Acts 21 Cross References - JMNT

¹ Now as it happened [for] us finally to be put out to sea – after having been torn away from them – in running a straight course we came into Cos, but then on the succeeding [day] into Rhodes, and from there into Patara [p41 & D add: and Myra]. ² Later, upon finding a boat in the process of passing through, ferrying into Phoenicia, after climbing on board we were sailed away. ³ So then, with Cyprus coming up into view, then later leaving it behind on the port side (the left), we continued sailing on into Syria and came down into (= put into port at) Tyre – for it was there [that] the boat was unloading the cargo. ⁴ Now after searching and having found the disciples – who through means of the Breath-effect (or: Spirit) repeatedly told Paul not to continue stepping on [board] (or: embarking) unto Jerusalem – we prolonged our stay there seven days. ⁵ So when there came to be the days to furnish us (fit us out [with provisions] and put us in appropriate condition), after going out, we continued on our journey – all of them, together with women and children, progressively sending us forward and accompanying us till outside of the city. Then, kneeling upon the beach (or: seashore), after speaking toward having things go well for us (or: praying) ⁶ we at once pulled away from one another in saying goodbye and then stepped into (or: boarded) the boat – yet those folks returned into their own [homes and affairs]. ⁷ Now we ourselves, finishing the voyage, descended to arrive from Tyre into Ptolemais and, after greeting the brothers, we remained one day with them. ⁸ So after setting out on the next day, we came into Caesarea. Then, upon entering into the house of Philip, the one who brings wellness and announces goodness (or: good news) – being [a part] of the seven – we remained (or: stayed) with him. ⁹ Now by this man there were being four daughters – virgins – [who] were from time to time prophesying (speaking light ahead of time and in front of people). ¹⁰ Yet during the prolonging of our stay [several] more days, a certain prophet (one who speaks light ahead of time) from Judea named Agabus came down, ¹¹ and then, after coming to us and picking up Paul's girding attire (sash or leather belt; girdle with which he wraps himself) [and] upon binding his own feet and hands, he said, "Thus is the Set-apart Breath-effect now saying (or: Now the Holy Spirit is progressively laying out these things), 'In this way will the Jews in Jerusalem proceed binding the man who owns this girding attire – and they will continue in turning [him] over into [the] hands of [the] ethnic multitudes (or: nations; people groups that are non-Jewish)!'" ¹² So as we heard these things, both we ourselves and the folks in the place began entreating him not to continue walking up into Jerusalem. ¹³ At that point Paul made a discerning and decisive reply: "What are you folks proceeding in doing by continuing to weep and to progressively crush my heart to pieces? You see, I myself readily make it a habit to be holding [myself] prepared not only to be bound (or: = imprisoned), but more than that, at once also to die [upon entering] into the midst of Jerusalem for the sake of (or: over [circumstances concerning]) the Name of the Lord Jesus!" ¹⁴ So at his not being convinced or persuaded, we grew calm and became silent, [all; or: various ones] saying, "Let the will (or: desire, intent, resolve, design) of the Lord [= Yahweh or Christ] come to be (be birthed; = be [done])." ¹⁵ Later, after these days, upon furnishing, preparing and packing on our baggage, we began walking up into Jerusalem. ¹⁶ Now some of the disciples from Caesarea also came with us, proceeding in leading [us] [D adds: later coming into a certain village] to a certain Mnason [Aleph reads: Jason] of Cyprus, a disciple [from the] beginning with whom we would lodge and be received as guests. ¹⁷ [D reads: Then departing from there], with our coming to be [arrived] into the midst of Jerusalem, the brothers (= community of believers) favorably and gladly welcomed and received us. ¹⁸ So on the following [day], Paul was proceeding to be entering in with us to [meet with] Jacob (or: James). All the older men (or: elders) came to be present, as well. ¹⁹ Then, after greeting and embracing them, he began leading out with a detailed account, unfolding one by one each of the things which God had done among the ethnic multitudes (= the non-Jews of the nations) through his attending service. ²⁰ Now after hearing [these things] they began giving the glory and ascribing the reputation to God [D and other MSS: the Lord (= Yahweh, or, Christ)]. Besides this, they said to him, "Brother, you are now observing and noticing how many tens of thousands there are among the Jews of those having trusted and are continuing in believing – and they all continue humbly from their beginning being zealots of the Law (or: zealous about the Law). ²¹ "Yet they have been orally instructed concerning you, that you are repeatedly (or: habitually) teaching all the Jews down through the ethnic multitudes (or: nations; non-Jews) an apostasy away (a revolt; a standing away) from Moses, constantly telling them not to be circumcising [their] children, nor even to be living their lives (continually walking about) in (by; with) the customs. ²² "What therefore is it (= What is to be done; What is the solution)? At any rate (or: By all means) it is now compelling for a multitude to come together, for they are going to hear that you have come. ²³ "Therefore, at once do this which we are now saying to you. With us are four men presently having a vow (or: holding a religious commitment on behalf of well-being) [placed] upon them [or, with other MSS: from themselves (= voluntarily taken)]. ²⁴ "Taking these men along, be ritually purified together with them and pay the expenses for them to the end that they will proceed shaving [their] heads – and everyone will proceed in coming to know that what they have been orally instructed concerning you (= that the rumor about you) is nothing, but to the contrary you yourself are also habitually observing the elements and keeping in line, constantly watching, guarding and maintaining the Law! ²⁵ "Now concerning those of [the] ethnic multitudes (or: nations; non-Jews) [who] have believed and now trust, [D adds: they presently having nothing to say to you, for you see,] we ourselves sent forth a letter which we wrote, deciding and giving our judgment for them to be constantly guarding themselves against (= habitually avoid and abstain from) both idol sacrifices (or: meat sacrificed to idols) and blood, as well as something that was strangled [i.e., so the blood was not drained out], and also sexual impurity (or: unchastity; fornication; prostitution; infidelity)." ²⁶ Thereupon on the next day, after taking the men along then being ceremonially purified together with them, Paul entered into the Temple complex and continued being there while giving thorough notice [to the priests or Levites] of the date when the period of purification would be completed (or: the [number] of days [remaining] for the fulfillment of the cleansing period), at which time an offering would be presented (or: a sacrifice would be offered) over (= on behalf of) each one of them. ²⁷ So as the seven days were being about to be concluding, the [fanatical and extremist religious] Jews from the Asian [district], upon catching a view and gazing upon him [i.e., Paul] in the midst of the Temple complex, began pouring [themselves into the midst], together with [the] whole crowd, to mix and stir up confusion – then they laid [their] hands on him, ²⁸ repeatedly crying out, "Men! Israelites! Come help [us]... now (Run immediately to our cry)! This man is the person who is constantly teaching all people everywhere against the People [= Jews or Israelites] and the Law and this [Concordant text adds: holy] Place! Still more than this, he also brought Greeks into the Temple complex and has thus made this set-apart and sacred Place common (= profane, contaminated and defiled)!" ²⁹ You see, they were folks who had been previously seeing Trophimus the Ephesian together with him [i.e., Paul] in the city, whom they had been presuming – from what is customary – that Paul had brought into the Temple complex. ³⁰ And so with this, the whole city was set in violent motion and there came to be a running together of the people. Then, with getting a hold on (or: grabbing) Paul, they began dragging him outside of the Temple complex – and at once the doors were closed and bolted (or: locked) [by the Levites]. ³¹ And then, while [they were] seeking to kill him, a report that [the] whole of Jerusalem was being progressively poured together in turmoil reached the commander (or: tribune) of the battalion (or: squadron – normally 600 Roman soldiers), ³² who from that same moment ran (or: rushed) down upon them, taking along soldiers and centurions (officers in charge of 100 men). Now upon seeing the commander and the soldiers, they at once stopped beating Paul. ³³ At that point the commander (or: tribune), drawing near, took hold of him (= arrested him). Then he gave orders [for him] to be bound with two chains, and began inquiring who he might be and what it is he had done. ³⁴ Now some within the mob began shouting out one thing, other folks something else. So with his not being able to know the certainty [of the matter] because of the uproar and tumult, he gave orders for him to be led into the barracks (or: fortress). ³⁵ But when he came to be upon the stairs, the situation presented the need for him to proceed by being picked up and carried by the soldiers – because of the violence of the crowd, ³⁶ for you see, the great mass of the people kept following, repeatedly crying out, "Take him up and be doing away with (= killing) him!" ³⁷ But just as he is about to be led into the barracks, Paul proceeds in saying to the commander, "Is it alright (or: allowable) for me to say something to you?" So he affirmed, "You know Greek! ³⁸ "Consequently, you are certainly not the Egyptian – the one who was stirring up a revolt and then leading the four thousand 'men of the dagger' (= assassins or terrorists) into the desert some time ago (or: before these days)." ³⁹ So Paul said, "I myself am in fact a Jew, a man from (= a native of; [D adds: having been born in]) Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of a distinguished and illustrious (or: no insignificant) city. So please, will you permit me to speak to the people?" ⁴⁰ Now after his giving permission, Paul, standing on the stairs, gestures – motioning down with [his] hand – to the people. Then, with it becoming perfectly quiet, he shouted to [them] in the Hebrew [p74 & A read: in his own] language (or: dialect), saying:

³ Now, upon hearing [of it], King Herod was shaken (disturbed; unsettled; agitated; irritated with anxiety; stirred up) – as well as all Jerusalem along with him!

²⁴ So His reputation and the report concerning Him went off into the whole [region] of Syria. And people brought to Him all those having it badly (those in poor conditions; = having an illness), [those] with various diseases, and those being continuously gripped by pain (or: confined in testing situations), as well as those being habitually affected by demons [note: a Hellenistic concept and term that denoted animistic influences], and those being repeatedly affected by the moon (either = lunatics, or, epileptics) and paralytics – and He cured or gave attentive care or prescribed therapy or instigated ongoing treatment for them!

¹¹ "You folks are and continue to be happy (and: blessed) people! Now whenever people may denounce, reproach, heap insults on and persecute or chase you folks, and while continuously lying, may even say every bad thing (spreading malicious gossip; [other MSS: every misery-gushed utterance]) down against you – for the sake of Me,

⁴⁷ "And further, if you folks should only greet and welcomely embrace your brothers, what are you continuing to do [that is] excessive or extraordinary? Are not also the folks of the ethnic multitudes (the nations; the pagans; the non-Israelites) constantly doing the very same thing?

¹⁰ Make Your reign and kingdom come. Make Your will (the effect of Your intent and purpose) come into existence (happen; come to be; be birthed) – as within heaven (or: [the] atmosphere), so also upon earth.

² Now these are the names of the twelve men sent forth with a mission (emissaries; envoys; representatives): First, Simon, the one called Peter, and then Andrew, his brother. Next, Jacob (James) the [son] of Zebedee, and his brother John.

¹¹ "Now, into whichever city or village you men may enter, search out who within it is suitable (of corresponding values to your own; worthy), [then] remain lodging there until you should leave (go out of the midst [of the town]).

¹⁸ "Yet you men will also, on My account, be from time to time led (or: brought) before (or: on [the stand to speak to]) governors and kings, with a view to being a witness to them and providing evidence for them – as well as to and for and among the ethnic multitudes (the nations; the non-Israelites; = the pagans). ¹⁹ "However, whenever they may hand you folks over (turn you in), you should not be anxious or overly concerned about how or what you should be speaking, for, what you should say will continue being given to you men – within that hour! ²⁰ "You see, you, yourselves, are not the ones then speaking, but rather, [it is] the Spirit (Breath-effect; Attitude) of your Father repeatedly speaking within you.

²¹ "Tragic will be your fate, Chorazin! Tragic will be your fate, Bethsaida! Because if the powers and abilities being birthed and happening within you had taken place in Tyre and Sidon, long ago they would in sackcloth and ashes (= humility and regretful sorrow) have changed their minds and way of thinking, and would have turned to God.

³¹ He placed (or: put; set) another parable (illustration) beside [the previous one] for them, proceeding in saying, "The reign and sovereignty of the heavens (or: kingdom of the sky and atmosphere) exists being (or: is) like seed of a mustard plant – which, upon taking, a man (a person) sowed within his field – ³² "which on the one hand is smaller than all the seeds, yet on the other hand, whenever it might grow, is greater than the vegetables (= is the largest of the garden plants and herbs) and progressively comes to be a [veritable] tree [in size and form], so that the birds of the sky (or: atmosphere) come and periodically roost within its branches." ³³ He spoke another parable (illustration) to them: "The reign (kingdom; sovereignty) of the heavens and atmospheres exists being (is) like leaven (or: yeast) which a woman, upon getting (taking; receiving) [it], hides within (= mixes in) three large measures (1.5 pecks, or 12 quarts, per measure) of wheat flour, or meal, until [the] whole [batch] is leavened to thus be fermented, risen [and teeming with life]!"

²¹ Now those eating were about five thousand adult males – apart from women and little children.

²¹ From that time on, Jesus [other MSS: Jesus Christ] began to progressively point out, exhibit and demonstrate to and for His disciples that it is necessary [for] Him – even continues being binding [on] Him – to go away into Jerusalem, and to experience and suffer many things from the elders and chief (or: ranking) priests, as well as the scribes (scholars and theologians of the Law), and then to be killed off – but also to be aroused and raised up on (or: during) the third day. ²² And so Peter, taking Him to himself, began to then be respectfully admonishing Him, expressing increased value of Him, repeatedly saying, "Merciful covering on You (or: [Be] kind and merciful to Yourself; [There is] favorable shelter for You; or: = [Heaven be] propitiously merciful to You; = May God spare You), O Lord (Master)! By no means will this be for You!" ²³ Now, being turned, He said to Peter, "Proceed leading the way (or: bringing things under control) behind Me, O adversary. You are My bait-stick, ensnaring and leading Me into a trap, because you are not in the habit of setting your mind on or having the attitude pertaining to the things of God, but instead, [you continually have opinions which align with] the things of humans (or: mankind)."

¹⁸ "Look at this, and consider. We are progressively walking up into Jerusalem, and later, the Son of the Man (= Adam's son; the human; or: = the eschatological messiah figure) will proceed being turned over to the chief (or: ranking) priests and scribes (scholars and experts in the Law), then they will according to pattern proceed judging (condemning) Him to (for) death. ¹⁹ "Next, they will proceed turning Him over to the ethnic multitudes (the nations; = foreigners) – into [a situation] to ridicule, make fun of and mock, and then scourge [Him] with a whip, and finally to execute [Him] on a torture stake (or: to crucify [Him]). Later, on (or: in; during) the third day, He will proceed being aroused and raised up."

¹⁰ And then, after His entering into Jerusalem, all the city was shaken (set in commotion [as in an earthquake]; caused to tremble), one after another saying, "Who (or: What) is this?"

