
Table of Contents
OTHER BOOKS IN THE JESUS CHRt Eyewitness
Mark's Story: The Gospel According to Peter
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Copyright © 2009 by LaHaye Publishing Group LLC and the Jerry B. Jenkins Trust
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in orencourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the authors' rights.Purchase only authorized editions.Published simultaneously in Canada
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data LaHaye, Tim F.Luke's story / by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins.p. cm.
eISBN : 978-1-440-65946-1
1. Luke, Saint---Fiction. 2. Bible. N.T.---History of Biblical events---Fiction. I. Jenkins, Jerry B. II. Title.PS3562.A315L813'.54---dc22
This is a work of fiction based on characters and events depicted in the Bible.
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Scripture is from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
To
FRANK LAHAYE and HARRY JENKINS,who await us at the Eastern Gate
Mercy there was great, and grace was free . . . at Cv height="6" width="1em">"And you can thank Caesar Augustus for that," Lippio said, "Quiescat in place."
"Yes, may he rest in peace. What? You don't think I know Latin too?"
Lippio shook his head. "It shouldn't surprise me, but that is all I know in Latin. I'd wager you are fluent."
Loukon flew into the main house, apologizing to one and all and demanding to know where the physician was. Someone pointed him to the parlor, where the elderly man was teaching the master's grandchildren.
"Lippio has been seriously injured and will be here shortly!"
The physician, who had evolved into more instructor than doctor over the last few years, hobbled behind Loukon, breathlessly asking the details. As soon as the wagon breached the gate, three men carried Lippio in, his arm still raised.
The mistresses of the house gathered the children as the physician ordered the men to deliver Lippio directly to his own chambers and called for water to be heated and aides to attend him.
"If this man survives, Loukon," the physician said, "you will have saved him."
Loukon spent much of the day waiting outside the physician's quarters, venturing back out to his duties only after learning that Lippio would indeed survive.
"He's going to be very sore for a long time," the old physician said, "and I don't know if the arm will ever return to full strength, but your quick thinking and action spared him."
"You taught me well."
"I recall advising you only on the care of the occasional lame animal."
Loukon shrugged. "I didn't know what else to do."
THAT EVENING, as he sat in a tiny hovel with his parents over a meal of bread and bean soup, Loukon regaled them with the events of the day.
His mother remained silent as his father shook his head. "That was risky, Luke. What if you had caused him more harm?"
"No one else was doing anything, Father! It didn't seem right to let him lie there and bleed."
"I suppose not. But did you have any idea what you were doing?"
"All I knew was that doing nothing would have been wrong, and I had to act fast. You can imagine how scared I was."
"But how did you know to bind him above the wound and keep his arm raised?"
"It just made sense. Men of medicine believe blood originates from the heart, and all of his would have been spilt through the wound if I had not stopped it width="1em">A knock came at the door and Loukon's father nodded to his mother. She quickly rose and opened it to a young maiden.
"Your son's presence is requested by the master," she said.
"The master?" Loukon's mother said.
"Theophilus himself," the girl said, hurrying away.
Loukon's father raised his brows. "Go with haste," he said. "And tell the truth."
THEOPHILUS WAS a robust man in his late forties, white-haired and dressed in brightly colored garments. He remained seated near a fire-place as Loukon was ushered in by an aide. Theophilus seemed to study him, finally gesturing toward a chair.
Loukon bowed and sat.
"I'm told I should be bowing to you, young man," Theophilus said.
"Oh, no, sir."
"You had adults doing your bidding during the emergency. You even cowed the marble seller! He had the rest of the lot delivered!"
"I hope I didn't offend anyone."
"You certainly didn't offend me."
Loukon felt self-conscious as the man gazed at him. He wondered if he was expected to reply.
"Your parents have been with me since before they were married, when I moved here as a young man. I remember when you were born. May I call you Luke?"
Loukon forced himself to merely nod rather than to gush, "You can call me whatever you please."
"You know why you're here. I am thanking you for the valuable service you performed for me today. I have been told the details, but only secondhand. I shall procure the story from the victim himself when he is up to it, but I would like your account."
"My account?"
"Tell me exactly what happened."
A few minutes later, Loukon concluded with, "And then you sent for me. I must say, Lippio nearly gave his life trying to protect your property."
Theophilus, who had sat smiling through much of the story, now gazed seriously at the young man. "I understand that, but we are talking about you just now. You are aware, I suppose, that many slave owners would restrict offspring from the many opportunities you have been afforded."
"Oh, yes, sir, I know. No one else I know, in my station I mean, is able to learn and to read and---if I may say---to be involved in so much that goes on around here."
Theophilus leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees. "There are those who 's mother had always had a lightness in her step, despite that her eyes bore a weary sadness. Neither of his parents had ever mentioned it, but the old physician had confided to Loukon that his mother had borne three children besides himself, none of whom had survived.
"Two preceded you, Luke," the old man said, as he was teaching Loukon about childbirth. "Born dead. The other lived about a week and died when you were a year old. Some women are just not destined to bear many living children. In the case of your mother, it was for the best."
"For the best? Why?"
"They were all female offspring."
Loukon nodded. He would have enjoyed having a brother, even a sister. When he interacted with the young maidens on the property, he sometimes imagined them as sisters. Other times he imagined them as potential wives, of course. But the doctor was right: it was probably just as well his sisters had not lived. The world was no place for a woman.
The joke around the place was that slaves had slaves too---their wives. While Loukon's mother was most industrious and seemed to take pride in managing the tiny household---besides her all-day work in Theophilus's gardens---her husband made all the decisions. Loukon had heard her counsel him and discuss things with him, and perhaps at times he listened to her and even deferred to her. Yet always the last word was his.
"I'm sorry," the physician said. "I assumed you knew. Please, let's keep this between us."
Loukon nodded, afraid to ask if any of his sisters had merely been left to die. The more he learned, the more capricious seemed the nature of such decisions. Husbands were expected to pick up and hold a newborn as a ritual of accepting it into the family. Even slave husbands often merely looked at a newborn daughter and walked away, in essence sentencing her to death. If she was not welcomed by him, she was to be left outside, exposed to the elements, often to become prey. Mothers wailed, siblings sobbed, fathers bore the brunt of their anger, yet still men ruled their homes without question and held sway over life and death.
Something deep within Loukon rebelled at this, though he could not imagine a thing he could do about it. He'd heard of deformed male babies and perfectly whole female babies left in the streets of Antioch. Might he someday organize other compassionate people and rescue these, raising them to be productive members of society? Oh, there were already those who scooped up these unfortunates and invested in them, feeding and clothing and housing them, even teaching them the rudiments of work. But they became mere chattel, tradable commodities.
Loukon hated nights like this when his mind remained engaged and he argued within himself about the inequities of the world. If he did not get his full complement of rest, study became difficult the next day. But what was he to do with the war within himself? On the one hand he was praised for being compassionate and told that this was one of the hallmarks of the physician. On the other, he was expected to merely accept that women and most slaves---except those fortunate enough to belong to the rs head of the family and expected to exercise his authority. As a slave, it was only behind these doors that he enjoyed such a role, so Loukon could hardly blame him.
But lately his mother had plainly slowed. Her color had changed. Loukon feared it was more than fatigue or even melancholy over being one of few women her age with only one child. And yet his father had not seemed to notice.
Loukon wished he could talk with her, ask her about herself, see if she would discuss the memories of her losses. But he had pledged to the old physician that he would not break his confidence.
Loukon knew he must sleep. He must. His tutors had been very encouraging and had passed along to the master more reports of his academic excellence. Something deep within him told him that this was no time to be presumptuous, to assume that he was going to be automatically accepted at university. He wanted to continue to learn, to maintain rigorous study habits. But that required rest, and getting his mind to slow and drift was not easy.
He crept outside and moseyed among the slaves' quarters. The night was cool and the sky clear. As Loukon studied the expanse of stars he somehow understood how some could believe in a creator God. His intellect told him that the idea of monotheism was far-fetched, but was it not possible that a supreme being was behind all this and existed far beyond the stars?
As the lad returned to his bed, just when he believed he was getting drowsy, he heard coughing from his parents' room. Then a sigh, and a moan. To Loukon's amazement, the sounds of distress were coming not from his mother, but from his father. Soon he heard him rise and rush from the house, vomiting. When Loukon rose to see if he could help, he met his mother at the door. She was bearing a lamp.
"I will tend him," she said. "Get your rest."
"Give him some of the soothing root extract," Loukon said. "But not too much."
"I could use some too," she said.
"Truly? How long has your stomach been sour?"
"Since this morning. Both of us."
"Has anyone else complained?"
She nodded. "It wouldn't surprise me if others were suffering. Many seemed slower today. But few said anything."
Loukon's father dragged back in, scowling. "I'm fine," he said. "Perhaps just something I ate."
"Luke thinks we should take some---"
"I said I'm fine. Suit yourself if you need something, but I need quiet. The night is now short."
As his father scuffed back to bed, Loukon's mother found the extract. "Just a sip," Loukon told her, "and take some with you. Father may need it after all."
Within half an hour Loukon heard both of them moaning, then hour preserving you, along with the rest of us. Do not make me order you to come. Simply comply."
"You would make me?"
"I would."
Loukon wanted to lash out, to spit that the master was proving he was anything but the Greek ideal of the perfect man. What would happen if he simply returned to his parents' hovel? Would it be the end of his status with the master, the end of his dream and his future?
An adult slave moved near him and whispered, "Do what he says, son. He could have you put to death."
Theophilus? Never. Legally, yes, it was his prerogative to do as he pleased with his own slaves, but Loukon could not imagine he had ever acted upon it.
The adviser returned and whispered to the master.
"Oh, no," Theophilus said. "We must go. Loukon, gather your papyrus. Anything else you need, we will provide at the seashore."
"Wait! What is happening? Are my parents all right?"
"They are grave, son, but the physician himself has fallen ill."
"Then I must stay! I cannot go! Who else will look after the people?"
"You would be supervising a mass burial, Luke. Now I must insist that you ride with us."
"I want to stay."
"Enough," Theophilus said, not unkindly. "I have spoken. You will thank me one day. Now get your things and do not delay."
Loukon knew he had no options. At least gathering up his stuff would take him home, if only briefly. He could peek in on his parents. He ran to the row of slave quarters, aware of more people writhing, much wailing and groaning.
"Do not come near me!" the physician called out as Loukon looked in while gathering his schoolwork. He grabbed an extra tunic, but it was all he could do to not get near his doctor/mentor. The man looked terrible, slumped on the bench next to the bed where Loukon's parents lay, now deathly pale and motionless.
"I want to stay and help," Loukon said. "But the master---"
"Do as he says, Luke," the physician said. "Nothing can be done for any of us. We will all be gone by tomorrow at this time."
"I must say goodbye to them," Loukon said. "How can I leave without---"
"Luke, hear me. I do not expect them to survive, but I do anticipate that they will regain consciousness before their final crisis. I will tell them whatever you wish."
"Forgive me, doctor, but you are older and frail="3">Loukon immediately sat and began to scratch with a quill at a small roll of papyrus. He was desperate to communicate love and gratitude and assurances that he would make them proud. A lump invaded his throat and his eyes filled. Meanwhile a messenger appeared in the doorway with word that the master demanded his immediate presence at the gate.
With tears streaming, Loukon reached the message in to the physician, who was looking worse by the minute. Loukon's last view of his parents was of them lying side by side. And still.
His father and mother, like the rest of the adult slaves, could not read. Who but the dying physician himself could be entrusted with reading his message to them?
"SIT WITH ME, LUKE," Theophilus said. The lad hesitated, but the master patted the seat and he reluctantly climbed in and plopped down. "You don't have to speak. I know you're angry with me, and grieving. I pledge we will memorialize all we have lost, your parents and my physician primarily. Trust me, while you will find it difficult to believe, this is also an ordeal for me. I do not want to leave any more than you do, but when you realize you have been spared for a reason, we'll look back on this as the right thing."
Loukon sat shaking his head. "Logic tells me you are right, but I cannot stand the thought that I am so powerless to help. And that I have abandoned my parents on their deathbed, something neither would ever have done to me."
"If the worst happens, son, and you will allow me, I would be honored to serve as your surrogate father."
Loukon knew Theophilus meant well, but that was the last thing he wanted to hear. The man was strangely clumsy in his attempts to encourage and console. Loukon decided to remain silent and deal with his master only as events dictated. He just hoped he would not be expected to jump right into his studies as soon as they settled in at the seaside retreat.
Loukon attempted to keep his mind off the impending tragedy of his losses by trying to anticipate the compound he had never seen. He had heard other slaves tell of the place, all wishing they could be assigned there permanently. But visits to the Mediterranean by the master and his family were rare, and the privilege of accompanying them was passed around.
It was little consolation to the distressed young scholar that he would be at a beautiful spot when the awful news reached him.
"You must not allow this to make you fall behind in your academic pursuits, Luke," Theophilus said.
The poor man was trying so hard. Loukon again wanted to lash back at him, to tell him he would be entirely unable to concentrate on anything for some time.
Despite all, when---late in the day---Theophilus's home away from home finally came into view, Loukon was stunned. The setting sun shone off the sea, and the beautiful landscaping made the setting idyllic. The property was much smaller than the Daphne estate, but the house was every bit as large.
Loukon was grateful for something to do and immediately inserted himself into the cadre of slaves unloading the family's goods and moving them into the house. It made no sense, h xp1aves telle knew, but he told himself that if he kept busy, that would somehow keep bad tidings at bay.
Such hope was dashed within an hour when a courier, who had to have left Daphne not long after the family did, arrived with a report. Several crowded around the master, hoping to hear when he did. But Theophilus took the man into a private room, emerging moments later, looking sad.
"Luke," he said, and the boy found himself deeply grateful to be summoned. He followed the master into the room. "Would you care to sit?"
"No, thank you."
The master looked as if he wanted to touch Loukon, but the boy was glad he refrained. He simply wanted the news and to then be left alone.
"We have lost eleven already, Luke. Your mother, the physician, and Lippio are among them." He reached for papyrus on a desktop. "A list of the others."
Loukon was surprised he was able to find his voice. "My father remains?"
Theophilus nodded. "But there is little hope. I was not aware Lippio had even been affected, were you?"
It seemed a strange question in light of Loukon's having just been informed of his mother's death. He shook his head.
"Would you like some time for yourself?"
He nodded, and Theophilus excused him to his quarters. Loukon felt guilty as soon as he entered and sat on the bed, his meager belongings piled in a corner. No slave quarters for him here; these were the nicest accommodations he had ever enjoyed. His parents had never even seen such a comfortable place, let alone been allowed to use it.
Loukon lay on his stomach and hid his face in his hands. He was full of questions. Was his father conscious, aware he had lost his wife? Had either been read Loukon's farewell? Was his father suffering? It was not unlikely he was gone already.
Some of the names of the dead had included people of faith, those who believe in whom they referred to as the one true God. So where was He now?
Memories flooded the boy's mind. Now that he knew how most slave children were raised, he realized how good his own childhood had been. He had long been aware who he and his parents were and who they were not, but he had never suffered.
Until now.
As Loukon's breathing became steady and deep, he realized how bone-weary he was. His sleep had been fitful and, as his father had said, the night short. Then his day had been as strenuous as he could remember. And the very idea of arguing with his master---especially in front of his family and advisers and even other slaves---humiliated the boy. He would have to apologize when the time was right.
WHEN LOUKON AWOKE three hours later, he was aware of voices in the great room. He quietly made haster should remain where he was until authorities had determined that the estate was safe for return. That could have been weeks. No one knew how many more might be affected or how long it would take to bury the dead and cleanse the place. It was unlikely that the cause of the killing plague would be determined or that it could be contained. But until experts believed the hazard had been eliminated, no one believed Theophilus should risk a return.
"And when," one asked, "will you tell the boy about his father?"
"I'll not be able to keep it from him, nor would I choose to. He'll want to know as soon as he wakes. I just hope he gets a little rest."
"I'm awake," Loukon said, stepping into view.
Theophilus immediately rose and approached him. "I'm sorry," he said.
"Thank you. Of course I knew it was inevitable."
"Don't worry about any duties for the time being. Let my people know if you need anything."
"I am your people, sir."
"Consider yourself part of my family now. And as I promised, we will honor your parents, and all we have lost. I can't say when that will be, but I guarantee it will be appropriate and meaningful. I very much respected your parents, Luke. I will miss them."
The estimates of how long it would take for Theophilus and his family to return to Daphne proved woefully inaccurate. The master seemed out of sorts for weeks as he directed---from the Mediterranean retreat---mass burials and the torching of the slaves' quarters. Frequent visits from provincial authorities and even representatives from Rome resulted in heated meetings and much turmoil.
Theophilus dispatched trusted aides to Antioch and Tarsus to procure more slaves, but even this effort was stalled when he was informed that he would have to house these people elsewhere until the rebuilding at Daphne had been completed. There was not enough room, or work for the slaves, on the Mediterranean.
At first grateful to take the master up on his offer of no study until he was ready, after weeks of moping about, Loukon found himself eager for anything to occupy his mind. He hated to bother Theophilus, with all that had to be on his agenda, but when he got a moment's audience with him, Loukon said, "I believe I am ready to take up my studies again."
Theophilus seemed to weigh him with his eyes. "I have a task for you first."
"Anything, sir. Thank you."
"I pledged an appropriate memorial to your parents and the others. I would like you to take charge of that."
"Take charge? I would be unable to host it or to speak."
"Oh, no," Theophilus said. "I myself would be expected to serve as host and eulogizer. What I require of you is to gather all pertinent information on the deceased: names, birth records, duties, any personal stories Iight be able to relate. And then I would like you to suggest an appropriate memorial, something that would remain after we have orally honored these."
"When will this be, sir?"
"Upon our return to Daphne. I considered doing it here, but that seems so impersonal. It strikes me that we should do this within a respectable distance of where they have been entombed."
Grieved and hurting as he was, Loukon found himself desperate for just this sort of exercise, and he threw himself into it. He spent an entire evening reminiscing on papyrus about his own parents. Then the next morning he shortened it to its essence so Theophilus would have time to include a few sentences about each of the dead.
Loukon spent several days carefully interviewing several at the retreat about anyone they had lost. He wept with them and shared his own memories, finding it all quite melancholy and yet satisfying and healing.
To his abject dismay, however, Loukon sensed pride creeping into him for the very fact that the master had asked him to take charge of this. His parents had been in the ground only a short time, and his wound remained sharp and deep. And yet the baser part of his nature was looking forward to the day when Theophilus would thank him publicly for his efforts in staging the memorial. What was wrong with him?
Finally the day came when he was allowed to visit Daphne for the first time. Many of the surviving slaves had been working on the rebuilding of their quarters and purging the rest of the estate in anticipation of the master's return, and only they could relate stories of their lost family members.
In all, more than thirty had perished and twice that many had endured long recoveries from whatever it was that had swept the place.
"I get daily reports, of course," Theophilus had told him, "but bring me back a detailed account. Consider it part of your studies, an assignment in constructing a thorough evaluation. I want to know how the new place is shaping up, and I'd like an honest forecast of when you think we might be able to return."
"Master, I want to thank you for this task. I can't say that I'm enjoying it actually, but I am grateful for the activity."
"Do you still regret having left?"
"Of course. Don't you?"
"I try not to dwell on it," Theophilus said. "The guilt for selfishness crouches at the door of my mind, but I try to combat it with logic. I remind myself that there was nothing I could have done, and that I have been spared to continue to do right by my fellow man. Now, where is your thinking on a permanent memorial?"
"It might prove costly."
"Let me worry about that that, Luke."
"What would you think of a sculpture or some sort of depiction that would honor the dead?"
"Tell me more."
"I feel fortunate. The master noticed my interest in such things, is all I can say. I am as surprised as anyone else that he has allowed this."
"It's not fair."
"Would you like to do what I do?"
"Who wouldn't?"
"Why not tell him?"
"Theophilus? He would laugh me out the door. I can't read and wouldn't know where to begin."
"But you're interested in science, mathematics, rhetoric, art, history, medicine?"
Diabolos laughed aloud. "Hardly! I am interested in remaining inside all day and doing nothing, like you."
"If you think what I do is nothing, you are mistaken."
"Well, just in case you're unaware of it, the rest of us resent your privileges."
"And what am I to do about that? Refuse the master's kindnesses so I don't separate myself from my people?"
"That's what I would have done."
Loukan found himself not only offended and resentful, but also angry. He wished he were bigger so he could challenge Diabolos to a fight. He imagined bloodying the man's face, knocking him to the ground, and kicking him to within an inch of his life. And here he had been trying to convince the man that he was just a fortunate, humble servant.
What am I really?
LOUKON SPENT NEARLY the entire day interviewing survivors of the plague about their loved ones. He found it strange to wander where he and his parents had lived and to see nothing but dirt. The new quarters were in the same area but several yards away. And they were nice, roomier, and Theophilus had apparently approved an engineering project that directed a stream of water through the complex that would greatly aid with sanitation.
Just before it was time to head back to the Mediterranean, Loukon made his way to the rough-hewn tombs where his parents and the others had been interred. He repeated aloud from memory what he had written his parents weeks before. When he got back to the estate, Diabolos was standing by the wagon and horses.
"Ready?" he said.
"I need to gather my things," Loukon said. "But I would like to ask you about your family first, if you're up to it. Come inside where I can write."
"Can't we do it back at the retreat?"
"We might not have as much time. What if you are assiwed him. "You know, of course, that I know what you're going through. Don't forget that my parents were among the first to die. I even understand the guilt of being the only survivor."
"But you had a reason!" Diabolos said, sitting across from Loukon. "I was out in the workplace with everyone else. I wasn't lounging inside doing nothing!"
"I am sorry, Diabolos. I truly am. Now, would you tell me about them?"
All the while Loukon was taking notes, he was resenting Diabolos and wanted to strike back at his meanness. He somehow forced himself to dredge up some compassion for this sad, sad man. If Loukon felt the slave was being unfair, he could only imagine how Diabolos felt about him. But of course he didn't have to imagine it; Diabolos was nothing if not forthright.
LOUKON ALLOWED HIMSELF to hope that by the time he and Diabolos had reached the Mediterranean retreat again, they might have forged some sort of a relationship, if not an uneasy friendship. Even a truce would have been better than the distance he felt from the man.
But no. While he thanked Diabolos effusively, Loukon got only a nod, and when he came upon him around the grounds during the ensuing days, his greetings were barely acknowledged. It was as if they had not spent the better part of a day together.
Loukon spent most of the next two weeks daily working on the eulogy for Theophilus to read at the memorial. A target date had been set for the return to Daphne, and Loukon found himself eager to get back. Would he be assigned his own chambers in the servants' quarters, or would he have a place in the main house? After the encounter with Diabolos, he wasn't sure which he would rather have. Slave quarters would be fine with him. In truth, he'd rather stay in relative luxury, but he wanted his peers to think he was required to stay in the main house.
It was time to endure the memorial. Endure was the right word, for as sweet and meaningful as Theophilus would make it, it would be an ordeal for the grieving. Maddeningly, part of him still hoped the master would acknowledge his part in the preparations.
Once it was over, Loukon could get back to his studies. He hoped he hadn't fallen hopelessly behind. With university looming on the horizon, he believed he could focus and find within himself renewed enthusiasm for the task of conducting the memorial. He desperately wanted to honor the memory of his parents while also proving himself worthy of his master's trust.
Loukon had come to the difficult decision that if Theophilus again raised the matter of his becoming an adopted son, even in just a symbolic way, he was going to decline. As much as he respected the man and appreciated the sentiment, he had the deep feeling that he would be dishonoring his own father to accede to the request.
Anyway, his dream was to one day be considered a colleague of Theophilus. And that would never happen if he was forever seen as a son. Would turning down such an overture cause a breach in the relationship? He couldn't risk that. Loukon would count on the innate goodness of the man, his Stoicism. There was no way he could survive in the world without the man's patronage.
"I am still a slave, sir. And while I may have gone soft without manual labor for so long, I am happy to move myself in. And I have so little that it will give me time to help get the main house in order for you too."
"You are determined to remain a slave, aren't you?"
In fact, Loukon was deeply troubled. He had done the right thing, he knew. But in his heart of hearts, he'd rather the master had forbade it.
IN THE PREDAWN DARKNESS Loukon loaded his stuff onto the wagon he knew Diabolos would be driving, then helped pack assorted items from the house. When it came time to pull out, slaves crowding every available inch of the wagons, Loukon climbed up next to Diabolos.
"Big day ahead," he said.
"Are you going to be jabbering the whole way? This is the middle of my night."
"Sorry."
"What are you doing here anyway? I would have thought you would have been awarded a purple robe and allowed to accompany the master himself. Fall out of his good graces? Don't tell me he has relegated you back to slave quarters and slave status!"
"That has always been the case."
"Oh, spare me! You have been found out! You proved slothful or sassy, didn't you?"
Loukon fought to stay silent and to not even shake his head. Lowering himself to gain back some respect or trust was clearly not going to work with someone like Diabolos.
"You're right," he said. "I've been eliminated from the inner circle." Diabolos threw an arm around Loukon's shoulder and roughly pulled him close. "Well, don't cry over it, man! I'll show you the ropes! It'll all come back to you. Did you get assigned my wagon? Because you know the driver is the overseer for the day, so you'll have to do what I say when I say it."
"Well, first I have to get moved in. And then I thought I would---"
"No, no. You'll move in last. Your quarters won't be going anywhere, will they? And then you don't decide what you'll do. I'll let you know."
"But I told the master I would help with the main house . . ."
"The main house has plenty of men assigned. I'll use you where you will be of the most help."
Maybe this returning to slave status wasn't such a good idea after all. Part of Loukon wanted to take advantage of his relationship with the master and simply tell Diabolos off and do what he pleased. But no. He would serve the hurting man. And if that didn't soften him, that was not Loukon's problem.
When finally the caravan rumbled through the gates of the newly built estate at Daphne, the drivers asnd woman and a boy and a girl toiling in the gardens.
No one spoke, but slowly they climbed down from the wagons and approached, staring, gasping, whistling. It was clear this was the perfect gift from the master.
"This is where the memorial will be held tomorr---"
But Diabolos grabbed Loukon. "Tell me and I'll tell them. You are not in charge here."
"The memorial service will be conducted here at dawn tomorrow. The master will eulogize the dead."
Diabolos grandly announced it to the rest of the slaves. "Now, let's get to work!"
AT THE END OF THE DAY Loukon was finally free to move his own meager belongings into a slave's chamber. He had been assigned to carry things everywhere but to the main house, and Diabolos seemed to gloat the whole time. Loukon was determined not to let it show that he was being humiliated, so he smiled often and worked quickly, though he was soon exhausted. The truth was, it had been too long since he had done manual labor. But he forced himself to keep pushing, hoping to prove that Diabolos could not get to him, let alone defeat him. In reality, however, he was seething and none too proud of himself for it.
Loukon was arranging the last of his study materials and putting his second tunic away when he heard the master's family's conveyances come through the gate. He took one last look at the spartan but more than adequate room that would be his until he left for university, then hurried out to welcome them.
Excited as he was about the future, this had been mostly a sad day for the majority of the slaves. They were clearly impressed with the statue and the lengths to which their master had gone to rebuild and make more comfortable their own accommodations. But returning to this place, even reuniting with family and friends, had to bring back the hard memories of their loss. It certainly did to Loukon.
Theophilus stood high in his carriage and merely thanked everyone for their help, reminding them to meet in front of the statue at dawn.
Loukon hurried back to his new quarters and had just dropped onto the bed when he was summoned to the main house.
"I thought you might want to see what we've done with the physician's area," Theophilus said.
