosforus, Bosferus), and in medieval Greek sometimes as Βόσφορος,^[6] giving rise to the French form Bosphore, Spanish Bósforo, and Russian Босфор. The 12th-century Greek scholar John Tzetzes calls it Damaliten Bosporon (after Damalis), but he also reports that in popular usage the strait was known as Prosphorion during his day,^[7] the name of the most ancient northern harbour of Constantinople.

Historically, the Bosphorus was also known as the “Strait of Constantinople”, or the Thracian Bosphorus, in order to distinguish it from the Cimmerian Bosporus in Crimea. These are expressed in Herodotus‘ Histories, 4.83; as Bosporus Thracius, Bosporus Thraciae , and Βόσπορος Θρᾴκιος, respectively. Other names by which the strait is referenced by Herodotus include Chalcedonian Bosporus (Bosporus Chalcedoniae, Bosporos tes Khalkedonies, Herodotus 4.87), or Mysian Bosporus (Bosporus Mysius).^[8]

The term eventually came to be used as common noun βόσπορος, meaning “a strait”, and was also formerly applied to the Hellespont in Classical Greek by Aeschylus and Sophocles.

Presently, the waterway is officially referred to as simply “Bosphorus” (Turkish: Boğaziçi), the “Strait of Istanbul“, or “Istanbul Strait” (Turkish: İstanbul Boğazı).

The limits of the Bosphorus are defined as the connecting line between the lighthouses of Rumeli Feneri and Anadolu Feneri in the north, and between the Ahırkapı Feneri and the Kadıköy İnciburnu Feneri in the south. Between these limits, the strait is 31 km (17 nmi) long, with a width of 3,329 m (1.798 nmi) at the northern entrance and 2,826 m (1.526 nmi) at the southern entrance. Its maximum width is 3,420 m (1.85 nmi) between Umuryeri and Büyükdere Limanı, and minimum width 700 m (0.38 nmi) between Kandilli Point and Aşiyan.

 

Sea  θάλασσα thálassa, thal’-as-sah; probably prolonged from G251; the sea (genitive case or specially):—sea.  92 in 83

Ship  ναῦς naûs, nowce; from νάω náō or νέω néō (to float); a boat (of any size):—ship.  1 in 1

Aground  ἐποκέλλω epokéllō, ep-ok-el’-lo; from G1909 and ὀκέλλω okéllō (to urge); to drive upon the shore, i.e. to beach a vessel:—run aground.  2 in 1

Forepart πρῶρα prōra, pro’-ra; feminine of a presumed derivative of G4253 as noun; the prow, i.e. forward part of a vessel:—forepart(-ship).  2 in 2

Stuck Fast  ἐρείδω ereídō, er-i’-do; of obscure affinity; to prop, i.e. (reflexively) get fast:—stick fast.   1 in 1

Unmoveable  ἀσάλευτος asáleutos, as-al’-yoo-tos; from G1 (as a negative particle) and a derivative of G4531; unshaken, i.e. (by implication) immovable (figuratively):—which cannot be moved, unmovable.   2 in 2

Hinder Part πρύμνα prýmna, proom’-nah; feminine of πρυμνύς prymnýs (hindmost); the stern of a ship:—hinder part, stern.   3 in 3

Broken  λύω lýō, loo’-o; a primary verb; to “loosen” (literally or figuratively):—break (up), destroy, dissolve, (un-)loose, melt, put off. Compare G4486.  46 in 40

Violence  βία bía, bee’-ah; probably akin to G979 (through the idea of vital activity); force:—violence.  4 in 4

Waves  κῦμα kŷma, koo’-mah; from κύω kýō (to swell (with young), i.e. bend, curve); a billow (as bursting or toppling):—wave.  5 in 5  a wave (swell) esp. of the sea or of a lake; of impulse and restless men, tossed to and fro by their raging passions

Prisoners  δεσμώτης desmṓtēs, des-mo’-tace; from the same as G1201; (passively) a captive:—prisoner.  2 in 2