¹⁵ "Therefore, whenever you men can see (or: may perceive) ‘the effect of the loathing and nauseating [event; condition; thing; situation] from the desolation (or: the result from the abhorring abomination associated with, or which causes, the devastation and abandonment; or: the resulting effect of the desecration, which is an act of ruining, forsaking and leaving uninhabited like a desert),’ that was being spoken through Daniel the prophet, standing ‘within the midst of a set-apart place (or: [the] holy place) ’ [Dan. 9:27; 11:31; 12:11] – let the person presently reading continue to use his mind and intellect for the comprehension [of this] (= figure out what this means!) –

²⁶ "Therefore, if they should say to you folks, 'Look! He is within the desert (wilderness; desolate place),' you should not go out, [or], 'Look! [He is] within the inner chambers (interior rooms; storehouses; barns; closets),' you should not put your trust in [it] or believe [them].

⁵ However, one after another, they kept on saying, "Not during the festival (Feast), so that no riot (or: uproar; outcry) may happen among the people!"

³⁹ And so, after going forward a little way [other MSS: in approaching (or: moving toward) {a certain spot}], He fell upon His face, continuously praying (thinking and/or speaking concerning [His] well-being) and (or: even) repeatedly saying, "My Father, if it is possible (or: since there is power; if it be able), let this cup pass away (or: go to the side, away) from Me! Nevertheless, more than this, [let it be; it is] not as I continue willing (wanting; intending), but to the contrary, as You [will and intend]."

⁴² Again, a second time, going off He prayed, repeatedly saying, "My Father, if this continues impossible (unable) to pass on from Me if I should not (or: unless I should) drink it, let Your will and purpose be birthed and come to be!"

¹ Now with the coming of morning (or: at morning birthing itself), the chief (or: ranking) priests and the elders of the people took counsel together, deliberating plans against Jesus to bring Him down, even so as to put Him to death. ² And thus, upon binding Him, they led [Him] off and then handed [Him] over to Pilate, the governor.

⁴⁰ There also is progressively coming toward Him, [to be] face-to-face with Him, a leper (one who has some variety of various skin diseases), repeatedly entreating (imploring) Him to come to his side to give him aid and encouragement, and then proceeding to kneel down, is repeatedly saying to Him, "If you should will it – and would from reason continue intending – you continue able and have the power to cleanse and make me clean."

² You see, they kept on saying, "Not within the Feast (or: festival; may = in the presence of the festival crowd), lest at any time there will proceed being an uproar of the people (or: a riot from the people)."

² This first registration occurred while Quirinius continued leading and governing Syria.

³⁶ And now there was Anna, a prophetess (a woman with light ahead of time), [the] daughter of Phanuel (or: Penuel), from out of [the] tribe of Asher – she having walked forward during many days (= was well advanced in years), living with a husband [for] seven years from her virginity (may = after her marriage, or, after her girlhood),

²⁹ and after standing up (arising) they hustled Him out – outside of the town – then they led Him to a brow (= an out-jutting cliff) of the mountain (or: hill) upon which their town had been built, so as to shove Him down the precipice.

⁴ Now as He ceases [the] session of speaking, He says to Simon, "Pull away again on [the lake], into the deep, and you men lower your nets into a catch."

²² Now it occurred on one of those days, [that] He, as well as His disciples, stepped into a sailing vessel (ship; boat; bark) and He said to them, "Let us pass through (= cross) unto the other side of the lake."

¹³ "Tragic will be your fate, Chorazin! Tragic will be your fate, Bethsaida! If the expressions (manifestations; works; deeds) of power birthing themselves (or: taking place) within you had happened within Tyre and Sidon, they would have long ago changed their thinking and altered their lives by turning [to God] – while [dressed] in sackcloth and continuing to sit in (or: on) ashes.

² So He said to them, "Whenever you may be [other MSS: are] normally focused on goodness (or: praying), habitually say, 'Our Father – the One within the midst of the heavens (or: in the atmospheres)! Let your Name be separated, set-apart and kept holy (or: sacred)! Let Your reign, kingdom and sovereign influence come at once! Let Your will, purpose and intent be birthed (come to exist) at once – as in heaven (or: in [the] atmosphere), so also upon the earth!

¹ Under these circumstances, [with] a crowd of tens of thousands (myriads) being gathered together upon [the event] – so as to be time after time trampling (or: stepping down on) one another – He began a discourse to His disciples first: "Be constantly holding your attention toward, and continuously guarding yourselves from, the yeast permeating the Pharisees, which is to put texts under close inspection, to sift and separate, and then give an answer, an interpretation, an opinion (or: to live by separating things yet, under-discern; or: being overly critical and making judgments from a low view; or: perverse scholarship which focuses on tiny distinctions). [comment: their yeast would inflate them with pride]

³ So He spoke this illustration (parable) to them, presently saying, ⁴ "What person from among you folks, presently owning (possessing) one hundred sheep and then upon losing one of them, is not normally leaving the ninety-nine down within the wilderness (open range; desolate and uninhabited place) and then continuing on his way upon [the track of] the lost one – until he can (or: may) find it? ⁵ "Later, after finding [it], he proceeds to place (or: lay) it on his shoulders, amidst rejoicing! ⁶ "And so, upon coming into the house, he proceeds calling together [his] friends and neighbors, saying to them in turn, 'Celebrate (or: Be glad and caused to rejoice) together with me, because I have found my lost sheep!' ⁷ "I am now saying to you folks that in this way there will continue being joy within the heaven (or: the atmosphere) upon (or: on the occasion of) a progressive changing of the mind (or: a continued change in thinking and perspective, [accompanied by a return to the Lord]) by one outcast (habitual failure; person who constantly makes mistakes; sinner) – [more] than upon ninety-nine 'righteous and just folks' (or: people who are fair, equitable and in rightwised relationships in the Way pointed out) who continue having no need (or: necessity) of a change of mind [or a return to Yahweh]. ⁸ "Or then, what woman (or: wife) presently possessing (having) ten drachma coins, if she should lose one drachma, does not proceed to light a lamp and then continue sweeping the house and carefully looking and searching for [it] until she can (or: may) find it? ⁹ "And later, after finding [it], she proceeds calling together her women friends and neighbors, saying [to them] in turn, 'Celebrate (or: Be glad and caused to rejoice) together with me, because I have found the drachma which I lost!' ¹⁰ "In this way, I am now saying to you folks, joy is habitually birthed (or: constantly happens) in the sight and presence of God's agents (or: messengers) upon (or: on the occasion of) a progressive changing of the mind (or: a continued change in thinking and perspective, [accompanied by a return to the Lord]) by one outcast (habitual failure; person who constantly makes mistakes; sinner)."

³² "'But it continued being binding and necessary to at once be in a good and easy frame of mind (or: be given thoughts of well-being, cheer and celebration) and to rejoice, because this one – your brother – was existing being dead, and now he comes to life; and was one having been lost and destroyed – and now he is found!'"

¹² "Yet before all these things, people will continue laying their hands on you folks, and they will be repeatedly chasing and persecuting [you], handing over one after another unto the synagogues (places of worship and fellowship) and [into] jails and prisons, while you are repeatedly being led off, up before kings and governors – on account of My Name.

¹⁵ "You see, I Myself will continue giving to you people a mouth (= ability and an opportunity to speak) as well as wisdom, to which all your opponents, who are repeatedly lying in ambush against you, will not continue being able to at any point stand in opposition to or resist, nor to speak against or contradict.

⁴² saying, "O Father, if You continue purposing (willing; intending) [it], at once bear along (or: carry aside) this, the cup, away from Me. Yet more than that, not My will or desire, but to the contrary, let Yours continue of itself progressing into being (or: let Yours keep on happening to itself, and from itself come to be, then progressively take place for itself)!" [note: vss. 43 & 44 are omitted in p75, Aleph1, A, B, N, T, W, 579, 1071*, and others, as well as writings by Marcion, Clement, Origen, Athanasius, Ambrose, Cyril John-Damascus, a Georgian MS, and others; Aleph*, D, L, later MSS, various church Fathers, and others include them; Griesbach and Nestle-Aland bracket them; UBS footnotes them in the apparatus]

¹⁸ But they, as it were with one voice of an entire multitude, cried out – some screaming; some yelling; some shrieking – repeatedly saying, "Be lifting this one up (or: Proceed in taking this one away)!... yet at once release to (or: for) us Barabbas (meaning: the [or: a] father's son)!"

³⁸ Now there was also an added inscription upon Him (or: = over Him): "THIS [is] THE KING of the JUDEANS."

¹¹ It (or: He) came into Its (or: His) own things (possessions, or people), and It’s own (or: His own) people did not receive It (or: Him) and take It (or: Him) to their side.

²⁵ There arose (came to be) from out of John’s disciples, thereupon, a discussion (an inquiry; a seeking question) with a Jew (or: a Judean) about cleansing (ceremonial purification).

² Now within Jerusalem, at the sheep gate [which is within the northern city wall], there is a constructed pool [for bathing or swimming] – the one being normally called (or: named) in Hebrew "Bethzatha" (means: House of the Olive; [other MSS: Bethesda, which means: House of Mercy]) – presently having five covered colonnades (porticos; porches supported by columns). [note: that this structure existed when John wrote this (the verb is present tense) is evidence for this being written prior to A.D. 70 and the destruction of Jerusalem]

⁵³ And they went on their way, each one into his house (= they all went home).

⁵⁵ Now the Passover of the Jews (of the Jewish culture and religion) was coming to be near, and many went up into Jerusalem from out of the region (country; territory), before the Passover, so that they could purify (or: perform ritual cleansing for and of) themselves.

²⁴ "Most assuredly (It is certainly true; Yes, indeed; Count on it; Amen, amen), I am saying to you folks [that] unless the grain of wheat (or: kernel of corn; = seed of an agricultural crop), upon falling into the earth (the ground; the field), should die, it by itself continues remaining alone. Yet if it should die, it proceeds to bear much fruit (= it produces a harvest of many grains, or, seeds).

² "They will continue making you outcasts – ones turned away from the synagogues (= they will continue cutting you off from the rights and privileges of the Jewish society). But further, an hour is progressively coming with the result that everyone in the process of killing you folks off may imagine (suppose; hold the opinion of; think) [himself] to be proceeding in presenting (bearing forward) an offering of sacred service to God,

³² "Look and consider. An hour is progressively coming – and it has come and is here – to the end that you men should be scattered and dispersed [as sown seed], each one into his own [place; life; home; possessions; destiny], and Me you folks can let go off alone (or: should leave and send off alone). And yet I am not alone, because the Father is constantly being with Me.

¹² Then the detachment (or: squad [of Roman soldiers]) and the military commander (tribune; commander of a thousand soldiers) and the subordinates (deputies) of the Jews (= religious authorities) together seized (apprehended; arrested) Jesus and bound Him (tied Him up),

²⁹ Therefore, Pilate went forth outside to them and began his interrogation: "What accusation (formal charge) are you presently bringing with regard to (or: which pertains to; [other MSS add: against]) this man?" ³⁰ So they decided a reply and said to him, "If this one were not continually doing an inappropriate thing (habitually doing bad or wrong), we would not give him over to you."

¹³ Pilate, therefore, hearing of these words, led Jesus outside and sat down upon [the] elevated place – a platform, or stage, which is ascended by steps and from which men spoke to public assemblies, or judges and public officials performed their duties – into a place normally being called "The Stone Pavement," yet in Hebrew, "Gabbatha."

¹⁵ Therefore those men yelled and shouted, "Lift [him] up at once and carry [him] away!" "Lift [him] up and carry [him] away!" "Crucify him (Put him to death on the stake)!" Pilate says, "Shall I proceed to crucify (put to death on the stake) your king?" The chief (ranking) priests decidedly answered, "We are not having a king (or: we continue holding no king) except Caesar!"

¹⁷ So, carrying, supporting and progressively bearing away the cross (torture stake) by Himself, He went out into the commonly-called "Skull's Place" (or: the place of a skull), which is normally called "Golgotha," in Hebrew,

²⁰ Therefore many of the Jews read this notice (title), because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and that which stood written was in Hebrew, Latin (the Roman language) [and] in Greek (or: the Hellenist language).

²⁷ Next, He says to the disciple, "Look at and consider your mother." So from that hour the disciple took her into his own home (or: place; things).

¹⁷ "because he was one having been actually numbered (or: counted down; = enrolled and assigned) among us (or: within our [group]) and thus he obtained by lot the allotted portion (or: share) of this attending service."

¹⁷ 'And so it will proceed being (or: existing) within (or: during) the last days,' – God is now saying – I will progressively pour (or: diffuse; shed) from out of the midst of My Breath-effect (Spirit; attitude) upon all flesh (= humans, people) and then your sons and your daughters will proceed prophesying, and your youths (older girls and boys; young people) will continue seeing sights (or: visions), and your old folks (or: elder ones) will be repeatedly dreaming dreams.

⁴¹ Therefore the people who indeed, as it were with their hands, took away and fully received, welcomed and embraced his word (his idea; his message) were at some point immersed (baptized). And so on (or: during) that day about three thousand souls (= people) were added [to the group and community] (or: were placed and set toward [the goal]).

³ And so they thrust [their] hands on them and they were placed into custody (in ward) overnight, since it was already evening. ⁴ However, many of the folks presently hearing the word (message) trusted and believed, and so the number of the adult men came to be about five thousand.

²¹ So, after projecting menace and adding threats, they released them – continuing to find nothing [to solve] "the how" (= the means) [so that] they could curb them (= cut back their activities) – on account of the people, because they were all continuing in glorifying God (enhancing God's reputation) [based] on the thing (= the healing) having occurred (having come to be).

³⁶ Now Joseph, the one from among the sent-forth folks being surnamed "Barnabas" – which is normally being translated and interpreted "A son of comfort, consolation and encouragement (or: One who has the character and qualities of being an aid-giver and a helpful assistant; a son of a paraclete {or: the Paraclete})" – a Levite, a Cyprian by country of origin,

¹⁸ and they thrust [their] hand upon (= arrested) the sent-forth folks (the emissaries) and put them in [the] public [place] of custody and observation.

³⁶ "You see, before these days Theudas (or: Todah) arose, repeatedly saying of himself to be somebody [D adds: great (= important; significant)] – to whom men numbering about four hundred were inclined (= rallied in support) – who was "taken up" (= hauled off to be killed – [perhaps by hanging or crucifixion]) and everyone, whoever was loyally submitting to him and obeyed him, were at once disbanded and dispersed, and so it came to be nothing (or: unto nothing did it occur). ³⁷ "After this, Judah (or: Judas) the Galilean, in the days of the registration (or: census; the enrollment for the Roman tax), also established a people of behind him (= got some people to defect to him). That one also destroyed himself – then all [p45 & D omit: all], whoever was loyally submitted to him and obeyed him, were fully dispersed and are scattered abroad.

⁴⁰ Next, upon calling the sent-forth folks to their presence, after severely lashing (flogging; whipping) [them], they gave orders not to continue speaking upon the [authority and basis of the] Name of Jesus. Then they released them. ⁴¹ Therefore the sent-forth folks indeed went their way, away from the face (= presence) of the Sanhedrin (the High Council), repeatedly rejoicing because they were counted (deemed; regarded; put down and recorded as being) worthy (of corresponding value) to be dishonored and treated as being without value and despised – over (for the sake of) the Name.