Loukon was certain his surprise showed. "I would love to, but what made you think I had not already seen it?"
"I have eyes and ears everywhere, Luke. I am fully aware of how you were treated today, and how you responded. I am not a proponent of corporal punishment except in the most egregious circumstances, but all it would take is one word from you and I'd have that overseer flogged."
"Oh, no. Thank you, sir, but it was not that bad. And I can only imagine what is weighing on his mind."
"You're a better man than I am," Theophilus said.
If only that were true. The revenge Theophilus suggested sounded delicious. But how would Loukon have lived with himself if he had taken advantage of it? And what kind of a man was he to think he was honorable in declining it when down deize="3">"To understand the universe, one must become a true thinker. Imagine the spiritual sense of well-being you can achieve this way."
"You have gained this?" Loukon said.
"I have. Peace has visited me, as practicing virtue and reason has allowed me to grasp natural law and shut out the noise of the world. Men who are slaves to their passions do not understand truth and that it is virtuous to pursue it."
Recalling what Theophilus had once said about still struggling with certain vices, Loukon said, "So this belief, this practice, has rid you of immorality?"
Zeno allowed his eyes to drift from the window to Loukon's face. With what the student assessed as a condescending look, he said, "Well, I can confidently say I am no longer bound to taboos, superstition, belief in myths, worship of gods, and the like. And I can detach myself from hurtful experiences, largely through loving all other beings."
"You love all others?"
"Let me put it this way, lad: Stoicism presents a picture of the world as unified. Logic, ethics, physics all play a part. The key is to focus on living in harmony with the universe, over which we hold no sway."
"Otherwise we're victims of fate?"
"We are anyway. As I say, the secret is to harmonize with all these influences by living a life of self-control based on wisdom. Clehere are disparities in our accommodations and food. I suppose a true Stoic would allow his charges to live in his home and eat from his table. I must ask, Luke, what prompts your grin?"
"Oh, I apologize, sir. I do not intend to be rude."
"No, no. Speak."
"Well, it's just that I was thinking that a true Stoic would free his slaves."
Theophilus's face clouded and he nodded. "We touched on this once before. Freedom would not be profitable for every slave under my charge. Freeing them might do them more harm than good. Short of that, I want that my life be governed by my philosophy."
"If I may pose one more question . . ."
"More than one, if you wish."
"Thank you. I gather from my study that one of the chief aims of Stoicism is some higher plane of behavior. Am I being presumptuous in that?"
Theophilus rose and beckoned Loukon to walk with him. The lad followed him out of the house and into the twilight of the courtyard. "You're wondering if I have made any progress in my attempts at controlling my own passions. How about you? Have you?"
"No, but neither have I formally adopted Stoicism as my own. Will you be requiring that of me?"
"I considered that, but I see many wonderful qualities in you anyway, as I have said. No, I believe I'll leave such a decision up to you. Your education, your employment, your freedom will not hinge on such. What I desire for you in the long run---say, when you reach my age---is peace of mind. I wish that my philosophy would grant me that."
"You do not have peace? You seem to."
"I fear I am confiding too much, Luke, but I trust you."
"I hope I have proven myself trustworthy."
"So far. The fact is, that while I believe in the divine nature of the universe, I do not believe in God or the gods per se. The very idea seems to war against Stoicism."
"Then what do you mean by divine nature?"
"Just that there seems to be a grand, overall logic to the universe. Things seem to make some sort of spiritual sense. And yet, though I live my life with all this in mind, working at self-control and virtue and logical thought, I have never seemed to master my own passions. I still seek my good over others', I crave attention, I can be petty and jealous. And while I have been more than fortunate, enough never seems enough for me. You see what I'm saying?"
Loukon found a bench and requested permission to sit. "I understand, but if you do not worry about offending the gods and you foster a reputation of fairness and goodness, why no peace of mind? Only because you are overall l"I don't know, Luke. I just don't know. I had hoped Stoicism would make me a better man, put me on the journey of the Greek ideal. I have studied other pursuits, but Stoicism is as close as I have come to finding an acceptable way of living. The best I can say for myself is that I am striving."
"Perhaps there is nothing more that can be said."
"Perhaps, but you see how sad that is? I want to be truly worthy of my reputation as a good and decent man, not to simply be grateful that people think so. I know the real me, and I am not satisfied."
"And thus you continue pursuing the noble path."
"I have been doing that for too long to still be judging myself so inadequate."
"Maybe you are being too hard on yourself."
"I would like to think so, but even conceding that does not bring me the sense of satisfaction I long for. I can tell myself I am doing the best I can, but when it is not good enough to persuade even me that I am achieving the character I long for, it wears on me. I am no longer a young man. I see little hope."
"You are despairing more than I realized."
"And you wonder why I see so much hope in you?"
"Often, yes."
"I am desperate that you become what I have not. You seem to have a natural virtue, a concern for others, an eager, inquisitive mind. So go off to the university committed to spend yourself for the benefit of others. Be the man I wish I were. If my only legacy is sponsoring a man for the world who will prove that altruism is attainable, maybe that will be enough."
Loukon rose and laughed. "Forgive me, but you have laid on my shoulders a great weight of responsibility. What if it turns out that I am every bit as human as you, or even more so? If I fail, then what? All is lost?"
"You will not fail, Luke. You will achieve. You will make me proud."
"I will give it my all. But as I told you long ago, I battle my own desires and passions as well."
"But you're young! That is part of maturing. I want to believe that if you understand what you're striving for, you will be able to avoid the pitfalls I suffered. You can focus on the denial of your passions and the embracing of selflessness and service to mankind."
Loukon rose and they walked back toward the main house. Loukon said, "Do you mean to lay on me the burden of all your disappointments and broken dreams?"
"No. And I apologize if it appears that way. Rather, I want you to know that I believe in you."
For such a bright and successft size="3">EXCITED AS HE WAS and eager to get under way, Loukon had everything packed and stacked and ready to go when he retired that night. Sleep was nearly impossible. He was exhausted and yet longed for dawn when he would ride---with the master himself---all the way to the harbor.
Slumber finally overtook him, and he was stunned awake at a rooster's crow. Loukon ran to bathe in a shallow pool, then dressed in one of his new sets of clothes and sandals, grabbed one of his boxes, and met the master at his covered carriage.
"Set that crate down," Theophilus said. "No manual labor for you today. Diabolos, please load Loukon's things."
Diabolos gave Loukon a look and bowed to the master. "With pleasure, sir."
When the driver had loaded everything, Diabolos leaped aboard and reached to help Theophilus up. As the master settled in back, Loukon boarded, but when he reached for Diabolos's helping hand, the slave pulled it away.
As Loukon pulled back the curtain and found his place beside Theophilus, Diabolos grandly bowed low in an exaggerated manner that was not lost on the lad.
"Proceed," Theophilus said, as Diabolos closed them in. The master whispered, "You can see how happy he is for you, treating you like a freeman."
"Indeed," Loukon said.
As the carriage jostled to the harbor, Loukon found himself strangely melancholy. His eager anticipation was quickly becoming dread of the unknown and longing for the comforts of his own home and daily routine. And there would be no turning back. He could not show these emotions before the very man who had bestowed all this upon him. Yet at the same time he knew this was a boundless opportunity, the first step on his journey to an entirely new life.
But a lump rose in his throat, and it was all he could do to dam his tears. As Theophilus spoke of opportunity and possibilities, Loukon pressed his lips together and nodded, grateful he was not required to speak.
At the harbor he and the master stood chatting as Diabolos loaded his stuff onto the ship. When Theophilus thanked Diabolos, he again bowed deeply and smiled---deviously, Loukon was sure---acting as if this chance to serve the master's pet was his highest privilege.
Finally Loukon and Theophilus embraced. "I know you will apply yourself with all diligence," the master said. "Safe travels."
"I cannot thank you enough," Loukon said, the tears finally coming. He was embarrassed until he saw Theophilus also weeping. How had he earned this man's love?
"Thank me by doing me a favor," the man said, his voice thick.
"Anything."
"Drop your formal Greek name, at least among your new mates. Introduce yourself as Luke."
"You don't think they will take me less seriously?"
"Your scholarship will was notght="6">
"My people have much to teach."
"Oh, I agree, despite that we oppose much Hellenistic thought. But I oppose nothing that might be of use in serving the God of Israel."
"You speak of Him as you would speak of an actual person."
Saul grinned. "Is it any wonder my elders are so wary of you Greeks? Of course He is an actual person. He is not like you and me, needless to say, thus we do not even spell out His name when we write about Him. And in speech we refer to Him as Yahweh."
"And how do you serve Him, as you say?"
"By knowing His history, loving His laws, following His statutes."
"I have heard of the laws. Just out of curiosity, do they leave any time for other things?"
"Such as?"
"Recreation."
"Do you mean to ask if I have any fun?"
Luke laughed. "That's what I'm asking, yes."
"Stick with me, Luke, and you'll have as much fun as you want. I know every street and alleyway in Tarsus. And I fancy myself an athlete. One of the first things we are to study in history here is the Battle of Marathon five centuries ago and the man who ran all that way to tell of the victory and then died of exhaustion. I am organizing a run just like it, not to or from Marathon, of course, but I have devised a path that is about the same length."
"And who is to run this?"
"I will, and many of my new friends. Join us! It will be, as you say, fun."
"It doesn't sound like fun to me. Isn't that more than twenty-five miles?"
"It is. But what better way to learn? We're doing it tomorrow, after morning classes."
"Won't it take hours?"
"It will for me," Saul said, "but you plainly have longer legs and look more fit. You'll probably be waiting for the rest of us when we arrive back here."
Luke had never run a mile, let alone more than twenty-five. But what better way to start getting to know other students? As he was considering it, Saul excused himself and ran to help another new student carrying his belongings into the dormitory.
As he prepared for the orientation meeting, Luke could not get Saul, or his running challenge, off his mind. He was going to do it, he had decided. But what was with the intensity of that young man? He was articulate and direct, and his eyes had seemed to bore into Luke's.
But was Saul of Tarsus a potential friend? His very energy and ideas might exhaust Luke. On the other hand, wasn't that what university life was all about---expanding his wo/div>
No way could Luke live a life satisfying to a devout Jew, but Saul seemed an open-minded sort. Perhaps his education abroad and his receptiveness to gleaning what he could even from philosophies opposed to his own would make him a valuable acquaintance.
As Luke was leaving the orientation meeting that evening, struck by the mass of students overrunning the campus, Saul approached from a distance. The dark, wiry man was waving, and when he came fully into view, it was clear he had been injured.
"What happened to your eye, Saul?"
"Oh, this? It's nothing. I challenged an older student to a fistfight, and he took me seriously. I mean, I wanted the challenge, but he thought we had to be angry with each other and not just sporting. Before I realized I had to really fight back, he had landed a good blow."
"What were you fighting about?"
"Nothing! I just like to box. And he was much bigger, so I wanted to give it a go. People seem to misunderstand me, though I try to be clear. Do you find me hard to understand?"
Luke laughed. "I don't understand why you'd want to take on an older, bigger student just for sport, or run more than twenty-five miles, but I don't have any trouble comprehending what you're saying."
"Well, that's a relief. And you are running with us tomorrow, right?"
"I'll give it a try."
"Oh, but you must finish. You don't have to win, but finishing is everything."
"Fair enough. I promise to finish. Probably at the back of the pack, but I will finish."
"That's the spirit, Luke."
"Now, what have you done for that eye? It's nearly swollen shut."
"I applied a poultice of heated mud and leaves."
"No wonder it's swollen! Are you not familiar with the new approach to such injuries? Cold is the way to go, not hot. Heat causes more fluid to come into the affected area. Come with me."
Luke led him to a small stream, where he formed a mudpack and cooled it in the water, then pressed it gently over the eye. Saul winced but then admitted that it felt better already. "Will this keep it from turning purple?"
"Probably not," Luke said, "and it may ache if you still try to run tomorrow."
"Nothing will stop me from that. He didn't injure my legs. By the way, he got the worst of our fight."
"He did?"
"Oh, yes. I may have broken his noing for others who enjoy talking, especially late at night. There is nothing I enjoy more."
"Well, I need more sleep than that, but I may seek you out when my mind does not allow me to slumber. A good discussion may be just what I need."
"Discussion? Arguments are better! You take one side, I another, and we plead our cases until morning."
"And then sleep through our lectures," Luke said. He enjoyed making Saul laugh.
Saul gathered the other men around. "My only counsel is to not start too fast," he said. "I have never done this either, but I have watched athletes race in the coliseum, and often the ones who start out too quickly soon tire and finish last. Pace yourselves and enjoy the view."
He explained the simple twenty-five-plus-mile loop that would take them "through all the different parts of one of the world's greatest cities. Stay on my course and you will not get lost. And though you may tire, don't miss all the sights. No matter where you're from, it's unlikely you've ever seen a larger trade center on the Mediterranean coast. I'm proud to say our merchants are known throughout the empire, and they have poured much of their profits back into the city. It has good roads and much ornate beauty. Don't miss it. Don't run with your eyes cast down, no matter how tired you become."
Saul began running in place. "Get the body loosened up, and we will soon be off."
To Luke's great amusement, Saul was the first to violate his own advice. As soon as he had called out, "Ready? Let's go!" the young Pharisee lit out at nearly top speed, teasing the others to try to keep up. Many tried, including Luke, but after a mere quarter of a mile, they slowed.
Luke was winded and attempted to settle into a steady gait, trying to ignore that the speedy Saul was fast moving out of sight. As they left the campus and began a gradual slope down into the city, Luke tried to take in the surroundings, but his lack of physical activity for so long quickly caught up with him, and after he had slowed to a jog and covered little more than a mile, he was ready to quit.
He stopped and rested his hands on his hips, bending at the waist and gasping. "Done already?" some said as they passed him, and he didn't even have the energy to respond. Two stragglers sidled up next to him and said, "This is ridiculous. We're heading back too."
"I'm not heading back," Luke said. "I said I would finish, and I will."
"You've barely begun, man! Give it up."
They turned and began trudging back up to the university, but as soon as Luke caught his breath, he broke into a trot again, only to find that the strap on his right sandal was already digging into his flesh and raising a red spot. Dare he run barefoot? Surely not for the whole race. He soldiered on, soon trailing the rest by half a mile.
It wasn't long before Luke had to find a place to sit and study the blister forming on his right foot. Checking his left, he found an irritaoon have to slow to a walk, and his goal to be back to the campus before sunset would be hopeless.
As the day wore on, Luke began to wonder how far behind he was, only to surprisingly overtake a few of his schoolmates sitting and enjoying refreshments with town folk.
"Still at it?" they called out. "We're done! Let Saul run himself into the ground. We had no idea . . ."
Luke just waved and kept walking. Occasionally he would jog a few steps, but he soon realized that even walking the whole way was going to tax him to his limits. Along the route he continued to come upon others sitting off to the side, not one with any intention of continuing.
By very late in the afternoon he reached the halfway point and believed he had caught and passed everyone but Saul.
Famished, thirsty, aching, blistered, and sore, Luke stopped after sundown and begged fruit off a street vendor, vowing to pay the next day. The sustenance awakened him a bit but did nothing to heal his broken-down body, and now he lumbered on, only because there was nowhere else to go.
To his astonishment, as Luke finally began the incline that would take him back to the campus more than eight hours after he had begun, he saw a small figure in the distance, laboring to lean into and go up the hill. Saul.
The little man was limping badly, and Luke quickened his pace, just enough to know that he would be able to reach Saul before they finished. They would be the only two to complete the course. What a foolish idea this had been, and yet Luke anticipated a sense of accomplishment to go along with his ailments and the likelihood that he would not come close to finishing his reading that night.
When he drew close enough, Luke hollered out for Saul, who slowly turned and smiled wearily, extending his arms. "Luke! Is it you alone?"
"It is!"
Saul beckoned for him, but Luke had no more in him. He just shuffled along. Saul would have to wait.
When Luke finally reached him, Saul embraced him and they continued. "I'm proud of you," Saul said. "I confess that after halfway I knew I had offended all these by goading them to run, and had I not been the one who instigated this, I myself would have quit long ago. But frankly, if anyone else were to finish, I did not expect it to be you."
"Well, thanks for that. I looked that weak, did I?"
"No, I just underestimated your will, Luke. I am impressed. More than impressed. I have learned much about you from this."
They entered the gate with a couple of hundred yards to go to reach the tent. Luke's eyes met Saul's and they shook their heads. "Can't believe it's almost over height="6" width="1em">But before the question was out of Luke's mouth, from somewhere Saul had mustered the strength to break into a run. He was certainly not sprinting, loping was more like it, but he quickly pulled away from Luke, even though the lad instinctively started running too. Was it possible to catch Saul, despite his surprise head start?
Just a hundred yards to go now, and Saul was half that distance ahead. It was hopeless, but still Luke wanted to finish well, so he forced himself to maintain his pace. Little would be gained by slowing now, and he was going to be wholly spent either way.
And as he continued, feeling the strain in every fiber of his body, he looked up to see Saul slow to a stop five yards from the finish and reach out, waiting for him. "We must tie!" Saul said.
Luke grabbed his hand and they staggered across the line together, collapsing in the tent and finding water pitchers. They doused themselves and fell onto cots on either side of the tent.
"I may never rise again," Luke said, "let alone walk."
And his new friend chuckled as he panted.
None of the other participants in the run returned to the tent. They apparently found their way back to their quarters by other routes. Luke and Saul made the mistake of lying inert for too long after so much grueling activity, and when they finally rose, neither could move without much strain.
"I promised to remove this tent tonight," Saul said, and Luke immediately offered to help. He estimated it took them twice as long as it might have, had it not been for their pain and fatigue.
When they reached Saul's chambers, which he shared with three other students, Luke spent another hour trying to attend to his and Saul's respective ailments. Both had terribly blistered feet, aching joints and muscles in their legs, sharp pains in their shins, and a general malaise that made them want to merely lie around.
"You seem to be a physician already," Saul said, his roommates agreeing.
"This is working?" Luke said, as he applied both warm and cold compresses to his and Saul's legs. "I feel no better. The cleansing of our feet is probably the best I have done."
"I didn't say I felt better," Saul said. "I just meant that you seem expert. I fear I have damaged myself beyond repair."
"You might need more than a few hours' sleep tonight."
"I'm sleeping already. I'll be reading in my sleep."
Despite their commiseration, Luke and Paul dragged themselves off to the library, where they tried to read by torchlight and candlelight, often nodding off in the wee hours.
The next day Luke felt even worse, limping to lectures and apologizing for having fallen behind on his very first day. "You will be wise to catch up quickly if you plthe victims of Saul's Folly."
Luke and Saul roared about that later, but both plunged headlong into their academic pursuits and spent much time together over the next several weeks, studying, reading, telling each other about their families and histories, quickly forging a friendship Luke hoped would last.
But there was something troubling about Saul. While he was quick of mind and was generally of good humor, he bore not an ounce of diplomacy. Regardless the issue or topic, he spoke his mind forcefully. And though he was also quick to listen and to see the other sides of arguments, he was unable to change his tone, even when it came to personal matters.
Luke noticed---and could tell that Saul did not---that Saul's own roommates had taken to merely tolerating him. They never met his eye, made faces behind his back, and in general had stopped engaging him. They merely listened to his opinionated comments on every aspect of the university, the world, and life in general. Often he groused about what he considered the pagan behavior of almost everyone but himself.
One late afternoon a few months into the school year, Luke and Saul finished their evening meal and strolled to the library as the sunlight faded. As they sat near torches and lit reading candles, Saul said, "You know, there are those among my elders, those who are carefully monitoring my progress here, who believe it is unlawful for me to dine with you, Luke."
"Because I am a Greek? But are you not also a Roman citizen? If you can be a Jew and a Roman, can I not be just a citizen of the world, a being in the universe like you? Why must our differences come between us?"
"Ah, I see the Stoics have reached you, Luke. I too embrace much of what they teach, except where it violates the ancient Scriptures."
"And I know enough about those texts to know that if you as a Pharisee intend to honor the letter of the law, you are transgressing to dine with a Gentile. Even to sit with me, to converse with me, study with me."
"True, and I don't know what that will mean for me, for us, in the future, should I become a leader in the synagogue."
"Are you serious, Saul? Do you feel guilty about associating with me?"
"I do."
"Do you despise me so much that I am a heathen to you?"
"There is the dilemma, Luke. You know I do not despise you. I love you like a brother. But you are, after all, a heathen."
"I am no more heathen than you, friend. Neither of us partakes of strong drink, neither is a carouser---though it's probably fair to say I might prefer to be one. I find you honorable in your speech and behavior. You have not shown a cheater's heart or a braggart's or thief's. You are blunt, I will say that. And if you have a vice it is that you are judgmental."
Saul looked genuinely surprised. "I am aware that I am forthright, Luke. But is it a judgment call to say a man/i> to imply one who engages in debauchery and violation of his fellow man. Is that how you view me?"
"No, I merely see you as a well-intentioned Gentile."
"One with whom you are restricted from associating."
"Technically, yes."
"Do I cause you to stumble, then, in the practice of your religion?"
"No more than all the other Gentiles here. I don't know how I am to function on this campus if I am to separate myself from all of you. Almost every educator here is a Gentile and a Stoic besides. I am conflicted, and as I say, the day may come when I might find myself in a position of authority and required to follow the mandates of the law."
"And then we would no longer be friends?"
For the first time since they had met, Luke noticed Saul hesitate. But his response was chilling. "Then we would no longer be friends."
Luke rose and strode to a window. "You make me bold enough to speak my mind, because you always do."
"Yes, please."
"I'm just wondering. Are we really friends now? Or am I merely a novelty you are tolerating for a season? Can we ever truly be friends if you see me as beneath you?"
Again Saul hesitated, as if he wanted to dispute that. But Luke continued. "Don't deny it. A Greek, a Gentile, is not worthy of the devout Jew, especially the Pharisee. You see yourselves as not only strict followers of biblical law, but also the final arbiters of it. For the sake of this argument, I am striving to not take that personally. Just acknowledge the truth of it. I am a second-class citizen to you and always will be."
Saul smiled. "And yet you are so engaging."
"Do you not see how patronizing that is? To you I am a dog, a pet. You would not consider one human, though you would feed it and scratch behind its ears."
"Is that what you would wish from me, Luke?"
"You're still making light of this?"
"Only because I am warmed to see you take so enthusiastically to the discussion."
"But this has gone from discussion to argument, and now it threatens our very relationship."
"Then let's not allow it to, Luke. Let's enjoy this season at university."
"As a sort of break from reality?"
"Exactly."
Luke was not as good at this as Saul was. He was at a loss and could only rush outside into the cool air of the evening, feeling as if he had already lost a friend he had only recently gained. The work at the university was both invigorating and exhausting. He was homesick and missed his master, his friends, his aul and being fascinated by his personality---and character---had made things easier.
But what now? His misgivings, which he had only recently allowed into his consciousness, were being confirmed. He was merely tolerated by Saul. He served as recreation, distraction, a mildly interesting curiosity, in the end unworthy of true friendship.
To Luke's great relief, here came Saul, seeking him out. "This is not the Luke I know," he said. "You have not struck me as one who backs away from a discussion, even an argument."
"Put yourself in my place, Saul. What if you were the one considered heathen, unworthy?"
To Luke's deep dismay, Saul was apparently unable to hide his dumbfounded look. Clearly he had never allowed himself to even consider himself subservient to any non-Jew. Saul was among the chosen, gifted with a remarkable mind, blessed to have been raised in wealth and taught anything and everything he needed.
"Luke," Saul cooed, parentally, "you yourself have told me you were born of slaves, raised a slave. Legally you are not even a full-fledged Roman citizen. Would you expect to be the equal of a freeman, a Roman, even if I were not a Pharisee?"
So that was it. He had been presumptuous. He could serve as Saul's attendant, his sidekick, but never his equal. "Let me say this," Luke said, "I will not play the sycophant. I can admire you, but I will not worship you."
Saul fell silent and looked serious. Finally he said, "I do not seek worship. I would that you would worship God."
"But as a beginning practitioner of Stoicism, I do not believe in myths or gods."
"I am not speaking of Roman or Greek gods," Saul said. "I am speaking of Yahweh, God of gods, Lord of lords, maker of heaven and earth, the God of my fathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob."
Luke shook his head and returned to the library to gather up his things. Saul followed. "What?"
Luke turned on him. "You might as well be speaking a foreign language."
"I know several. Would you like me to try another?"
"This is not humorous. I can see that you are not just a student of Jewish history, but that you are also a believer."
"I am more than a believer. I am a Jew."
"Fine. I am a Stoic."
"Don't you see, Luke? You chose a philosophy of life. That's admirable. But I was born a Jew."
"And that makes you better than I?"
"I did not say that, but I will say this: God makes us what we are. If you are a true Stoic, you will passively accept the logic that you are who you are and I am what I am."
Laden with his study materials, Luke strode from the library, strangely warmed to find that Saul seemed to stay thy, he realized that Saul could only fear losing an admirer.
Luke took a somber tone. "Saul, do you have any idea how insulting and demeaning your view is?"
Saul hurried along beside him back to the dormitories. "And your view is that we should be equals."
"That's what friends are."
"No, I aver that that is what a Stoic believes all men are. The sad fact is that it simply isn't true. My question for you is, can you abide it?"
"Abide what? A pretend friendship with a man who sees himself as my superior?"
"No, the privilege of a season of friendship with a man you would not qualify to engage in any other context."
Luke stopped and stared. "You truly believe this, don't you?"
"Truth is what it is. It does not change based on how we view it."
"Then I suppose you think I am stuck."
"I know you are," Saul said. "If you fully embrace Stoicism, you must believe I am your brother. I can condescend to you as I wish or cast you aside based on the laws that bind me, but you must tolerate even this seeming boorishness."
"Seeming?" Luke said.
And he rushed off into the night.
Luke could not bring himself to seek Saul out, to meet at their prearranged spots, to dine together, to study together, to discuss and argue until late into each night as they had done for so long. How he missed the man and his mind and the exercise of interacting with him! And yet Saul had been as clear as anyone could be. He was a man of God, a chosen one, and while he may have been amused, even impressed by Luke, to him Luke was subhuman.
He saw Saul around, of course. The man was hard to miss. Despite being a first-year student, he had already become one of the most recognizable faces, and voices, on the campus. He inserted himself into student government, held forth on Tarsus politics, commented on religion, sin, and any issue of the day. He debated one and all on their responses to Roman decrees, defended Tarsus' right to remain a free city, not taxed by Rome despite being under its jurisdiction.
Saul continued to organize athletic contests, though nothing near as foolish as his beginners' marathon. He seemed to be everywhere, and when he was not given an audience, he created one. Nearly every week Luke came upon him standing atop a crate or a rock and forcefully railing against some real or imagined ill on the campus. If the crowd thinned, Saul would shout some bold claim against some nearly sacred tenet of Stoicism, such as that it was impossible for a man to achieve either peace or virtue aside from the acknowledgment of God. And before Luke knew it, Paul would be surrounded by more students and even faculty.
Strangely, this breach in a friendship that had barely been born had a positive influence on Luke nt respect. It seemed to him he had only two things on his mind every waking moment. He missed what he thought he had had with Saul. And he became obsessive about his studies.
Not spending hours interacting with Saul allowed Luke uninterrupted time for his reading. And while he often discussed texts and academic pursuits with other students, he did not allow himself to become as invested as he had with Saul. Yes, he was aware he was afraid of being disappointed or cast aside again. And Luke also had to admit to himself that no one else argued in quite the same maddeningly cogent manner Saul did.