Swim Out  ἐκκολυμβάω ekkolymbáō, ek-kol-oom-bah’-o; from G1537 and G2860; to escape by swimming:—swim out.  1 in 1

Escape  διαφεύγω diapheúgō, dee-af-yoo’-go; from G1223 and G5343; to flee through, i.e. escape:—escape.  1 in 1

Kill ἀποκτείνω apokteínō, ap-ok-ti’-no; from G575 and κτείνω kteínō (to slay); to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy:—put to death, kill, slay.  G615  83 in 71

Council  βουλή boulḗ, boo-lay’; from G1014; volition, i.e. (objectively) advice, or (by implication) purpose:—+ advise, counsel, will.  12 in 12

Swim  κολυμβάω kolymbáō, kol-oom-bah’-o; from κόλυμβος kólymbos (a diver); to plunge into water:—swim.  1 in 1

Commanded  κελεύω keleúō, kel-yoo’-o; from a primary κέλλω kéllō (to urge on); “hail”; to incite by word, i.e. order:—bid, (at, give) command(-ment). 27 in 27

Get  ἔξειμι éxeimi, ex’-i-mee; from G1537 and εἶμι eîmi (to go); to issue, i.e. leave (a place), escape (to the shore):—depart, get (to land), go out.  4 in 4

Rest  λοιποί loipoí, loy-poy’; masculine plural of a derivative of G3007; remaining ones:—other, which remain, remnant, residue, rest.  41 in 41

Boards  σανίς sanís, san-ece’; of uncertain affinity; a plank:—board.  1 in 1

Broken Pieces  ἀπό apó, apo’; a primary particle; “off,” i.e. away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative):—(X here-)after, ago, at, because of, before, by (the space of), for(-th), from, in, (out) of, off, (up-)on(-ce), since, with.  657 in 602

They Escaped  διασώζω diasṓzō, dee-as-odze’-o; from G1223 and G4982; to save thoroughly, i.e. (by implication or analogy) to cure, preserve, rescue, etc.:—bring safe, escape (safe), heal, make perfectly whole, save.  9 in 8

ACTS 28 : Paul at Malta

1And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita. 2And the barbarous people showed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold. 3And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand. 4And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffers not to live. 5And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.6However, they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.

Melita = “honey”  the name of an island in the Mediterranean, lying between Africa and Sicily, now called Malta  Μελίτη Melítē, mel-ee’-tay; of uncertain origin; Melita, an island in the Mediterranean:—Melita.  G3194  1 in 1

333 km (207 mi) north of Libya

Pottery found by archaeologists at the Skorba Temples resembles that found in Italy, and suggests that the Maltese islands were first settled in 5200 BCE mainly by Stone Age hunters or farmers who had arrived from the Italian island of Sicily, possibly the Sicani. The extinction of the dwarf hippos and dwarf elephants has been linked to the earliest arrival of humans on Malta.^[34] Prehistoric farming settlements dating to the Early Neolithic period were discovered in open areas and also in caves, such as Għar Dalam.^[35]

Ġgantija megalithic temple complex.

The Sicani were the only tribe known to have inhabited the island at this time^[36][37] and are generally regarded as being closely related to the Iberians.^[38] The population on Malta grew cereals, raised livestock and, in common with other ancient Mediterranean cultures, worshiped a fertility figure represented in Maltese prehistoric artefacts exhibiting the proportions seen in similar statuettes, including the Venus of Willendorf.^{[citation needed]}

The temple complex of Mnajdra.

 

 

Pottery from the Għar Dalam phase is similar to pottery found in Agrigento, Sicily. A culture of megalithis temple builders then either supplanted or arose from this early period. Around the time of 3500 BCE, these people built some of the oldest existing free-standing structures in the world in the form of the megalithic Ġgantija temples on Gozo;^[39] other early temples include those at Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra.^[26][40][41]

The temples have distinctive architecture, typically a complex trefoil design, and were used from 4000 to 2500 BCE. Animal bones and a knife found behind a removable altar stone suggest that temple rituals included animal sacrifice. Tentative information suggests that the sacrifices were made to the goddess of fertility, whose statue is now in the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta.^[42] The culture apparently disappeared from the Maltese Islands around 2500 BC. Archaeologists speculate that the temple builders fell victim to famine or disease, but this is not certain.