¹ Now in these days, during a progressive multiplying (= increasing the number) of the disciples (students; learners; apprentices), a discontented muttering of grumbling and complaints occurred (was birthed) from the Hellenists (Greek-speaking Jews, and/or, folks of the Hellenistic culture) aimed toward the Hebrews (the Hebrew-speaking folks, and/or folks living in accord with the Jewish culture) because their widows kept on being overlooked (= neglected and disregarded) in the daily attending service of dispensing hospitality and serving meals.

⁵ And the idea (word; thought) brought satisfaction in the eyes (in the sight; = in the judgment and view) of all the full multitude, and so they selected (picked out; chose) Stephen, an adult man full of trust (and: faith; or: trustworthiness) and set-apart Breath-effect (or: Holy Spirit; or: a consecrated attitude), as well as Philip, Prochorus, Nikanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte of Antioch,

⁷ And so the Word of God (or: God's thought, idea, message and Logos) kept on progressively growing and increasing (also: = God's Reason was spreading out like a growing Vine), and thus the number of disciples (students; learners; apprentices) continued tremendously multiplying (= increasing in number) within Jerusalem. Furthermore, a vast throng of the priests [note: these would have been Sadducees] kept on submissively listening to and hearing (thus: paying attention to and obeying) the Faith [note: noun with the article, thus this would signify trust and belief in the resurrected Jesus as the Christ – the message of faith that was then being proclaimed].

⁹ Yet certain men rose up – from the [members] of the synagogue being normally termed "Freedmen" (or: Libertines; Jews who had been enslaved in the Syrian wars but were later freed), also [composed] of Cyrenians, Alexandrians and people from Cilicia, as well as [the province] of Asia – repeatedly arguing and debating (or: inquiring and discussing together) with Stephen,

¹² And so they stirred up (agitated; moved and shook together like an earthquake) the people – as well as the elders and the scholars (scribes; theologians of the Law) – and so, having been standing near upon [him], they, as a group, suddenly took him by force (gripped, seized and snatched him) then led [him] unto the Sanhedrin (High Council). ¹³ Here they set up (or: put on the stand) false witnesses, one after another saying, "This man is not ceasing from continually speaking gush-effects (or: declarations) down against this set-apart (or: holy; sacred) place and the Law. ¹⁴ "For instance, we have heard him repeatedly saying that Jesus the Nazarene will destroy (demolish; dismantle) this place and he will change the customs which Moses handed down to (and: for) us."

⁵⁴ Well now, while progressively hearing these things, they were being progressively sawn in two in their hearts (= emotionally ripped and cut to the core so as to be filled with rage), and so they began and continued to grind and gnash [their] teeth on him (= at his words) with noises as of a wild animal eating greedily.

⁵⁷ So now, screeching and crying out in a great voice (with a loud sound; = at the top of their lungs), they pressed [their hands on] their ears and uncontrollably rushed upon him with one accord (in like passions). ⁵⁸ Then after casting [him] forth, outside of the city, they began stoning [him] (throwing stones at him to kill him). And the witnesses put off their outer garments, [depositing them] beside the feet of a certain young man being normally called Saul.

⁵ Now Philip, upon going down into the city of Samaria, continued publicly proclaiming to them the Christ (the Anointed One; = the Messiah). ⁶ And the crowds, with one accord and like-passion, continued attentively holding to [themselves and their minds] the things being progressively spoken by Philip, at hearing them, and then [with] repeatedly seeing (looking at; observing) the signs which he kept on doing (or: performing; producing). ⁷ You see, many of the folks habitually having unclean breath-effects (unsifted spirits; unpruned attitudes) kept on crying out, then shouting for joy, with a loud voice, [as] they [i.e., the spirits], one after another, were coming (or: going) out. Now many folks – being people having been paralyzed, as well as lame ones – were cured and healed. ⁸ So, much joy was birthed (or: a great deal of happiness came to be) within that city. ⁹ Now a certain man named Simon had been previously subsisting in the city [by] habitually practicing magic (or: using sorcery) and repeatedly amazing the nation (or: ethnic group) of Samaria, constantly saying [of] and presenting himself to be someone great (= important) [note: such folks were often considered spiritual advisors, and may have had an official position], ¹⁰ to whom everyone, from small to great (= from the unimportant to the very important), kept on attentively holding [themselves] and giving heed, one after another saying, "This man is normally being called God's Great Power (or: This one continuously exists being God's Power – that usually termed Great One)!" ¹¹ So they kept on heeding and holding themselves focused to him due to the considerable time [he had] to have been displacing [things] and amazing them by the magical acts (or: with [his] magic). ¹² But when they came to trust and then believed – by Philip progressively bringing and declaring the good news of ease and well-being pertaining to the reign and kingdom of God, and [about] the name of Jesus Christ (or: Jesus [the] Anointed One) – they were being from time to time, and one after another, immersed (or: baptized): both men and women. ¹³ So Simon himself also trusted and came to believe, and then, after being immersed (or: baptized), he was constantly attached to Philip (or: habitually persistent at standing by waiting and ready to assist Philip) and continued amazed and moved out of his position while continually watching and observing both signs and great powers (or: abilities; or: may = works and deeds of power) continually happening (or: one after another being birthed into existence).

²⁶ However, an agent of [the] Lord [= Yahweh's or Christ's messenger] spoke to Philip, presently saying, "At once arise (or: stand up) and continue traveling down south (or: at noon) on the road descending from Jerusalem unto Gaza." This is a desert (or: desolate, uninhabited) [road]. ²⁷ And so, upon arising, he went his way and – look, consider this – an adult man – an Ethiopian eunuch who had power (= a high court official) of [the] Kandake, [or] Queen, of [the] Ethiopians, who was upon (= had control of) all of her treasury – who had come unto Jerusalem in order to be worshiping. ²⁸ Now he was in the midst of returning and was presently sitting on his chariot (or: carriage) while continuing in reading aloud the prophet Isaiah. ²⁹ Now the Breath-effect (or: Spirit) said to Philip, "Approach and be joined (glued) to this chariot." ³⁰ So upon running up to [it], Philip heard his reading aloud [of] Isaiah the prophet, and then he said, "Are you presently recognizing and progressively understanding [the] things which you are now reading?" ³¹ But he replied, "Actually, how would I likely be presently able [to], unless someone will progressively lead and guide me on the path?" And so he asked Philip to assist [him], after climbing up to sit with him. ³² Now the passage (context) of the Scripture which he was reading was this: "As (or: Like) a sheep, He was led onto [the] slaughter, and as (or: like) a lamb [that is] set in position against the person shearing it [is] without a voice (or: mute; voiceless; = silent), in like manner He continues not to open up His mouth. ³³ "Within the midst of the low status and the experience of being abased and humiliated, His justice (either: the opportunity for a fair trial; or: the chance or ability to divide, separate and make decisions; or: the judging) was lifted up and taken away. So who will continue fully taking over the lead of His generation (or: will proceed conducting a thorough narration to recount His generation), because His life is now being taken up, away from the earth (or: taken away from the Land)?" [Isa. 53:7-8] ³⁴ So the eunuch, making a discerning response, said to Philip, "Now my question to you is, About whom is the prophet now saying this – about himself, or about someone else?" ³⁵ Well Philip, opening his mouth and beginning from this Scripture, presents to him Jesus, as the news of goodness, ease and well-being (or: declared to him the good news about Jesus). ³⁶ So as they continued going their way down the road, they came upon some water, and the eunuch affirms, "Look! Water! What continues preventing (hindering) me to be at once immersed (or: baptized)?" ³⁷ [note: vs. 37 is missing in texts of Nestle-Aland, WH, Concordant, Panin, Griesbach, Tasker, and is not in the ancient Syriac] ³⁸ And thus, he ordered the chariot to halt (or: stand still), and they both walked down into the water – both Philip and the eunuch – and [Philip] immersed (or: baptized) him. ³⁹ Now when they walked up out of the water, [the] Lord's [= Yahweh's or Christ's] wind (or: Breath-effect; Spirit) suddenly snatched Philip away (i.e.: carried him off), and the eunuch did not see him any longer for he kept on going on his road, continuously rejoicing. ⁴⁰ But Philip was found (or: discovered) [entering] into Ashdod (or: Azotus), and continuing in going throughout [the territory], he was repeatedly bringing and announcing the good news to all the towns and cities – till the [occasion for] him to come into Caesarea.

⁴⁰ But Philip was found (or: discovered) [entering] into Ashdod (or: Azotus), and continuing in going throughout [the territory], he was repeatedly bringing and announcing the good news to all the towns and cities – till the [occasion for] him to come into Caesarea.

¹¹ So then the Lord [said] to him, "At once get up and go on your way upon the alley (or: narrow street) being normally called 'Straight,' and look for (seek; try to find) within [the] house of Judah (or: Judas) a person from Tarsus named Saul, for you see, look and consider! – he is presently thinking with a view toward having goodness, ease and well-being (or: continuously praying),

¹⁶ "For you see, I Myself will proceed underlining and pointing out (or: plainly showing) to him how many things it continues being binding and necessary for him to experience and be suffering – over [the situation of] (or: for; on behalf of) My Name."

³⁰ So, upon coming to be personally aware and to accurately know [of this], the brothers led him down into Caesarea, and then sent him forth with a mission into Tarsus.

⁴⁰ But after causing everyone to be put forth outside and then kneeling down, Peter prayed (thought and focused toward well-being). Next, turning around and facing toward the body, he said, "Tabitha! Get up (or: Stand up; Arise)!" So she opened up her eyes, and, seeing Peter, she sat up.

¹ Now in Caesarea there was a certain adult man named Cornelius, a centurion (a Roman officer in charge of 100 men, i.e., one sixth of a cohort) that was a part of the band (or: cohort; squadron; – an army division of 600 men) which is normally being called "Italian,"

²⁴ The following day (or: On the day after that) he entered into Caesarea. Cornelius, of course, was looking forward in anticipation for them, calling together to himself his relatives and the indispensable intimate friends.

⁴⁸ So he at once gave instruction toward arranging for them to be immersed within the Name of Jesus Christ (or: [the] Anointed Jesus). At that point they requested him to stay on and remain some (or: certain; = a few more) days.

⁴ At this Peter, in making a beginning, began setting [the matter] out for them consecutively (or: expounding a deliberate and detailed narrative to them, point by point), saying, ⁵ "I myself was in the city of Joppa, continuing in prayer (thinking and speaking towards things being well), and I saw – within an ecstasy (a displaced state of being) – a vision (a sight): some container in the process of descending, like a large, fine linen sheet, being gradually but progressively lowered down from out of the sky (or: atmosphere; heaven) by [its] four corners (extremities; origins; beginnings), and it came right down to me, ⁶ "after gazing intently, stretching [my eyes] into which, I began considering and fixing my mind down [on it], and then saw (or: perceived) the four-footed animals of the land (or: earth), and the little wild animals that are trapped and hunted, also creeping things (insects and reptiles), as well as the flying creatures of the sky (or: heaven; atmosphere). ⁷ "Now I also heard a voice, saying to me, 'Get up (Stand up; Arise), Peter! Slaughter (or: Sacrifice) and eat [something] at once!' ⁸ "But I said, 'Not even one [of those], Sir (or: Lord; Master; or: = Christ or Yahweh?), because common (= what is not set-apart as food for Israelites and is forbidden by the dietary rules of the Law) and unclean (meaning: ceremonially unclean) never entered into my mouth!' ⁹ "Yet a voice forth from a second one (or: = a second time; out of a second [directive]) responded decidedly from out of the heaven (or: atmosphere; sky), 'You are not to continue making, or considering, common [the] things which God cleansed (or: cleanses) and made (or: makes) clean!' ¹⁰ "Now this occurred three times, and then everything was pulled (or: drawn) back up again into the sky (or: atmosphere; heaven). ¹¹ "Furthermore – now consider this! – out of that very [moment], three men, being the ones sent off on the mission from Caesarea to me, stood at the house in which we presently were [other MSS: I presently was]. ¹² "So the Breath-effect (or: Spirit) told me to at once go with them – doubting nothing and making no discrimination nor separating myself in even one thing. Now these six brothers also went together with me, and then we entered into the house of the man. ¹³ "Now he at once reported back to us how he saw the agent (messenger) standing within his house, and then saying, 'Send off into Joppa, then send after Simon, the one now surnamed Peter, ¹⁴ "'who will be speaking to you gush-effects and results of the flow (or: declarations; spoken words) within the midst of which you yourself will be made whole (saved; rescued; healed and returned to your pristine state of being) – as well as all your household!' ¹⁵ "However, within the midst of my starting to continue speaking, the set-apart Breath-effect (or: Holy Spirit) fell upon them – even as also upon us, in the beginning. ¹⁶ "At this I was reminded of the results of the flow and the gush-effects (or: words spoken) by the Lord, as He was repeatedly saying, 'John, indeed (or: for his part), immersed in water, yet you yourselves will be immersed (baptized) within the midst of set-apart Breath-effect (or: in [the] Holy Spirit).' ¹⁷ "Since (or: If), therefore, God gave (or: gives) to them the equal free gift (the gratuity that is equal in quality, measure and rank) as also to us, when (or: in) believing and putting their trust upon the Lord, Jesus Christ (or: [the] Anointed Jesus) – who or what [am] I? Was I able to cut off or hinder God?!" ¹⁸ Now upon hearing these, they were quiet (silent; still), and then they gave glory to, and enhanced the reputation of, God, as a group saying, "Consequently, God also gave (or: gives) to the non-Jews (the ethnic multitudes of the nations) the change of mind (or: change in thinking) [which brings one; or, leads] into Life!"

¹⁸ Now upon hearing these, they were quiet (silent; still), and then they gave glory to, and enhanced the reputation of, God, as a group saying, "Consequently, God also gave (or: gives) to the non-Jews (the ethnic multitudes of the nations) the change of mind (or: change in thinking) [which brings one; or, leads] into Life!" ¹⁹ So then, as to the folks being scattered and dispersed from the pressure, affliction and tribulation being birthed on [the situation regarding] Stephen, they went throughout [the country, or, area] as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, by custom speaking the Logos (the Word; the message) to no one except to Jews only.

²⁶ then, upon finding [him], he brought (or: led) [him] into Antioch. Now it also came to be (or: happened) for them to be gathered together among (or: within the midst of) the called-out community [there for] a whole year, and to teach a considerable crowd [of people]. Furthermore, [it happened] in Antioch for the first time to employ the useful appellation "Christians (little anointed ones; = Messianics; = associates or followers of the Christ)" [to; for] the disciples (or: students).