That didn't mean Saul was always right, but he was certainly hard to argue with---and that had made it all the more invigorating.
Luke found himself becoming a loner, which he eventually decided was good for his studies. He could not, would not, lower himself to whatever position Saul needed to place him in for a relationship to work. On the rare occasions when he would personally run into the man or catch his eye, Luke thought he detected regret and even sadness in Saul. Was it possible he missed their interaction too?
Perhaps, but the man could not have been clearer that Luke had to know and understand and, as a Stoic, accept and keep his place. And that place? Luke was a pagan, a heathen, a slave, a Greek. Worse, he was a Gentile. Compared with Saul, yes, Luke was all those things. And while, as Saul said, Saul was born what he was while Luke chose his own philosophy of life (despite being born a slave), Luke decided that Stoicism surely seemed more humane than Judaism and certainly Pharisaism.
The only way to reengage with Saul without accepting a thoroughly subservient role, Luke knew, was to play Saul's game, to confront him, challenge him, argue with him, dispute his claim of superiority. The problem was that, while Luke could not accept Saul's lofty image of himself---especially from a moral and religious standpoint---neither could he deny that the man's intellect far outstripped his own.
At times Luke felt so lonely and so missed the stimulation of arguing with Saul that he considered stepping out of character and tangling with him. But it just wasn't in him. Confrontation just for the sake of interaction was not part of his makeup. Luke enjoyed being known as a compassionate, caring, listening sort. It suited him, confirmed his own view of himself. His parents had not been of a station that would allow them to be anything but subservient, and yet even among their peers, they had never been confrontational. His father had never hesitated to tell Luke or his mother what he thought, but otherwise he was polite and gentle, a hard worker and diligent. Luke was grateful for that example. But if he had to credit his own gentler personality traits to anyone, Luke looked to Theophilus. The man, though at times naive regarding how his own slaves viewed him, was nonetheless unwaveringly fair and kind and generous.
THE EVENING before a holiday that would see him return to Antioch for the first time, Luke put quill to papyrus and wrote Theophilus. His plan was to tell his master just how much more he valued him and regarded him after half a year at university, and in the event the words would not come when they were face to face, the scroll would havehe ond all that had transpired with Saul and his resultant loneliness. "Do not fret over this," he concluded, "as I have discovered the benefits of it for my studies, which remain my top priority here. My goal remains to make you proud and to affirm your faith in me. As I write this I await our reunion with eager anticipation and you have my every good wish that all is well there, including your health and that of your family and servants."
To Luke's great distress, and yet it should hardly have been a surprise, none other than Diabolos showed up to retrieve him from the harbor. Fortunately the trip was a short one, because the driver had been directed to take Luke to the Mediterranean retreat rather than to the main estate in Daphne.
"No trouble, I hope," Luke said, as he helped Diabolos load the carriage.
"Trouble for who?"
"Sickness I mean, in Daphne. The master is not trying to avoid another plague or anything . . ."
"Oh, no, your majesty. This is all for your benefit so you don't have to rub shoulders with the likes of us."
"Oh, don't Diabolos. I am the likes of you, and I looked forward to enjoying my own bed in my own quarters, among my friends."
"You don't have any friends in Daphne anymore, Loukon."
"Please, call me Luke."
"Oh, you've given up your name now too? Well, Luke, the rest of Theophilus's slaves are quite aware of the difference between us and you by now. You're to spend your entire holiday with only the master and his family here, living in their house, eating at their table, watching their sunsets. And guess who has been awarded the unspeakable privilege of getting to live in the servants' quarters and attend to your every need?"
"No one, I hope. I need no such aide, and I prefer---"
"Oh, no, no, it's not up to you, exalted one. And it wasn't up to me either or I might have declined."
"You? Oh, I'm so sorry, Diabolos. I will talk with the master and---"
"You'll do nothing of the sort. I assured him that if he had not assigned me, I would have volunteered."
"But I thought you said you would have declined."
"How like you to not listen. I said it wasn't up to me. Unlike for you, nothing is up to me."
"Why do you torment yourself that way? Do you look for opportunities to betray me somehow, make my life miserable?"
"I wish I had the power, but no. I'm merely trying to play the game, Luke. I need to be in the master's good graces to get any privileges around here. I did myself no good by being so obvious against you last time."
"I did not inform the master."
"Someone did. He lectured me and told me that you asked for merc good by bs still red-faced and distracted. Luke wished he could get a message to Diabolos and decided he would somehow find a way to Daphne during the week under the pretense of wanting to reunite with friends, but primarily intending to clear the air with the slave.
The handsome couple on the veranda turned out to be associates of Theophilus and his wife, apparently invited to meet Luke with the intention of eventually introducing him to their daughter. Luke was stricken dumb at the thought. This, he had heard, was how marriages were arranged, but surely not for a slave. Slave marriages were arranged too, but only among those of their own kind. He had no business talking with these people about such an idea.
Luke quickly tried to assess the situation. The mother beamed at him from behind her husband. She was beautiful with a knowing smile and seemed to like what she saw in Luke. If the daughter looked anything like her, Luke would be a fool not to want to meet her.
The husband bore a more serious visage as he clearly studied Luke from head to toe. Meanwhile, Theophilus seemed to be going through some trauma. He sat off to the side, out of their vision but fully in Luke's, and seemed to be trying to communicate something to him with dancing eyebrows, winks, pursed lips, and the like. Luke was tempted to just say, "What is it, master? What do you want me to say or not say and why didn't you just advise me when we were in the kitchen?"
"So you are an adopted son of this father of many daughters," the man said.
Luke glanced at Theophilus, who nodded vigorously. It didn't seem right to lie, so Luke said, "Well, yes, sort of unofficially, yes. I lost my parents to a plague and---"
"That's so awful," the woman said. "It must have been terrible for you."
"It was. In many ways it still is."
"And what was your father's business?" the husband said.
"He was a tiller, sir. He tended the gardens, alongside my mother."
The couple seemed to freeze in place, their expressions locked. The man cleared his throat. "Tell me, Luke, are you a Roman citizen?"
"Ah, no, not yet. I look forward to that very much upon completion of my university training."
"In medicine."
"Correct."
The man turned to Theophilus, who looked apoplectic. "You intend to free this man then, I presume."
"Yes," Theophilus said, his voice squeaking. "He will serve as our physician for a time, then be free to pursue his own goals."
"One of which," Luke said, "is to perhaps be a ship's doctor, which would jeopardize my candidacy for husbandhood, would it not?"
The woman scowled. "If you're looking for a reason not meet our daughter, look nle div height="6">
"Theophilus," the man said, a whine in his voice, "you could have told us."
"He'll be a freeman soon enough," Theophilus said, "and he will make someone a fine husband."
"Someone, perhaps. But not our daughter."
They rose to leave, ignoring Luke. Theophilus's aides shook their heads at Luke as the master escorted the couple out, and of course he soon returned and dismissed everyone but Luke.
Theophilus sat heavily and pressed his lips together. Then, "Luke, I expected more circumspection."
"Lies, you mean? Why didn't you say so?"
"Of course I didn't want you to lie. I didn't lie. I just thought you'd be able to assess the situation and---"
"Sir, forgive me, but you lied by omission. Are you ashamed to have become the patron of a slave? Is that why you have pledged to free me? Would it embarrass you to have a slave as a physician?"
"You're bordering on impudence, son."
"I apologize. I don't mean to. But frankly, your actions here disappoint me too."
Theophilus turned and gazed out to the sea, now dark, as the sun was disappearing. "I know. I'm sorry. I don't know what I was thinking. It's just that I have met the young woman, and she is a treasure."
"Does she share her parents' view of those beneath her station?"
"Oh, they don't really feel that way, Luke. They too are Stoics."
"As it suits them. They certainly don't embrace the view of the equality and brotherhood of man, do they? Did you see the looks on their faces?"
Theophilus slumped. "I did find that disconcerting. I pray I never come across that way."
"Only when you try to pass me off as something other than what I am."
Theophilus stood. "I'm embarrassed," he said. "Forgive me for this clumsy effort."
"I assume you meant well."
"You do wish to marry one day, do you not?"
Luke shrugged. "Perhaps. But I expect my life will be hard, even when I am free. Medicine is no pursuit for someone who covets wealth, and any woman's father will know that."
"You will wa"Neither will be bearing any goods, and they carry no cash. If they are accosted, I doubt they'll be in danger unless they do something foolish. If the new man is not here in due time, then we can worry."
The time seemed right for Luke to express himself to Theophilus, but knowing the scroll he had written was in his pack somehow caused him to take the easy way out. He didn't know what had gotten into him, as he had never had trouble communicating with Theophilus, at least not in years. When the master began yawning and mentioning the late hour, Luke asked if he could leave his written message with him.
"Certainly. What is it?"
"Just something I felt more comfortable putting in writing."
"Not bad news, I hope."
"Hardly."
Luke fetched the scroll from his room and gave it to the master before retiring. He had just settled in when he heard a soft knock at his door. It was Theophilus, clearly moved. "Thank you, Luke," he said, hurrying away.
Luke guessed it was about midnight when he heard voices outside and crept to the window. There stood Theophilus in a billowing dressing gown and with matted hair, speaking urgently to two aides and two slaves. "No word at all?"
"Nothing. We have no idea whether Diabolos made Daphne, was accosted, or has fled."
"He had no reason to flee. I could have had him flogged for how he treated Luke, but I merely sent him back and told him to send a replacement."
"Perhaps he feared what was to come," an aide said.
"He'd better now," Theophilus said.
"Now, sir, we don't know that he is being willful. He could be in trouble."
"We'll know that soon enough." The master turned to the slaves. "Get torches and take two of our most rested steeds, and arm yourselves. Cover the route between here and Daphne as fast as is feasible, and send Balasi back with a wagon. He will attend to Luke while we try to locate Diabolos."
Luke wanted to go with the two slaves, but he was not proficient at riding, and he knew Theophilus would never hear of it. He worried about Diabolos and hoped they would find him neither having been attacked nor trying to escape. But Luke couldn't imagine another option. The master had shown great trust in Diabolos, especially under the circumstances, allowing him to get himself back to Daphne.
It would be great to have Balasi around. The old slave had been a friend of Luke's parents and of Lippio. He was quiet and some thought a bit shy, but he had always been obviously fond of Luke. By dawn he should arrive, along with whatever news there might be about Diabolos.
AS LUKE LAY TRYING to drift off, he couldn't quit worrying and wondering if he was just too eager to be understood. It niggled at his brain that there were those who thought he was lording his privileges over them and would forget that he too was a slave.
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"Let me arrange a wagon or carriage, Luke," Theophilus said.
"Send one after us," Luke said. "There's no time to waste."
As he leapt onto the horse behind the rider, Luke found himself back of the saddle on the steed's bare flanks. He reached around the rider and dropped his satchel in the man's lap, then wrapped his arms around the man's waist.
As the horse was urged to gallop out the gate and onto the main road, Luke worried he would be pitched off, and he held on as tight as he could.
NOT TEN MINUTES LATER, Luke was kneeling next to Diabolos in a ditch off the side of the road. The wagon was deep in the culvert on its side, and one would have had to be searching for it to see it.
Diabolos's breathing was shallow. Luke motioned the two slaves closer with their torches and could see that the young man had lost much blood. But was quickly able to determine that the wound, he assumed from a knife, need not be fatal if he acted fast, as it had missed the major vein.
Diabolos looked pale and terrified. He wrapped one of Luke's wrists in a death grip and rasped, "Bandits. I tried to outrun them, but the wagon was too heavy. They forced me off the road."
"But why, Diabolos? You had nothing of value to them. You should have just stopped and shown them."
"I didn't want to give them the satisfaction. Anyway, you know I'm a fighter."
"Yes, and look what it's cost you. Any other injuries?"
"Just scrapes and bruises, I think. Am I going to die?"
"Not if I can stop the bleeding." Luke rummaged in his satchel for absorbent cloths. He had seen the old physician actually sew up wounds like this, but he had never done it. Needle and thread were among his supplies, but he hoped he wouldn't have to use them.
No such luck. It seemed the more he tried to pack cloth into the gaping hole, the more bleeding he caused. Trouble was, he had none of the ointment the late physician had said made the stitching of flesh more bearable. "Hear me, Diabolos. I must draw your flesh together and bind it. You must lie as still as possible."
"You aim to sew my flesh like cloth? No!"
"Or you can lie here and bleed out to your death."
"How am I to hold still if you pierce me yet more?"
"These men will hold you still."
The slaves planted their torches in the ground, and each took one of Diabolos's arms. To keep the injured man from further thrashing about, Luke planted a knee on either side of his chest and bent low for the best view of the wound. The jagged opening was perhaps a bit longer than two inches and extended from the left of Diabolos's neck to the middle. Luke used a mixture of watetogized that if he let the blood on his fingers dry a bit, it gave him a better grip on the otherwise slippery gash. That allowed him to quickly draw it together and hold it as he forced the needle in. Somehow Diabolos was able to keep from thrashing, though he hissed and whined until Luke had completed six large loops and tied them off.
Luke and the other two slaves were together able to right the wagon, though its rear axle had been damaged and they had to wait until Theophilus sent another to slowly rumble and lurch the whole slow way back to the compound.
OVER THE NEXT SEVERAL DAYS, Luke monitored Diabolos, stationing him in his own bed and having a cot set outside the door for himself. Though it quickly became clear that Diabolos was out of danger, his healing wound turned fiery red and painful, so Luke had to tend to it every few hours.
Theophilus expressed concern every day that Luke's vacation from school was being spoiled this way, and he sent for Balasi anyway to serve him. Luke felt strange, a slave in effect employing a slave. But the old friend of his family proved most helpful, though Luke was careful to never ask him to do anything he could do for himself.
Balasi seemed older and slower than Luke had remembered. He loved to talk, though, and that was a nice diversion. He privately assured Luke that while, yes, there were those among the slaves who were jealous of Luke, they did not seem to resent him and many, many more were happy for him.
"They look forward to when you come back and become their doctor," the old man said.
Luke was napping on the cot outside his room one afternoon when he roused enough to be aware that Balasi had delivered his midday meal and was also taking a tray in to Diabolos. When he didn't return immediately, Luke sat up, aware of an earnest conversation behind the door.
"Your dad and me was friends, you know," Balasi was saying. "And I owe it to him to speak my mind. Now it looks like you're going to be okay in time, and you know you owe it to that boy out there."
"He's little more boy than I am, old man. We're close to the same age, but there's nothing else the same about us."
"There could be, except that you're nasty to him and to everybody else. We all lost somebody, you know, son, Loukon included."
"But look what he's got now. He might as well be a freeman already."
"He deserves it if anybody does, and you know it."
"Make me the master's pet and let me sleep in his house and study under his tutors and I'd deserve it too."
"Aw, go on, Diabolos. You and I wouldn't know what to do with all that learning. It was obvious Loukon was bright before he could hardly speak."
"Yeah, but you can tell how much he loves being over everybody else."
"I don't see that in him at all. You only see it that way 'cause you're jealous."
"You shouldn't be. He saved your life. And word is he kept you from a flogging too. You ought be to glad the master listens to him."
"How am I supposed to feel, a slave just like me defending me to the master?"
"How are you supposed to feel? Grateful. Your parents would be ashamed."
"Don't be talking about them."
"Why not? Can't you remember how good they were? I'll bet they were proud of Loukon."
A long pause made Luke wonder what was going on. When Diabolos spoke again, the pain and anger were obvious.
"They were!" he spat. "He was all they could talk about. It was like they wished he was their son and not me!"
Balasi's tone suddenly changed from scolding to sympathy. "We all go through that, Diabolos. My parents always compared me with my brother and sister. It was wrong and it was hurtful, but they were just trying to make me a better man."
"It didn't work."
Balasi laughed. "I know. But they tried. You want to know what your father used to tell me about you?"
"What?"
"You don't think he talked about you? He talked about all his children."
"What did he say?"
"He said you could do anything you put your mind to. Said you were more than just a big, strong boy, but that you had a good mind too."
"I can't even read."
"Neither can I. But you know as well as I do that there is a lot more to being smart than being able to read. We don't all have to be geniuses like Luke."
"My father really said that?"
"Why would I lie? He said you being a slave was a waste, that you would make a good freeman."
"You'd better not be just saying this."
Balasi's tone went soft again. "You know I'm not. And you also know you owe Loukon two things."
"What?"
"Prove to me you have the mind your father thought you had. What two things do you owe Loukon?"
"I don't know. I guess thanks for saving my life."
"Of course. And what else?"
"Keeping me from getting punished?"
"Thanks for those two things and then something else."
"You're going to have to tell me."height="6">
"No I'm not. How have you treated Loukon?"
"Pretty bad, I guess."
"Then besides thanks, what do you owe him?"
"I know."
"Tell me."
"An apology. But I have to tell you, Balasi, thanks is going to be a lot easier for me than an apology. I haven't apologized for years, and only when my father made me apologize to my mother."
"You need me to make you do this?"
"You can't."
"I know, and I wouldn't want to, because then you wouldn't mean it. You can thank Loukon for what he's done for you, because there's no question about that. But don't you dare apologize for the way you've treated him until you can really mean it."
BY THE TIME Luke was to be taken back to the harbor for the voyage to Tarsus, Diabolos had been up and about for a few days. He was timid, shy, quiet around Luke, answering only his medical questions. Luke urged him not to do anything strenuous for another couple of weeks and had to refuse when he offered to help load Balasi's wagon for the ride to the harbor.
Balasi did the work, with Luke's assistance, then helped Diabolos into the seat so he could ride along. The trip was awkward, because Luke kept expecting Diabolos to say something. Balasi wound up making small talk about the weather, the route, the ship, and the master's new restrictions against anyone under his charge being out on the road after dark, alone or otherwise.
Finally they unloaded and got Luke's stuff aboard, and Luke said his goodbyes to the old man. Balasi climbed back onto the wagon, but Diabolos remained with Luke, still silent.
"Well, take care of yourself," Luke said. "I've told the mistresses of the house how to change that bandage, but don't exert yourself for a while."
"Yeah, okay. Listen, I wanted to thank you for what you did for me."
"Don't mention it."
"Of course I'm mentioning it. You saved my life, and before that you kept me from getting into too much trouble with the master. You didn't have to do that."
"You're welcome."
"I mean, I got myself in enough trouble anyway, but you tried to help."
"Okay, then. Maybe I'll see you next time I come back."
"Yeah."
Diabolos pawed at the ground with his sandal, and Luke was glad there set="6" width="1em">"Isn't that wonderful," Luke said, shaking his hand again. "You must be so proud. It's a privilege to know you."
"It is, isn't it?" Saul said, and while he had twinkle in his eye, Luke believed he meant it. "And what a Stoic thing to say."
This made his mates laugh.
Luke merely nodded and smiled, unable to think of a rejoinder.
"I'll meet you in the greater courtyard at sunset, then," Saul said. "How's that?"
"Perfect," Luke said, retreating.
Now he had compounded his envy with deceit. What was wrong with him? Throughout the rest of the day, he resolved to be honest with Saul that evening.
SAUL APPEARED DISTRACTED and eager to get on with it that evening when Luke approached. "Do you have another commitment?" Luke said. "Should we do this another time?"
"No, this is fine, but yes, of course, I have other commitments tonight. There are precious few breaks in my day, which I assume is true with you too."
"It seems I study all the time."
"I study too, but I also speak, write, engage in athletics. And I love to debate. Is that what we're going to do now?"
"I hadn't planned to."
"Then what?"
"I have just a few questions for you. About Judaism."
"You have come to the right person, as I assume you know."
"I knew you would think so." It was out before Luke could corral it. "I am just trying to be funny, Saul."
"I know, but in humor resides the truth. Not only am I the right person to ask about the one true God, but yes, I also know I am. In my mind, it is not conceit when it is true. If I thought I were an authority on Judaism and was not, I would be guilty of foolish pride. But I doubt you could raise an issue about my religion about which I am not versed. Try me."
"I am a Stoic, as you know."
Saul nodded.
Luke hesitated, not wanting to admit to this man that he had found the philosophy wanting, especially when it came to personal piety.
"But you miss God," Saul said. "Do you not?"
"You know Stoics believe in logic and reason, that which can be seen and felt and studied."
"Don't tell me God cannot be studied, Luke. I have been studying Him and His ways and statutes for as long as I can remember. I began studying the Scriptures when---"
"You were five, yes, I'm aware. Deeper stuffical school at thirteen."
"You have a good memory."
"You generally don't let people forget." Again Luke had allowed his bitterness to come through, and he hated himself for it.
"When I talk about myself, I mean to talk about God," Saul said.
"The true student of Scripture should reflect the Author."
Luke wanted to tell this self-possessed man that he was a poor representative of God, if there was a God. But rather he said, "Just as an academic pursuit, I'm curious: Does the practice of your faith make a difference in your personal life?"
"Who I really am, you mean? In private, behind a closed door?"
"Precisely. Are you able to control your passions, to keep out the things of the world that would distract you?"
"Let's sit," Saul said, unusual for him. Luke had rarely seen him sit except for a meal or a lecture. He joined the man on a stone bench.
"My pursuit of God is my passion," he said. "I do not plan to marry, if that is what you're aiming at. My entire life will be sacrificed to the Lord for His service and for obedience to His law."
"So pride, jealousy, anger, sloth . . . none of these things invade?"
Saul fell silent a moment, another rarity. He rubbed his hands together and seemed to study the darkening sky. "Not for a long time. Though these are the things that come to mind when we celebrate a feast of atonement."
"Atonement for sins?"
"What else?"
"I don't know. It's just---well, I---I just have never seen these things manifest in you."
"Nor I in you, Luke, but I daresay that is not due to your Stoicism."
"Why?"
"Your philosophy, as I understand it---and believe me, the longer I study here, the more I know of it---is not about laws and statutes. I rarely need to atone for sins, because I am focused on following God's laws. It is my life."
Now Luke had something else to envy, though he was no less put off by the man.
"Interesting," was all he could muster.
"That's it? That's all that was on your mind?"
If he only knew.
Fifteen years bridged Luke's life from the time he graduated from the university in Tarsus until an encounter with an old acquaintance would change his life and make his one ="3">The talk of the campus the day he left was that the irascible Saul of Tarsus was on his way to Jerusalem to work in the temple, with designs on one day becoming the youngest member of the Sanhedrin. "And he'll probably do it," was the general consensus, even by those who could barely stand to be in the man's presence.
Luke had to admit he would be glad to be out of earshot of Saul and wondered if the three hundred miles between Syrian Antioch and Jerusalem was enough. He had long since resigned himself to the fact that one of his major issues with Saul was jealousy. He didn't want the man's reputation---for he was widely considered obnoxious and annoying---but to Luke it seemed unfair that his own good qualities were not worthy of such fame.
For his part, Luke headed back to Theophilus's estate to serve as the family and business physician. Luke pleaded with the master to not welcome him with the same type of fete he had hosted when sending Luke off to university.
"Sorry," Theophilus said, "but the meat and fruit have already been ordered."
"Please tell me the slaves have not yet been invited."
"They haven't, but no doubt they expect to be and are eager to come."
"Trust me, they are not. If you value my opinion in the least, accede to my wish that this be a private party, perhaps just your paid staff and the family."
Theophilus scowled. "If you insist."
"I do."
"Here's my thinking on your freedom, Luke. I would like to ask you to serve me here for five years. At the end of that time, if you wished to stay on, we could talk about compensation. Otherwise, you would be free to pursue any employment avenue you wish."
"Thank you, sir. And I have one more request. I would like to live in the same chambers I stayed in before I left."
"In the slave quarters? Wouldn't it be easier for you and more comfortable right here in the house?"
"Of course, but I fear it would separate me too much from my people. And I would always be just moments away if you needed me in the night."
"If you're sure."
"I am."
"But once you are a freeman, if you were employed here, I would insist---"
"That would be fine."
BUT IT NEVER CAME to that. During the five years Luke served as Theophilus's physician, his work often took him into Antioch for supplies and consultation with other doctors. He enjoyed his role in Daphne and occasionally at the Mediterranean retreat and seemed to endear himself to the entire population of the compound, but the squalor of the worst parts of the city seemed to plant something deep in his heart.
Every timeh="1em">"Starting with all the hubbub in Judea."
"I'm not aware."
"Really? My aides tell me a working man from Nazareth is causing a commotion, traveling about, speaking to great crowds about the kingdom of God."
"Indeed?" Luke said, laughing. "And is he planning to usher it in?"
"I don't know, but they say many believe he has healed people."
That gave Luke pause. Had he not, in spite his devotion to Stoicism, found himself longing to be known as a great physician, one of the best in the land? "Healed them? Healed them of what? And how?"
"The blind, the lame. He heals them with a touch or a word. Rumor has it he raised a man who had been dead and in the tomb four days."
Luke shook his head. This had better not be true. And how could it be? "People will believe anything. Surely no one with a brain is accepting this. Is Rome aware of it?"
"If not, it soon will be, unless the novelty of it wears off or until he is exposed as a charlatan. I should think the Jewish leaders would be most upset, as he apparently has no authority to be expounding on these matters. Others have arisen to draw great crowds, only to fade into obscurity. But if you hear any more out of there, let me know."
AS LUKE LAY TRYING to sleep that night, he couldn't help but smile at the prospect of his old friend Saul responding to this obscure teacher arousing such interest from the people. Woe to the poor man if he was forced into a debate with Saul!
By the time Luke had enjoyed his festive sendoff---and Theophilus was right that many of his fellow slaves seemed genuinely happy for him (including Diabolos)---and gotten started on his new career, he didn't have to venture to the harbor for news from Judea. The fame of the carpenter named Jesus was spreading. Even some visiting the free clinic had stories and opinions about the controversy.
A woman told Luke, to his uproarious amusement, that the teacher had fed thousands of people with just a couple of fish and a few loaves of bread.
"And I suppose you've heard of all the healings too," Luke said, still chuckling. "A blind man? A bleeding woman?"
"Oh, more than that," she said. "I heard that more than once he healed everyone gathered to listen to him."
"Everyone? All of them? How many?"
"Hundreds at least," she said. "That's why some think he's of God."
"Of God? Do people really believe this?"
"Some believe he could be the Messiah."
"Indeed?" But Luke could see that his merriment was offending the woman. He managed a serious look. "And you? What do you make of it, ma'am?"
"Do you and the Pharisees agree on anything?"
"Yes. Even those middle-class doctors of the law ascribe to the truth that the Lord our God is one God."
"And whom should I ask about Saul of Tarsus?"
The rabbi waved toward a wide opening behind him. "I haven't seen him for a long time either, sir. But one of his own ought to know where he has gone."
Luke found his encounter with the Pharisees just as unproductive. When he mentioned Saul's name, the elders looked at one another and hesitated. "What is your business with him?" one said.
"We attended university together, in Tarsus."
"You might look for him there."
"In his hometown? Is he no longer a leader here? Is he back making tents?"
An older rabbi shrugged and chuckled. "He was no leader here, though he carried himself as if he were."
"Come now, Iseabail," another said. "We certainly cannot fault him for his zeal. He was no sloth, that is sure. He was clearly the most strident among us against the Nazarene and the other blasphemers."
"Nonsense! He merely watched the cloaks of those who executed one of them."
"But he made up for that, leading his own team to ferret out the secret meeting places and bringing the insurgents to justice."
"And sometimes death."
"But where is he now?"
"That's my question," Luke said. "What, he simply disappeared?"
The men eyed one another again. Finally Iseabail spoke. "We don't know where he is, but there are rumors. A few years ago, Saul was actually rising within the synagogue---"
"With clear ambitions to become the youngest member of the Sanhedrin one day," another said.