In the 1st century BCE, Roman Senator and orator Cicero commented on the importance of the Temple of Juno, and on the extravagant behaviour of the Roman governor of Sicily, Verres.^[59] During the 1st century BC the island was mentioned by Pliny the Elder and Diodorus Siculus: the latter praised its harbours, the wealth of its inhabitants, its lavishly decorated houses and the quality of its textile products. In the 2nd century, Emperor Hadrian (r. 117–38) upgraded the status of Malta to municipium or free town: the island local affairs were administered by four quattuorviri iuri dicundo and a municipal senate, while a Roman procurator, living in Mdina, represented the proconsul of Sicily.^[53] In 58 AD, Paul the Apostle was washed up on the islands together with Luke the Evangelist after their ship was wrecked on the islands.^[53] Paul the Apostle remained on the islands three months, preaching the Christian faith, which has since thrived on Malta.^[53]

In 395, when the Roman Empire was divided for the last time at the death of Theodosius I, Malta, following Sicily, fell under the control of the Western Roman Empire.^[60]During the Migration Period as the Western Roman Empire declined, Malta came under attack and was conquered or occupied a number of times.^[56] From 454 to 464 the islands was subdued by the Vandals, and after 464 by the Ostrogoths.^[53] In 533 Belisarius, on his way to conquer the Vandal Kingdom in North Africa, reunited the islands under Imperial (Eastern) rule.^[53] Little is known about the Byzantine rule in Malta: the island depended on the theme of Sicily and had Greek Governors and a small Greek garrison.^[53] While the bulk of population continued to be constituted by the old, Latinized dwellers, during this period its religious allegiance oscillated between the Pope and the Patriarch of Constantinople.^[53] The Byzantine rule introduced Greek families to the Maltese collective.^[61] Malta remained under the Byzantine Empire until 870, when it fell to the Arabs.^[53][62]

Barbarous  βάρβαρος bárbaros, bar’-bar-os; of uncertain derivation; a foreigner (i.e. non-Greek):—barbarian(-rous).

Kindled  νάπτω anáptō, an-ap’-to; from G303 and G681; to enkindle:—kindle, light.  4 in 3

Fire  πυρά pyrá, poo-rah’; from G4442; a fire (concretely):—fire.  2 in 2

Rain  ὑετός hyetós, hoo-et-os’; from a primary ὕω hýō (to rain); rain, especially a shower:—rain.  6 in 6

Cold  ψύχος psýchos, psoo’-khos; from G5594; coolness:—cold.  3 in 3

Gathered  συστρέφω systréphō, soos-tref’-o; from G4862 and G4762; to twist together, i.e. collect (a bundle, a crowd):—gather.

Bundle  πλῆθος plēthos, play’-thos; from G4130; a fulness, i.e. a large number, throng, populace:—bundle, company, multitude.  32 in 32

Sticks  φρύγανον phrýganon, froo’-gan-on; neuter of a presumed derivative of φρύγω phrýgō (to roast or parch; akin to the base of G5395); something desiccated, i.e. a dry twig:—stick.  1 in 1  all dry sticks, bush wood, fire wood, or similar material used as fuel

φλόξ phlóx, flox; from a primary φλέγω phlégō (to “flash” or “flame”); a blaze:—flame(-ing).  7 in 7

Vipers  ἔχιδνα échidna, ekh’-id-nah; of uncertain origin; an adder or other poisonous snake (literally or figuratively):—viper.  5 in 5

Heat  θέρμη thérmē, ther’-may; from the base of G2330; warmth:—heat.  1 in 1 G2329