²⁸ And now one from among them, named Agabus, upon rising and taking a stand, through means of the Breath-effect (or: Spirit) began indicating by signs and symbols [that] a great famine is to be progressively impending, [which] is going to birth itself into existence upon the whole inhabited land (= the whole Roman empire) – something which occurred upon [the reign] of Claudius.

³⁰ which, also, they did, sending [it] off to the older men (or: elders) through [the] hand (= by the means or personal agency) of Barnabas and Saul.

⁶ So when Herod was being about to bring him forth (or: produce him [to them]), during that night Peter – being bound with two chains – continued sleeping between two soldiers, besides [the] guards before the door [who] continued watching over and guarding the prison (or: jail).

¹⁷ But, after gesturing (motioning downward) with [his] hand for them to hush and keep silent, he thoroughly related to them how the Lord [= Christ or Yahweh] led him forth out of the prison. Then he said, "Report these things back to Jacob (James) and the brothers." And then, after going out, he went his way into a different place.

²⁰ But he was continuing in a rushing passion for battle (or: progressing to a furious fighting mood) in regard to the people of Tyre and of Sidon. So with like mind and purpose, they kept on being present with [their faces] toward him. Then upon persuading (convincing; coaxing; conciliating; winning over) Blastus – the king's personal attendant who is in charge of his sleeping quarters – they kept on asking for peace, because their country [had the situation] to be normally receiving [their] food supplies from the territory and authorization of the king (or: via royal discretion).

¹ Now there were prophets (folks who had light ahead of time and spoke it before folks) and teachers within the midst of Antioch, down in (or: corresponding to; or: to accord with) the called-out community currently being [there]: both Barnabas and Simeon – the one normally being called " [the] Black" (or: Niger) – as well as Lucius, the man from Cyrene (a Greek colony in north Africa; or: Cyrenian, being the name of another man there), and Manaen (or: Manahen) – a person who was brought up with (or: a foster brother of; a childhood companion of; one educated and nurtured with) Herod, the tetrarch (provincial or district ruler) – and Saul. ² So, in the midst of their continually doing public work (service for the people) for (or: in; to; by; with) the Lord [= Christ or Yahweh], as well as periodically fasting, the set-apart Breath-effect (or: the Holy Spirit) said, "Now therefore, you folks section off (mark off boundaries so as to define) Barnabas and Saul – to (or: for; by; in; with) Me – into the work toward which I Myself have called (or: summoned) them."

⁴ They themselves indeed therefore – being sent out from the midst by the set-apart Breath-effect (or: under the Holy Spirit) – went down into Seleucia. Then from there, they sailed away unto Cyprus.

¹⁶ So, arising (or: after standing up) and gesturing – making a downward motion – with [his] hand, Paul said, "Men (= Gentlemen), Israelites – as well as the folks fearing God (i.e., the God-fearers: Gentile proselytes) – listen, and hear.

⁵⁰ But the Jews incited and spurred on the reverent, respectable (or: reputable; influential; of good form and decorum) women, as well as the leading (principal; foremost) men of the city, and they aroused (raised up; mounted) a pursuit and persecution upon Paul and Barnabas, and then threw them out of their midst – away from their boundaries (= city limits; or: territory; district).

² Yet the Jews [who] were at that point being unconvinced (or: stubborn) rose up on [the situation; D reads: But the synagogue leaders of the Jews, and synagogue rulers brought persecution upon them – against those of the rightwised Way – ] and acted in a worthless manner so as to badly effect the souls (inner lives) of the non-Jews (folks of the nations; = the Greeks that were involved) in a negative manner in regard to the brothers [= either those with Paul and Barnabas, or, those of the synagogue who had become brothers; D adds: but the Lord soon granted peace {to the situation}].

⁵ So as a rushing onset occurred of both the non-Jews (ethnic folks; = Greeks) and Jews – together with their leaders (or: authorities; rulers) – to outrage (to violate, manhandle, or treat insolently) and to pelt them with stones,

¹⁹ So [C, D & E add: during their continuing to spend time {there} and repeatedly teaching, certain] Jews from Antioch and Iconium came upon [the scene], and [with other MSS: from their repeated arguments, publicly] persuaded the crowds [other MSS add: to separate from them, saying that they were not even speaking truth, but rather were all constantly lying]. And so, after stoning Paul, they proceeded to be violently dragging [him] outside of the city, continuing in presuming him to have died.

²⁷ Now coming to be alongside (= present) and after gathering the called-out community together, they began recounting [to them] whatever God did (performed) with them [D reads: with their souls], and that He opened up a (or: [the]) door of trust with the ethnic multitudes (or: from faith among the nations; of confidence for the non-Jews; to the Gentiles, from faith).

¹ Later, certain men, having come down from Judea, began teaching the brothers that, "Unless you folks should (or: would) get circumcised within (or: by) the custom of Moses [D reads: and should habitually walk (= order your lives) in (by) the custom of Moses], you continue without power to be saved (or: you continue unable to be healed, made whole or returned to the original state and condition)." ² But [p74, A & others: Therefore] with there coming to be no little occurrence of taking positions (making stands in the dissension) as well as of debating, disputing and seeking a resolution [to the question] by (or: with; or: to) Paul and Barnabas, face to face with them, they made arrangements for Paul and Barnabas – and certain others from among them – to now go up unto Jerusalem, to the sent-forth folks and older men concerning the effect of this seeking (or: about this question) [D reads: ... face to face with them, for Paul, insisting firmly, continued telling {them} to remain thus, according as they had believed. Yet the men who had come from Jerusalem passed on instruction to them for Paul and Barnabas – and some other folks – to now go up to face the sent-forth ones, even {the} elders, in Jerusalem so that they could have a decision made upon them about this matter in question]. ³ Accordingly (or: Indeed, therefore), after being sent forward (or: = being helped forward [on their journey]; or: being escorted [part way]) by the called-out community, they themselves continued passing through both Phoenicia and Samaria, repeatedly relating in detail the turning about (= the conversion) of the ethnic multitudes (the non-Jews; the [people] of the nations). And thus they continued producing (making; causing; creating) great joy for (in; to) all the brothers (= fellow believers). ⁴ Now on having come to be alongside (= upon arriving) into the midst of Jerusalem, they were welcomely received as part of the group by the called-out community – even the sent-forth folks, including the older men (or: the elders) – and so they recounted (or: reported) whatever (or: as many things as) God had done in accompaniment with them. ⁵ Yet certain men from the sect of the Pharisees – being ones who had believed and were now trusting – stood up out of the midst, [as a group] saying that it continues binding and necessary for them [i.e., the non-Jews] to continue with circumcision, besides to continue to be observing the Law of Moses. ⁶ So the sent-forth folks and older men (or: elders) were gathered together to see about this idea (expressed thought; word; = matter).

¹² So [D adds: with the older men (or: elders) now accepting and consenting to the things having been spoken by Peter,] the entire multitude became silent, and they began listening to Barnabas and Paul progressively unfolding and leading [the folks] out, [through] a description of whatever (or: however many) signs and miracles (wonders; portents) [which] God did among the ethnic multitudes (or: nations; non-Jews) through them. ¹³ Now after the [time for] them to become silent, Jacob (or: James) [D adds: upon arising] discerningly responded, presently saying, "Men! Brothers! Hear (or: Listen to) me!

¹⁹ "Hence (or: Because of which), I myself am now judging and deciding not to continue making it more difficult for, or to be troubling or harassing, the folks from the ethnic multitudes (the nations; the non-Jews) [who] are progressively turning upon (= turning around to) God,

¹⁹ "Hence (or: Because of which), I myself am now judging and deciding not to continue making it more difficult for, or to be troubling or harassing, the folks from the ethnic multitudes (the nations; the non-Jews) [who] are progressively turning upon (= turning around to) God, ²⁰ "however (or: but yet), to send word by a letter for them to be habitually holding themselves away from (constantly abstaining from) the effects of ceremonial pollution from (or: belonging and pertaining to) the idols – as well as from the prostitution ([note: may also have reference to temple idol worship]; or: sexual immorality; [p45 omits this phrase]) – and from [something that was] strangled [i.e., where the blood was not drained out], also from blood [comment: these were prohibitions from the Law, in Lev. 17 & 18; D adds: Also, whatever you would not normally want to be happening to yourselves, do not do to others].

²⁰ "however (or: but yet), to send word by a letter for them to be habitually holding themselves away from (constantly abstaining from) the effects of ceremonial pollution from (or: belonging and pertaining to) the idols – as well as from the prostitution ([note: may also have reference to temple idol worship]; or: sexual immorality; [p45 omits this phrase]) – and from [something that was] strangled [i.e., where the blood was not drained out], also from blood [comment: these were prohibitions from the Law, in Lev. 17 & 18; D adds: Also, whatever you would not normally want to be happening to yourselves, do not do to others]. ²¹ "For you see, Moses – from out of [the] original (beginning; = ancient) generations – continually has folks repeatedly making public proclamation of him, in city after city within the synagogues, being habitually read aloud in correspondence with every sabbath." ²² At that point it seemed [good; favorable] to the sent-forth folks and the older men (or: elders), together with the whole called-out community, to send adult men – folks picked out (or: chosen; selected; spoken-forth) from among their midst – into Antioch along with Paul and Barnabas, [namely], Judah – the one normally being called Barsabbas – and Silas (probably = Silvanus), men normally taking the lead among the brothers (= fellow believers), ²³ after writing [D adds: a letter] by their hand [D adds: presently containing this]: " [From:] The emissaries (sent-forth folks) and the older men (or: the elders) – brothers (or: the older brothers; [other MSS: as well as the brothers {= fellow believers; = your brothers}]), To: The brothers down in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia – to those from out of the ethnic multitudes (nations; non-Jews) – to continue to be rejoicing! (= Greetings!) ²⁴ "Since we hear (or: heard) that certain folks going out from among us disturbed (agitated; troubled; perplexed) you folks with words (or: by messages; in thoughts) progressively dismantling (breaking up the camp of; bankrupting by removing the furniture of; remodeling) your inner lives (souls) – to whom we of ourselves gave no distinctive decision, thorough arrangement, determined instruction or assignment –

²⁹ "to habitually abstain and hold yourselves away from idol sacrifices (or: things [i.e., foods] sacrificed to idols) and from blood, and from things that were strangled, and from sexual immorality (fornication; prostitution; = infidelity) – out from which things, by practice carefully keeping and habitually thoroughly guarding yourselves, you folks will perform well (be well-engaged; prosper) [D reads: and whatever you do not normally wish or purpose for yourselves to progressively become or to have happen, do not keep on doing to other folks, {and} from which things in continuously keeping yourselves thoroughly {away}, commit acts of ease and well-being, being folks constantly carried along within the set-apart Breath-effect (or: the holy wind; the Holy Spirit)]. Be ones having been strengthened and made firm (or: = Good health to you)!"

³⁹ So there occurred a sharp dispute, with the result for them to at once be pulled apart and disunited from one another. And thus at that point Barnabas, taking along Mark, set sail unto Cyprus.

⁴¹ And so he continued passing on through Syria and Cilicia, progressively establishing the called-out communities [D adds: while one by one passing on the goals/directives from the older folks].

³ [It was] this man [that] Paul had wanted and now intended to go out with him, and so after taking [him], he circumcised him because of the Jews – the ones presently being in those places – since they had all seen, and were thus aware, that his father was (or: had been) a Greek.

⁶ So they went through Phrygia and [the] Galatian province [note: possibly the ethnographic area of the Gauls or Celts who dwelt in North Galatia], having been restrained (or: prevented) by the set-apart Breath-effect (or: the Holy Spirit) from speaking the message (the Logos; the Word; [D reads: not even one word of God]) within the [province of] Asia.

¹⁰ Now as [soon as] he saw the vision [D reads: Then, being aroused he related the vision in detail to us and we understood.] we immediately endeavored to go forth into Macedonia, progressively putting [aspects of the vision] together and mutually concluding that God [D and others read: {the} Lord] had called to us, to bring them [D reads: those in Macedonia] the good news – the message of goodness, ease and well-being.

¹⁰ Now as [soon as] he saw the vision [D reads: Then, being aroused he related the vision in detail to us and we understood.] we immediately endeavored to go forth into Macedonia, progressively putting [aspects of the vision] together and mutually concluding that God [D and others read: {the} Lord] had called to us, to bring them [D reads: those in Macedonia] the good news – the message of goodness, ease and well-being. ¹¹ Therefore, setting sail and putting out to sea, from Troas we followed a straight course (i.e., were sailing before the wind) unto Samothrace, but on the following [day we went] to Neapolis,

¹³ And then, on one of the sabbath days, we went forth outside the [city] gate beside [the] river [Gangites (or: Gargites); about one mile west of town] where we had been supposing (or: inferring from custom) there to be a place of prayer (may = a synagogue; a place devoted to imparting goodness and to speaking toward things being well). And so, after sitting down, we [note: implies each of the four men] began speaking to the women being come together [there].

¹⁶ Once it happened, during our going our way unto the place of prayer (= synagogue; or: the place devoted to imparting well-being and to speaking toward things being well), [that] a certain servant-girl (or: maid) – continuously holding a python spirit (or: repeatedly having a python breath-effect; = a serpent attitude and orientation; = an animistic practitioner; [note: in Greek mythology, Python was a giant snake guarding the oracular sanctuary at Delphi until slain by the god Apollo; later, the term came to refer to divination, ventriloquism and oracular spirits]) suddenly comes to meet with us (or: comes from under to confront us face to face), who, by habitually performing many acts of the craft of divining, fortune-telling and casting spells, had been consistently providing a steady source of income for her owners (or: masters; lords).

¹⁹ Well, her [D reads: the servant-girl's] owners (masters), upon seeing (or: perceiving) that the expectation of their business (= the source of their income) went out from the midst [D reads: had been deprived from them which they had been having through her], after seizing Paul and Silas, they forcibly dragged [them] into the marketplace [and] before [the station of] the authorities ([city] rulers). ²⁰ And so, after leading them forward to the civil magistrates, they said, "These men, being (or: belonging to; making a beginning as) Jews, continue completely stirring up (or: are repeatedly bringing forth a disturbance [in]) our city! ²¹ "Furthermore, they are habitually bringing down an announcement of customs which are not normal, right or allowed for us to habitually accept and embrace at our sides, nor to continue doing or practicing, [we] being Romans." ²² Then the crowd rose up together, [with D: taking a stand in attack] against them [with D: repeatedly crying out against them], and the civil magistrates, after stripping (or: ripping) off the cloaks and outer garments from them, began giving orders to proceed beating [them] with rods.

³⁷ Yet Paul affirmed to them, "After lashing (or: beating) us in public, uncondemned (or: not having gone through a legal trial) – men who are Romans – they threw (cast) [us] into prison (or: jail)! And now they are proceeding in throwing us out secretly and unnoticed? No indeed! To the contrary, upon coming [here], let they themselves lead us out!"