"Oh, that is not all bad," Iseabail said. "At least he had focus. Saul was leading the effort against these many cells still meeting furtively, despite the admonitions of the temple and the king and even Rome, and he had seen countless numbers of them brought before the authorities. The last we knew, he was on his way to Damascus to conduct similar activities---with our authority. He never returned."
Luke stood waiting for more, but was met with silence. He opened his palms to them. "That's it? You didn't go after him, ask about him, try to find him? What if he came to a bad end?"
"Of course we went looking. Or someone did. I don't recall who just now. But the report we got was that he had left the synagogue and perhaps even left the faith."
"Oh, surely not," Luke said. "I never knew"is middle, a more chiseled look to his features, but Luke would have recognized him anywhere. Still small and wiry, he seemed to have the same energy he had always had.
"Dr. Luke!" he exulted, first pumping Luke's hand, then embracing him. "What are you doing here, old friend?"
"I could ask you the same. I have heard all kinds of rumors about you."
"I'll confirm or deny them all if we get time. Are you coming or going?"
Luke told him his schedule, and Saul grew suddenly serious. "Please," he said, beckoning the young man and introducing him as his traveling companion. "Barnabas came from here to fetch me. He and I studied under Gamaliel in Jerusalem years ago, but he has been ministering here, not just to Jews but also to Greeks, for some time and now needs my help. Barnabas, Luke was a fellow student of mine at university. Listen, ask the captain if there might be room for me to stay aboard until their stop at Joppa, then I'll catch another vessel coming this way. If there is, see to getting my things back on ship. You can proceed into town to meet with the brethren."
Ministering? The brethren? Could it be true that Saul had aligned with his former enemies? And had this Barnabas been working near Luke in Antioch?
As Barnabas hurried off, Saul said, "I should have asked first whether I would be welcome to sail with you."
"The Saul I knew would never have asked," Luke said, smiling. He was alarmed when Saul did not appear amused.
Saul threw his arm around Luke and drew him close. "First, my name is Paul now. Can you get used to that?"
"I'll try, but---"
"Before we converse a moment more, I must beg your forgiveness."
"My---?"
"Hear, me, Luke, please. I have prayed for the chance to one day plead abjectly for your pardon for how boorish I was to you at university."
"Oh, we were both young men, and---"
"No, now please. Your memory is as good as mine, and I have been haunted by every proud word and action. I am more than willing to kneel right here in the sand until you---"
"There's no need for that, Saul---Paul. Of course I accept your apology and forgive you. Let's put it behind us. But you must also know that I harbored envy and jealousy too, toward you."
"I was wholly unaware, Luke. Of course, I really considered no one else back then. How could I?"
"Forgive me."
"Of course!"
Luke was plainly overwhelmed. What had happened to this man? The Saul he knew may not have asked permission for anythi"
"I wasn't afraid! At least not at first. I was angry, insulted, offended for the name of God. But I confess that the more we tried to make life miserable for them, the more they multiplied. I could not understand it. Why could they not see that their hero was dead and gone and was not returning? Many new believers claimed they were convinced by miracles. I had not seen any of these personally and of course did not believe they were real."
"That would have been my view, Paul. It still is. To a scientist, a man of history and of medicine, it would take God himself speaking to me to make me believe."
"Or a miracle?"
"Or a miracle."
"What do you think changed my mind?"
"You saw a miracle with your own eyes, something that could not be explained, something you know without doubt was not a magician's trick?"
"Come, come, Luke. You knew me better than that."
"I suppose I did. I'm listening."
That he was listening was an understatement. Luke was aghast, and had it been anyone but Paul telling this story, he might have dismissed it out of hand. That the most dynamic personality he had ever encountered could become so radically different made him listen all right---with his entire being.
When it came time for the evening meal, Luke and Paul made their way down into the galley and, despite the crowd, were able to sit where they could be heard by only each other. Luke noticed that in the corner of the noisy, steamy room, the man whose finger he had bandaged sat with crewmates and gingerly favored his wounded hand.
Luke excused himself and headed over, sidling between benches, to ask the man how he was doing.
"I can feel every beat of my heart," the mate said.
"Is it turning red?" Luke said.
"I haven't dared check."
"May I?"
"Sure."
As Luke knelt to carefully unwrap the bandage, the others at the table peered over his shoulder. He turned to look at them, hoping to shame them into giving the man a modicum of privacy, but the man said, "It's all right. They saw it happen."
Sure enough, the wound was bright red at the edges, yellowing farther out. "I have other ointments and tonics that may help," Luke said. "Come find me after the meal."
When he returned to his table, he told Paul he feared something had invaded the deep wound.
"I'd like to meet the young man," Paul said.
"tinue, please."
Paul thrust a chunk of bread into a thick stew of seafood, tucked a bite into one cheek, and said, "Well, all during that time I led a great persecution against the believers in Jerusalem. The ones we could catch were either in hiding---like their leaders, apostles who had known Jesus personally---or were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Some of the bravest and most devout of them carried Stephen to his grave, and we heard of much lamenting over him.
"I tell you, Luke," Paul said, gulping from a cup, "my goal was to make havoc of this sect, and I accomplished this by entering every suspect house and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison. Maddeningly, I soon learned that those who were scattered went everywhere spreading their doctrine."
"So on the one hand you were succeeding, and on the other you were failing."
"It seemed that the more I did, the more I encouraged them! All I could think of was threatening and murdering the disciples of Jesus. I begged an audience with the high priest and felt good about myself when he not only agreed to see me but also complimented me on my efforts. I told him I had heard that some of the heretics had fled to Damascus and asked if he would provide letters for me from him to the synagogues of that city, so that if I found any who were of The Way---which is what they had come to be known, whether men or women---I might bind them and haul them back to Jerusalem."
Besides his own personal intrigue, the historian in Luke also loved this story and wished he were writing it down. "And he gave you this authority?"
"He did. He praised me again, provided the documents, told me he was proud of me, and wished me Godspeed. I confess, Luke, I was as proud of myself as I could be. Not only had this been my idea, but I had also clearly already impressed the high priest, and I just knew that if I succeeded on this mission, my future as a Jewish leader in Jerusalem would be guaranteed."
"So you were doing this as much for yourself as for God?"
"Oh, certainly! I didn't see it then, of course, but it's quite clear to me now. Then I truly believed God would be pleased with me as well. And there is no better feeling."
"For one who believes in these sorts of things, I suppose." What had been so ingrained in Luke that he found it so difficult to think unconventionally? Dare he believe in something beyond himself, as so many of his patients now did? As Paul clearly always had? As Saul, his old acquaintance had seemed miserable. But Luke's believing patients exhibited an inner peace he could not understand. And now Paul seemed so different.
Paul rubbed a sleeve across his mouth and grinned. "So said by one to whom God Himself would have to speak, or before whom some miracle would have to be performed in order for him to believe."
"I'm afraid so," Luke said. "I've seen too many misguided people put their trust in the immaterial and wind up none the better for it." He was div>
"Luke, I had no choice. Jesus was speaking to me from heaven, and I knew He could have killed me on the spot."
"And what did he tell you to do?"
"He said, 'Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.'"
"What did your traveling companions make of all this?"
"They stood speechless, telling me later that they had heard a voice but saw no one. When I arose I opened my eyes and could see nothing. My men led me by the hand and brought me into Damascus to the house of a man named Judas on a street called Straight. For three days I could see nothing, and I had lost my appetite. I neither ate nor drank all that time. I simply prayed the entire time. And during my prayer, the Lord gave me a vision. In my mind's eye I saw a man named Ananias coming to lay his hand on me that I might receive my sight.
"Now soon, Luke, as God is my witness, a man arrived and introduced himself as Ananias. He said, 'The Lord spoke to me in a vision, and told me to arise and go to the street called Straight and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying and in a vision has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.'
"Ananias told me that he told the Lord he had heard from many about me and how much harm I had done to the saints in Jerusalem. He had even heard I had authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Jesus' name. But still the Lord told him to go and said to him, 'for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name's sake.'"
Luke found himself actually envying Paul's passion, though this was all too much to fathom. "Gentiles, kings, and your own people? Did that make any sense to you?"
"Luke, really, what makes sense to a man in my condition? I can tell you I had no doubt God was working in me somehow. That was all I knew. Ananias laid his hands on me and said, 'Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.'"
"What did that mean?"
"Well, I didn't know either until immediately there fell from my eyes something like scales, and I received my sight at once. I arose and was baptized. When I had eaten, I felt strengthened. Then I spent several days with the disciples of Jesus at Damascus."
"And all of a sudden you had gone from being their enemy to being one of them?"
"Immediately. And God gave me utterance. I preached in the synagogues that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. All who heard were amazed, and said, 'Is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and has come here for that purpose, so that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?'
"But I inc="1em">"Proving it how?"
"From the Scriptures, which I knew almost by heart. And by performing miracles."
"You? You performed miracles?"
Paul nodded.
"Show me."
"Show you? The miracles that Jesus and His disciples performed are not for entertainment, Luke. They are done to show the power of God unto salvation. When men see them, they believe and come to repentance."
"Repentance?"
"Of sin. I have come to believe that Jesus is who He claimed to be, the holy and righteous Son of God who came to seek and to save those who are lost. He bore their sins in His own body on the cross, sacrificing His blood and His life for the remission of sin."
Sin. The concept sounded so earthy, so crass, and yet it resonated with Luke. Sinful was how he felt about his pride, jealousy, conceit, lust, boastfulness. Sin was what his master Theophilus and he rued when they talked about trying to take control of their own passions and how wanting Stoicism was in this regard. They had never called it sin, of course, preferring other terms. Was it possible he could be forgiven, repent, and not be controlled by his own desires?
I'm intrigued by how your own people responded to this change in you, Paul. You had been making a name for yourself. Your defection must have been noisy."
"Oh, it was! In fact, after many days I became aware that the Jews were plotting to kill me. I naturally wanted to return to Jerusalem, though I feared I faced the same fate there. My hope was to persuade the disciples of Jesus that my conversion was real and to see if I could come alongside and help them in any way. But I dared not travel back out of Damascus the way I had come, for word was that the Jews were watching the gates day and night, and they would not be merely arresting or imprisoning me. The disciples of Damascus took me by night and let me down through the wall in a large basket, far from any gate, and I was able to steal away."
"So you got to Jerusalem?"
"In truth for several years I lived in seclusion, studying, praying, and preparing myself for ministry. Partly I felt I needed to wean myself from my old ways and prepare myself for the new. But I confess that it was too dangerous for me to return to Jerusalem, once the leaders of the synagogue there had heard what had become of me. And I knew the disciples of Jesus would be wary of me also.
"It was seven years after the resurrection of Jesus that I finally stole into Jerusalem. But my hopes were almost immediately dashed. I put out the word quietly that I wished to talk with the leaders of Jesus' disciples. I had heard they were camped in an upper room at a private home, but messages came back to me that they had no reason to believe I was being sincere. So many of their number had suffered at my hands that they naturally feared this was a trick to infiltrate them.
"My only ight="6" width="1em">"But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.
"Not that I have already attained it, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Luke, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things that are behind and reaching forward to those things that are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
"I pleaded with those disciples to be like-minded with me, because I believe that our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.
"I implored them that they would see me as one of them, a coworker in the kingdom of God through Christ."
"You were asking a lot," Luke said.
"Indeed I was. Peter and James sat silent, trading glances, but soon Peter stood and reached for me, calling me his brother and embracing me, welcoming me to their work. I nearly wept with joy."
"But despite their acceptance, was it safe for you to do your work there in Jerusalem?"
"Nothing is safe for me anymore, Luke, and probably nothing ever will be. I spoke boldly there in the name of the Lord Jesus, amazing everyone, especially the rulers and the Hellenists---the very ones the martyr Stephen had debated. I soon became their target, of course, but when the disciples found out, they took me to Caesarea and sent me back to my hometown for my own protection."
"So you were in Tarsus. Would you believe I asked about you there once?"
"You did? What for?"
"I had sought you out in Jerusalem after you had left for Damascus, and that's where I first heard the rumors. I couldn't believe it of course, but your family covered for you."
"Many watch out for me," Paul said. "Else I would already be in heaven."
"How did your movement reach Antioch?"
"The churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria began walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, and so they multiplied."
Luke smiled, hoping it didn't appear as fake as it was. "Not likely. But continue with how the sect has spread as far as my own city."
"This was all started by those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over the stoning of Stephen. They traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching to no one but the Jews. But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus. I believe the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.
"When news of this reached the church in Jerusalem, they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. When he got there and saw how far the grace of God had spread, he was glad, and encouraged them all to continue with the Lord in great purpose of heart. When we get back, Luke, you will find him a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith."
"And by then you believe I will understand the Holy Spirit."
"By then you will be filled with the Holy Spirit and able to heal more than you ever dreamed as a mere physician."
"We shall see," Luke said, longing for just such an occurrence but still battling his skepticism. "Now bring me up to today. What were you doing disembarking in Antioch?"
"That was all because of Barnabas. He came to Tarsus to seek me and bring me back, telling me the work was growing and that he needed my help. I believed this was of the Lord, and I plan to stay there as long as necessary to assemble with the believers and teach a great many people."
"You know what you're getting into?"
"Of course not! I take each day as it comes and trust the Lord to give me wisdom and strength."
"Has Barnabas told you what your critics in Antioch call the believers?"
"Oh, yes. Christians. They say it derisively, but I like it. We are what we are."
Luke had been genuinely intrigued to see Saul after so many years and so many stories, but he frankly wasn't sure now what he thought of the Paul version of the man. In many ways, this was the same fearless, intense, opinionated, and tireless character he had known at university. But hadn't he simply traded one tall tale for another? There certainly would be no dissuading Paul from his beliefs, but nothing said Luke had to agree with him. Still, he was more than curious. This sect of the socalled resurrected miracle worker was indeed sweeping the world, and if the growing body of believers in Antioch was any indication, there seemed no stopping it.
That didn't make it genuine or true, of course. Romans and Greeks had been worshiping mythological gods for centuriut d Luke knew better than to assume that made them any more real. But had there been verifiable miracles? And could there be some cure for the worst inner characteristics of men, whether or not Luke was yet ready to call those sins or call himself a sinner?
Either way, his curious, history-scholar side wanted to understand the entire scope of the developing movement. Regardless what became of it, history would contain some record of it, its various episodes, and any residual effects it might engender.
"I'd love to tell you more, Luke," Paul said. "I want to persuade you that it's true and that you---"
"Forgive me, Paul, but I need some time alone. Perhaps we can continue this in the morning."
Paul seemed to study him. "I will be praying for you."
"I have no doubt that you will. Pray that I'll be able to sleep, despite all the thoughts rattling in my head."
Paul grinned. "I'll pray the opposite. I'll pray God troubles your spirit until you rouse me from my own slumber for more of this truth."
ONE LUXURY AFFORDED a ship's physician, even a part-time one like Luke, was that he was not required to share lodging with the crew. Lodging was too kind a term for it, of course, as the dozens of men merely shared a common area below where they hung wet sandals and salty garments on nails and slept in swaying cots made of braided rope attached to the rafters.
On the occasional voyage on a lesser ship, Luke had been assigned one of these rudimentary hammocks and found sleep nearly impossible among the snoring and ill---usually from drink---men. He appreciated a bit of privacy and quiet, though his chambers were cramped and had no window. The sounds of the water and the wind and the sails and the creaking of the boards usually served to lull him to sleep, as long as his own hanging cot did not sway excessively because of high seas.
This night was relatively calm, yet still Luke found himself unable to doze. Was Paul really praying that Luke would not be able to sleep? His quarters were pitch-black and he was as comfortable as could be expected, but the way his mind raced reminded him of his childhood. Back then he had had to quietly steal into the kitchen and light a small lamp so he could read until drowsy. Was it mere fate or destiny that he had been born with such a brain? He was grateful for how it had benefited him---favor with his master, an eagerness, yea, a hunger, to read and learn. He knew he owed his very freedom to his intellect, but his own adopted Stoic philosophy fought against believing in coincidence or chance. He did agree with Stoicism's idea that men were powerless in the face of nature, so he had to attribute his scholarly curiosity and abilities to that.
His old friend, having paid for the privilege of private quarters, surely believed that whatever Luke enjoyed in this life was a gift from God, the creator of the universe. Could it be? What made Paul's god anything more than the mythological beings so many Romans and Greeks revered?
Paul's story had been dramatic and fascinating. And despit believed Saul had been steered to his firm convictions by having all of this forced into his mind as a youngster. He had always seemed honest to a fault, direct, blunt, a realist. While he clearly truly believed his god was the one true god, maker of heaven and earth, the only seemingly fanciful stories he espoused were ones contained in the ancient texts of his religion.
But what of all this new stuff? Healing the sick, giving sight to the blind, raising a man and even a young girl from the dead, and even the resurrection of the miracle worker himself. A bright light from heaven, the crucified Jesus speaking to Saul from the sky, visions, Saul's own healing from blindness, his complete change, not of personality or character but of his life's purpose.
It was all so much to take in.
After another hour of thrashing in the darkness, unable to rest, let alone sleep, Luke thought it only fair that Paul share his distress. He dressed and made his way to Paul's quarters and lightly rapped on his door.
"Coming, Luke," Paul said, laughter in his voice. Could he see through doors now too?
When Paul emerged, his hair mussed from sleep, Luke said, "How did you know it was me? Did God Himself tell you?"
"He could have," Paul said. "But the fact is, no one but the captain knows me on this ship, and this is his sleep shift."
Luke shook his head.
"So I assume you have more questions?"
Again they climbed topside. They sat near the bow and Paul resumed his story. Luke was so enraptured by the account and its ramifications that he was startled when the injured seaman interrupted with apologies.
"It's really starting to vex me," the young man said, holding out his hand. "I can barely stand the pain and must hold it aloft for any relief."
"Wait right here and I'll get something that should help. Introduce yourself to my friend, Saul, er, Paul."
Luke hurried back to his quarters, where he mixed a potion he hoped would be effective. But when he returned, Paul was alone. Before he could even ask after the crew member, Paul said, "I prayed for him. I think he'll be all right."
"But he needs this medicine."
"You'll be able to determine that when you see him again. Now, shall I continue?"
"Well, sure, but first, did you say you prayed for him? You think praying for a man with a deep wound that is turning is all he needs?"
"It seemed all he needed. I did tell him about the Christ first, however."
"And how did he respond to that?"
"He seemed interested. I kept it simple. I merely told him that God had sent His only son into the world, that He lived a sinless life so He could quaHe coulday, now sitting on the right hand of God in heaven. I told him if he believed this, he could be saved from his sin, and that if he had faith he could also be healed of his wound."
Luke cocked his head. Paul had really lost all connection with reality. "And did he have this faith?"
"Frankly, Luke, he appeared to."
"And so you healed him?"
"I didn't say that. I said I prayed with him and for him. He expressed faith in Jesus, and I expressed faith that God could heal him."
"You'll forgive me if I add this tonic to his wound so that we might help God heal him, if necessary."
"Though I gather from your tone that you are making sport of what I have been telling you, I beg you to keep an open mind."
"Oh, of that you may be certain. And regardless of whether I accept all this, I am confident that you believe it, and that makes me want to hear the rest of it. But for right now, I must find my patient."
"You'll probably find him resting comfortably. Which I also plan to do, if it's all right with you. I'll see you in the morning, unless you need me before that."
Luke and Paul ventured into the bowels of the ship, Paul heading to his room while Luke followed the sounds of snoring and groaning and peered into the communal sleeping quarters. An old crewmate in a cot near the door asked who he was looking for.
"The wounded man," Luke whispered.
"That's his bed," the man said, pointing. "But he's not there."
Luke moved into the room and someone else asked what he wanted. He pointed to the empty cot.
"That boy's on duty," another said.
"Oh, surely not," Luke said. "He shouldn't be working."
The man shrugged, so Luke headed up. He watched as a crew of six scampered about the masts, trimming the sails. "You there!" he called out, pointing at the young man. "You're not to be working!"
"Be right down," the man said, securing a rigging.
Soon he came clambering down a rope ladder and landed in front of the physician. He held up his injured hand. "Keeping it wrapped just to be safe."
"Let me see that," Luke said. "How's the pain?"
"Gone!"
Luke led the man to a bench along the side and set his lamp where it would illuminate the area. He pulled the man's hand close and slowly unwrapped the bandage. Not only did he find no discoloration, but he also found no wound! Luke lifted the lamp to where the flame was just inches from a thin, pink scar.
"What's happened?" he said. "Tissnow he had experienced both. What other conclusion could he come to?
He wanted to shout, to leap for joy, to tell someone. He raced again to Paul's room, only to find the door open and Paul sitting on his cot. Luke gushed what had happened. "I need you to explain it all to me, and right now. What has happened to me?"
"Do you believe?"
"I do!"
"Then you are saved! Praise God."
"Saved from what?"
"Saved from your sin. Come, let's go back up where we can sit."
They returned to the very bench where Luke had examined the healed man's hand. "Listen to me now, Luke," Paul said, "and let me make plain to you the gospel I told you about, which now you have received and in which you can stand, by which also, as I said, you are saved, unless you believed in vain.
"What I shared with you was what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day, and that He was seen by many, of whom most remain to the present, but some have died.
"After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. Then last of all He was seen by me also on the road to Damascus, as by one born out of due time. For I am the least of the apostles, not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labor more than they all, but I know it is not I, but the grace of God in me.
"Now, I am telling you, Dr. Luke, that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."
"I do! How could I not?"
Paul smiled and held up a hand. "You see, it is with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, 'Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.'"
"This is true for me as well as for you, Paul?"
"Oh, yes! For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is available to all who call upon Him. One of the main reasons Barnabas sent for me is to see Gentiles added to the number of believers in Antioch, for I have been uniquely called to reach these. Again, as the Scriptures say, 'Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.'"
"What will this mean for me, Paul? It seems my very life will change."
"From what you told me, it needs to and you want it to. Did you not say you were a victim of your own inner desires, that while you wanted to do good---and often do---you question your own motives?"
"Yes, but I confess Stoicism has helped me some in that area. I believe in the brotherhood of man and want to do what will aid ="3">"And that is good! Not every ideal of Stoicism is without merit or counter to the will of God. But now you will do these things because you will want to prefer others over yourself. You will want to serve mankind as an expression of gratefulness to God for your salvation, not as a way to earn it."
"Like the young man who was healed, I want to tell everyone!"
"And yet you have much to learn. As soon as you get back to Antioch, you must join the fellowship of believers, and begin listening to the readings of the accounts written by eyewitnesses of Jesus. Barnabas has copies of these, and we delight in hearing portions of them read every Sunday."
"What else happens at these meetings?"
"We sing songs and psalms of praise to God. We pray for one another's needs. And someone teaches. Barnabas has been handling that for some time now, and I will enjoy helping."
"So if I come to the house meetings, you and Barnabas will be my teachers?"
"Yes, but where you live, Barnabas tells me this is more than a home meeting now. There are so many believers in Antioch that several of the small groups have joined together and now meet on the grounds of a believer who owns the stables not far from the Orontes."
"I know the area. Are they safe meeting there, so many?"
"I have urged them to be circumspect, but there will probably be little hiding the fact of a crowd that large every Sunday. Yet we will not be scared off. For now Rome allows the Jews to practice their faith, along with all the other various religions, as long as they do not threaten the Empire. Until they begin to fear that we are revolutionaries or seek to overthrow the government, which is---of course---not our aim, we should enjoy the privileges the others enjoy. But you know me, Luke. No one will stop me from doing what I believe is right, regardless. No one said this would be safe or easy. We already have a host of martyrs to the new faith, and if I am to become one also, so be it."
Before Paul disembarked at Joppa to find passage back to Antioch, he prayed with Luke and encouraged him, urging him to pray frequently and plan his schedule so he could join the believers when he returned home. "The scholar in you will want to study all the written materials that have come from the new faith," Paul said. "When we can lend you scrolls, we will, but most of your exposure to these will come from your meeting with the brethren in Antioch. Barnabas traveled with many of the original disciples and often repeats their accounts orally. We all grow from these."
"I have never so longed to be home," Luke said. "I will see you the first Sunday I am back."
"When do you get in?"
"Next Friday, but I am already planning to tr="1em">"To talk with your former master."
"And current patron. He may abandon me over this."
"God will become your patron, Luke."
"Someone may need to. Not only is there no income from the clinic, but it also costs us unless we have sponsors. And Theophilus is by far our majority benefactor. Another might be tempted to keep this news from him, but I want him to know what's happened to me."
"Of course you do, and if he values you as much as you say, he shiv>
Paul said, "I want to speak to you today about the fact that those among you who have become believers in Jesus have also become dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you may become one with Him who was raised from the dead, that we should bear fruit to God. Like me, many of you were raised to study and love and live the law, but no more.
"For when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions which were aroused by the law were at work in our members to bear fruit to death. But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter.
"What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! On the contrary, I would not have known sin except through the law. For I would not have known covetousness unless the law had said, 'You shall not covet.' But sin produced in me all manner of evil desire. The very commandment against what I was doing, which was meant to bring life, I found to bring death.
"Has then what was meant for good---the law that made me aware of my sin---become death to me? Certainly not! But sin was producing death in me. The law showed me where I fell short, because I am carnal, sold under sin.
"Have you ever had the experience that you do not understand why you are doing what you are doing, because you know full well that it is wrong? That battle still rages in me. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good.
"Now, hear me, I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.
"From this I can only conclude that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin, which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God---through Jesus Christ our Lord!"
Luke had to wonder how long Theophilus's patience would last. He was a rich, successful man used to being served, getting his own way, and as kind as he was, he was not in the habit of having to wait---for anything. And as much as Luke wanted to get him together with Paul, dozens of others had already crowded around him and Barnabas.
They counseled some, prayed with others, and seemed to have all the time in the world for each. Luke could tell Theophilus was eager, but to his credit, he did not force the issue.
As they drew nearer to Paul, Luke heard a woman ask if he would baptize her. The evangelist turned to Barnabas. "Where do you conduct your baptisms?"
"In the Orontes when weather perI am not certain I know what to think of that."
"It must at least make you curious, for here you are."
"Here I am."
"No doubt you are a Stoic."
Theophilus nodded and seemed to stare with wonder at Paul, who, despite his education and background, spoke with his mouth full. "It's an interesting philosophy," Paul added, "which, as you know, Luke and I studied at university. Yet for all its good intentions and noble efforts, it results in the very dichotomy I spoke of this morning."
Theophilus shoved his plate aside and leaned forward, raising a palm. "If I may say, I found that most compelling. It was as if you knew me and my inner struggles. We Stoics pride ourselves in trying to serve mankind, but I wonder if any have really conquered their own selfish ambition. I am advancing in age, and yet I seem farther from that goal every day."
Paul wiped his mouth, then stood suddenly when Barnabas arrived. They embraced and Paul urged him to eat. As Barnabas looked on silently, Paul turned his attention back to Theophilus. "I venture to say, this may sound foreign to your ears, but hear me out. Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. My aim here is not to criticize Stoicism but to tell you why it falls short of what you long for. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
"The carnal mind is at enmity against God, for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So, then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God, let alone their deepest inner desires for self-improvement. You follow?"
"Somewhat," Theophilus said. "But my intentions are pure. I have never even believed in God, let alone meant to be at enmity with him."
"Oh, I don't md, raisin soon developed an obsession that nearly overwhelmed him. As more and more Greeks and Gentiles were added to the church's ranks, he found himself fascinated by people's personal stories. During his few spare minutes, which largely came only on Sundays before and afte in the second Psalm:
You are My Son,Today I have begotten You.
And that He raised Him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, He has spoken thus:
I will give you the sure mercies of David.