Fastened On  καθάπτω katháptō, kath-ap’-to; from G2596 and G680; to seize upon:—fasten on.  1 in 1

Hand  χείρ cheír, khire; perhaps from the base of G5494 in the sense of its congener the base of G5490 (through the idea of hollowness for grasping); the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by Hebraism) a means or instrument):—hand.  179 in 171

Venemous Beast  46 in 38

Hang  κρεμάννυμι kremánnymi, krem-an’-noo-mee; a prolonged form of a primary verb; to hang:—hang.  7 in 7

A murderer  φονεύς phoneús, fon-yooce’; from G5408; a murderer (always of criminal (or at least intentional) homicide; which G443 does not necessarily imply; while G4607 is a special term for a public bandit):—murderer.  7 in 7

Vengeance  δίκη díkē, dee’-kay; probably from G1166; right (as self-evident), i.e. justice (the principle, a decision, or its execution):—judgment, punish, vengeance.  4 in 4

Suffereth  ἐάω eáō, eh-ah’-o; of uncertain affinity; to let be, i.e. permit or leave alone:—commit, leave, let (alone), suffer. See also G1436. 15 in 13

Shook Off  ἀποτινάσσω apotinássō, ap-ot-in-as’-so; from G575 and τινάσσω tinássō (to jostle); to brush off:—shake off.  2 in 2

Felt  πάσχω páschō, pas’-kho; apparently a primary verb; to experience a sensation or impression (usually painful):—feel, passion, suffer, vex.  46 in 41

Harm  κακός kakós, kak-os’; apparently a primary word; worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas G4190 properly refers to effects), i.e. (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious:—bad, evil, harm, ill, noisome, wicked.  51 in 46

Swollen  πίμπρημι pímprēmi, pim’-pray-mee; a reduplicated and prolonged form of a primary πρέω préō preh’-o; which occurs only as an alternate in certain tenses); to fire, i.e. burn (figuratively and passively, become inflamed with fever):—be (X should have) swollen.  1 in 1

Fallen Down  καταπίπτω katapíptō, kat-ap-ip’-to; from G2596 and G4098; to fall down:—fall (down).  3 in 2

Had Looked  προσδοκάω prosdokáō, pros-dok-ah’-o; from G4314 and dokeuo (to watch); to anticipate (in thought, hope or fear); by implication, to await:—(be in) expect(-ation), look (for), when looked, tarry, wait for.  18 in 15

Harm  ἄτοπος átopos, at’-op-os; from G1 (as a negative particle) and G5117; out of place, i.e. (figuratively) improper, injurious, wicked:—amiss, harm, unreasonable.  3 in 3

Changed Their Minds  μεταβάλλω metabállō, met-ab-al’-lo; from G3326 and G906; to throw over, i.e. (middle voice figuratively) to turn about in opinion:—change mind.  3 in 3

7In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously. 8And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him. 9So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed: 10Who also honored us with many honors; and when we departed, they laded us with such things as were necessary.

Possessions  χωρίον chōríon, kho-ree’-on; diminutive of G5561; a spot or plot of ground:—field, land, parcel of ground, place, possession.  10 in 9

Lodged Us  ξενίζω xenízō, xen-id’-zo; from G3581; to be a host (passively, a guest); by implication, be (make, appear) strange:—entertain, lodge, (think it) strange.   11 in 10

Publius = “popular”  the chief magistrate of the island of Melita;  Πόπλιος Póplios, pop’-lee-os; of Latin origin; apparently “popular”; Poplius (i.e. Publius), a Roman:—Publius.   2 in 2

Fever  πυρετός pyretós, poo-ret-os’; from G4445; inflamed, i.e. (by implication) feverish (as noun, fever):—fever.  6 in 6

Bloody Flux  δυσεντερία dysentería, doos-en-ter-ee’-ah; from G1418 and a comparative of G1787 (meaning a bowel); a “dysentery”:—bloody flux.  1 in 1