⁵ Now the [D adds: unpersuaded; unconvinced] Jews, becoming jealous and taking to themselves certain worthless men (= degenerates) from the market-place loafers (ones who are idle and hung out on the streets) as associates and forming a mob, began starting a riot in the city. Then, after assaulting the house of Jason [note: probably Paul and Silas' host], they continued in seeking to lead them before the populace (or: into the midst of the mob).

⁵ Now the [D adds: unpersuaded; unconvinced] Jews, becoming jealous and taking to themselves certain worthless men (= degenerates) from the market-place loafers (ones who are idle and hung out on the streets) as associates and forming a mob, began starting a riot in the city. Then, after assaulting the house of Jason [note: probably Paul and Silas' host], they continued in seeking to lead them before the populace (or: into the midst of the mob). ⁶ Yet upon not finding them, they began violently dragging (or: forcefully trailing) Jason and certain brothers before the city rulers (or: officials), repeatedly yelling, "The people that are causing the inhabited areas of the Empire to be roused up out of its situation (or: are inciting tumults and insurrections in the State; or: = are upsetting the inhabited land, causing folks to get up and take a stand) – these folks are now present in this place also;

¹⁰ So then the brothers (= fellow believers) immediately sent both Paul and Silas out by (or: through [the]) night into Berea, who, upon arriving unto the synagogue of the Jews, continued being away [there].

¹³ Now as soon as the Jews from Thessalonica came to know (or: learned) that the Logos of God (or: God's Word and message) was proclaimed by (or: brought down as a public announcement under) Paul in Berea also, they came there as well, repeatedly shaking (agitating) and stirring up (disturbing) the crowds [D adds: not ceasing].

¹² Now while Gallio [brother of Seneca, Nero's tutor] was being [the] proconsul (regional governor) of Achaia, the Jews, [D adds: after talking together,] with one accord and like rushing-passion, took a stand down upon (or: made a concerted assault on) Paul and, [D adds: laying hands on {him},] led him up on the raised public platform where legal cases were tried (the dais), [before Gallio],

¹⁷ So (or: Then) they all, after suddenly grabbing Sosthenes, the [current] presiding leader (or: chief ruler) of the synagogue, began beating [him] in front of the court area (the dais). And yet no one of these things came to be a concern or was of interest to (or: for) Gallio. ¹⁸ Now Paul, after remaining (or: staying on) yet a considerable number of days face to face with the brothers (= fellow believers), upon separating himself and saying good-bye proceeded to sail forth unto Syria – Priscilla and Aquila also with him – shearing [his] head (cutting his hair in the manner of shearing a sheep) in Cenchrea, for you see, he continued holding (or: having) a good thought for well-being (or: a prayer which he claimed; or: a vow). ¹⁹ So they came down opposite unto (or: arrived into the midst of) Ephesus and [D adds: on the next sabbath] he left those folks there, yet he himself, upon entering into the synagogue, had dialogues and reasoned with the Jews.

²² Then, after coming down into Caesarea and walking up [to be] one after another greeting and embracing [the folks of] the called-out community, he walked down into Antioch.

¹ [D and p38 read: Now upon Paul's desiring – according to {his} personal wish and intent – to continue traveling into Jerusalem, the Breath-effect (or: Spirit) told him to be progressively turned back into Asia]. So it happened during the [occasion] for Apollos to be within Corinth, [that] Paul, passing through the upper parts (= mountainous or highland regions; or: = by an inland route), came down into Ephesus. Then, upon finding certain disciples, he said to them,

²⁶ "And yet, you folks continue as spectators gazing with contemplation, and you are constantly hearing that not only in regard to Ephesus, but as it pertains to nearly all of the [province] of Asia, this Paul, by persuading, caused a considerable crowd to change positions and stand with a changed opinion, now continually saying that they are not gods which are periodically coming into being (or: existence) by means of [people's] hands. ²⁷ "Now not only this, but the part for us (= the trade done by us) is now progressing in danger (or: peril) to come into discredit (refutation and disrepute), but further, even (or: also) the temple of the great goddess Artemis will come into being logically considered nothing, and reckoned of no account. Besides this, her magnificence – which the whole [district or province of] Asia and the inhabited area [of the empire] continues adoring with godly fear and worship – also proceeds in being about to be progressively pulled (or: brought) down and demolished." ²⁸ Now at hearing these things and coming to be full of rushing and violent emotions (or: impetuous passion leading to indignation and fury) [D adds: then (or: while) running (or: dashing; rushing out forward) into the street], they began crying out, one after another repeatedly saying, "Great [is] Artemis of [the] Ephesians!" (or: they continued making exclamations of entreaty, constantly saying, "O Great Artemis of Ephesus!") ²⁹ So the city came to be filled with the confusion that comes with the actions of a disorderly mob [D reads: And thus the whole city was being poured together with the sense of shame and disgrace]. What is more, with similar emotions and passion they rushed headlong (or: stampeded) into the theater, having suddenly and violently seized and drug away Gaius and Aristarchus – the Macedonian traveling companions of Paul (or: folks traveling abroad with Paul). ³⁰ Now at Paul's persistent desiring and intending to go inside unto the people of the local society, the disciples [D: began preventing (hindering)] [and] continued not letting him [do so].

³² Indeed, other folks then kept on crying out some other thing – for you see, that called-out group was one having been commingled into a state of confusion, and the majority had not seen, and were thus unaware of, what reason or account they had come together. ³³ So folks of the Jews, thrusting him forward, together made Alexander stand out of the crowd. Thus now Alexander, gesturing (or: motioning) downward with [his] hand, was wanting and intending to be defending himself to the people (or: populace).

⁴⁰ "for we also continue being in danger (or: peril; at risk) to be now arraigned and indicted (or: accused and charged) for a rebellious posture (a stance which signifies civil insurrection) concerning today's [affair; commotion; events], possessing (or: there inhering [D reads: there being]) not one cause concerning which we will be able to render a reason (an account; a word; a thought; = an explanation) about this turning-together (= a conspiracy, a riot, or a disorderly mob)."

⁴ Now [D: therefore with his being progressively about to depart], it continued being arranged for him to be met, as far as [the province of] Asia, [by] Sopater, [the son] of Pyrrhus, a Berean. Now [there was] also Aristarchus and Secundus, from Thessalonica, and Gaius from Derbe, as well as Timothy. Then, from [the province] of Asia, [there were] Tychicus and Trophimus.

⁶ yet we [= Paul and Luke?] put out to sea (or: set sail) from Philippi, after the days [= the Feast] of Unleavened [Bread], and came to them, after five days [entering] into Troas, where we spent seven days.

⁶ yet we [= Paul and Luke?] put out to sea (or: set sail) from Philippi, after the days [= the Feast] of Unleavened [Bread], and came to them, after five days [entering] into Troas, where we spent seven days. ⁷ Now on that one particular sabbath (literally: in the one of the sabbaths), at our having been gathered together to break bread (= share a meal), Paul began dialoging with (or: discussing and reasoning through a discourse to) them. [He was] being about to depart on the next day, so he continued prolonging the message (stretching out beside [them] the thoughts and reasons of the Logos) until midnight.

¹³ Now we ourselves (= the rest of us), going ahead by boat, sailed on to Assos, being about (= planning; intending) to take up Paul – for thus [he] had arranged, [as] he himself was being about to continue going on, [taking a shortcut], by foot. [note: this was a journey of about twenty miles over a paved Roman road, and was less than half the distance of the sea voyage around Cape Lectum]

¹⁶ You see, Paul had decided to sail on, passing beside Ephesus, so that it would not happen for him to linger or run out of time in the [province of] Asia, for he was continuing to hurry on [so as] to come to be [entered] into Jerusalem [for] the Day of Pentecost – if it would be possible for him. ¹⁷ Now by sending from Miletus unto Ephesus, he summoned the older men of the called-out community [there] to journey over to him.

²² "And so now, look and consider this! I myself, having been bound by the Breath-effect (or: in the Spirit; to [my] spirit and attitude; with the [realm of] spirit; for the breath-effect) – and still being thus – I continue proceeding on my journey into Jerusalem, not seeing or knowing [p41 & D read: having insight about] the things that will progressively be meeting together with me (or: that will proceed falling together in opposition to me) within the midst of her (or: it),

²² "And so now, look and consider this! I myself, having been bound by the Breath-effect (or: in the Spirit; to [my] spirit and attitude; with the [realm of] spirit; for the breath-effect) – and still being thus – I continue proceeding on my journey into Jerusalem, not seeing or knowing [p41 & D read: having insight about] the things that will progressively be meeting together with me (or: that will proceed falling together in opposition to me) within the midst of her (or: it), ²³ "except that down through each city (or: from city to city) the Set-apart Breath-effect (or: Holy Spirit) keeps repeatedly giving full witness and evidence to me, continually saying that bonds (= imprisonments) and pressures (oppressions; afflictions; tribulations) continue remaining and are still awaiting me.

²³ "except that down through each city (or: from city to city) the Set-apart Breath-effect (or: Holy Spirit) keeps repeatedly giving full witness and evidence to me, continually saying that bonds (= imprisonments) and pressures (oppressions; afflictions; tribulations) continue remaining and are still awaiting me. ²⁴ "Nevertheless, from not even one thought do I habitually make my soul of value to myself (or, with other MSS: neither do I now hold a word or idea for me, nor do I continuously make my inner life or self valuable or precious to me), until I can finish my course (complete my trek and perfect my career; bring my run to its purposed destiny; or: [with other MSS: so] I would bring my race-course to its goal), as well as the attending service, which I received from beside the Lord Jesus: to for myself make full witness of and give thorough evidence for the good news (the message of ease, goodness and well-being) which is God's grace (or: which has a source in, and the character of, the undeserved joyous favor of God).

³⁶ Then, after saying these things, upon bending his knees together with all of them, he spoke toward things being well (or: he prayed). ³⁷ So there came to be considerable weeping and lamentation from all of them, and one after another, after falling upon Paul's neck, were successively giving down expressions of affection and fondly kissing him,

³⁷ So there came to be considerable weeping and lamentation from all of them, and one after another, after falling upon Paul's neck, were successively giving down expressions of affection and fondly kissing him, ³⁸ being presently pained by mental and emotional distress – especially upon the word which he had declared, that they were now about to no longer be periodically gazing upon his face. Thus they began escorting him, sending [him] forward unto the boat.

³⁸ being presently pained by mental and emotional distress – especially upon the word which he had declared, that they were now about to no longer be periodically gazing upon his face. Thus they began escorting him, sending [him] forward unto the boat.

³ So then, with Cyprus coming up into view, then later leaving it behind on the port side (the left), we continued sailing on into Syria and came down into (= put into port at) Tyre – for it was there [that] the boat was unloading the cargo. ⁴ Now after searching and having found the disciples – who through means of the Breath-effect (or: Spirit) repeatedly told Paul not to continue stepping on [board] (or: embarking) unto Jerusalem – we prolonged our stay there seven days.

⁴ Now after searching and having found the disciples – who through means of the Breath-effect (or: Spirit) repeatedly told Paul not to continue stepping on [board] (or: embarking) unto Jerusalem – we prolonged our stay there seven days.

⁷ Now we ourselves, finishing the voyage, descended to arrive from Tyre into Ptolemais and, after greeting the brothers, we remained one day with them. ⁸ So after setting out on the next day, we came into Caesarea. Then, upon entering into the house of Philip, the one who brings wellness and announces goodness (or: good news) – being [a part] of the seven – we remained (or: stayed) with him.

¹⁰ Yet during the prolonging of our stay [several] more days, a certain prophet (one who speaks light ahead of time) from Judea named Agabus came down,

¹⁰ Yet during the prolonging of our stay [several] more days, a certain prophet (one who speaks light ahead of time) from Judea named Agabus came down, ¹¹ and then, after coming to us and picking up Paul's girding attire (sash or leather belt; girdle with which he wraps himself) [and] upon binding his own feet and hands, he said, "Thus is the Set-apart Breath-effect now saying (or: Now the Holy Spirit is progressively laying out these things), 'In this way will the Jews in Jerusalem proceed binding the man who owns this girding attire – and they will continue in turning [him] over into [the] hands of [the] ethnic multitudes (or: nations; people groups that are non-Jewish)!'"

¹¹ and then, after coming to us and picking up Paul's girding attire (sash or leather belt; girdle with which he wraps himself) [and] upon binding his own feet and hands, he said, "Thus is the Set-apart Breath-effect now saying (or: Now the Holy Spirit is progressively laying out these things), 'In this way will the Jews in Jerusalem proceed binding the man who owns this girding attire – and they will continue in turning [him] over into [the] hands of [the] ethnic multitudes (or: nations; people groups that are non-Jewish)!'" ¹² So as we heard these things, both we ourselves and the folks in the place began entreating him not to continue walking up into Jerusalem.

¹⁶ Now some of the disciples from Caesarea also came with us, proceeding in leading [us] [D adds: later coming into a certain village] to a certain Mnason [Aleph reads: Jason] of Cyprus, a disciple [from the] beginning with whom we would lodge and be received as guests.

¹⁹ Then, after greeting and embracing them, he began leading out with a detailed account, unfolding one by one each of the things which God had done among the ethnic multitudes (= the non-Jews of the nations) through his attending service.

²¹ "Yet they have been orally instructed concerning you, that you are repeatedly (or: habitually) teaching all the Jews down through the ethnic multitudes (or: nations; non-Jews) an apostasy away (a revolt; a standing away) from Moses, constantly telling them not to be circumcising [their] children, nor even to be living their lives (continually walking about) in (by; with) the customs.

²⁴ "Taking these men along, be ritually purified together with them and pay the expenses for them to the end that they will proceed shaving [their] heads – and everyone will proceed in coming to know that what they have been orally instructed concerning you (= that the rumor about you) is nothing, but to the contrary you yourself are also habitually observing the elements and keeping in line, constantly watching, guarding and maintaining the Law!

²⁶ Thereupon on the next day, after taking the men along then being ceremonially purified together with them, Paul entered into the Temple complex and continued being there while giving thorough notice [to the priests or Levites] of the date when the period of purification would be completed (or: the [number] of days [remaining] for the fulfillment of the cleansing period), at which time an offering would be presented (or: a sacrifice would be offered) over (= on behalf of) each one of them.

²⁸ repeatedly crying out, "Men! Israelites! Come help [us]... now (Run immediately to our cry)! This man is the person who is constantly teaching all people everywhere against the People [= Jews or Israelites] and the Law and this [Concordant text adds: holy] Place! Still more than this, he also brought Greeks into the Temple complex and has thus made this set-apart and sacred Place common (= profane, contaminated and defiled)!"