Therefore He also says in another Psalm:
You will not allow Your Holy One to see corruption.
"'For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, died and was buried with his fathers, and saw corruption, but He whom God raised up saw no corruption. Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins, and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses.
"'Beware therefore, lest what has been spoken in the Prophets come upon you:
Behold, you despisers,Marvel and perish!For I work a work in your days,A work which you will by no means believe,Though one were to declare it to you.
"Now, Luke, when the Jews left the synagogue, the Gentiles begged that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath, and many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed us, so we persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.
"On the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God. But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy. Contradicting and blaspheming, they opposed the things I preached. So Barnabas and I grew bold and said, 'It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles. For so the Lord has commanded us:
I have set you as a light to the Gentiles,That you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.
"Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed. And the word of the Lord was being spread throughout all the region. But the Jews stirred up the devout and prominent women and the chief men of the city, raised up persecution against Barnabas and me, and expelled us from their region.
"So we shook ofe next" width="1em" filepos-id="filepos224565">This report encouraged Luke and made him want all the more to one day travel with Paul and join him in ministry. But over the next few years, every time he suggested that to Paul, the evangelist wrote back that Luke must continue to grow in faith and in training by helping lead the church in Antioch. Paul expressed certainty that when he and Barnabas returned, even more Gentiles would be welcomed into the church at Syrian Antioch.
While Luke continued to write and labor in the clinic and in the church, he eagerly awaited Paul's letters. For a long time, Paul and Barnabas stayed in Iconium, preaching and teaching, and Luke heard nothing for months. Finally the report came that it happened in Iconium that they went together to the synagogue of the Jews, and so spoke that a great multitude both of the Jews and of the Greeks believed.
"But," Paul wrote, "the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against us. We stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who was bearing witness to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders done by our hands.
"But the multitude of the city was divided---part siding with the Jews, and part with us. And when both the Gentiles and Jews made a violent attempt, with their rulers, to abuse and stone us, we fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding region.
"While we were preaching the gospel in Lystra, a certain man without strength in his feet was there, a cripple who had never walked. I observed him intently and saw that he had faith to be healed, so I said with a loud voice, 'Stand up straight on your feet!' And he leaped and walked!
"Now, when the people saw what I had done, they raised their voices, saying in their own language, 'The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!' They called Barnabas Zeus and me Hermes.
"Then the priest of Zeus, whose temple was in front of their city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, intending to sacrifice with the multitudes. But when we heard this, we tore our clothes and ran in among the multitude, crying out, 'Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you, and preach to you that you should turn from these useless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them, who in bygone generations allowed all nations to walk in their own ways. Nevertheless He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.' But we could scarcely restrain the multitudes from sacrificing to us.
"Then Jews from Pisidian Antioch and Iconium arrived, and having persuaded the multitudes against us, they stoned me and dragged me out of the city, supposing me to be dead. When Barnabas and other disciples gathered around me, however, I rose up and went into the city. And the next day we departed for Derbe.
"When we had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, we returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying , 'We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.'
"So when we had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, we commended them to the Lord in whom they had believeAnd after we had again passed through Pisidia, we came to Pamphylia, and when we had preached the word in Perga, we went down to Attalia. From here we will sail to Antioch, whence you and the brethren there commended us to the grace of God for the work that we have completed.
"With great anticipation, we long to be reunited with you in the Lord."
Syrian Antioch, A.D. 47
Had Luke any doubt of the peril associated with his aligning himself with the new Christian movement, it had been dashed not only by the reports of Paul from his missionary travels, but also by news from Jerusalem. James, head of the church there, had been beheaded at the direction of King Herod, and Peter had been imprisoned. He had miraculously escaped, but there could no longer be any doubt that Christians remained the enemies of both the Romans and the Jews.
The assembly where Luke served had been spared much of the persecution because its members were not outspoken. While they proselytized friends and neighbors and associates, unlike Paul they did not challenge the existing authorities or argue in the synagogues.
When Paul and Barnabas returned, the church seemed revitalized by their oral memories and especially Paul's deep teaching about the ramifications of the Spirit-filled life. Luke soon gave up all outside activities, including his work at the clinic, and devoted his every waking hour to helping lead the church, tending to the medical needs of the body of believers, and his writing. Theophilus had encouraged this and agreed that his future held traveling as an aide to Paul on his missionary journeys.
Luke pleaded with the evangelist to be able to accompany him and Barnabas to Jerusalem for the council of leaders but Paul said, "Do not be disappointed that I am declining your request, Doctor, but I have prayed about this and believe you are of more value here in our absence. I am, however, planning more trips in a few years and will be looking for just the right addition to our team."
LUKE LIVED ON THIS PROMISE for years but was bitterly disappointed when Paul returned from Jerusalem with a most engaging and spiritual man named Silas who was clearly being groomed to be another traveling companion. And when Paul and Silas set out on Paul's second missionary journey in A.D. 51, again Luke remained in Antioch. Through much prayer and good counsel from Theophilus and other elders, he was able to accept this---with difficulty---as God's will and committed himself to remaining devoted to the work.
Night after night, however, he paced and prayed, beseeching the Lord for the reason He had planted such wanderlust in Luke's heart if he was to remain in Antioch. From all over the surrounding area came letters from Paul, recounting exploits in northern Syria, then Cilicia, Derbe, and Lystra again, where Timothy joined their company. They continued through Phrygia and Galatia, but Paul reported that they were "forbidden by the Spirit" to go to Asia.
When Luke's eyes fell on the next paragraph, he could not stanch his tears. "Our plan is to travel through Mysia to Troas. We have need of the beloved physician Luke m">
Then she fell to her knees before Paul and said, "If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay." So Paul and the others lodged there for several days as they ministered in the city.
One day a slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination---who brought her masters much profit by fortunetelling---began following them wherever they preached and taught and cried out, "These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation."
At first Luke thought she was of God, but she did this for many days and it was clear that Paul was greatly annoyed. Finally he turned and said to the spirit, "I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her." And she was delivered. But when her masters saw that their hope of profit was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to the authorities.
Luke followed and watched as they told the magistrates, "These men, being Jews, exceedingly trouble our city. They teach customs not lawful for us, being Romans, to receive or observe."
Then the multitude rose up against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates tore off their clothes and commanded them to be beaten with rods. When they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them securely. He put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in stocks.
Paul told Luke the next day at Lydia's home that at midnight, as he and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, the prisoners were listening. "And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken, and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone's chains were loosed. And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself. But I called with a loud voice, 'Do yourself no harm, for we are all here!'
"The jailer called for a light and ran in, falling down trembling before us. Then he led us out and said, 'Sirs, what must I do to be saved?'
"Of course I told him, 'Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.' Then we spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took us that same hour and cleansed our wounds. And immediately he and all his family were baptized.
"Now when he had brought us into his house, he set food before us and rejoiced. When the sun rose, the jailer told me that the magistrates had sent officers, saying, 'Let those men go.' So he said, 'Now therefore depart, and go in peace.'"
"Praise God!" Luke said. "And that is why you are here."
"'No!' I told the jailer, 'They beat us openly, and we ourselves are uncondemned Romans, and threw us into prison. And now they want to put us out secretly? No indeed! Let them come themselves and get us outo in hilus and wrote him regularly. He also heard frequently from Paul and longed for the day when he might again join him in his travels. Meanwhile, various church leaders from Jerusalem and other elders from all over the world occasionally passed through Philippi and preached in the growing church. Luke, never interested in making a name for himself or putting himself above others, carefully led and managed behind the scenes, nurturing others into positions of leadership so the church would not forever be dependent on him.
Whenever anyone visited who was a personal friend of Jesus, like John or Peter or Matthew, Luke tried their patience by keeping them up until well after dark, plying them with questions and digging for every fact and detail they could remember.
While all fascinated him and added to his storehouse of knowledge, he was most impressed with the apostle John. "You should write your own gospel," he told the man as he was packing for his return to Ephesus after having ministered in Philippi for several days. Luke had interviewed him every day.
"Perhaps one day," John said. "I have much traveling to do, yet I dare not be away from Mary for too long a time. She has already lived many years past her contemporaries, and while her mind is still sharp, her vision, her hearing, and her limbs have grown weak from age. I have much help in caring for her from many of the women at Ephesus, but I fear she is not long for this world."
As Luke helped carry John's things down to the wagon, he said, "Is she too frail to reminisce about the birth of her Son?"
"Let me say it this way, young man," John said, making Luke feel good, for though he was not much younger than John, he was already well into his fifties. "If it were up to me, I would say don't go to the trouble to travel to Ephesus and stretch an old woman's strength to satisfy your own curiosity. But you know what she would say?" He chuckled. "She would welcome you with open arms, for there is nothing she would rather talk about. Of course it's a fascinating, miraculous story, and I have heard it many times. She has amazing recall, having pondered these things in her heart and rehearsed them for decades to anyone who would listen. Why, she even has a record of Jesus' genealogy, and it is not short."
"I would be welcome, then?"
"Only because I know it would warm her heart. Your earnestness has loosed my tongue. I can only imagine how it would be for a willing subject. Just don't wait too long, son."
Luke burned with desire to find the time and resources to make that trip.
Meanwhile, word came that Paul and many who traveled with him remained under constant persecution. After one uproar he departed again for Macedonia, where he encouraged the church with many words before going to Greece, where he stayed three months. When the local Jews plotted against him as he was about to sail to Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia. He wrote Luke, "Sopater of Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus of Thessalonica, Gaius of Derbe, Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia are all with me. As soon as you can, could you join us again in Troas, where first we ministered together years ago?"
Luke did not have to be asked twice. How wonderful it felt to be needed. He is nothinat Philippi until after the Days of Unleavened Bread, so five days later he sailed and joined Paul and his party in Troas, where they stayed seven days.
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Paul then knelt and prayed with them all, and they all wept freely and fell on his neck and kissed him, many expressing sorrow most of all for his prediction that they would see his face no more. They accompanied him and Luke to the ship, Luke wondering what the future held but taking courage from Paul's attitude.
For the next few weeks, Paul and Luke and the others made several stops and changed vessels, finding in many places believers they could encourage. In Tyre well-meaning followers of Christ warned Paul through the Spirit not to go up to Jerusalem. And when Paul and his band departed, these men brought their wives and children and accompanied them until they were out of the city. Before boarding ship, Paul and his people knelt in the sand and prayed with these.
They voyaged to Ptolemais, where they greeted the brethren and stayed one day, then finally departed and came to Caesarea, where they were welcomed to the house of Philip the evangelist. Philip had four virgin daughters who prophesied and warned Paul against going on to Jerusalem. After many days, a prophet named Agabus came from Judea, took Paul's belt, bound his own hands and feet, and said, "Thus says the Holy Spirit, 'So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.'"
Luke, like the others, had heard enough. How much more was needed to persuade Paul to end this suicidal mission? He and the other associates pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem.
Paul listened passively, and when they were finished, he said, "What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."
Luke had to admit that none of the prophecies said the Spirit was telling Paul not to proceed. They merely foretold what would happen to him. So when he would not be persuaded, they ceased their pleading, saying, "The will of the Lord be done."
AFTER THOSE DAYS they packed and went to Jerusalem along with some of the disciples from Caesarea. The brethren of Jerusalem received them gladly, and Paul greeted them and told in detail those things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord. They said, "Many myriads of Jews have believed, and they are all zealous for the law; but they have been informed about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children nor to walk according to the customs. What then? The assembly must certainly meet, for they will hear that you have come. Therefore do what we tell you: We have four men who have taken a vow. Take them and be purified with them, and pay their expenses so that they may shave their heads. In this way all may know that those things of which they were informed concerning you are nothing, but that you yourself also walk orderly and keep the law.
"But concerning the Gentiles who believe, we have written and decided that they should observe no such thing, except that they should keep themselves from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality."
Paul did as they had said, and the next day, having been purified with the four men, entered the td bound a Roman citizen.
THE NEXT DAY, the commander released Paul from his bonds and set him before the chief priests and their council. Paul said, "Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day."
The high priest commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth. Paul said, "God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! For you sit to judge me according to the law, and do you command me to be struck contrary to the law?"
Those who stood by said, "Do you revile God's high priest?"
Paul said, "I did not know, brethren, that he was the high priest; for it is written, 'You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.'"
But Paul later told Luke he perceived some of the council were Sadducees and others Pharisees, so he cried out, "Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee; concerning the hope and resurrection of the dead I am being judged!"
Immediately, dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, for Sadducees say that there is no resurrection---and no angel or spirit---but the Pharisees confess both. The scribes of the Pharisees arose and protested, "We find no evil in this man; but if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him, let us not fight against God."
The commander, fearing Paul might be pulled to pieces by the council, had soldiers take him by force from among them and bring him into the barracks. When Luke visited him that night, he was struck to find Paul dejected and in need of encouragement, so he prayed for him. Paul told him later that in the night the Lord stood by him and said, "Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome."
Luke had no idea what that meant, when they might go, or how long Paul might be restrained there. But taking heart from Paul, who had become his brave mentor in the faith, Luke decided he would remain with him regardless the danger.
The next day more than forty of the Jews came to the chief priests and elders and said, "We have bound ourselves under a great oath that we will eat nothing until we have killed Paul. Now you, therefore, together with the council, suggest to the commander that he be brought down to you tomorrow, as though you were going to make further inquiries concerning him, but we are ready to kill him before he comes near."
When Paul's sister's son heard of their planned ambush, he went to the barracks and told Paul. Paul called one of the centurions and said, "Take this young man to the commander, for he has something to tell him."
When the commander, Claudius Lysias, heard of the plot, he told Paul's nephew, "Tell no one that you have revealed these things to me."
Then he called for two centurions, instructing them to prepare two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen to accompany Paul to Caesarea at the third hour of the night and take Paul safely to Antonius Felix/div>
To the most excellent governor Felix:
Greetings.
This man was seized by the Jews and was about to be killed by them. Coming with the troops I rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman. And when I wanted to know the reason they accused him, I brought him before their council. I found out that he was accused concerning questions of their law, but had nothing charged against him deserving of death or chains. And when it was told me that the Jews lay in wait for the man, I sent him immediately to you, and also commanded his accusers to state before you the charges against him.
Farewell.
Then the soldiers, as they were commanded, took Paul by night to Antipatris. When they came to Caesarea and had delivered the letter to the governor, they presented Paul to him. And when the governor determined that Paul was from the province of Cilicia, he said, "I will hear you when your accusers also have come."
Paul was kept in Herod's Praetorium for five days until Ananias the high priest came down with the elders and an orator named Tertullus.
Tertullus flattered the governor, then began: "We have found this man a plague, a creator of dissension among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. He even tried to profane the temple, and we seized him, and wanted to judge him according to our law. But the commander Lysias with great violence took him out of our hands, commanding his accusers to come to you. By examining him yourself you may ascertain all these things of which we accuse him."
When Paul was allowed to speak, he said, "Inasmuch as I know that you have been for many years a judge of this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself, because you may ascertain that it is no more than twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem to worship. And they neither found me in the temple disputing with anyone nor inciting the crowd, either in the synagogues or in the city. Nor can they prove the things of which they now accuse me. But this I confess to you, that according to The Way which they call a sect, so I worship the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the Law and in the Prophets. I have hope in God, which they themselves also accept, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust. This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.
"Now after many years I came to bring alms and offerings to my nation, in the midst of which some Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with a mob nor with tumult. They ought to have been here before you to object if they had anything against me. Or else let those who are here themselves say if they found any wrongdoing in me while I stood before the council, unless it is for this one statement which I cried out, standing among them, 'Concerning the resurrection of the dead I am being judged by you this day.'"
Governor Felix adjourned the proceedings, "ed to friends to provide for or visit him. Luke spent every moment with Paul, encouraging him and praying with him.
Once Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and sent for Paul to hear him concerning the faith in Christ. As Paul reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix looked afraid and said, "Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will‡¾¿†is medical services on a huge cargo and passenger ship that carried more than three hundred souls, including crew. Fortunately the worst he had to deal with were minor injuries to mates and about a dozen cases of mild seasickness among new travelers.
During periods of high seas, which occurred mostly after dark, Luke took special care to protect his scrolls, quills, ink, and fresh papyrus that had been provided by Theophilus. He prayed the Lord would grant calm waters as they drew within a few days of the great port city, knowing that his excitement and anticipation alone would make sleep difficult.
When finally Luke disembarked just after midday on a Friday, he found his way ashore with two large wood crates---one bearing a makeshift collapsible desk he was pleased to discover had survived intact. He was grateful to be met by a middle-aged woman and two boys in their teens, the boys immediately relieving him of his burdens.
"Careful, lads," he said. "Precious cargo there."
The woman, a sturdy no-nonsense type who drove the horses with confidence and thick-fingered hands, introduced herself as Gregoriana, a servant of John's. She peered at Luke with dark eyes and said sternly, "So you know what that means."
"I'm not sure that I do," he said, smiling. "Does that make you a Daughter of Thunder?" Jesus Himself had called John and his brother James the Sons of Thunder because of their tempestuous tempers. Luke had found that John must have mellowed with age, though the old flames could be rekindled with just the right offense to his senses.
"I don't know about thunder," Gregoriana said. "But what it means to be a servant of Elder John is that I tend to the private residence of the mother of our Lord."
"Whom I am here to see."
"The entire church is well aware of that, Doctor. And you will enjoy a warm welcome, though John has instructed that your time not be presumed upon, as you are here for important work."
"That I am, and I appreciate it."
"In the elder's absence, sir, Mary's welfare is my responsibility."
"I assure you I will extend her every courtesy."
Gregoriana guided the horses through the crowded harbor traffic and onto the thoroughfare that led to the church. The boys in back held tight to Luke's crates, keeping them steady as the wagon jostled slowly along.
"In truth, sir, it is I who will ensure that you extend her every courtesy."
"I am at your disposal, ma'am. You tell me what her availability and limitations are."
"It happens that she is an early riser and a light eater, though I warn you she loves to lavish food on her guests."
"I am a careful eater myself," Luke said.
That it seemed she was eager to cooperate thrilled him. He didn't know what he would have done or how he would have proceeded if she had been resistant or refused to see him, or worse, was unable to communicate at such an advanced age.
Luke only hoped he could keep his excitement and reverence for her at bay so he could accomplish his work. He looked forward to the day when all the digging was over and he could settle somewhere and begin to pen his actual gospel account. Others were planning or already doing the same, he knew, but he trusted that the Lord had urged him to do this because of the unique direction his would take. While he did not have the advantage of being an eyewitness and knowing Jesus personally, his goal was to overcome that by constructing the most complete record possible, from the foretelling of Jesus by John the Baptist to the present.
As Luke was gazing out the window at the setting sun, his heart leapt as Gregoriana approached from next door.
"She is up and alert," the woman reported, "and only a little peeved with me for letting her sleep. Bring your writing materials."
Tiny, with clear eyes and a kind, close-mouthed smile, Mary stood under the arched doorway to her home. "Thank you, Gregoriana," she said, as the woman slipped inside.
Luke quickly set down his papyrus and writing instruments as Mary shyly reached for him. Her hands proved soft and supple as she clasped his hand and pulled him close. "Let these old eyes get a look at you, Dr. Luke. Welcome, welcome."
Luke could barely find his voice. "I'm deeply honored to have this privilege," he said finally.
"The honor is mine," she said, leading him in. "Are your accommodations adequate?"
"Perfect, thank you."
"And are you hungry?"
"If I wasn't, the aroma would make me so."
"You recognize it?"
"I couldn't name it specifically, but certainly fish."
"Local and fresh," she said, leading him to the table where Gregoriana and two others were delivering dishes and cups. "It seemed only appropriate to our conversation."
As Mary settled at the table, Gregoriana whispered to Luke, "She may need help rising."
Mary asked Luke to give thanks for the food, and while they conversed during the meal, he steered her away from anything that would have required he take notes. He didn't want to miss recording anything important.
"So she knew."
Mary nodded. "And while I was there she told me of how her own pregnancy came to be. Zacharias was in the temple in the order of his division, according to custom, when his lot fell to burn incense before the Lord. A multitude was praying outside at the hour of incense, and while he was inside an angel of the Lord appeared to him."
"Did he say exactly where?"
"Elizabeth told me he said the angel stood on the right side of the altar, and when Zacharias saw him, he was terrified. But the angel said, 'Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb. And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, "to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children," and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.'"
"Did he understand what the angel was telling him?"
"Well, he doubted whether it could be true, of course. He said to the angel, 'How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.'
"And the angel said, 'I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings. Behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time.'
"Luke, you can imagine the people waiting for Zacharias marveled that he lingered so long in the temple. But when he came out, he could not speak, and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple, for he beckoned to them and remained speechless.
"As soon as the days of his service were completed, he went home. Now, after Elizabeth conceived, she hid herself five months, saying, 'Thus the Lord has dealt with me, in the days when He looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.'"
"Mary, how did you respond to Elizabeth after she pronounced her blessing on you?"
Mary smiled. "I shall never forget. I have prayed this prayer thousands of times since. I said, 'My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; for behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. For He sence of height="6" width="1em">"'He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty. He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy, as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed forever.'"
Luke pressed his lips together as he transcribed, desperate to keep his tears at bay. When he finished, he whispered, "May I read it back to you to make sure I have gotten it exactly as you told me?" And in the reading of it, he was overcome anew.
"You rendered it perfectly," Mary said.
She told him she had remained with Elizabeth about three months, until just before John was born, before returning to her own home. "Elizabeth told me that when her full time came for her to be delivered, she brought forth a son. When her neighbors and relatives heard how the Lord had shown great mercy to her, they rejoiced with her.
"So it was, on the eighth day, that they came to circumcise the child; and they would have called him by the name of his father, Zacharias. But Aunt Elizabeth said, 'No, he shall be called John.'
"But they said, 'There is no one among your relatives who is called by this name.' So they made signs to Zacharias---as he must have lost his hearing as well as his speech---asking what he would have the child called.
"And he asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, 'His name is John.' So they all marveled. Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, praising God.
"Then fear came on all who dwelt around them, and all these sayings were discussed throughout all the hill country of Judea. And all those who heard them kept them in their hearts, saying, 'What kind of child will this be?' And the hand of the Lord was with John.
"Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, 'Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited and redeemed His people, and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David, as He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets, who have been since the world began, that we should be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us, to perform the mercy promised to our fathers and to remember His holy covenant, the oath which He swore to our father Abraham: To grant us that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life.
"'And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest; for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways, to give knowledge of salvation to His people by the remission of their sins, through the tender mercy of our God, with which the Dayspring from on high has visited us; to give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.'"
Luke was further amazed. "How do you remember all this?"
"Oh, Doctor, anyone would of His ho"6">
"They said that then, suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!'
"So when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds told us that they said to one another, 'Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.' Oh, Luke, you should have seen the looks on their faces as they gazed at Jesus! It was plain they couldn't wait to tell everyone what had been told them concerning Him."
"I have talked with many in Judea who first heard of the Christ child from those shepherds," Luke said.
"Indeed?"
"And all those who heard it marveled at those things that were told them by the shepherds."
"None marveled as much as I, Doctor. I remembered all the details and have pondered them in my heart ever since."
"Does it ever leave your mind?"
"Not for long. I think of that night every day. Of course, there are other memories from Jesus' life I wish I could forget. But I remember every moment."
"We will have to revisit those too, I'm afraid."
"I know," she said. "But there is still much more to tell before the dark days arose. When Jesus was eight days old, we had Him circumcised and officially gave Him the name that the angel had told me before He was even conceived in the womb.
"And when the days of my purification---according to the law of Moses---were completed, we took Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord and to offer the required sacrifice.
"A man in Jerusalem named Simeon, who was just and devout, told us later he had been waiting for the Consolation of Israel and that it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. So the Spirit led him into the temple, and when we brought in the Child, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, Simeon took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said, 'Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.'
"As you can imagine, Luke, Joseph and I marveled at those things that were spoken of Jesus. Simeon blessed us and said to me, 'Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.'"
"What did he mean about the sign?"
"He whispered to me, 'A sword will pierce through your own soul also.' Believe me, I eventually learned what that meant. But for now, if you don't mind, I prefer to dwell on the times of blessing.
"Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asherised and o1em">"He told me He was still suffering the effects of a forty-day fast in the wilderness, where the Spirit had led Him so Satan could tempt Him. When He recounted that awful experience, it was as if my heart turned cold within me."
"Tell me about it."
"It had occurred some time even before I had tried to see Him in Capernaum. He said He had returned from the Jordan after being baptized by John when He was led alone into the wilderness and ate nothing for forty days. And when they had ended, naturally He was hungry. And the devil said to Him, 'If You are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.'
"But Jesus answered, 'It is written, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God."'
"Then the devil, taking Him up on a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said to Him, 'All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. Therefore, if You will worship before me, all will be Yours.'
"And Jesus answered him, 'Get behind Me, Satan! For it is written, "You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve."'
"Then Satan brought Him to Jerusalem, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said, 'If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down from here. For it is written:
He shall give His angels charge over you,To keep you,
and,
In their hands they shall bear you up,Lest you dash your foot against a stone.
"And Jesus said, 'It has been said, "You shall not tempt the Lord your God."'
"Now, when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time. Then Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and news of Him went out through all the surrounding region. And He taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all.
"So He came to Nazareth, and as we talked, I asked if, as had become His custom, He would go into the synagogue on the Sabbath day and stand up to read. Well, of course He said yes, and so this was another of the few times I was able to see Him out among the people.
"In the temple He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written:
The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,Because He has anointed MeTo preach the gospel to the poor;He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,To proclaim liberty to the captivesAnd recovery of sight to the bli">DURING LUKE'S LAST DAY with Mary, she told him she was going to eschew her customary afternoon nap or at least delay it until he was satisfied that they were finished.
"I do not want to weary you," he said, "but I do have two more questions if we may repair to the parlor."
He helped her up and walked her in to her reclining bench before taking his place at his desk.
"I know you have said that you were an eyewitness to little of Jesus' ministry, yet you seem to have heard an account of all His activities. What stands out to you as epitomizing His message to the world? Was there one act or one parable or one teaching that sums it all up in your mind?"
"Interesting you should ask, because I have always felt that the stories He used to explain the Kingdom were most telling. I recall hearing someone tell of when He passed through Jericho. After He had called out the rich chief tax collector Zacchaeus---You know this story?"
"Yes, the man who was too short to see above the crowd and had to climb a tree to see Jesus."
"Correct. And Jesus honored him by going to his house. But Jesus was criticized by the people, even though Zacchaeus came to salvation. Yet what struck me about this event, Luke, was what Jesus said in announcing what had happened. He said, 'Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.' That was His mission, His purpose.
"And later He told three parables about finding lost things and comparing the kingdom of God to these. Do you have those stories?"
"Yes, of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son. I plan to include them."
"Good, because I believe He intentionally emphasized what was most important."
"And you must do the same, ma'am, if you are up to it."
She looked away and spoke faintly. "The end, you mean."
"Yes."
Mary hung her head and rubbed her eyes. "No mother should ever have to endure that." And she told him all she remembered of seeing her Son put to death. Luke added this to all the accounts he had amassed, then rolled his scrolls, put away his quills and ink, and folded his desk.
He approached Mary and helped her stand. She embraced him and thanked him.
"I wasn't certain you would be grateful to be reminded of it all," he said.
"Make no mistake, Luke, it takes nothing to remind me of every bit of it. It is constantly with me. But so is my hope. You see, I know He arose, and I know He is my Savior too and that I will again see Him. I am most blessed to have been chosen of God to be used as a vessel to bring into the world His only Son, Immanuel, who saved His people from their sins."