Healed  ἰάομαι iáomai, ee-ah’-om-ahee; middle voice of apparently a primary verb; to cure (literally or figuratively):—heal, make whole.  G2390  30 in 28

Diseases  ἀσθένεια asthéneia, as-then’-i-ah; from G772; feebleness (of mind or body); by implication, malady; morally, frailty:—disease, infirmity, sickness, weakness.  24 in 23

Island  νῆσος nēsos, nay’-sos; probably from the base of G3491; an island:—island, isle.  9 in 9

Were Healed  θεραπεύω therapeúō, ther-ap-yoo’-o; from the same as G2324; to wait upon menially, i.e. (figuratively) to adore (God), or (specially) to relieve (of disease):—cure, heal, worship.  44 in 43

Paul Arrives at Rome

11And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux.12And landing at Syracuse, we tarried there three days. 13And from there we fetched a compass, and came to Rhegium: and after one day the south wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli: 14Where we found brothers, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome. 15And from there, when the brothers heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.

Alexandria  Ἀλεξανδρῖνος Alexandrînos, al-ex-an-dree’-nos; from the same as G221; Alexandrine, or belonging to Alexandria:—of Alexandria.  2 in 2

Winted  παραχειμάζω paracheimázō, par-akh-i-mad’-zo; from G3844 and G5492; to winter near, i.e. stay with over the rainy season:—winter.  4 in 4

Isle  νῆσος nēsos, nay’-sos; probably from the base of G3491; an island:—island, isle.  9 in 9

Whose Sign  παράσημος parásēmos, par-as’-ay-mos; from G3844 and the base of G4591; side-marked, i.e. labelled (with a badge (figure-head) of a ship):—sign.  1 in 1  G3902

Castor and Pollux  Διόσκουροι Dióskouroi, dee-os’-koo-roy; from the alternate of G2203 and a form of the base of G2877; sons of Jupiter, i.e. the twins Dioscuri:—Castor and Pollux.    Castor and Pollux, were the twin sons of Jupiter and Leda, and were regarded as the tutelary divinities of sailors

Jupiter or Zeus = “a father of helps”  the national god of the Greeks and corresponds to the Roman Jupiter;  Ζεύς Zeús, dzyooce; of uncertain affinity; in the oblique cases there is used instead of it a (probably cognate) name Δίς Dís deece, which is otherwise obsolete; Zeus or Dis (among the Latins, Jupiter or Jove), the supreme deity of the Greeks:—Jupiter.  2 in 2

Landing  κατάγω katágō, kat-ag’-o; from G2596 and G71; to lead down; specially, to moor a vessel:—bring (down, forth), (bring to) land, touch.  15 in 10

Syracuse = “a Syrian hearing”  a large maritime city of Sicily, having an excellent harbour and surrounded by a 14 mile (23 km) wall;  Συράκουσαι Syrákousai, soo-rak’-oo-sahee; plural of uncertain derivation; Syracuse, the capital of Sicily:—Syracuse.  1 in 1

Fetched a Compass  περιέρχομαι periérchomai, per-ee-er’-khom-ahee; from G4012 and G2064(including its alternate); to come all around, i.e. stroll, vacillate, veer:—fetch a compass, vagabond, wandering about.  4 in 4

Rhegium = “breach”  an Italian town situated on the Bruttian coast, just at the southern entrance of the Straits of Messina;  Ῥήγιον Rhḗgion, hrayg’-ee-on; of Latin origin; Rhegium, a place in Italy:—Rhegium.

South Wind  νότος nótos, not’-os; of uncertain affinity; the south(-west) wind; by extension, the southern quarter itself:—south (wind).  7 in 7

Puteoli = “sulphurous springs”  a city of Campania, in Italy, situated on the Bay of Naples;  Ποτίολοι Potíoloi, pot-ee’-ol-oy; of Latin origin; little wells, i.e. mineral springs; Potioli (i.e. Puteoli), a place in Italy:—Puteoli.  1 in 1

Rome = “strength”  the famous capital of the ancient world  Ῥώμη Rhṓmē, hro’-may; from the base of G4517; strength; Roma, the capital of Italy:—Rome.