³³ At that point the commander (or: tribune), drawing near, took hold of him (= arrested him). Then he gave orders [for him] to be bound with two chains, and began inquiring who he might be and what it is he had done. ³⁴ Now some within the mob began shouting out one thing, other folks something else. So with his not being able to know the certainty [of the matter] because of the uproar and tumult, he gave orders for him to be led into the barracks (or: fortress). ³⁵ But when he came to be upon the stairs, the situation presented the need for him to proceed by being picked up and carried by the soldiers – because of the violence of the crowd,

³⁷ But just as he is about to be led into the barracks, Paul proceeds in saying to the commander, "Is it alright (or: allowable) for me to say something to you?" So he affirmed, "You know Greek! ³⁸ "Consequently, you are certainly not the Egyptian – the one who was stirring up a revolt and then leading the four thousand 'men of the dagger' (= assassins or terrorists) into the desert some time ago (or: before these days)."

⁴⁰ Now after his giving permission, Paul, standing on the stairs, gestures – motioning down with [his] hand – to the people. Then, with it becoming perfectly quiet, he shouted to [them] in the Hebrew [p74 & A read: in his own] language (or: dialect), saying:

² Well, upon hearing that he was now loudly addressing them in the Hebrew language (or: dialect), they provided even more quietness of behavior [D reads: became more calm and tranquil]. And so he continued affirming, ³ "I myself am a man [who is] a Jew having been born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but having been nourished, trained and educated in this city at the feet of Gamaliel – disciplined and instructed corresponding to and in accord with the strictness, accuracy and precision of the ancestral Law (or: the Law received from the fathers); continuing under a beginning of being God's zealot (or: progressing from a humble beginning, being zealous concerning God), just as all of you yourselves are today!

¹⁹ "And so I myself said, 'Lord, they themselves continue being well-versed and understand that in one synagogue after another I myself was repeatedly imprisoning and flaying (flogging) the folks trusting and believing upon You.

²² Now they kept on listening to his [speech; presentation] – down to this word! Then they suddenly raised their voice, [together and one after another] repeatedly saying, "Be lifting the likes of him away from the earth (or: Be taking such a person off the Land), for he has not continued fit or suitable (it has not reached the level) for him to keep on living!"

²⁴ the commander (tribune) gave orders to proceed in taking him inside, into the barracks, saying [for] him to be progressively interrogated and thoroughly examined with whips (= to undergo scourging) so that he can personally come to fully know through what cause (or: for what reason) the people were continuing to shout against him in this way.

²⁴ the commander (tribune) gave orders to proceed in taking him inside, into the barracks, saying [for] him to be progressively interrogated and thoroughly examined with whips (= to undergo scourging) so that he can personally come to fully know through what cause (or: for what reason) the people were continuing to shout against him in this way. ²⁵ Yet as they extend and stretch him forward with the thongs (or: straps), Paul says to the centurion, "If a person [be] (or: Since a man [is]) a Roman and [is] uncondemned, is it lawful or permissible for you to be scourging [him] (= Is it legal for you to flog a Roman who has not been condemned)?"

²⁵ Yet as they extend and stretch him forward with the thongs (or: straps), Paul says to the centurion, "If a person [be] (or: Since a man [is]) a Roman and [is] uncondemned, is it lawful or permissible for you to be scourging [him] (= Is it legal for you to flog a Roman who has not been condemned)?"

²⁵ Yet as they extend and stretch him forward with the thongs (or: straps), Paul says to the centurion, "If a person [be] (or: Since a man [is]) a Roman and [is] uncondemned, is it lawful or permissible for you to be scourging [him] (= Is it legal for you to flog a Roman who has not been condemned)?" ²⁶ Well, upon hearing this the centurion, after approaching, reported to the commander, saying," [D adds: Consider] what you are about to be doing, for this man is a Roman [citizen]!" ²⁷ So after approaching [Paul], the commander said to him, "Tell me, are you a Roman [citizen]?" So [Paul] affirms, "Yes." [D reads: So he said, "I am."] ²⁸ Now the commander, after considering, responds, "I myself, with much capital (= a large sum of money), procured for myself this citizenship!" But Paul affirmed, "Yet I myself have even been born [one] (or: But I by heredity)." ²⁹ Immediately, therefore, the men being about to be interrogating him at once withdrew (stood away) from him. Then the commander (tribune) became afraid after becoming fully aware that he is a Roman [citizen], and that (or: because) he was the person having bound (or: imprisoned) him.

²⁹ Immediately, therefore, the men being about to be interrogating him at once withdrew (stood away) from him. Then the commander (tribune) became afraid after becoming fully aware that he is a Roman [citizen], and that (or: because) he was the person having bound (or: imprisoned) him. ³⁰ So on the next day, continuing being determined to know (or: = find out) the certainty of the [matter] – just why he continues being accused by the Jews, he loosed him (unshackled him and released him from prison) and then commanded the chief priests and all the Sanhedrin (High Council) to come together (to assemble). Next, bringing Paul down, he had inserted [him] into the midst, making [him] stand among them.

¹⁰ Yet, with so much commotion and dispute occurring and becoming so violent, the commander – fearing [that] Paul would at some point be torn in two (or: pulled apart) by them – commanded the troop (band of soldiers) to bring [him] into the barracks after descending to snatch him out of the midst of them.

¹⁶ However, the son of Paul's sister, upon hearing about the ambush – while happening to be present at the side – then, after entering into the barracks, reported [it] to Paul. ¹⁷ So Paul, calling one of the centurions to him, said, "Take this young man to the commander (tribune), for he is having something to report to him."

²³ Then upon calling to himself two specific centurions, he said, "Get two hundred heavy-armed infantry soldiers prepared and ready so that from the third hour of the night (= at nine o'clock tonight) they can march clear to Caesarea – also seventy mounted cavalry and two hundred spearmen.

²³ Then upon calling to himself two specific centurions, he said, "Get two hundred heavy-armed infantry soldiers prepared and ready so that from the third hour of the night (= at nine o'clock tonight) they can march clear to Caesarea – also seventy mounted cavalry and two hundred spearmen. ²⁴ "Besides this, provide riding mounts so that being mounted, they can bring Paul safely through to Felix the governor."

²⁷ This man, being taken in hand together by the Jews, was also being about to be murdered by them. Standing by with the troop of soldiers, I myself extricated [p48 reads: rescued] [him], having learned that he is a Roman [citizen].

³² But on the next day they returned unto the barracks, allowing the mounted cavalry to continue going off with him,

³⁴ Now upon reading [it] and inquiring from what province he is, then ascertaining that [he is] from Cilicia,

⁵ "You see, [we have been] finding this man [to be] a plague and a pest – also repeatedly putting insurrections in motion among the Jews down through the inhabited land (= the Empire), besides [being] a spearhead (or: ringleader; one standing in the first rank) of the sect (or: party; or: heresy) of the Nazarenes, ⁶ "who also tried to profane (ritually defile; desecrate) the Temple, whom also we seized.

⁶ "who also tried to profane (ritually defile; desecrate) the Temple, whom also we seized.

¹⁸ "within which [activities] they found me, having been ceremonially purified, within the Temple complex – not with a crowd, nor with a tumult or uproar!

²² However, Felix, perceiving more exactly and being acquainted more accurately with the matters concerning the Way (or: the Path), thrust them back from himself (= postponed and adjourned the proceedings, putting them off), saying, "Whenever Lysias the commander can come down I will continue more thoroughly coming to know the matters involving you folks."

²⁷ Now with two years being fulfilled (= at the end of two years), Felix received a successor, Porcius Festus. Yet continuing in desiring to lay up favor for himself with the Jews, Felix left Paul behind imprisoned (or: bound).

¹ Then Festus, having stepped up to assume the governorship of the province, after three days went up from Caesarea into Jerusalem.

⁶ Now after spending no more than eight or ten days among them, then descending into Caesarea, on the next day, when sitting upon the elevated platform in the public court area, he gave orders for Paul to be brought [to him].

⁹ Now Festus, presently desiring and intending to lay up favor with the Jews, in making a calculated response to Paul, said, "Are you now willing to be going up into Jerusalem, to be judged there before me concerning these matters?"

¹³ Now with the elapsing of some days, Agrippa the king and Bernice arrived in Caesarea, paying their respects to Festus.

¹⁶ "– to which men I made the decided reply that it is not [the] custom for Romans to hand over any person as a favor before the one being accused might have the accusers face to face, as well as receive a place for (= have opportunity to make) a defense concerning the indictment (or: charge).

²³ Therefore, on the next day, at [the] coming of Agrippa, as well as Bernice – with much pageantry for making an "appearance" – and their entering into the audience hall, together with both military commanders (tribunes) and the prominent men of the city, and then with Festus giving the command, Paul was led [in].

²⁶ "concerning whom I continue having nothing certain to write to [my] Lord (= the Sovereign; or: [our] Owner). On this account I bring him forth before you people – and most of all, before you, King Agrippa – so that with the examination having taken place, I would have something to write.

⁹ "Therefore within myself I, for one, used to think it to continue binding (or: had the opinion [that] it was then necessary) to commit (or: perform) many acts in opposition against the Name of Jesus, the Nazarene, ¹⁰ "which I did, even in Jerusalem. Furthermore, I myself also locked up many of the set-apart folks (holy ones; saints) in prisons, receiving the authority from the chief (or: ranking) priests, and more than this, I brought down a pebble (= cast my vote) against them – when one after another they were being taken back to be killed.

¹⁴ "Next, at all of us falling down to the ground, I heard a Voice proceeding in saying to me in the Hebrew language, 'Saul, O Saul! Why do you continue pressing forward to persecute Me? To keep on kicking [your heel] toward [the] goads (sharp points; e.g., as with an ox-goad; = futilely resisting or 'flogging a dead horse') [makes it] hard for you (or: = can hurt you)!'

²⁰ "but to the contrary, both to the folks in Damascus, first, and then in Jerusalem – besides all the country of Judea – and later to the ethnic multitudes (the nations; the non-Jews) I kept on reporting the message to be progressively changing one's way of thinking and perspective, as well as to be turning back upon (= oriented to) God, while habitually performing works (or: constantly committing deeds and practicing acts) worthy of that change of mind and that embody the value equal to [a return to Yahweh]. ²¹ "On account of these things, a group of Jews – upon seizing me within the Temple complex – on their own began attempting at once to thoroughly manhandle [me], and probably kill [me].

²¹ "On account of these things, a group of Jews – upon seizing me within the Temple complex – on their own began attempting at once to thoroughly manhandle [me], and probably kill [me].

²⁹ So Paul [responds], "I would ever claim it for the goodness in God (or: speak in boast to the well-being [that is] by God) [for] both in a little [time] as well as even in a great (= long) [space of time] not only you, but further also all those presently hearing me today, to at some point come to be folks of such a sort as I myself presently am – with the exception (or: yet at the outside) of these bonds!"

¹ Now as it was decided for us to be presently sailing off into Italy, they handed over Paul, besides also some different prisoners (= folks who were prisoners for reasons different than for Paul), to a centurion (Roman officer normally in charge of 100 soldiers) named Julius, who was a part of an Augustan military cohort (or: [the] Imperial regiment or squadron). ² So after stepping on [board] the boat (or: ship) [on its way from the seaport] in Adramyttium [which was] presently about to continuing sailing into the places down along the [province of] Asia, we were put out [to sea] – there being with us Aristarchus, a Macedonian man from Thessalonica.

⁴ Later, from there, upon putting out [to sea] we sailed under the [lee, or, shelter] of Cyprus, because of the winds being contrary.

⁶ And there, with the centurion finding an Alexandrian ship in route sailing unto Italy, he had us board it (or: step on into the midst of it).

¹¹ So now, after three months, we were put to sea in an Alexandrian ship – with the ensign (figures painted on each side of the prow) "Sons of Zeus (or: Castor and Pollux; Dioscuri)" – which had wintered in the island. ¹² Later, putting into port at Syracuse, we remained [there] (or: stayed) three days.

¹⁴ where, upon finding brothers (= fellow believers), we were called to [their] side and encouraged to stay on [for] seven days. And so in this way we came into Rome.

¹⁶ Now when we entered into Rome, it was permitted for Paul to continue dwelling (or: to proceed staying; to be remaining) by himself, along with the soldier presently guarding him. ¹⁷ Then, after three days, he happened to call to himself the folks being the foremost (those in the leading circle in the community) of the Jews. So upon their coming together, he proceeded to say to them, "Men... Brothers! I myself, having done nothing contrary (or: not one thing in opposition) to the People, nor to the customs of the fathers (or: the paternal and hereditary traditions), was from the midst of Jerusalem handed over [as] a prisoner into the hands of the Romans,

²⁰ "Therefore, because of this accusation (or: this reason), I called you folks to my side: [for you] to see [the situation] and to address [it] (or: to see [you folks] and to speak to [you]), for you see, I continue with this chain lying around me (or: continue lying encompassed by this chain) on account of the hope and expectation of Israel."

²⁵ So, continuing in being out of harmony (dissonant; discordant; without symphony; = at odds and in disagreement) toward one another, they began loosing themselves away (continued dismissing themselves, one after another) with Paul's speaking one gush-effect (or: comment; declaration): "The set-apart Breath-effect (or: Holy Spirit) beautifully (finely; ideally; aptly; fittingly) speaks (or: spoke) through Isaiah the prophet – to your fathers – saying,

³⁵ Who or what will be separating, dividing or parting us away from the Love of and from Christ (or: the separation-overcoming love which is Christ; [other MSS: the God's love within Christ Jesus])? Pressure (squeezing; affliction; tribulation; oppression), or confinement in a narrow, tight place (distress; difficulty; trouble), or pursuit (the chase of persecution), or famine (or: hunger; deprivation of food), or nakedness (lack of sufficient clothing; deprivation of necessities), or danger (peril; risk), or sword (or: large butcher knife; or: curved weapon for close combat)? ³⁶ Accordingly as it has been written, "On Your account (For Your sake; By reason of You) we are progressively being put to death the whole day! We are logically considered (accounted) as sheep which belong to slaughter (are associated with slaughter)." [Ps. 44:23] ³⁷ But rather (or: On the contrary), within all these things we are habitually over-conquering (we are remaining completely victorious; we continue more than conquering) through the One loving us.

² For I am habitually testifying and giving evidence among them, because they continue possessing a zeal from God (or: For you see, I can repeatedly bear witness to and for them that they constantly hold God's zeal and they continuously have a boiling jealously and hot aspiration concerning God), but however, not down from (or: on the level of and in accordance with) full and accurate experiential knowledge, recognition or insight (epi-gnosis).