"My plan, sir, is to write it to you in the form of a letter," Luke said one afternoon as they sat in a small room behind the meeting place. "I don't know where I will be when I have completed it, but my goal is to be sure that Paul is content with it, and then I will have it copied before sending you the original."
"I will be honored to read it to the brothers and sisters here, and we will set about straightaway to have it copied many times for distribution to as many churches as possible all around the world. I shall be happy to cover the expense of this myself."
"You are too kind, master."
"I am no longer your master, Luke. But I am proud to have once been, and deeply grateful for your introducing me to faith in our Lord Christ."
A young deacon appeared at the door. "Sorry to interrupt, sirs," he said, a sealed scroll in his hand.
Theophilus waved him in. "What is it, son?"
"News from John for Dr. Luke, sir," the man said, leaving the scroll and departing.
Luke rose and stepped to where Theophilus could look on as he broke the seal and rolled back the papyrus,
John, an apostle of Christ, to most excellent Luke and the elders of the church at Syrian Antioch:
It is with great heaviness of heart that I have cut short my travels and am on my way back to Ephesus, as word has come to me of the passing of the mother of our Lord and Savior. Gregoriana reports that the blessed lady died quietly in her sleep during the afternoon a fortnight ago. News had also reached me of her great pleasure in meeting and working with you on your account, Luke, which makes me all the more eager to see the results.
Pray for us as we honor this saint whom God chose as a vessel for His great gift. We shall grieve her and miss her terribly, yet we also rejoice in her blessed hope, which we share. Our eulogizing her will also be a celebration of her stellar life and all she has meant to the Ephesian church and to believing brothers and sisters everywhere.
I understand that you are on your way back to our brother Paul, but if emissaries are available to be sent from Antioch for the funeral, be assured we will welcome them with all hospitality.
And do greet Paul for me in the matchless name of our Redeemer and assure him of the prayers of all the saints aware of his dangerous plight.
Now blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in pto beli height="6" width="1em">It was just past noon when the Roman ship finally docked, and it took more than an hour to board soldiers who would help offload the assorted criminals and those---like Paul---who had been sent to Rome for trial.
It did not surprise Luke to find that Paul was the last to be escorted off the ship, personally guarded by a commander named Julius. Luke wanted to jump and cheer and praise God, but he forced himself to remain just one among the crowd. When Paul espied him, he slowed and the commander hesitated with him.
"I knew if any would be here for me, Luke," Paul said, "it would be you."
The commander informed Luke where Paul would be held and when he could see him, and Luke ran all the way back to his own quarters, eagerly getting his scrolls together so he could begin reading to his old friend.
OVER THE NEXT TWO YEARS, as Paul was allowed to rent his own chambers and enjoy occasional visits while the authorities tried to determine his disposition, Luke spent much time with him. They prayed and sang, and while Luke sought to encourage the man, he himself was emboldened just listening to Paul. While he was lonely and, naturally, worried over his own fate, still Paul wrote letters to the churches and shared these with Luke.
It warmed the doctor to see that Paul often told other believers that "only Luke is with me," and referred to him as "the beloved physician."
To Luke's great delight, Paul seemed to have no issues with his account of the history of Jesus. He urged Luke to keep on with it and begged him to bring him more and more of it. "It is as if the Holy Spirit Himself is giving you utterance through your pen," Paul said, making Luke all the more eager to stay at the task. Paul was most excited about Theophilus's generous offer to read the manuscript to the church at Antioch and to supervise its copying and distribution around the world.
"You know there is more for you to do, don't you, Luke, when this is finished?"
"More?"
"Much more. The story does not end with Jesus' ascension into heaven. Far from it. The beginning of the movement, the very founding of the church, the bravery of the disciples, the preaching of Peter---indeed, all the acts of the apostles---must be documented and recorded. How this will thrill the believers!"
"The Acts of the Apostles," Luke said. "I know much of the story already."
"And Peter and I can tell you the rest. I came along in the middle of it, of course, but when he arrives here, Peter will be a great source of information and inspiration for you."
"When he arrives?"
Paul smiled and showed Luke a scroll from Peter, announcing his intention to join them.
Luke was already full of anticipation. "I had wondered what I would do when my letter to Theophilus was complete. I would write this to him as well, telling him that after covering all that Jesus began both to do and t the prd through the Holy Spirit to his chosen apostles, to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God."
"Yes!" Paul said. "And Peter can tell you, as he has me, that being assembled together with them, Jesus commanded the disciples not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, 'which,' He said, 'you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.'
"Then you can move right into His promise that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit had come upon them and that they would be witnesses to Him in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. Isn't it thrilling that we are privileged to be fulfilling that prophecy?"
"I can't wait to get to it," Luke said. "But I must keep it in abeyance until my gospel is finished. I'm very nearly to the end."
"Go and finish it, then, Doctor, then make haste to return to me and let me hear it."
TWO YEARS INTO Paul's imprisonment in Rome, Luke arrived early one morning with a carefully wrapped original of his scroll and a meticulously made copy.
"I have plenty of time to get this aboard the courier ship," he told Paul, "but you wanted to see me first?"
"Yes, my friend. I want to hear the very last portion one more time, and then I want to pray over it. This is only the beginning. Once your good sponsor Theophilus has this in hand, he will get it copied, and those copies will be copied, and as these make their way to the churches all over the world, copies will be made of copies until anyone who wants to hear this account will be able to. Meanwhile, you will be hard at work on your and Peter's Acts of the Apostles, which I believe will be every bit as anticipated and welcomed---perhaps more so because of this." He held the new scroll in both hands, as if cherishing it.
"Now, read to me of when the resurrected Jesus suddenly appeared to the eleven and those who were with them in the upper room."
Luke carefully unrolled the copied scroll and found the place. And he read:
"Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, 'Peace to you.' But they were terrified and frightened, and supposed they had seen a spirit. And He said to them, 'Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.'
"When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet. But while they still did not believe for joy, and marveled, He said to them, 'Have you any food here?' So they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish and some honeycomb. And He took it and ate in their presence.
"Then He said to them, 'These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prs thb>Then Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I do not know a man?"
35And the angel answered and said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. 36Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. 37For with God nothing will be impossible."
38Then Mary said, "Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.
Mary Visits Elizabeth
39Now Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah, 40and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. 41And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. 45Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord."
The Song of Mary
46And Mary said:
"My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.
1:28 aNU-Text omits blessed are you among women. 1:29 aNU-Text omits when she saw him.
48 For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant;
For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed.
49 For He who is mighty has done great things for me,
And holy is His name.
50 And His mercy is on those who fear Him
From generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with His arm;
He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
52 He has put down the mighty from their thrones,
And exalted the lowly.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things,
And the ric shown sfore Him all the days of our life.
76 "And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest;
For you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways,
77 To give knowledge of salvation to His people
By the remission of their sins,
78 Through the tender mercy of our God,
With which the Dayspring from on high has visiteda us;
79 To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death,
To guide our feet into the way of peace."
80So the child grew and became strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his manifestation to Israel.
1:78 aNU-Text reads shall visit.
Christ Born of Mary
2 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.
4Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife,a who was with child. 6So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Glory in the Highest
8Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9And behold,a an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger."
13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
14 "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"a
15So it was, wh/b>And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 17Now when they had seen Him, they made widelya known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 18And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.
Circumcision of Jesus
21And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child,a His name was called JESUS, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.
Jesus Presented in the Temple
22Now when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord 23(as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the LORD"),a 24and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, "A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons."a
Simeon Sees God's Salvation
25And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, 28he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said:
29 "Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace,
According to Your word;
30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation
31 Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples,
32 A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles,
And the glory of Your people Israel."
33And Joseph and His mothera marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. 34Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, "Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against 35(yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."
2:21 aNU-Text reads for His circumcision. 2:23 aExodus 13:2, 12, 15 2:24 aLeviticus 12 Redeemer
36Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; 37and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years,a who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. 38And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord,a and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
The Family Returns to Nazareth
39So when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. 40And the Child grew and became strong in spirit,a filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.
The Boy JesusAmazes the Scholars
41His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. 43When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mothera did not know it; 44but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day's journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. 45So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. 46Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. 47And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. 48So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, "Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously."
2:37 aNU-Text reads a widow until she was eighty-four. 2:38 aNU-Text reads to God. 2:40 aNU-Text omits in spirit. 2:43 aNU-Text reads And His parents.
49And He said to them, "Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?" 50But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them.
Jesus Advances inWisdom and Favor
51Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart. 52And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
John the BaptistPrepares the Way
3 Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abo us well pleased."
The Genealogy of Jesus Christ
3:19 aNU-Text reads his brother's wife. 3:24 aThis and several other names in the genealogy are spelled somewhat differently in the NU-Text. Since the New King James Version uses the Old Testament spelling for persons mentioned in the New Testament, these variations, which come from the Greek, have not been footnoted.
23Now Jesus Himself began His ministry at about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, the son of Heli, 24the son of Matthat,athe son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the son of Janna, the son of Joseph, 25the son of Mattathiah, the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of Esli, the son of Naggai, 26the son of Maath, the son of Mattathiah, the son of Semei, the son of Joseph, the son of Judah, 27the son of Joannas, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, the son of Neri, 28the son of Melchi, the son of Addi, the son of Cosam, the son of Elmodam, the son of Er, 29the son of Jose, the son of Eliezer, the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, 30the son of Simeon, the son of Judah, the son of Joseph, the son of Jonan, the son of Eliakim, 31the son of Melea, the son of Menan, the son of Mattathah, the son of Nathan, the son of David, 32the son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Salmon, the son of Nahshon, 33the son of Amminadab, the son of Ram, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah, 34the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the son of Terah, the son of Nahor, 35the son of Serug, the son of Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of Eber, the son of Shelah, 36the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech, 37the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared, the son of Mahalalel, the son of Cainan, 38the son of Enosh, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.
Satan Tempts Jesus
4 Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit intoa the wilderness, 2being tempted for forty days by the devil. And in those days He ate nothing, and afterward, when they had ended, He was hungry.
3And the devil said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread."
4But Jesus answered him, saying,a "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by ever 61:1, 2
20Then He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him. 21And He began to say to them, "Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." 22So all bore witness to Him, and marveled at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth. And they said, "Is this not Joseph's son?"
23He said to them, "You will surely say this proverb to Me, 'Physician, heal yourself! Whatever we have heard done in Capernaum,a do also here in Your country.'" 24Then He said, "Assuredly, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own country. 25But I tell you truly, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, and there was a great famine throughout all the land; 26but to none of them was Elijah sent except to Zarephath,ain the region of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. 27And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian."
28So all those in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, 29and rose up and thrust Him out of the city; and they led Him to the brow of the hill on which their city was built, that they might throw Him down over the cliff. 30Then passing through the midst of them, He went His way.
Jesus Casts Outan Unclean Spirit
31Then He went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and was teaching them on the Sabbaths. 32And they were astonished at His teaching, for His word was with authority. 33Now in the synagogue there was a man who had a spirit of an unclean demon. And he cried out with a loud voice, 34saying, "Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know who You are---the Holy One of God!"
4:23 aHere and elsewhere the NU-Text spelling is Capharnaum.
4:26 aGreek Sarepta
35But Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be quiet, and come out of him!" And when the demon had thrown him in their midst, it came out of him and did not hurt him. 36Then they were all amazed and spoke among themselves, saying, "What a word this is! For with authority and power He commands the unclean spirits, and they come out." 37And the re-port about Him went out into every place in the surrounding region.
Peter's Mother-in-Law Healed
38Now He arose from the synagogue and entered Simon's house. But Simon's wife's mother was sick with a high fever, and they made request of Him concerning her. 39So He stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it size="3s a piece from a new garment and puts it on an old one.
36Then He spoke a parable to them: "No one puts a piece from a new garment on an old one;a otherwise the new makes a tear, and also the piece that was taken out of the new does not match the old. 37And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; or else the new wine will burst the wineskins and be spilled, and the wineskins will be ruined. 38But new wine must be put into new wineskins, and both are preserved.a 39And no one, having drunk old wine, immediately a desires new; for he says, 'The old is better.'"b
Jesus Is Lord of the Sabbath
6 Now it happened on the second Sabbath after the firsta that He went through the grainfields. And His disciples plucked the heads of grain and ate them, rubbing them in their hands. 2And some of the Pharisees said to them, "Why are you doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath?"
3But Jesus answering them said, "Have you not even read this, what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him: 4how he went into the house of God, took and ate the showbread, and also gave some to those with him, which is not lawful for any but the priests to eat?" 6And He said to them, "The Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath."
Healing on the Sabbath
6Now it happened on another Sabbath, also, that He entered the synagogue and taught. And a man was there whose right hand was withered. 7So the scribes and Pharisees watched Him closely, whether He would heal on the Sabbath, that they might find an accusation against Him. 8But He knew their thoughts, and said to the man who had the withered hand, "Arise and stand here." And he arose and stood. 9Then Jesus said to them, "I will ask you one thing: Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy?"a 10And when He had looked around at them all, He said to the man,a "Stretch out your hand." And he did so, and his hand was restored as whole as the other.b 11But they were filled with rage, and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus.
The Twelve Apostles
12Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. 13And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles: 14Simon, whom He also named Peter, and Andrew his brother; James and John; Philip and Bartholomew; 15Matthew and Thomas; James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called the Zealot; 16Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot who also became a traitor.
Jesus Heals a Great Multitude
17And He came down with them and stood on a level place with a crowd of His disciples d will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the un-thankful and evil. 36Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.
Do Not Judge
37 "Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you."
39And He spoke a parable to them: "Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into the ditch? 40A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher. 41And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not perceive the plank in your own eye? 42Or how can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me remove the speck that is in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the plank that is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck that is in your brother's eye.
A Tree Is Known by Its Fruit
43 "For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. 44For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush. 45A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his hearta brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
Build on the Rock
46 "But why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do the things which I say? 47Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: 48He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock.a 49But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell.a And the ruin of that house was great."
Jesus Heals a
Centurion's Servant
7 Now when He concluded all His sayings in the hearing of the people, He entered Capernaum. 2And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear to him, was sick and ready to die. 3So when he heard about Jesus, he sent elders of the Jews to Him, pleading with Him to come and heal his servant. 4And when they came to Jesus, they begged Him earnestly, saying that the one for whom He should do this was deserving, 5"for he loves our nation, and has built us a synagogue."
7Then Jesus went with them. And when He was already not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to Him, saying to Him, "Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy that You should enter underthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. 8For I also am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."
9When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed Him, "I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!" 10And those who were sent, returning to the house, found the servant well who had been sick.a
Jesus Raises the Son
of the Widow of Nain
11Now it happened, the day after, that He went into a city called Nain; and many of His disciples went with Him, and a large crowd. 12And when He came near the gate of the city, behold, a dead man was being carried out, the only son of his mother; and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the city was with her. 13When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, "Do not weep." 14Then He came and touched the open coffin, and those who carried him stood still. And He said, "Young man, I say to you, arise." 15So he who was dead sat up and began to speak. And He presented him to his mother.
16Then fear came upon all, and they glorified God, saying, "A great prophet has risen up among us"; and, "God has visited His people." 17And this report about Him went throughout all Judea and all the surrounding region.
John the Baptist Sends
Messengers to Jesus
18Then the disciples of John reported to him concerning all these things. 19And John, calling two of his disciples to him, sent them to Jesus,a saying, "Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?"
20When the men had come to Him, they said, "John the Baptist has sent us to You, saying, 'Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another? '" 21And that very hour He cured many of infirmities, afflictions, and evil spirits; and to many blind He gave sight.
22Jesus answered and said to them, "Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard: that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them. 23And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me."
7:10 aNU-Text omits who had been sick. 7:19 aNU-Text reads the Lord.
24When the messengers of John had departed, He began to speak to the multitudes concerning John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 25But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed those who are gorgeously appareled and live in luxury are in kings' courts. 26But what did you go out to see thediv>
Who will prepare Your way before You.'a
28For I say to you, among those born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist;a but he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he."
29And when all the people heard Him, even the tax collectors justified God, having been baptized with the baptism of John. 30But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the will of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him.
31And the Lord said,a "To what then shall I liken the men of this generation, and what are they like? 32They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to one another, saying:
' We played the flute for you, And you did not dance;
We mourned to you, And you did not weep.'
33For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, 'He has a demon.' 34The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, 'Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' 35But wisdom is justified by all her children."
A Sinful Woman Forgiven
7:27 aMalachi 3:1 7:28 aNU-Text reads there is none greater than John. 7:31 aNU-Text and M-Text omit And the Lord said.
36Then one of the Pharisees asked Him to eat with him. And He went to the Pharisee's house, and sat down to eat. 37And behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at the table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster flask of fragrant oil, 38and stood at His feet behind Him weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet and anointed them with the fragrant oil. 39Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he spoke to himself, saying, "This Man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what manner of woman this is who is touching Him, for she is a sinner."
40And Jesus answered and said to him, "Simon, I have something to say to you."
So he said, "Teacher, say it."
41"There was a certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, therefore, which of them will love him more?"
43Simon answered and said, "I suppose the one whom he forgave more."
And He said to him, "You have rightly judged." 44Then He turned to the sup>15But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience.
The Parable of
the Revealed Light
16 "No one, when he has lit a lamp, covers it with a vessel or puts it under a bed, but sets it on a lampstand, that those who enter may see the light. 17For nothing is secret that will not be revealed, nor anything hidden that will not be known and come to light. 18Therefore take heed how you hear. For whoever has, to him more will be given; and whoever does not have, even what he seems to have will be taken from him."
Jesus' Mother and Brothers
Come to Him
19Then His mother and brothers came to Him, and could not approach Him because of the crowd. 20And it was told Him by some, who said, "Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, desiring to see You."
21But He answered and said to them, "My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it."
Wind and Wave Obey Jesus
22Now it happened, on a certain day, that He got into a boat with His disciples. And He said to them, "Let us cross over to the other side of the lake." And they launched out. 23But as they sailed He fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water, and were in jeopardy. 24And they came to Him and awoke Him, saying, "Master, Master, we are perishing!"
Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm. 25But He said to them, "Where is your faith?"
And they were afraid, and marveled, saying to one another, "Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!"
A Demon-Possessed Man Healed
26Then they sailed to the country of the Gadarenes,a which is opposite Galilee. 27And when He stepped out on the land, there met Him a certain man from the city who had demons for a long time. And he wore no clothes,a nor did he live in a house but in the tombs. 28When he saw Jesus, he cried out, fell down before Him, and with a loud voice said, "What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You, do not torment me!" 29For He had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For it had often seized him, and he was kept under guard, bound with chains and shackles; and he broke the bonds and was driven by the demon into the wilderness.
30Jesus asked him, saying, "What is your name?"
8:26 aNU-Text reads Gerasenes. 8:27 aNU-Text reads who had demons and for a long time wore no clothes.
And he said, "Legion," because many demons had entered him. 31And they begged Him that He would not command them to go out into the abyss.
32Now a herd of many swine was feeding there on the mountain. So they begged Him that He would permit them to enter them. And He permitted them. 33Then the demons went out of the man and entered the swine, and the herd ran violently down the steep place into the lake and drowned.
34When those who fed them saw what had happened, they fled and told it in the city and in the country. 35Then they went out to see what had happened, and came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid. 36They also who had seen it told them by what means he who had been demon-possessed was healed. 37Then the whole multitude of the surrounding region of the Gadarenesa asked Him to depart from them, for they were seized with great fear. And He got into the boat and returned.
38Now the man from whom the demons had departed begged Him that he might be with Him. But Jesus sent him away, saying, 39"Return to your own house, and tell what great things God has done for you." And he went his way and proclaimed throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him.
A Girl Restored to Life
and a Woman Healed
40So it was, when Jesus returned, that the multitude welcomed Him, for they were all waiting for Him. 41And behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue. And he fell down at Jesus' feet and begged Him to come to his house, 42for he had an only daughter about twelve years of age, and she was dying.
But as He went, the multitudes thronged Him. 43Now a woman, having a flow of blood for twelve years, who had spent all her livelihood on physicians and could not be healed by any, 44came from behind and touched the border of His garment. And immediately her flow of blood stopped.
45And Jesus said, "Who touched Me?"
8:37 aNU-Text reads Gerasenes.
When all denied it, Peter and those with hima said, "Master, the multitudes throng and press You, and You say, 'Who touched Me?'"b
46But Jesus said, "Somebody touched Me, for I perceived power going out from Me." 47Now when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling; and falling down before Him, she declared to Him in the presence of all the people the reason she had touched Him and how she was healed immediately.
48And He said to her, "Daughter, be of good cheer;a your faith has made you well. Go in peace."
49While He was still speaking, someone came from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying to him, "Your daughter is dead. Do not trouble the Teacher."a
50But when Jesus heard it, He answered him, saying, "Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well." 51When He came into the house, He permitted no one to go ina except Peter, James, and John,b and the father and mother of the girl. 52Now all wept and mourned for her; but He said, "Do not weep; she is not dead, but sleeping..
16Then He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the multitude. 17So they all ate and were filled, and twelve baskets of the leftover fragments were taken up by them.
Peter Confesses Jesus
as the Christ
18And it happened, as He was alone praying, that His disciples joined Him, and He asked them, saying, "Who do the crowds say that I am?"
19So they answered and said, "John the Baptist, but some say Elijah; and others say that one of the old prophets has risen again."
20He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"
Peter answered and said, "The Christ of God."
Jesus Predicts His Death
and Resurrection
21And He strictly warned and commanded them to tell this to no one, 22saying, "The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day."
Take Up the Cross
and Follow Him
23Then He said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily,a and follow Me. 24For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. 25For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost? 26For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father's, and of the holy angels. 27But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the kingdom of God."
Jesus Transfigured
on the Mount
28Now it came to pass, about eight days after these sayings, that He took Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray. 29As He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening. 30And behold, two men talked with Him, who were Moses and Elijah, 31who appeared in glory and spoke of His decease which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. 32But Peter and those with him were heavy with sleep; and when they were fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men who stood with Him. 33Then it happened, as they were parting from Him, that Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah"---not knowing what he said.
9:23 aM-Text omits daily.
34While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were fearful as they entered the cloud. 35And a voice came out of the cloud, sayingastne in those days any of the things they had seen.
A Boy Is Healed
37Now it happened on the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, that a great multitude met Him. 38Suddenly a man from the multitude cried out, saying, "Teacher, I implore You, look on my son, for he is my only child. 39And behold, a spirit seizes him, and he suddenly cries out; it convulses him so that he foams at the mouth; and it departs from him with great difficulty, bruising him. 40So I implored Your disciples to cast it out, but they could not."
41Then Jesus answered and said, "O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here." 42And as he was still coming, the demon threw him down and convulsed him. Then Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the child, and gave him back to his father.
Jesus Again Predicts His Death
43And they were all amazed at the majesty of God.
But while everyone marveled at all the things which Jesus did, He said to His disciples, 44"Let these words sink down into your ears, for the Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men." 45But they did not understand this saying, and it was hidden from them so that they did not perceive it; and they were afraid to ask Him about this saying.
Who Is the Greatest?
46Then a dispute arose among them as to which of them would be greatest. 47And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a little child and set him by Him, 48and said to them, "Whoever receives this little child in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me. For he who is least among you all will be great."
Jesus Forbids Sectarianism
9:35 aNU-Text reads This is My Son, the Chosen One.
49Now John answered and said, "Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow with us."
50But Jesus said to him, "Do not forbid him, for he who is not against usa is on ourb side."
A Samaritan Village
Rejects the Savior
51Now it came to pass, when the time had come for Him to be received up, that He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem, 52and sent messengers before His face. And as they went, they entered a village of the Samaritans, to prepare for Him. 53But they did not receive Him, because His face was set for the journey to Jerusalem. 54And when His disciples James and John saw this, they said, "Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, just as Elijah did?"a
55But He turned and rebuked them,a and said, "You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. 56For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men's >Jelives but to save them."a And they went to another village.
The Cost of Discipleship
57Now it happened as they journeyed on the road, that someone said to Him, "Lord, I will follow You wherever You go."
58And Jesus said to him, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head."
59Then He said to another, "Follow Me."
But he said, "Lord, let me first go and bury my father."
60Jesus said to him, "Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and preach the kingdom of God."
61And another also said, "Lord, I will follow You, but let me first go and bid them farewell who are at my house."
62But Jesus said to him, "No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God."
The Seventy Sent Out
9:50 aNU-Text reads you. bNU-Text reads your. 9:54 aNU-Text omits just as Elijah did. 9:55 aNU-Text omits the rest of this verse. 9:56 aNU-Text omits the first sentence of this verse. 10:1 aNU-Text reads seventy-two others.
10 After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also,a and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go. 2Then He said to them, "The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. 3Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves. 4Carry neither money bag, knapsack, nor sandals; and greet no one along the road. 5But whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace to this house.' 6And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest on it; if not, it will return to you. 7And remain in the same house, eating and drinking such things as they give, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not go from house to house. 8Whatever city you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you. 9And heal the sick there, and say to them, 'The kingdom of God has come near to you.' 9But whatever city you enter, and they do not receive you, go out into its streets and say, 11'The very dust of your city which clings to usa we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near you.' 12Buta I say to you that it will be more tolerable in that Day for Sodom than for that city.
Woe to the Impenitent Cities
13 "Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the m/b>And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades.a 16He who hears you hears Me, he who rejects you rejects Me, and he who rejects Me rejects Him who sent Me."
The Seventy Return with Joy
17Then the seventya returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name."
18And He said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. 20Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rathera rejoice because your names are written in heaven."
Jesus Rejoices in the Spirit
21In that hour Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said, "I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight. 22Alla things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him."
23Then He turned to His disciples and said privately, "Blessed are the eyes which see the things you see; 24for I tell you that many prophets and kings have desired to see what you see, and have not seen it, and to hear what you hear, and have not heard it."
The Parable of
the Good Samaritan
25And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?"
26He said to him, "What is written in the law? What is your reading of it?"
27So he answered and said, "'You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,'a and 'your neighbor as yourself. ' "b
28And He said to him, "You have answered rightly; do this and you will live."
29But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"
10:20 aNU-Text and M-Text omit rather. 10:22 aM-Text reads And turning to the disciples He said, "All . . . 10:27 aDeuteronomy 6:5 bLeviticus 19:18
30Then Jesus answered and said: "A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 31Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when when whehen he saw him, he had compassion. 34So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35On the next day, when he departed,a he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, 'Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.' 36So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?"
37And he said, "He who showed mercy on him."
Then Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."
Mary and Martha
Worship and Serve
38Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. 39And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus'a feet and heard His word. 40But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me."
41And Jesusa answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. 42But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her."
The Model Prayer
11 Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples."
2So He said to them, "When you pray, say:
Our Father in heaven,a
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.b
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
3 Give us day by day our daily bread.
4 And forgive us our sins,
For we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us.
And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one." a
10:35 aNU-Text omits when he departed. 10:39 aNU-Text reads the Lord's. 10:41 aNU-Text reads the Lord. 11:2 aNU-TEXT omits Our and in heaven. bNU-Text omits t dMore than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!"
Seeking a Sign
29And while the crowds were thickly gathered together, He began to say, "This is an evil generation. It seeks a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah the prophet.a 30For as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so also the Son of Man will be to this generation. 31The queen of the South will rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and indeed a greater than Solomon is here. 32The men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and indeed a greater than Jonah is here.
The Lamp of the Body
11:29 aNU-Text omits the prophet.