Appius = “the market place of Appius”  a town in Italy, 39 miles (60 km) from Rome on the Appian Way  Ἄππιος Áppios, ap’-pee-os; of Latin origin; (in the genitive, i.e. possessive case) of Appius, the name of a Roman:—Appii.  1 in 1  (road was paved with square polygonal stone)

Forum  Φόρον Phóron, for’-on; of Latin origin; a forum or market-place; only in comparative with G675; a station on the Appian road:—forum.  Appius Forum, a town in Italy, 43 Roman miles (70 km) from Rome on the Appian Way  1 in 1

Taverns  Ταβέρναι Tabérnai, tab-er’-nahee; plural of Latin origin; huts or wooden-walled buildings; Tabernæ:—taverns.  1 in 1  Three Taverns, the name of a halting place on the Appian way between Rome and the Market of Appius; it was 10 miles (16 km) from the latter place and 33 miles (50 km) ) from Rome

Thanked  εὐχαριστέω eucharistéō, yoo-khar-is-teh’-o; from G2170; to be grateful, i.e. (actively) to express gratitude (towards); specially, to say grace at a meal:—(give) thank(-ful, -s).  41 i n38

16And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him.

Captain of the Guard  στρατοπεδάρχης stratopedárchēs, strat-op-ed-ar’-khace; from G4760 and G757; a ruler of an army, i.e. (specially), a Prætorian præfect:—captain of the guard.  1 in 1;  Praetorian prefect, commander of the praetorian cohorts, captain of the Roman emperor’s body guard;  There were two praetorian prefects, to whose custody prisoners sent bound to the emperor were consigned.

Suffered  ἐπιτρέπω epitrépō, ep-ee-trep’-o; from G1909 and the base of G5157; to turn over (transfer), i.e. allow:—give leave (liberty, license), let, permit, suffer.  22 in 18

Paul Preaches at Rome

17And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said to them, Men and brothers, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. 18Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me. 19But when the Jews spoke against it, I was constrained to appeal to Caesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of. 20For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain. 21And they said to him, We neither received letters out of Judaea concerning you, neither any of the brothers that came showed or spoke any harm of you. 22But we desire to hear of you what you think: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.

Hope  ἐλπίς elpís, el-pece’; from a primary ἔλπω élpō (to anticipate, usually with pleasure); expectation (abstractly or concretely) or confidence:—faith, hope.  54 in 58

Israel = “he shall be a prince of God”  Ἰσραήλ Israḗl, is-rah-ale’; of Hebrew origin (H3478); Israel (i.e. Jisrael), the adopted name of Jacob, including his descendants (literally or figuratively):—Israel.   70 in 68

Bound With  περίκειμαι períkeimai, per-ik’-i-mahee; from G4012 and G2749; to lie all around, i.e. inclose, encircle, hamper (literally or figuratively):—be bound (compassed) with, hang about.  6 in 5

Chain  ἅλυσις hálysis, hal’-oo-sis; of uncertain derivation; a fetter or manacle:—bonds, chain.  11 in 10

Recieved  δέχομαι déchomai, dekh’-om-ahee; middle voice of a primary verb; to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively):—accept, receive, take. Compare G2983.  68 in 48

Shewed  ἀπαγγέλλω apangéllō, ap-ang-el’-lo; from G575 and the base of G32; to announce:—bring word (again), declare, report, shew (again), tell.  50 in 44

23And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.24And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not. 25And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spoke the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet to our fathers,

26Saying, Go to this people, and say, Hearing you shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing you shall see, and not perceive:

27For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

28Be it known therefore to you, that the salvation of God is sent to the Gentiles, and that they will hear it. 29And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves.

30And Paul dwelled two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in to him, 31Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.

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