¹ So constantly reach toward and receive in your arms (take as a companion, admit to your society and friendship, and partner with) the one continuing without strength in the faith (the person weak in trust, confidence and loyalty) – not [putting him] into separated distinctions (or: discriminations) based upon or pertaining to opinions (or: reasoned considerations; thought processes; dialogues or disputes; things being thought through; thoroughly considered and settled accounts). ² One person, indeed, is habitually trusting (is continually believing; continues to have faith) to eat everything, yet the person being constantly weak (without strength) continues (or: is normally) eating vegetables. ³ The person habitually eating the one thing must not constantly make nothing out of (= look down on) the person not eating. And the person not normally eating the one thing must not constantly make a decision about (separate away from; make a distinction between; pass judgment on) the one habitually eating, for God reaches toward him and takes him in His arms (receives him as a companion and a friend, and has taken him as a partner). ⁴ You, who are the person constantly judging (separating away; making a distinction or a decision about) another man's house-servant (domestic)! By (In; To; For; With) his own Lord (Master; Owner) he continues standing, or, he is falling. Yet he will repeatedly be made to stand, for you see, the Lord [= Yahweh or Christ] is constantly able (perpetually powerful) to make him stand. ⁵ One person, on the one hand, is habitually discriminating (deciding; separating; passing judgment; making a distinction): a day from (or: beside) a day (or: = [one] day more than, or compared with, [another] day). Yet, on the other hand, another is habitually deciding for every day (or: is constantly separating each day [as alike, or, as set-apart]). Let each one habitually be fully led within his own mind (or: Each person must constantly be carried to full measure in union with his own mind [on this matter]). ⁶ He who is habitually minding (being disposed to; being opinionated about) the day, in the Lord [= Yahweh] is continuously opinionated (or: for the Lord [= Christ] is he [thus] minding or being disposed; [some MSS add: and yet the person not minding the day, to, for or in the Lord he is not minding it]). And the one habitually eating, in the Lord [= Yahweh or Christ] is he eating, for he habitually gives thanks to God (constantly expresses gratitude by God, for God and in God). And the one not eating is not eating in God (to God; for God), and habitually expresses gratitude for God (in God; gives thanks to God).

⁶ to the end that at the same time, with a unanimous rush of passion, you folks may (or: would) in one mouth continuously glorify (or: enhance the reputation of and the opinion about) the God and Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ. ⁷ Wherefore, be constantly reaching out with your hands and taking one another in your arms (welcoming and receiving one another as partners), just as the Christ (or: the Anointed) also in this way receives you as partners (takes you [B, D* & P read: us] in His arms; took you to Himself), into God's glory (or: the glory from, and which is, God)!

⁷ Wherefore, be constantly reaching out with your hands and taking one another in your arms (welcoming and receiving one another as partners), just as the Christ (or: the Anointed) also in this way receives you as partners (takes you [B, D* & P read: us] in His arms; took you to Himself), into God's glory (or: the glory from, and which is, God)!

⁹ and on the other hand [to place on good footing and confirm the standing of] the ethnic multitudes (the nations; the non-Israelites; the pagans), [for them] to glorify God (to enhance the reputation of and the opinion about God) over [the situation of] mercy (for the sake of [His] mercy), just as it has been written, "Because of this I will continue openly professing and acclaiming You (speaking out of the same word for and to You; agreeing and promising) within ethnic multitudes (among nations that are pagans and Gentiles), and I will continue playing music (striking the string; making melody; singing with musical accompaniment) to, for and in Your Name." [2 Sam. 22:50; Ps. 18:50] ¹⁰ And again he is saying, "Be of a good frame of mind (Be merry and glad; Have thoughts of wellness), you ethnic multitudes (non-Jews), together with His people." [Deut. 32:43] ¹¹ And again, "You folks – all the multitudes (all nations; all of the Gentiles) – be continually praising the Lord [= Yahweh]." [Ps. 117:1] ¹² And again, Isaiah is saying, "There (or: He) will continue being The Root (or: the Sprout from the root) of Jesse, even the One habitually standing up (placing Himself back; raising Himself up) to continue being Ruler (being The Chief; to repeatedly be the Beginner) of multitudes (of nations; of Gentiles). Upon Him ethnic multitudes (non-Jews; nations) will continue placing their expectation (will rely; will hope)." [Isa. 11:10] ¹³ Now may the God of Expectation (or: the God Who is the Expectant Hope) make you full of all joy and peace within the midst of constant trust and in union with continual operation of faith and believing, [leading] into the midst of continually surrounding you with abundance within The Expectation (or: in union with expectant hope) – within [the] power of a set-apart spirit (or: within [the] Holy Spirit's ability; or: in union with a power which is, and whose source is, set-apart Breath-effect and sacred attitude).

¹⁸ You see, I will not venture to speak (or: tell) anything of which (or: what) Christ does not (or: did not) work down, produce and bring into effect through me [leading] into a submissive giving of the ear (or: humble, obedient hearing and paying attention) from [the] ethnic multitudes (or: of non-Jews, nations and pagans) by an arranged speech and message as well as by a work (or: in word and in action or deed) – in a power of signs and of miracles, [that is], in [the] power of God's Spirit (or: in union with an ability from God's Breath; in an ability from an Attitude which is God [other MSS: in the midst of set-apart Breath-effect]) – ¹⁹ with a view for (in the purpose for) me to have filled [the region] from Jerusalem even, around in a circuit, as far as Illyricum [with] the good news of, from, and concerning the Anointed One (or: the message of goodness, ease and well-being – which is Christ).

⁷ Greet Andronicus and Junia (p46 and others read: Julia), my relatives (or: fellow-countrymen) and fellow-captives, who are ones bearing a distinctive mark (a sign) upon them (or: = that are well-known or famous) among those sent out with a mission (the representatives; the emissaries), ones that were birthed within Christ before me.

⁵ What, then (or: So then, what), is Apollos? And what is Paul? [They are] attending servants and dispensers of [spiritual] provisions, through whom you folks came to believe and trust – even as the Lord [= Christ or Yahweh] gave (or: gives) to and in each one. ⁶ I myself plant (or: planted), Apollos irrigated (or: waters; caused [you] to drink), but then God was causing [it/you] to progressively grow up and increase (be augmented). ⁷ So that neither is the one habitually planting anything [special] (anyone [of importance]), nor the one habitually irrigating (watering; giving drink), but rather God: the One habitually and progressively causing growth and increase. ⁸ Now the one continually planting and the one continually irrigating are one (exist being a unit), yet each one will receive his own wage (pay; compensation) corresponding to his own labor (toil). ⁹ For we are God's fellow-workers (or: we are co-workers of and from God; we exist being co-workers who belong to God). You folks are God's farm (or: field under cultivation), God's building (or: construction project; structure, or act of building).

¹³ being incessantly defamed (slandered; plied with ill-rumors; other MSS: blasphemed), we regularly called them to our sides (normally entreated and offered assistance). We were made to be as that which comes from cleaning all around (as the off-scouring results; as the filthy refuses) of the world (from the organized System of culture, religion, economy and government) – wiped-off filth and scum of all things and all people – until right now!

¹⁸ Was anyone called (invited; summoned) being a person having been circumcised? Let him not be de-circumcised (have the marks of circumcision covered over)! Has anyone been called [being] in [the condition of, or, among the group termed] uncircumcision? He is not to proceed in being circumcised! ¹⁹ The circumcision is nothing, and the uncircumcision is nothing – but to the contrary [what matters is the] observing and keeping of the goals implanted from God (or: the impartations of the finished product within, which is God; or: God’s inward directives to [His] end).

²⁵ Now about the virgins (or: unmarried girls of marriageable age) and celibate women, I do not hold (or: have) an arrangement put upon [you] (or: an imposed disposition or injunction) which originates from [the] Lord [= Yahweh, or Christ], but I continue giving [you] the result of experience-gained knowledge, as being one having been mercied (shown mercy) by (or: under) [the] Lord, to exist being one full of faith (or: to be trustworthy, loyal and faithful). ²⁶ I therefore reason from custom [that] this continues to be inherently beautiful (fine; ideal; good form) – because of the present necessity which has been placed within through compulsion (= a time or circumstance of stress) – that the it is ideal (fine; beautiful) for a person to continue being thus (= as he is; or: for humanity to continue existing in this way): ²⁷ Have you been bound together so that you are now tied to a wife? Stop (or: Do not continue) seeking loosing or release. Have you been released so that you are now loosed from a wife? Stop (or: Do not continue) seeking a wife. ²⁸ Yet even if you should marry, you are not making a mistake (or: missing the goal). And if the virgin or celibate woman should marry, she does not fail (is not making a mistake or missing the goal). Still, such folks (= those who do) will continue or proceed having pressure and constricting stress, in the flesh (= their natural lives) – and as for myself, I [would] spare you folks [that]. ²⁹ Now I forcefully declare this, brothers (= family), the season (fitting and appointed situation; fertile moment) now exists being one that has been contracted (drawn together so as to be shortened, curtailed and limited)! So that for the remaining [time] (the rest of [the season]), those presently having wives (or: the men now holding a woman) should proceed in being as not presently having [them], [note: in the culture and time which Paul is here addressing, the term “married,” or, “having a woman” referred to both formal marriage, and to a man and a woman living together] ³⁰ and those presently weeping (lamenting; shedding tears), [should be] as [if] not weeping, and those presently rejoicing, [should be] as [if] not rejoicing, and those habitually buying at the market place, [should be] as [if] not constantly holding on to it (owning it; keeping it held down; retaining it; = not being possessive), ³¹ and those habitually employing (making use of) the System (the ordered arrangement and world of culture, economy, religion and government; or: secular society) as not folks who are constantly using it down (= making excessive employment or over-use of it), for the outward fashion, mode of circumstance, condition, form-appearance (or: character, role, phase, configuration, manner) of this System (ordered world of culture, religion and society) is progressively passing by (= the present scheme of things is changing and passing away). ³² Now I intend (purpose and want) you folks to constantly exist being free from anxiety (care; concern; worry). The unmarried one (= the person who is not co-habiting; the single person) is habitually concerned about and caring for the Lord's things (= the issues pertaining to Yahweh; the matters that come from and belong to Christ): how he or she can please (be accommodating to) the Lord. ³³ Yet the one being married is constantly concerned about and repeatedly caring for the involvements of the System (the issues pertaining to his world of culture, religion, economy and government): how he can please and be accommodating to the woman ([his] wife), and thus, he has been divided so as to be distributed in parts! ³⁴ Further, the unmarried (or: = single) woman – as well as the virgin (or: unmarried mature young woman of marriageable age) – is habitually concerned about and caring for the Lord's things (= issues; matters): [i.e.] that she may continually exist being set-apart (holy; sacred; different from the profane) – both in [her] body and in [her] spirit (or: so that she would be sacred with body as well as with spirit; that she should be holy both for the Body, and for the Spirit). However, the woman being married is constantly concerned about and repeatedly caring for the involvements of the System ([her] world): how she can please and be accommodating to the man ([her] husband).

³⁸ Consequently, also, the one giving his virgin [daughter] in marriage (or: the one marrying his virgin [fianc'e9e]; or: the one giving the virginity of himself in marriage) is doing [other MSS: will be doing] beautifully, and yet the one not giving in marriage or getting married will be doing better.

¹⁹ You see, continually being free from out of the midst of all things and from all people (or: from everything), I enslave myself to all people (or: everything and everyone), to the end that I can (may; would) gain [all] the more folks. ²⁰ So I come to be (or: became) as a Jew for (or: to; with) the Jews, to the end that I can (would; may) gain Jews; as under Law for (or: to; with) those under Law, to the end that I can (or: would; should; may) gain those under Law;

²⁰ So I come to be (or: became) as a Jew for (or: to; with) the Jews, to the end that I can (would; may) gain Jews; as under Law for (or: to; with) those under Law, to the end that I can (or: would; should; may) gain those under Law; ²¹ as without law (or: as lawless) – [though] not continually being without a law pertaining to God, but to the contrary, within a principle which is Christ (or: Christ's law; the custom which has the character and quality of Christ; or: [the] law which is [the] Anointing) – to those without law (for and with the lawless ones), to the end that I will progressively [other MSS: can; may; would] gain the folks without law (the lawless ones).

⁴ Every adult male (or: husband) habitually praying [publicly] or prophesying while holding down [the; his] Source (or: having [a head-covering {kalumma}] on, down from [his] head), is continually bringing shame (disgrace; dishonor) to his Source (or: Head). [note: according to A.T. Robertson (Word Pictures in the NT, vol. 4, p.159) there is no certainty that the tallith was used at this time] ⁵ Now every woman (or: wife) normally praying or prophesying [publicly] with the head uncovered (or: [her] source not veiled down) is continually bringing shame (disgrace; dishonor) to her head (or: source), for it is one and the very same thing with the woman having been shaved. [note: a dishonor as punishment for adultery; a custom for women slaves]

¹⁰ Yet in (or: by; for; with) God's grace, and joyous favor which is God, I am what I am, and His [placed]-into-me grace (or: [birthed]-into-me joyous favor) was not birthed to be empty, but on the contrary, I toiled to exhaustion by hard labor in excess of them all – yet not I, but rather God's grace and favor, together with me [other MSS read: which {is} with me].

³¹ Daily I am repeatedly facing death (or: progressively dying)! Brothers, [I swear (or: strongly affirm)] by my pride in you! (or: Yes! On the basis of your own boasting, [my family]) – which I continually possess, and hold within Christ Jesus, our Lord (Owner; Master) –

¹³ I had not had a release (or: a relaxing; a letting flow; a relief) in (or: by; to; for; with) my spirit (or: inner breath; attitude) regarding my continuing not to find Titus, my brother, but instead, on sending off arrangements for myself among them and bidding them farewell, I went off into Macedonia.

¹⁰ at all times continuously carrying around (or: bearing about) among the body Jesus' being put to death (or: within [our] body the deadening, or the state of death, which comes from Jesus; or: within the midst of the body the dying associated with Jesus), to the end that the life, also, of Jesus (or: so that also the life which comes from and is Jesus; or: so that Jesus' life) can (may; would) be set in clear light and manifested, within our body (or: in the midst of the body, which is us)! ¹¹ For we, ourselves – the continuously living ones – are ever being repeatedly handed over into death (or: = continuously delivered into life-threatening experiences) – because of Jesus – to the end that the life, also, of Jesus (or: so that also the life which comes from and is Jesus; or: so that Jesus' life) can (may; could; would) be set in clear light and manifested – within our mortal flesh! ¹² So then (or: Consequently), the Death is repeatedly and progressively operating and inwardly working within us, yet the Life [is constantly operative] within you folks. ¹³ Now continuously possessing (having and holding) faith's very breath-effect (or: the same spirit of conviction; or: the Spirit which itself is trust; or: the spirit and attitude which itself comes from the Faith), corresponding to that which has been written, "I trust, therefore I speak (or: I believed, [and] for this reason I spoke)," [Ps. 116:10] we ourselves, also, are constantly trusting, progressively believing and habitually loyal, therefore we are also habitually speaking, ¹⁴ having seen, and now knowing, that the One at one point arousing and raising Jesus [other MSS: the Lord Jesus] will also repeatedly arouse and raise us up together with Jesus [other MSS: through Jesus], and will continue making us stand alongside (place us beside; position us parallel, [for disposal]; set us by, [for support]), together with you folks, ¹⁵ for you see, all things [are] (the whole – everything – [is]) because of you folks, to the end that the grace (the boon and influence of gracious favor, joy, kindness and goodwill) – increasing and becoming more than enough through the greater part (the majority) of the people – can (should; would) cause the benefits of grace (or: the wellness of grace; or: the attitude of gratitude; or: the expression of thanksgiving) to be surrounding in superabundance, [leading] into God's glory (or: [proceeding] into the praise-inducing manifestation of God)! ¹⁶ For this reason we do not habitually behave with a bad attitude, or perform in a worthless manner, or act from out of a mood that is poor in quality, or become discouraged. But to the contrary, even if (or: since also) our outside person (or: outer humanity) is being progressively wasted away (is constantly being decayed and brought to ruin and corruption), certainly our inside [person] (= inner humanity or self) is day by day (or: from day to day; on a daily basis) being progressively made new again (or: renewed) in kind and quality so as to have a different character that is fresh and effective. ¹⁷ So you see, the momentary light [aspect or character] (or: lightness) of the pressure and squeezing (the affliction, oppression and tribulation) is progressively working down in us a corresponding and consecutively transcending eonian weight of glory (or: is repeatedly producing for us a heavy burden of glory, down from one over-casting on into another over-cast, each of which pertains to the Age; or: is now accomplishing with us an according, age-lasting weight of a good reputation – [each] a transcending one [leading] into [another] transcending one; or: is continuously effecting in us – on the level of “surpassing leading into surpassing” – a weight which has the quality of the realm of [Messiah's] Age, and which belongs to a manifestation which calls forth praise),

¹ Now we, habitually (or: constantly) working together, are continuously calling you folks alongside to aid, comfort, direct and encourage you to not accept and receive God's grace into an empty [vessel; situation; way of life],

²³ Are they Christ's attending servants? – I am speaking as one being beside himself (or: insane) – I [am] over and above [them] (or: I, more so; = I surpass [them])! In toilsome labors and weariness more exceedingly; in prisons and jails more often; in blows (stripes or beatings) surpassingly; in deaths many times (= in near-death situations often).