33 "No one, when he has lit a lamp, puts it in a secret place or under a basket, but on a lampstand, that those who come in may see the light. 34The lamp of the body is the eye. Therefore, when your eye is good, your whole body also is full of light. But when your eye is bad, your body also is full of darkness. 35Therefore take heed that the light which is in you is not darkness. 36If then your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, the whole body will be full of light, as when the bright shining of a lamp gives you light."
Woe to the Phariseesand Lawyers
37And as He spoke, a certain Pharisee asked Him to dine with him. So He went in and sat down to eat. 38When the Pharisee saw it, he marveled that He had not first washed before dinner.
39Then the Lord said to him, "Now you Pharisees make the outside of the cup and dish clean, but your inward part is full of greed and wickedness. 40Foolish ones! Did not He who made the outside make the inside also? 41But rather give alms of such things as you have; then indeed all things are clean to you.
42"But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass by justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. 43Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces. 44Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!a For you are like graves which are not seen, and the men who walk over them are not aware of them."
45Then one of the lawyers answered and said to Him, "Teacher, by saying these things You reproach us also."
46And He said, "Woe to you also, lawyers! For you load men with burdens hard to bear, and you yourselves do not touch the burdens with one of your fingers. 47Woe to you! For you build the tombs of the prophets, and s. Therefore the wisdom of God also said, 'I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they will kill and persecute,' 50that the blood of all the prophets which was shed from the foundation of the world may be required of this generation, 51from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah who perished between the altar and the temple. Yes, I say to you, it shall be required of this generation.
11:44 aNU-Text omits scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites.
52"Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge. You did not enter in yourselves, and those who were entering in you hindered."
53And as He said these things to them,a the scribes and the Pharisees began to assail Him vehemently, and to cross-examine Him about many things, 54lying in wait for Him, and seeking to catch Him in something He might say, that they might accuse Him.a
Beware of Hypocrisy
12 In the meantime, when an innumerable multitude of people had gathered together, so that they trampled one another, He began to say to His disciples first of all, "Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 2For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known. 3Therefore whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops.
Jesus Teaches the Fear of God
4"And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. 5But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!
6"Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins?a And not one of them is forgotten before God. 7But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
Confess Christ Before Men
8"Also I say to you, whoever confesses Me before men, him the Son of Man also will confess before the angels of God. 9But he who denies Me before men will be denied before the angels of God.
10"And anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but to him who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven.
11:53 aNU-Text reads And when He left there. 11:54 aNU-Text omits and seeking and that they might accuse Him. 12:6 aGreek assarion, a coin of very small value
11"Now when they bring you to the synagogues and magistrates and authorities, do not worry about how or what you should answer, or what you should say.
The Parable of the Rich Fool
13Then one from the crowd said to Him, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me."
14But He said to him, "Man, who made Me a judge or an arbitrator over you?" 15And He said to them, "Take heed and beware of covetousness, a for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses."
16Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: "The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. 17And he thought within himself, saying, 'What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?' 18So he said, 'I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. 19And I will say to my soul, "Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry." ' 20But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?'
21"So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."
Do Not Worry
22Then He said to His disciples, "Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on. 23Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing. 24Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds? 25And which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? 26If you then are not able to do the least, why are you anxious for the rest? 27Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith?
29"And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. 30For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. 31But seek the kingdom of God, and all these thingsa shall be added to you.
32"Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys. 34For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
The Faithful Servantand the Evil Servant
35"Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning; 36and you yourselves be like men who wait for their master, when he will return from the wedding, that when he comes and knocks they may open to him immediately. 37Blesse judge, the judge deliver you to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison. 59I tell you, you shall not depart from there till you have paid the very last mite."
Repent or Perish
13 There were present at that season some who told Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2And Jesus answered and said to them, "Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things? 3I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. 4Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem? 5I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish."
The Parable ofthe Barren Fig Tree
6He also spoke this parable: "A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. 7Then he said to the keeper of his vineyard, 'Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. Cut it down; why does it use up the ground?' 8But he answered and said to him, 'Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. 9And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after thata you can cut it down.'"
A Spirit of Infirmity
10Now He was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. 11And behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bent over and could in no way raise herself up. 12But when Jesus saw her, He called her to Him and said to her, "Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity." 12And He laid His hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.
14But the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath; and he said to the crowd, "There are six days on which men ought to work; therefore come and be healed on them, and not on the Sabbath day."
15The Lord then answered him and said, "Hypocrite!a Does not each one of you on the Sabbath loose his ox or donkey from the stall, and lead it away to water it? 16So ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound---think of it---for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath?" 17And when He said these things, all His adversaries were put to shame; and all the multitude rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by Him.
The Parable of the Mustard Seed
18Then He said, "What is the kingdom of God like? And to what shall I compare it? 19It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and put in his garden; and it grew and became a largea tree, and the birds of the air nested in its branches."
Take the Lowly Place
7So He told a parable to those who were invited, when He noted how they chose the best places, saying to them: 8"When you are invited by anyone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in the best place, lest one more honorable than you be invited by him; 9and he who invited you and him come and say to you, 'Give place to this man,' and then you begin with shame to take the lowest place. 10But when you are invited, go and sit down in the lowest place, so that when he who invited you comes he may say to you, 'Friend, go up higher.' Then you will have glory in the presence of those who sit at the table with you. 11For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
13:35 aNU-Text and M-Text omit assuredly. bPsalm 118:26 14:3 aNU-Text adds or not. 14:5 aNU-Text and M-Text read son.
12 Then He also said to him who invited Him, "When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid. 13 But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. 13 And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just."
The Parable of the Great Supper
15 Now when one of those who sat at the table with Him heard these things, he said to Him, "Blessed is he who shall eat breada in the kingdom of God!"
16 Then He said to him, "A certain man gave a great supper and invited many, 17and sent his servant at supper time to say to those who were invited, 'Come, for all things are now ready.' 18 But they all with one accord began to make excuses. The first said to him, 'I have bought a piece of ground, and I must go and see it. I ask you to have me excused.' 19And another said, 'I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to test them. I ask you to have me excused.' 20 Still another said, 'I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.' 21So that servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house, being angry, said to his servant, 'Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in here the poor and the maimed and the lame and the blind.' 22And the servant said, 'Master, it is done as you commanded, and still there is room.' 23Then the master said to the servant, 'Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. 24 For I say to you that none of those men who were invited shall taste my supper.'"
Leaving All to Follow Christ
25 Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them, 26"If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. 27And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My discip29Abraham said to him, 'They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.' 30 And he said, 'No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent. ' 31But he said to him, 'If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.'"
Jesus Warns of Offenses
17 Then He said to the disciples, "It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come! 2It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. 3Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you,a rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. 4And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you,a saying, 'I repent,' you shall forgive him."
Faith and Duty
5And the apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith."
6So the Lord said, "If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,' and it would obey you. 7 And which of you, having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, 'Come at once and sit down to eat'? 8But will he not rather say to him, 'Prepare something for my supper, and gird yourself and serve me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink'? 9Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not.a 10So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.'"
Ten Lepers Cleansed
11Now it happened as He went to Jerusalem that He passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. 12 Then as He entered a certain village, there met Him ten men who were lepers, who stood afar off. 13And they lifted up their voices and said, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!"
17:3 a NU-Text omits against you. 17:4 a M-Text omits to you. 17:9 aNU-Text ends verse with commanded; M-Text omits him.
14So when He saw them, He said to them, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed.
15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, 16 and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan.
16So Jesus answered and said, "Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? 18 Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?" 19And He said to him, "Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well."
The Coming of the Kingdom omits a and said to them, 'Do business till I come.' 14 But his citizens hated him, and sent a delegation after him, saying, 'We will not have this man to reign over us.'
15"And so it was that when he returned, having received the kingdom, he then commanded these servants, to whom he had given the money, to be called to him, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. 16 Then came the first, saying, 'Master, your mina has earned ten minas.' 17And he said to him, 'Well done, good servant; because you were faithful in a very little, have authority over ten cities.' 18And the second came, saying, 'Master, your mina has earned five minas.' 18 Likewise he said to him, 'You also be over five cities.'
20"Then another came, saying, 'Master, here is your mina, which I have kept put away in a handkerchief. 21For I feared you, because you are an austere man. You collect what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.' 22And he said to him, 'Out of your own mouth I will judge you, you wicked servant. You knew that I was an austere man, collecting what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow. 23 Why then did you not put my money in the bank, that at my coming I might have collected it with interest?'
24"And he said to those who stood by, 'Take the mina from him, and give it to him who has ten minas.' 25(But they said to him, 'Master, he has ten minas.') 26'For I say to you, that to everyone who has will be given; and from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. 27But bring here those enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, and slay them before me.'"
The Triumphal Entry
28When He had said this, He went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 29And it came to pass, when He drew near to Bethphagea and Bethany, at the mountain called Olivet, that He sent two of His disciples, 30saying, "Go into the village opposite you, where as you enter you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Loose it and bring it here. 31And if anyone asks you, 'Why are you loosing it?' thus you shall say to him, 'Because the Lord has need of it.'"
32So those who were sent went their way and found it just as He had said to them. 33But as they were loosing the colt, the owners of it said to them, "Why are you loosing the colt?"
34And they said, "The Lord has need of him." 35Then they brought him to Jesus. And they threw their own clothes on the colt, and they set Jesus on him. 36And as He went, many spread their clothes on the road.
37 Then, as He was now drawing near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen, 38saying:
"' Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the LORD!'a
Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"
39And some of the Pharisees called to Him from the crowd, "Teacher, rebuke Your disciples."
40But He answered and said to them, "I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out."
Jesus Weeps over Jerusalem
19:29 aM-Text reads Bethsphage. 19:38 aPsalm 118:26
41Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it, 42saying, "If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. 43For days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment around you, surround you and close you in on every side, 44and level you, and your children within you, to the ground; and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not know the time of your visitation."
Jesus Cleanses the Temple
45 Then He went into the temple and began to drive out those who bought and sold in it,a 46saying to them, "It is written, 'My house isaa house of prayer,'b but you have made it a 'den of thieves.'"c
47And He was teaching daily in the temple. But the chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people sought to destroy Him, 48and were unable to do anything; for all the people were very attentive to hear Him.
Jesus' Authority Questioned
20 Now it happened on one of those days, as He taught the people in the temple and preached the gospel, that the chief priests and the scribes, together with the elders, confronted Him 2and spoke to Him, saying, "Tell us, by what authority are You doing these things? Or who is he who gave You this authority?"
3But He answered and said to them, "I also will ask you one thing, and answer Me: 4The baptism of John---was it from heaven or from men?"
5And they reasoned among themselves, saying, "If we say, 'From heaven,' He will say, 'Why thena did you not believe him?' 6But if we say, 'From men,' all the people will stone us, for they are persuaded that John was a prophet." 7So they answered that they did not know where it was from.
8And Jesus said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things."
The Parable ofthe Wicked Vinedressers
19:45 aNU-Text reads those who were selling. 19:46 aNU-Text reads shall be. bIsaiah 56:7 cJeremiah 7:11 20:5 aNU-Text and M-Text omit then.
9Then He began to tell the people this parable: "A certa5 Then, as some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and donations, He said, 6"These things which you see---the days will come in which not one stone shall be left upon another that shall not be thrown down."
The Signs of the Timesand the End of the Age
7So they asked Him, saying, "Teacher, but when will these things be? And what sign will there be when these things are about to take place?"
8And He said: "Take heed that you not be deceived. For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am He,' and, 'The time has drawn near.' Thereforea do not go after them. 9But when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified; for these things must come to pass first, but the end will not come immediately."
21:4 aNU-Text omits for God. 21:8 aNU-Text omits Therefore.
10Then He said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven. 12 But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for My name's sake. 13 But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony. 14Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer; 15for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist. 16You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. 17And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. 18 But not a hair of your head shall be lost. 19By your patience possess your souls.
The Destruction of Jerusalem
20"But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near. 21Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those who are in the midst of her depart, and let not those who are in the country enter her. 22For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. 23But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! For there will be great distress in the land and wrath upon this people. 24 And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
The Coming of the Son of Man
25"And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; 26men's hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heaetrayed evings begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near."
The Parable of the Fig Tree
29Then He spoke to them a parable: "Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. 30When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near. 31So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. 32Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things take place. 33Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.
The Importance of Watching
34"But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. 35For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthya to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man."
37And in the daytime He was teaching in the temple, but at night He went out and stayed on the mountain called Olivet. 38Then early in the morning all the people came to Him in the temple to hear Him.
The Plot to Kill Jesus
22 Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called Passover. 2And the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might kill Him, for they feared the people.
3Then Satan entered Judas, surnamed Iscariot, who was numbered among the twelve. 4So he went his way and conferred with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray Him to them. 5And they were glad, and agreed to give him money. 6So he promised and sought opportunity to betray Him to them in the absence of the multitude.
Jesus and His DisciplesPrepare the Passover
7Then came the Day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover must be killed. 8And He sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat."
9So they said to Him, "Where do You want us to prepare?"
10And He said to them, "Behold, when you have entered the city, a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him into the house which he enters. 11Then you shall say to the master of the house, 'The Teacher says to you, "Where is the guest room where I may eat the Passover with My disciples?" ' 12 Then he will show you a large, furnished upper room; there make ready."
21:36 aNU-Text reads may have strength.
13 So they went >14 When the hour had come, He sat down, and the twelvea apostles with Him. 15Then He said to them, "With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; 16for I say to you, I will no longer eat of it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God."
17 Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, "Take this and divide it among yourselves; 18for I say to you,a I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes."
19And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me."
20Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you. 21 But behold, the hand of My betrayer is with Me on the table. 20And truly the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom He is betrayed!"
23Then they began to question among themselves, which of them it was who would do this thing.
The Disciples ArgueAbout Greatness
24Now there was also a dispute among them, as td do t For the things concerning Me have an end."
38So they said, "Lord, look, here are two swords."
And He said to them, "It is enough."
The Prayer in the Garden
39Coming out, He went to the Mount of Olives, as He was accustomed, and His disciples also followed Him. 40 When He came to the place, He said to them, "Pray that you may not enter into temptation."
41And He was withdrawn from them about a stone's throw, and He knelt down and prayed, 42saying, "Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done." 43Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. 44And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.a
22:31 aNU-Text omits And the Lord said. 22:37 aIsaiah 53:12 22:44 aNU-Text brackets verses 43 and 44 as not in the original text.
45 When He rose up from prayer, and had come to His disciples, He found them sleeping from sorrow. 46Then He said to them, "Why do you sleep? Rise and pray, lest you enter into temptation."
Betrayal and Arrestin Gethsemane
47And while He was still speaking, behold, a multitude; and he who was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them and drew near to Jesus to kiss Him. 48But Jesus said to him, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?"
49When those around Him saw what was going to happen, they said to Him, "Lord, shall we strike with the sword?" 50And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear.
51 But Jesus answered and said, "Permit even this." And He touched his ear and healed him.
52 Then Jesus said to the chief priests, captains of the temple, and the elders who had come to Him, "Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs? 53 When I was with you daily in the temple, you did not try to seize Me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness."
Peter Denies Jesus,and Weeps Bitterly
54 Having arrested Him, they led Him and brought Him into the high priest's house. But Peter followed at a distance. 55 Now when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat among them. 56And a certain servant girl, seeing him as he sat by the fire, looked intently at him and said, "This man was also with Him."
57But he denied Him,a saying, "Woman, I do not know Him."
58nd after a little while another saw him and said, "You also are of them."
But Peter said, "Man, I am not!"
59Then after abou cus. 53Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a tomb that was hewn out of the rock, where no one had ever lain before. 54That day was the Preparation, and the Sabbath drew near.
55And the women who had come with Him from Galilee followed after, and they observed the tomb and how His body was laid. 56Then they returned and prepared spices and fragrant oils. And they rested on the Sabbath according to the commandment.
He Is Risen
23:44 aNU-Text adds already. 23:45 aNU-Text reads obscured. 23:46 aPsalm 31:5 23:51 aNU-Text reads who was waiting. 24:1 aNU-Text omits and certain other women with them. 24:4 aNU-Text omits greatly.
24 Nowonthe first day of the week, very early in the morning, they, and certain other women with them,a came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared. 2But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb. 3Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4And it happened, as they were greatlya perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining garments. 5Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them, "Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, 7saying, 'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.'"
8And they remembered His words. 9Then they returned from the tomb and told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. 10It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them, who told these things to the apostles. 11And their words seemed to them like idle tales, and they did not believe them. 12But Peter arose and ran to the tomb; and stooping down, he saw the linen cloths lyinga by themselves; and he departed, marveling to himself at what had happened.
The Road to Emmaus
13Now behold, two of them were traveling that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was seven milesa from Jerusalem. 14And they talked together of all these things which had happened. 15So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. 16But their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know Him.
17And He said to them, "What kind of conversation is this that you have with one another as you walk and are sad?"a 18Then the one whose name was Cleopas answered and said to Him, "Are You the only stranger in Jerusalem, and have You not known the things which happened there ly sixty stadia 24:17 aNU-Text reads as you walk? And they stood still, looking sad.
So they said to Him, "The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a Prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and crucified Him. 21But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, today is the third day since these things happened. 22Yes, and certain women of our company, who arrived at the tomb early, astonished us. 23When they did not find His body, they came saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said He was alive. 22And certain of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but Him they did not see."
25Then He said to them, "O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! 26Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?" 27And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.
The Disciples' Eyes Opened
28Then they drew near to the village where they were going, and He indicated that He would have gone farther. 29But they constrained Him, saying, "Abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent." And He went in to stay with them.
30Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight.
32And they said to one another, "Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?" 33So they rose up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, 34saying, "The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!" 35And they told about the things that had happened on the road, and how He was known to them in the breaking of bread.
Jesus Appears to His Disciples
36Now as they said these things, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, "Peace to you." 37But they were terrified and frightened, and supposed they had seen a spirit. 38And He said to them, "Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have."
40When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet.a 41But while they still did not believe for joy, and marveled, He said to them, "Have you any food here?" 42So they gave Him a piece of
And the moon into blood,
Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the LORD.
21And it shall come to pass
That whoever calls on the name of the LORD
Shall be saved.'a
22"Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know---23Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have takena by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; 24 whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it. 25 For David says concerning Him:
'I foresaw the LORD always before my face,
For He is at my right hand, that I may not be shaken.
26Therefore my heart rejoiced, and my tongue was glad;
Moreover my flesh also will rest in hope.
27For You will not leave my soul in Hades,
Nor will You allow Your Holy
One to see corruption.
28You have made known to me the ways of life;
2:21 aJoel 2:28-32 2:23 aNU-Text omits have taken.
You will make me full of joy in Your presence.'a
29"Men and brethren, let me speak freely to you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his tomb 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 body, according to the flesh, He would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne,a 31he, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption. 32This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses. 33Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear.
34"For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he says himself:
'The LORD said to my Lord,
"Sit at Myod, andnt size="3">11Now as the lame man who was healed held on to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the porch which is called Solomon's, greatly amazed. 12So when Peter saw it, he responded to the people: "Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? 13The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His Servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go. 14But you denied the Holy One and the Just, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, 15and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which 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 comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.
17"Yet now, brethren, I know that you did it in ignorance, as did also your rulers. 18But those things which God foretold by the mouth of all His prophets, that the Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled. 19Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, 20and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before,a 21whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration 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, 'The LORD your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear in all things, whatever He says to you. 23And it shall be that every soul who will not hear that Prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people. 'a 24Yes, and all the prophets, from Samuel and those who follow, as many as have spoken, have also foretold a these days. 25You are sons of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying to Abraham, 'And in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed.'a 26To you first, God, having raised up His Servant Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities."
Peter and John Arrested
4 Now as they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them, 2being greatly disturbed that they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 25And they laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. 4However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.
Addressing the Sanhedrin
5And it came to pass, on the next day, that their rulers, elders, and scribes, 6as well as Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the family of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. 7And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, "By what power or bof Israel: 9If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well, 10let it be 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, by Him this man stands here before you whole. 11This is the 'stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.'a 12Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."
The Name of Jesus Forbidden
13Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. 14And seeing the man who had been 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, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name."
18So 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 is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. 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 no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done. 22For the man was over forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.
4:11 aPsalm 118:22
Prayer for Boldness
23And being let go, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. 24So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: "Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them, 25who by the mouth of Your servant Davida have said:
'Why did the nations rage,
And the people plot vain things?
26The kings of the earth took their stand,
And the rulers were gathered together
Against the LORD and against His Christ.'a
27"For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together 28to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done. 29Now, Lorid, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, 30by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus."
31And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.
Sharing in All Things
32Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. 33And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. 34Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, 35and laid them at the apostles' feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.
4:25 aNU-Text reads who through the Holy Spirit, by the mouth of our father, Your servant David. 4:26 aPsalm 2:1, 2 4:36 aNU-Text reads Joseph.
36And Joses,a who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, 37having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet.
Lying to the Holy Spirit
5 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. 2And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of 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 Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? 4While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God."
5Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things. 6And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him.
7Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8And Peter answered her, "Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?"
She said, "Yes, for so much."
9Then Peter said to her, "How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out." 10Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying lso set up false witnesses who said, "This man does not cease to speak blasphemousa words against this holy place and the law; 14for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs which Moses delivered to us." 15And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel.
Stephen's Address: The Call ofAbraham
7 Then the high priest said, "Are these things so?"
2And he said, "Brethren and fathers, listen: The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Haran, 3and said to him, 'Get out of your country and from your relatives, and come to a land that I will show you.'a 4Then he came out of the land of the Chaldeans and dwelt in Haran. And from there, when his father was dead, He moved him to this land in which you now dwell. 5And God gave him no inheritance in it, not even enough to set his foot on. But even when Abraham had no child, He promised to give it to him for a possession, and to his descendants after him. 27But God spoke in this way: that his descendants would dwell in a foreign land, and that they would bring them into bondage and oppress them four hundred years. 28'And the nation to whom they will be in bondage I will judge,'a said God, 'and after that they shall come out and serve Me in this place.'b 8Then He gave him the covenant of circumcision; and so Abraham begot Isaac and circumcised him on the eighth day; and Isaac begot Jacob, and Jacob begot the twelve patriarchs.
The Patriarchs in Egypt
9"And the patriarchs, becoming envious, sold Joseph into Egypt. But God was with him 10and delivered him out of all his troubles, and gave him favor and wisdom in the presence of Pharaoh, king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house. 11Now a famine and great trouble came over all the land of Egypt and Canaan, and our fathers found no sustenance. 12But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent out our fathers first. 13And the second time Joseph was made known to his brothers, and Joseph's family became known to the Pharaoh. 14Then Joseph sent and called his father Jacob and all his relatives to him, seventy-fivea people. 15So Jacob went down to Egypt; and he died, he and our fathers. 16And they were carried back to Shechem and laid in the tomb that Abraham bought for a sum of money from the sons of Hamor, the father of Shechem.
God Delivers Israel by Moses
17"But 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 who did not know Joseph. 19This man dealt treacherously with our people, and oppressed our forefathers, making them expose their babies, so that they might not live. 20At this time Moses was born, and was well pleasing to God; and he was brought up in his father's house for three months. 21But when he was she Prophets:
'Did you offer Me slaughtered animals and sacrifices during forty years in the wilde. 23 For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity."
24 Then Simon answered and said, "Pray to the Lord for me, that none of the things which you have spoken may come upon me."
25 So when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.
Christ Is Preached to anEthiopian
26 Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, "Arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." This is desert. 27 So he arose and went. And behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Can-dace the queen of the Ethiopians, who had charge of all her treasury, and had come to Jerusalem to worship, 28 was returning. And sitting in his chariot, he was reading Isaiah the prophet. 29 Then the Spirit said to Philip, "Go near and overtake this chariot."
30So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, "Do you understand what you are reading?"
31 And he said, "How can I, unless someone guides me?" And he asked Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 The place in the Scripture which he read was this:
"He was led as a sheep to the slaughter;
And as a lamb before its shearer is silent,
So He opened not His mouth.
33In His humiliation His justice was taken away,
And who will declare His generation?
For His life is taken from the earth."a
34So the eunuch answered Philip and said, "I ask you, of whom does the prophet say this, of himself or of some other man?" 35Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. 36Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, "See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?"
37 Then 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."a
38So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. 39Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip was found at Azotus. And passing through, he preached in all the cities till he came to Caesarea.
The Damascus Road: SaulConverted
8:t is found in Western texts, including the Latin tradition.
9 Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.
3As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. 4Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?"
5And he said, "Who are You, Lord?"
Then the Lord said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.a It is hard for you to kick against the goads."
6So he, trembling and astonished, said, "Lord, what do You want me to do?"
Then the Lord said to him, "Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do."
7And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one. 8 Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 30And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
Ananias Baptizes Saul
10 Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, "Ananias."
And he said, "Here I am, Lord."
11 So the Lord said to him, "Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. 12And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight."
13 Then Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name."
15But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name's sake."
17And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus,a who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." 18Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized.
19So when he had received food, he was strengthened. Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus.
21 Then all who heard were amazed, and said, "Is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and has come here for that purpose, so that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?"
22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ.
Saul Escapes Death
23 Now after many days were past, the Jews plotted to kill him. 24 But their plot became known to Saul. And they watched the gates day and night, to kill him. 25 Then the disciples took him by night and let him down through the wall in a large basket.
Saul at Jerusalem
26And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. 28So he was with them at Jerusalem, coming in and going out. 29And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus and disputed against the Hellenists, but they attempted to kill him. 30 When the brethren found out, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him out to Tarsus.
The Church Prospers
9:17 aM-Text omits Jesus. 9:20 aNU-Text reads Jesus. 9:31 aNU-Text reads church . . . was edified.
31Then the churchesa throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.
Aeneas Healed
32 Now it came to pass, as Peter went through all parts of the country, that he also came down to the saints who dwelt in Lydda. 33There he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years and was paralyzed. 34And Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you. Arise and make your bed." Then he arose immediately. 35 So all who dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.
Dorcas Restored to Life
36At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did. 37 But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. 38And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them. 39Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they she was with them. 40 But Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body he said, "Tabitha, arise." And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. 41Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive. 42And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord. 43So it was that he stayed many days in Joppa with Simon, a tanner.
Cornelius Sends a Delegation
10 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, 2a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always. 3About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God coming in and saying to him, "Cornelius!"
4And when he observed him, he was afraid, and said, "What is it, Lord?"
So he said to him, "Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God. 5 Now send men to Joppa, and send for Simon whose surname is Peter. 6He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea.a He will tell you what you must do." 7 And when the angel who spoke to him had departed, Cornelius called two of his household servants and a devout soldier from among those who waited on him continually. 8So when he had explained all these things to them, he sent them to Joppa.
Peter's Vision
9The next day, as they went on their journey and drew near the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray, about the sixth hour. 31Then he became very hungry and wanted to eat; but while they made ready, he fell into a trance 11and saw heaven opened and an object like a great sheet bound at the four corners, descending to him and let down to the earth. 12In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. 13And a voice came to him, "Rise, Peter; kill and eat."
14 But Peter said, "Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean."
15 And a voice spoke to him again the second time, "What God has cleansed you must not call common." 16 This was done three times. And the object was taken up into heaven again.
Summoned to Caesarea
17 Now while Peter wondered within himself what this vision which he had seen meant, behold, the men who had been sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate. 18And they called and asked whether Simon, whose surname was Peter, was lodging there.
19 While Peter thought about the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Behold, three men are seeking you. 20Arise therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them."
21 Then Peter went down to the men who had been sent to him from Cornelius,a and said, "Yat reason have you come?"
22And they said, "Cornelius the centurion, a just man, one who fears God and has a good reputation among all the nation of the Jews, was divinely instructed by a holy angel to summon you to his house, and to hear words from you." 23 Then he invited them in and lodged them.
On the next day Peter went away with them, and some brethren from Joppa accompanied him.
Peter Meets Cornelius
24 And the following day they entered Caesarea. Now Cornelius was waiting for them, and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 As Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. 26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, "Stand up; I myself am also a man." 27And as he talked with him, he went in and found many who had come together. 28 Then he said to them, "You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean. 29 Therefore I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. I ask, then, for what reason have you sent for me?"
30So Cornelius said, "Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth houra I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, 31 and said, 'Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your alms are remembered in the sight of God. 32Send therefore to Joppa and call Simon here, whose surname is Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea.a When he comes, he will speak to you.' 33So I sent to you immediately, and you have done well to come. Now therefore, we are all present before God, to hear all the things commanded you by God."
Preaching to Cornelius'Household
10:30 aNU-Text reads Four days ago to this hour, at the ninth hour. 10:32 aNU-Text omits the last sentence of this verse.
34Then Peter opened his mouth and said: "In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. 35But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. 36The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ---He is Lord of all---37 that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: 38how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by 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 theya killed by hanging on a tree. 40 Him God raised up on the third day, and showed Him openly, 41 not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God, even to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. 42And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the livs name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins."
The Holy Spirit Falls on theGentiles
44While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. 45And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 46For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God.
Then Peter answered, 47"Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?" 48And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.
Peter Defends God's Grace
11 Now the apostles and brethren who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. 2 And when Peter came up to Jerusalem, those of the circumcision contended with him, 3saying, "You went in to uncircumcised men and ate with them!"
10:39 aNU-Text and M-Text add also.
4But Peter explained it to them in order from the beginning, saying: 5 "I was in the city of Joppa praying; and in a trance I saw a vision, an object descending like a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came to me. 6When I observed it intently and considered, I saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. 7And I heard a voice saying to me, 'Rise, Peter; kill and eat.' 8But I said, 'Not so, Lord! For nothing common or unclean has at any time entered my mouth.' 9But the voice answered me again from heaven, 'What God has cleansed you must not call common.' 10Now this was done three times, and all were drawn up again into heaven. 11At that very moment, three men stood before the house where I was, having been sent to me from Caesarea. 12 Then the Spirit told me to go with them, doubting nothing. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered the man's house. 13And he told us how he had seen an angel standing in his house, who said to him, 'Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon whose surname is Peter, 14 who will tell you words by which you and all your household will be saved.' 15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning. 16 Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, 'John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.' 17If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?"
18 When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, "Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life."
Barnabas and Saul at Antioch
19 Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen tr>
11 And when Peter had come to himself, he said, "Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel, and has delivered me from the hand of Herod and from all the expectation of the Jewish people."
32 So, when he had considered this, 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 girl named Rhoda came to answer. 14 When she recognized Peter's voice, because of her gladness she did not open the gate, but ran in and announced that Peter stood before the gate. 15 But they said to her, "You are beside yourself!" Yet she kept insisting that it was so. So they said, "It is his angel."
16 Now Peter continued knocking; and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished. 17 But motioning to them with his hand to keep silent, he declared to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, "Go, tell these things to James and to the brethren." And he departed and went to another place.
18 Then, as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers about what had become of Peter. 19 But when Herod had searched for him and not found him, he examined the guards and commanded that they should be put to death.
And he went down from Judea to Caesarea, and stayed there.
Herod's Violent Death
20 Now Herod had been very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon; but they came to him with one accord, and having made Blastus the king's personal aide their friend, they asked for peace, because their country was supplied with food by the king's country.
21So on a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat on his throne and gave an oration to them. 22And the people kept shouting, "The voice of a god and not of a man!" 23 Then immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he did not give glory to God. And he was eaten by worms and died.
24 But the word of God grew and multiplied.
Barnabas and Saul Appointed
25And Barnabas and Saul returned froma Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their ministry, and they also took with them John whose surname was Mark.
13 Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, "Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." 3Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.
Preaching in Cyprus
4So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. 5And when they arrived in Salamis, they preached the word of God in the sp>And though they found no cause for death in Him, they asked Pilate that He should be put to death. 29 Now when they had fulfilled all that was written concerning Him, they took Him down from the tree and laid Him in a tomb. 30But God raised Him from the dead. 31He was seen for many days by those who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are His witnesses to the people. 32And we declare to you glad tidings---that promise which was made to the fathers. 33God has fulfilled this for us their children, in that He has raised up Jesus. As it is also written in the second Psalm:
13:17 aM-Text omits Israel. 13:22 aPsalm 89:20 b1 Samuel 13:14 13:23 aM-Text reads for Israel salvation.
' You are My Son,Today I have begotten You.'a
34And that He raised Him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, He has spoken thus:
' I will give you the sure mercies of David.'a
35Therefore He also says in another Psalm:
' You will not allow Your Holy One to see corruption.'a
36"For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell asleep, was buried with his fathers, and saw corruption; 37but He whom God raised up saw no corruption. 38Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins; 39 and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses. 40 Beware therefore, lest what has been spoken in the prophets come upon you:
41' Behold, you despisers,
Marvel and perish!
For I work a work in your days,
A work which you will by no means believe,
Though one were to declare it to you.'"a
Blessing and Conflict at Antioch
42So when the Jews went out of the synagogue,a the Gentiles begged that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath. 43Now when the congregation had broken up, many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.
44On the next Sabbath almost the whole city cas come 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, 26 men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who will also report the same things by word of mouth. 28For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: 29that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality. a If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well.
15:17 aAmos 9:11, 12 15:18 aNU-Text (combining with verse 17) reads Says the Lord, who makes these things known from eternity (of old). 15:20 aOr fornication 15:22 aNU-Text and M-Text read Barsabbas. 15:24 aNU-Text omits saying, "You must be circumcised and keep the law."
Farewell.
Continuing Ministry in Syria
30So when they were sent off, they came to Antioch; and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter. 31 When they had read it, they rejoiced over its encouragement. 32 Now Judas and Silas, themselves being prophets also, exhorted and strengthened the brethren with many words. 33And after they had stayed there for a time, they were sent back with greetings from the brethren to the apostles.a 34However, it seemed good to Silas to remain there.a 35Paul and Barnabas also remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.
Division over John Mark
36Then after some days Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us now go back and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing." 37Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark. 38But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to the work. 39Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus; 40but Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God. 41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
Timothy Joins Paul and Silas
16 Then he came to Derbe and Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a certain Jewish woman who believed, but his father was Greek. 2 He was well spoken of by the brethren who were at Lystra and Iconium. 3Paul wanted to have him go on with him. And he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in that region, for they all knew that his father was Greek. 4And as they went through the cities, they delivered to them the decrees to keep, which were determined by the apostles and eltrengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily.
15:29 aOr fornication 15:33 aNU-Text reads to those who had sent them. 15:34 aNU-Text and M-Text omit this verse.
The Macedonian Call
6Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia. 7 After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirita did not permit them. 8So passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. 9And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." 10 Now after he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them.
Lydia Baptized at Philippi
11Therefore, sailing from Troas, we ran a straight course to Samothrace, and the next day came to Neapolis, 12 and from there to Philippi, which is the foremost city of that part of Macedonia, a colony. And we were staying in that city for some days. 13And on the Sabbath day we went out of the city to the riverside, where prayer was customarily made; and we sat down and spoke to the women who met there. 14 Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul. 15 And when she and her household were baptized, she begged us, saying, "If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay." So she persuaded us.
Paul and Silas Imprisoned
35 Now it happened, as we went to prayer, that a certain slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much profit by fortunetelling. 17 This girl followed Paul and us, and cried out, saying, "These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation." 18And this she did for many days.
But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, "I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her." And he came out that very hour. 19 But when her masters saw that their hope of profit was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to the authorities.
20And they brought them to the magistrates, and said, "These men, being Jews, exceedingly trouble our city; 21 and they teach customs which are not lawful for us, being Romans, to receive or observe." 22 Then the multitude rose up together against them; and the magistrates tore off their clothes and commanded them to be beaten with rods. 23And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them securely. 24 Having received such a charge, he put them into the inner las Impont size="3">The Philippian Jailer Saved
25 But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. 26Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone's chains were loosed. 27And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself. 28 But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, "Do yourself no harm, for we are all here."
29Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. 30And he brought them out and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"
31So they said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household." 32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. 33And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized. 34Now when he had brought them into his house, he set food before them; and he rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household.
Paul Refuses to Depart Secretly
35And when it was day, the magistrates sent the officers, saying, "Let those men go."
36So the keeper of the prison reported these words to Paul, saying, "The magistrates have sent to let you go. Now therefore depart, and go in peace."
37 But Paul said to them, "They have beaten us openly, uncondemned Romans, and have thrown us into prison. And now do they put us out secretly? No indeed! Let them come themselves and get us out."
38And the officers told these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Romans. 39Then they came and pleaded with them and brought them out, and asked them to depart from the city. 40So they went out of the prison and entered the house of Lydia; and when they had seen the brethren, they encouraged them and departed.
Preaching Christ atThessalonica
17 Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. 2Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, "This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ." 4And some of them were persuaded; and a great multitude of the devout Greeks, and not a few of the leading women, joined Paul and Silas.
Assault on Jason's House
5But the Jews who were not persuaded, becoming envithe hey dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers of the city, crying out, "These who have turned the world upside down have come here too. 7Jason has harbored them, and these are all acting contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying there is another king---Jesus." 8And they troubled the crowd and the rulers of the city when they heard these things. 9So when they had taken security from Jason and the rest, they let them go.
Ministering at Berea
17:5 a NU-Text omits who were not persuaded; M-Text omits becoming envious.
10 Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. 12 Therefore many of them believed, and also not a few of the Greeks, prominent women as well as men. 13 But when the Jews from Thessalonica learned that the word of God was preached by Paul at Berea, they came there also and stirred up the crowds. 14 Then immediately the brethren sent Paul away, to go to the sea; but both Silas and Timothy remained there. 15 So those who conducted Paul brought him to Athens; and receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him with all speed, they departed.
The Philosophers at Athens
16 Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him when he saw that the city was given over to idols. 36 Therefore he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and with the Gentile worshipers, and in the marketplace daily with those who happened to be there. 18Thena certain Epicurean and Stoic philosophers encountered him. And some said, "What does this babbler want to say?"
Others said, "He seems to be a proclaimer of foreign gods," because he preached to them Jesus and the resurrection.
19And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, "May we know what this new doctrine is of which you speak? 20 For you are bringing some strange things to our ears. Therefore we want to know what these things mean." 21For all the Athenians and the foreigners who were there spent their time in nothing else but either to tell or to hear some new thing.
Addressing the Areopagus
22 Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, "Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious; 23 for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription:
TO THE UNKNOWN GOD.
Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you: 24 God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in teped with men's hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things. 26And He has made from one blooda every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, 27so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; 28for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, 'For we are also His offspring.' 29Therefore, since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man's devising. 30Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, 31because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead."
32And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked, while others said, "We will hear you again on this matter." 33So Paul departed from among them. 34However, some men joined him and believed, among them Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others with them.
Ministering at Corinth
18 After these things Paul departed from Athens and went to Corinth. 2And he found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla (because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome); and he came to them. 3So, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers. 4And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks.
17:26 aNU-Text omits blood.
5When Silas and Timothy had come from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ. 6But when they opposed him and blasphemed, he shook his garments and said to them, "Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles." 7And he departed from there and entered the house of a certain man named Justus,aone who worshiped God, whose house was next door to the synagogue. 8Then Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his household. And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized.
9Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, "Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; 10for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city." 11And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
12 When Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews with one accord rose up 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 about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, "If it were a matter of wrongdoing or wicked crimes, O Jews, there would be reason why I should bear with you. 1ze="3"multitude, he departed from them and withdrew the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus. 10And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.
Miracles Glorify Christ
11Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, 12so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them. 13Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, "Wea exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches." 14Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so.
15And the evil spirit answered and said, "Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?"
16Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered a them, and prevailed against them,b so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. 17This became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. 18And many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds. 38Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver. 20So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed.
The Riot at Ephesus
21When these things were accomplished, 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 those who ministered to him, Timothy and Erastus, but he himself stayed in Asia for a time.
23And about that time there arose a great commotion about the Way. 24For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Diana,a brought no small profit to the craftsmen. 25He called them together with the workers of similar occupation, and said: "Men, you know that we have our prosperity by this trade. 26Moreover you see and hear that not only at Ephesus, but throughout almost all Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away many people, saying that they are not gods which are made with hands. 27So not only is this trade of ours in danger of falling into disrepute, but also the temple of the great goddess Diana may be despised and her magnificence destroyed,a whom all Asia and the world worship."
28Now when they heard this, they were full of wrath and cried out, saying, "Great is Diana of the Ephesians!" 29So the whole city was filled with confusion, and rushed into the theater with one accord, having seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians, Paul's travel companions. 30And when Paul wanted to go in to the people, the disciples would not allow him. 31Then some of the officials of Asia, who were his friends, sent to him pleading that he would not venture into the theater. 32Some therefore cried one thing and some another, for the assembly was confused, and most of them did not know why they had come together. 33And they drew Alexander out he to Patara. 2And finding a ship sailing over to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail. 3When we had sighted Cyprus, we passed it on the left, sailed to Syria, and landed at Tyre; for there the ship was to unload her cargo. 4And finding disciples,a we stayed there seven days. They told Paul through the Spirit not to go up to Jerusalem. 5When we had come to the end of those days, we departed and went on our way; and they all accompanied us, with wives and children, till we were out of the city. And we knelt down on the shore and prayed. 6When we had taken our leave of one another, we boarded the ship, and they returned home.
7And when we had finished our voyage from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, greeted the brethren, and stayed with them one day. 8On the next day we who were Paul's companions a departed and came to Caesarea, and entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. 9Now this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied. 10And as we stayed many days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11When he had come to us, he took Paul's belt, bound his own hands and feet, and said, "Thus says the Holy Spirit, 'So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.'"
20:34 aNU-Text and M-Text omit Yes. 21:4 aNU-Text reads the disciples. 21:8 aNU-Text omits who were Paul's companions.
12Now when we heard these things, both we and those from that place pleaded with him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13Then Paul answered, "What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."
14So when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, "The will of the Lord be done."
Paul Urged to Make Peace
15And after those days we packed and went up to Jerusalem. 16Also some of the disciples from Caesarea went with us and brought with them a certain Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we were to lodge.
17And when we had come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly. 18On the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present. 19When he had greeted them, he told in detail those things which God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. 20And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord. And they said to him, "You see, brother, how many myriads of Jews there are who have believed, and they are all zealous for the law; 40but they have been informed about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children nor to walk according to the customs. 22What then? The assembly must certainly meet, for they willa hear that you have come. 23Therefore do what we tell you: We have four men who have taken a vow. 24Take them and be purified with them, and paeep the law. 25But concerning the Gentiles who believe, we have written and decided that they should observe no such thing, excepta that they should keep themselves from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality."
Arrested in the Temple
26Then Paul took the men, and the next day, having been purified with them, entered the temple to announce the expiration of the days of purification, at which time an offering should be made for each one of them.
27Now when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews from Asia, seeing him in the temple, stirred up the whole crowd and laid hands on him, 28crying out, "Men of Israel, help! This is the man who teaches all men everywhere against the people, the law, and this place; and furthermore he also brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place." 29(For they had previouslya seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.)
30And all the city was disturbed; and the people ran together, seized Paul, and dragged him out of the temple; and immediately the doors were shut. 31Now as they were seeking to kill him, news came to the commander of the garrison that all Jerusalem was in an uproar. 32He immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down to them. And when they saw the commander and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. 33Then the commander came near and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and he asked who he was and what he had done. 34And some among the multitude cried one thing and some another.
So when he could not ascertain the truth because of the tumult, he commanded him to be taken into the barracks. 35When he reached the stairs, he had to be carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the mob. 36For the multitude of the people followed after, crying out, "Away with him!"
Addressing the Jerusalem Mob
37Then as Paul was about to be led into the barracks, he said to the commander, "May I speak to you?"
He replied, "Can you speak Greek? 38Are you not the Egyptian who some time ago stirred up a rebellion and led the four thousand assassins out into the wilderness?"
39But Paul said, "I am a Jew from Tarsus, in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city; and I implore you, permit me to speak to the people."
40So when he had given him permission, Paul stood on the stairs and motioned with his hand to the people. And when there was a great silence, he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, saying,
21:29 aM-Text omits previously.
22 "Brethren and fathers, hear my defense before you now." 2And when they heard that he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, they kept all the more silent.
Then he said: 3"I am indeed a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, taught according to the strictness of our fathers' law, and was zealous toward God as you all ="3">28The commander answered, "With a large sum I obtained this citizenship."
And Paul said, "But I was born a citizen."
29Then immediately those who were about to examine him withdrew from him; and the commander was also afraid after he found out that he was a Roman, and because he had bound him.
The Sanhedrin Divided
30The next day, because he wanted to know for certain why he was accused by the Jews, he released him from his bonds, and commanded the chief priests and all their council to appear, and brought Paul down and set him before them.
23 Then Paul, looking earnestly at the council, said, "Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day." 2And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth. 3Then Paul said to him, "God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! For you sit to judge me according to the law, and do you command me to be struck contrary to the law?"
4And those who stood by said, "Do you revile God's high priest?"
5Then Paul said, "I did not know, brethren, that he was the high priest; for it is written, 'You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.'"a
6But when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, "Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee; concerning the hope and resurrection of the dead I am being judged!"
7And when he had said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees; and the assembly was divided. 8For Sadducees say that there is no resurrection---and no angel or spirit; but the Pharisees confess both. 9Then there arose a loud outcry. And the scribes of the Pharisees' party arose and protested, 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."a
10Now when there arose a great dissension, the commander, fearing lest Paul might be pulled to pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him by force from among them, and bring him into the barracks.
The Plot Against Paul
11But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, "Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome."
12And when it was day, some of the Jews banded together and bound themselves under an oath, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. 13Now there were more than forty who had formed this conspiracy. 14They came to the chief priests and elders, and said, "We have bound ourselves under a great oath that we will eat nothing until we have killed Paul. 15Now you, therefore, together with the council, suggest to the commander that he be brought down to you tomorrow,a as though you were going to make further inquiries concerning him; but we are ready to kill him before he comes near."
23:5 aExodus 22:28 23:9 aNU-Text omont>
2And when he was called upon, Tertullus began his accusation, saying: "Seeing that through you we enjoy great peace, and prosperity is being brought to this nation by your foresight, 3we accept it always and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness. 4Nevertheless, not to be tedious to you any further, I beg you to hear, by your courtesy, a few words from us. 5For we have found this man a plague, a creator of dissension among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. 6He even tried to profane the temple, and we seized him,a and wanted to judge him according to our law. 7But the commander Lysias came by and with great violence took him out of our hands, 8commanding his accusers to come to you. By examining him yourself you may ascertain all these things of which we accuse him." 9And the Jews also assented,a maintaining that these things were so.
The Defense Before Felix
23:30 aNU-Text reads there would be a plot against the man. 24:6 aNU-Text ends the sentence here and omits the rest of verse 6, all of verse 7, and the first clause of verse 8. 24:9 aNU-Text and M-Text read joined the attack.
10Then Paul, after the governor had nodded to him to speak, answered: "Inasmuch as I know that you have been for many years a judge of this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself, 11because you may ascertain that it is no more than twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem to worship. 12And they neither found me in the temple disputing with anyone nor inciting the crowd, either in the synagogues or in the city. 13Nor can they prove the things of which they now accuse me. 14But this I confess to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect, so I worship the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the Law and in the Prophets. 15I have hope in God, which they themselves also accept, that there will be a resurrection of the dead,a both of the just and the unjust. 16This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.
17"Now after many years I came to bring alms and offerings to my nation, 18in the midst of which some Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with a mob nor with tumult. 19They ought to have been here before you to object if they had anything against me. 20Or else let those who are here themselves say if they found any wrongdoinga in me while I stood before the council, 21unless it is for this one statement which I cried out, standing among them, 'Concerning the resurrection of the dead I am being judged by you this day.'"
Felix Procrastinates
22But when Felix heard these things, having more accurate knowledge of the Way, he adjourned the proceedings and said, "When Lysias the commander comes down, I will make a decision on your case." 23So he commanded the centurion to keep Paul and to let him have liberty, and told him not to forbid any of his friends to provide for or visitome days, when Felix came with his wife Dse who journeyed with me. 14And when we all had fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me and saying in the Hebrew language, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.' 15So I said, 'Who are You, Lord?' And He said, 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 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 the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. 17I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I nowa send you, 18to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.'
Paul's Post-Conversion Life
19"Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance. 21For these reasons the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. 22Therefore, having obtained help from God, to this day I stand, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said would come---23that the Christ would suffer, that He would be the first to rise from the dead, and would proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles."
Agrippa Parries Paul's Challenge
24Now as he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, "Paul, you are beside yourself! Much learning is driving you mad!"
25But he said, "I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak the words of truth and reason. 45For the king, before whom I also speak freely, knows these things; for I am convinced that none of these things escapes his attention, since this thing was not done in a corner. 27King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do believe."
28Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You almost persuade me to become a Christian."
29And Paul said, "I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains."
30When he had said these things, the king stood up, as well as the governor and Bernice and those who sat with them; 31and when they had gone aside, they talked among themselves, saying, "This man is doing nothing deserving of death or chains."
32Then Agrippa said to Festus, "This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar."
The Voyage to Rome Begins
27 And when it was decided that we should sail to Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners to one named Julius, a centurion of the Augustan Regiment. 2So, entering a ship of Adramyttium, we put to sea, meaning to sail along the coasts of Asia. Aristard found it to be twenty fathoms; and when they had gone a little farther, they took soundings again and found it to be fifteen fathoms. 29Then, fearing lest we should run aground on the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern, and prayed for day to come. 30And as the sailors were seeking to escape from the ship, when they had let down the skiff into the sea, under pretense of putting out anchors from the prow, 31Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, "Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved." 32Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the skiff and let it fall off.
33And as day was about to dawn, Paul implored them all to take food, saying, "Today is the fourteenth day you have waited and continued without food, and eaten nothing. 34Therefore I urge you to take nourishment, for this is for your survival, since not a hair will fall from the head of any of you." 35And when he had said these things, he took bread and gave thanks to God in the presence of them all; and when he had broken it he began to eat. 36Then they were all encouraged, and also took food themselves. 37And in all we were two hundred and seventy-six persons on the ship. 38So when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship and threw out the wheat into the sea.
Shipwrecked on Malta
39When it was day, they did not recognize the land; but they observed a bay with a beach, onto which they planned to run the ship if possible. 40And they let go the anchors and left them in the sea, meanwhile loosing the rudder ropes; and they hoisted the mainsail to the wind and made for shore. 41But striking a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the prow stuck fast and remained immovable, but the stern was being broken up by the violence of the waves.
42And the soldiers' plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim away and escape. 43But the centurion, wanting to save Paul, kept them from their purpose, and commanded that those who could swim should jump overboard first and get to land, 44and the rest, some on boards and some on parts of the ship. And so it was that they all escaped safely to land.
Paul's Ministry on Malta
28 Now when they had escaped, they then found out that the island was called Malta. 2And the natives showed us unusual kindness; for they kindled a fire and made us all welcome, because of the rain that was falling and because of the cold. 3But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand. 4So when the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, "No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow to live." 5But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. 6However, they were expecting that he would swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had looked for a long time and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.
7In that region there was an estate of the leading citizen of the island, whose name was Publius, who received us ds on him and healed him. 9So when this was done, the rest of those on the island who had diseases also came and were healed. 10They also honored us in many ways; and when we departed, they provided such things as were necessary.
Arrival at Rome
11After three months we sailed in an Alexandrian ship whose figure-head was the Twin Brothers, which had wintered at the island. 12And landing at Syracuse, we stayed three days. 13From there we circled round and reached Rhegium. And after one day the south wind blew; and the next day we came to Puteoli, 14where we found brethren, and were invited to stay with them seven days. And so we went toward Rome. 15And from there, when the brethren heard about us, they came to meet us as far as Appii Forum and Three Inns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage.
16Now when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard; but Paul was permitted to dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded him.
Paul's Ministry at Rome
17And it came to pass after three days that Paul called the leaders of the Jews together. So when they had come together, he said to them: "Men and brethren, though I have done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans, 18who, when they had examined me, wanted to let me go, because there was no cause for putting me to death. 19But when the Jewsa spoke against it, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything of which to accuse my nation. 20For this reason therefore I have called for you, to see you and speak with you, because for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain."
28:19 aThat is, the ruling authorities
21Then they said to him, "We neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor have any of the brethren who came reported or spoken any evil of you. 22But we desire to hear from you what you think; for concerning this sect, we know that it is spoken against everywhere."
23So when they had appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging, to whom he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning till evening. 24And some were persuaded by the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved. 25So when they did not agree among themselves, they departed after Paul had said one word: "The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah the prophet to oura fathers, 26saying,
' Go to this people and say:
" Hearing you will hear, and shall not understand;
And seeing you will see, and not perceive;
27For the heart their eyes they have closed,
Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears,
Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn,
So that I should heal them." 'a
47"Therefore let it be known to you that the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear it!" 29And when he had said these words, the Jews departed and had a great dispute among themselves. a
30Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, 31preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.
:1 aOr are most surely believed
:5 aNU-Text omits wife. :9 aNU-Text omits behold. :14 aNU-Text reads toward men of goodwill. 2:17 aNU-Text omits widely.
:2 aNU-Text and M-Text read in the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas. 3:6 aIsaiah 40:3-5
:1 aNU-Text reads in. 4:4 aDeuteronomy 8:3 bNU-Text omits but by every word of God. 4:5 aNU-Text reads And taking Him up, he showed Him.
:41 aNU-Text omits the Christ. 4:44 aNU-Text reads Judea.
:38 aNU-Text omits and both are preserved. 5:39 aNU-Text omits immediately. bNU-Text reads good. 6:1 aNU-Text reads on a Sabbath. 6:9 aM-Text reads to kill. 6:10 aNU-Text and M-Text read to him. bNU-Text omits as whole as the other.
:45 aNU-Text omits treasure of his heart. 6:48 aNU-Text reads for it was well built. 6:49 aNU-Text reads collapsed.
:10 aIsaiah 6:9
:11 aNU-Text reads our feet. 10:12 aNU-Text and M-Text omit But. 10:15 aNU-Text reads >seventy-two.
:11 aNU-Text omits the words from bread through for in the next sentence. 11:15 aNU -Text and M-Text read Beelzebul.
:15 aNU-Text reads all covetousness.
:9 aNU-Text reads And if it bears fruit after that, well. But if not, you can cut it down. 13:15 aNU-Text and M-Text read Hypocrites.
:15 aM-Text reads dinner.
:22 aNU-Text reads Quickly bring.
:21 aNU-Text reads with what fell.
:21 aNU-Text reverses here and there. 17:23 aNU-Text reverses here and there.
:20 aExodus 20:12-16; Deuteronomy 5:16-20 18:28 aNU-Text reads our own.
:13 aThe mina (Greek mna, Hebrew minah) was worth about three months' salary.
:17 aPsalm 118:22 20:19 aM-Text reads but they were afraid. 20:23 aNU-Text omits Why do you test Me?
:14 aNU-Text omits twelve. 22:18 aNU-Text adds from now on.
:15 aNU-Text reads for he sent Him back to us. 23:17 aNU-Text omits verse 17. 23:23 aNU-Text omits and of the chief priests. 23:25 aNU-Text and M-Text omit to them.
:40 aSome printed New Testaments omit this verse. It is found in nearly all Greek manuscripts.
:1 aNU-Text reads together