²³ Are they Christ's attending servants? – I am speaking as one being beside himself (or: insane) – I [am] over and above [them] (or: I, more so; = I surpass [them])! In toilsome labors and weariness more exceedingly; in prisons and jails more often; in blows (stripes or beatings) surpassingly; in deaths many times (= in near-death situations often). ²⁴ Five times by Jews I received forty [stripes; lashes], less one.

²⁴ Five times by Jews I received forty [stripes; lashes], less one. ²⁵ Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked – I have done night and day within the midst of the depth [of the sea], even hitting bottom;

²⁵ Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked – I have done night and day within the midst of the depth [of the sea], even hitting bottom; ²⁶ on journeys often (many times); in dangers (perils) of rivers (or: floods); in dangers of robbers (perils of plunderers); in dangers from out of [my] race (kindred); in dangers from out of the multitudes of ethnic groups ([the] nations); in dangers within city; in dangers within a desolate place (wilderness); in dangers at sea; in dangers among false-brothers (= pseudo-believers; or: = Family members who lie and deal falsely);

²⁶ on journeys often (many times); in dangers (perils) of rivers (or: floods); in dangers of robbers (perils of plunderers); in dangers from out of [my] race (kindred); in dangers from out of the multitudes of ethnic groups ([the] nations); in dangers within city; in dangers within a desolate place (wilderness); in dangers at sea; in dangers among false-brothers (= pseudo-believers; or: = Family members who lie and deal falsely);

²⁶ on journeys often (many times); in dangers (perils) of rivers (or: floods); in dangers of robbers (perils of plunderers); in dangers from out of [my] race (kindred); in dangers from out of the multitudes of ethnic groups ([the] nations); in dangers within city; in dangers within a desolate place (wilderness); in dangers at sea; in dangers among false-brothers (= pseudo-believers; or: = Family members who lie and deal falsely); ²⁷ in exhaustive labor and wearisome toil; in lack of sleep (or: sleeplessness; or: vigils) often; in hunger (or: scarcity of food; or: famine) and in thirst – in situations of deprivation or need of food (or: in fastings), many times; in cold and in lack of sufficient clothing (or: nakedness);

²⁷ in exhaustive labor and wearisome toil; in lack of sleep (or: sleeplessness; or: vigils) often; in hunger (or: scarcity of food; or: famine) and in thirst – in situations of deprivation or need of food (or: in fastings), many times; in cold and in lack of sufficient clothing (or: nakedness); ²⁸ apart from these external matters (or: apart from those things [just mentioned] – besides the outside –) [there is] the thing rushing in on me and giving cares (the pressure) from day to day: the anxiety, concern and divided distraction pertaining to all the called-out folks (or: summoned-forth communities): ²⁹ Who is continuing weak and I am not proceeding to be weak (= sharing their weakness)? Who is habitually snared and caused to stumble or be entrapped, and I, myself, am not being repeatedly made fiery hot (or: caused to be incensed)? ³⁰ If (or: Since) it is necessary to boast, I will boast concerning the things pertaining to my weakness. ³¹ The God and Father of the Lord Jesus (or, in apposition: which is [the] Lord Jesus) – the One continuously being a blessed One (or: the One constantly existing being [in character and quality as] a Word of ease and a Message of wellness and goodness) on into the ages – has seen and thus knows that I am not lying. ³² In Damascus the ethnarch (tribal governor; ruler of that culture) under Aretas, the king, had been watching with guards to garrison the city of Damascus, intending to seize and arrest me, ³³ and through a window (or: small opening) I was lowered through the wall in a braided hamper (of ropes or wicker), and escaped (fled out of) his hands.

¹² Indeed, the signs of the emissary (the sent-forth representative) were produced and accomplished [by me] among you folks in every [situation] of humbly remaining under to give support (or: in all patient endurance) – as well as by signs and wonders (portents; marvels) and powers (or: in abilities and capabilities).

¹⁴ And so I was progressively cutting forward and kept on advancing within Judaism (the culture and religion of the Jews) over and above many contemporaries (folks of the same age) within my race, being inherently more exceedingly zealous pertaining to the traditions of my fathers (or: for the things handed over, given alongside or delivered which originated with my ancestors).

¹⁹ Yet a different one of (or: another one from) those sent with commissions (the envoys; the representatives) I did not see, except Jacob (= James), the Lord's brother.

²⁴ And in me [i.e., in my case or situation] they kept on glorifying God (or: began giving credit to God and expanding His reputation; or: So they began presuming, imagining and then continued regarding God [as being] within the midst of, and in union with, me).

⁹ then Jacob (or: James), Cephas and John – those continuing to be disposed to thinking and imagination (or: those yet forming opinions) and seeming, by reputation, to be pillars (or: supportive columns [note: a figure of a living temple]) – recognizing (or: coming to know) by intimate experience the grace and favor being given by me (or: to me; in me; for me), gave to me and to Barnabas [the] right [hands] of common partnership, from common participation, in regard to common existence/situation and which signified equal belonging in fellowship, community and sharing, to the end that we [would continue] into the nations (multitudes; ethnic groups; Gentiles; non-Jews) – yet they, into the Circumcision –

¹² for you see, prior to the coming of some from Jacob (or: James), he had been habitually eating together with those of the multitudes (the nations; the non-Jewish ethnic groups; the Gentiles). Yet when they came, he began steadily withdrawing, and continued separating by marking off boundaries for himself, constantly fearing those from among [the] Circumcision (= the Jewish culture and religion).

¹ For the [aforementioned] freedom, Christ immediately set us free (or: [The] Anointed One at once frees us in, to, for and with freedom)! Keep on standing firm, therefore, and do not again be habitually held within a yoke of slavery (or: a cross-lever [of a pair of scales] whose sphere is bondage) (or: Continuously stand firm, then, in the freedom [to which the] Anointing sets us free, and let not yourselves be progressively confined again by a yoke pertaining to servitude)! ² See and individually consider! I, Paul, continue saying to you folks, that if you should proceed to being circumcised, Christ will continue benefiting you nothing (or: an Anointing will continue of use to you [for] not one thing)! ³ Now I continue solemnly asserting (attesting; affirming; witnessing), again, to every person (or: human) proceeding to be circumcised, that he is, and continues being, a debtor (one under obligation) to do (to perform; to produce) the whole Law [= the entire Torah]! ⁴ You people were discharged (made inactive, idle, useless, unproductive and without effect; or: voided, nullified, exempted) away from Christ, you who are now in Law trying to be rightwised (also = be included in the covenant) and are basing your fairness and relationships on the way it points out – you at once fell from out of the grace and favor! ⁵ For in spirit (or: by [the] Breath-effect; with [the] Spirit) – forth from out of faith and trust – we continuously (or: progressively) receive by taking away, as with our hands, from out of [the] expectation which belongs to and whose source and reality is the fairness, equity and freedom from guilt in right relationship within the Way pointed out (or: forth from the midst of expectant hope, which is the state of being rightwised and pointed in the right direction; also = out of an expectation from covenant inclusion and participation), ⁶ for within Christ Jesus (or: for you see, in union with [the] Anointed Jesus) neither circumcision continues having strength, for competence or effectiveness, to be availing (or: be of service for) anything, nor [does] uncircumcision, but rather, [it is] faith-and-trust: of itself continuously working effectively (operating; being inwardly active and productive) through Love (" [God's] acceptance of the object of love without restriction, in spite of the estranged, profanized and demonized state of the object; the whole being's drive and movement toward reunion with another, to overcome existential separation; an ecstatic manifestation of the Spiritual Presence" – Tillich, ibid., on agape; brackets mine; cf John 3:16; 1 Cor. 13:4-8).

¹² As many as continually want (intend; will; purpose) to make a good impression (a pleasing appearance; a fair face, front or facade) within flesh [i.e., in a flesh system or religion], these are habitually urging, or trying to compel or force, you folks (or: making you feel obliged) to proceed to be circumcised – only so that they may not be continually pursued and persecuted for (or: in; with) the cross of Christ Jesus (or: by the execution stake that pertains to the Anointed Jesus). ¹³ For not even the folks being presently (or: currently getting) circumcised (or, as a middle: habitually circumcising [people]; requiring [the practice of] circumcision; [other MSS: having been circumcised]) are themselves habitually keeping (guarding; protecting; observing; maintaining) [the] Law, but even so, they constantly want and intend you folks to proceed to be circumcised, so that they may have cause for boasting in your flesh [ritual or religion]. ¹⁴ Now may it not happen to me (or: in me) to take up the practice of boasting, except within the cross (the execution stake) of our Lord, Jesus Christ, through Whom (or: through which [i.e., the cross]) the organized System (or: the world of culture, economy, government and religion) has been, and continues being, crucified (executed on the stake) in me (or: to me; for me; by me; with me), and I by (to; in; with; for) the organized System (the world; = their culture, secular society, religion, and government). ¹⁵ For you see [some MSS add: within Christ Jesus], neither circumcision nor uncircumcision continues being anything, but rather: a new creation (a founding and settling [as a village] with a new character, in a place that was wild and without order; a new act of framing and building).

¹ For this gracious cause (or: In favor of this; For this pleasure) I, Paul, [am] the bound one (or: prisoner; captive) of, from and belonging to Christ Jesus in behalf of (or: over [the situation of]) you folks, the nations (non-Jewish ethnic multitudes; the Gentiles).

¹ I myself the prisoner (or: bound one; captive) within, and in union with, [the] Lord [= Christ or Yahweh] am therefore repeatedly calling you folks, as it were, alongside: exhorting, admonishing, imploring and entreating youto walk [your path] (= behave; = live your life) worthily pertaining to (or: in a manner suitable to the value of) the callingand invitation in regard to which you folks arecalled (or: from which you were summoned),

¹¹ And He Himself at one point gave (or: gives; [p46: has given and it now exists as a gift]), on the one hand (or: indeed), the folks sent off with a commission (the emissaries; the representatives), yet also those who have light ahead of time andspeak it before others (the prophets), and on the other hand those who announce goodness and well-being and bring good news, and then the shepherds, and finally teachers (or: the shepherds-and-instructors),

²⁰ over which I am an old man in a manacle (or: on behalf of which I continue performing the duties of an elder and an ambassador in a chain!) to the end that within Him (or: it) I may speak freely (or: in public, boldly as a citizen), as it is necessary for me to speak.

²⁰ in accordance with my looking away – with my head stretched out to watch – and [the] expectation (or: hope) that within nothing will I proceed being put to shame (disgrace; embarrassment), but to the contrary, within all freedom of speech (boldness and public openness which comes from being a citizen) – as always, even now (at the present moment) – Christ will progressively be made great (be magnified; be enlarged) within my body, whether through life, or through death! ²¹ For you see, to me, to be living [is] Christ (or: For the [situation] in me and for me, life [is the] Anointed One), and to be dying [is] gain (advantage; profit).

¹⁷ But even more, since (or: if) I am also repeatedly poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering and public service pertaining to your faith (or: which comes from your trust; in regard to the faithful loyalty which comprises you people), I am constantly rejoicing (or: glad) – even continually rejoicing (glad) together with all of you!

²⁶ since he had been continuously having great affection and longing to see all of you folks, even being repeatedly dejected and deeply troubled because you heard (or: hear) that he fell sick (or: is ill).

²⁴ I am at this moment continuing to rejoice within the effects of experiences and the results of my sufferings over your [situation] and on your behalf, and I am progressively filling back up in turn – so as in [His] stead to replace, supply and balance out, within my flesh (or: = with the means of my natural situation) – the deficiencies (or: results from what is lacking; effects from need) with regard to the pressures (or: from the squeezings, tribulations and tight spots) that pertain to the Anointed One (or: that belong to and affect Christ; or: from the Christ) over [the situation of] His body, which is the called-out community (which exists being the summoned-forth congregation – the ecclesia) (or: Now I am progressively filled with joy – in union with the feelings coming from passion over you folks – and am habitually filling up again, to bring balance, the effects of what is lacking, resulting from the distresses of Christ – resident within my flesh – concerning His body, which is the invited-out assembly),

²⁹ unto which [goal] I habitually work hard (or: progressively toil on) and become weary, constantly struggling as in a contest, corresponding to (or: down from, yet on the level of) His inward working (or: energy and operation): the One continuously operating (energizing and inwardly working) within me – within power and in ability.

¹⁷ Now we, brothers, being deprived (or: orphaned; bereaved; torn-away) from you for a fitting situation of an hour (or: for an hour's season; = for a short spell, during a specific situation) – by face (= in presence), not by or in heart – we more exceedingly made diligent haste to see your face, in much full-desire (or: added passion)!

¹⁰ whenever He may come and go, to be made glorious within (to be glorified in union with; to have a reputation within) His set-apart folks (holy and sacred people), and to be wondered at (marveled at; admired) within all the folks believing in that day, seeing that our testimony (or: evidence), [being placed] on you, was believed (received with faith) and is trusted.

⁴ constantly and fully longing (or: by habit yearning upon [you]) to see you – having been reminded and being caused to be remembering your tears – so that I may be filled full of joy,

¹⁶ May the Lord [= Yahweh or Christ] give mercy to the house (or: household) of Onesiphorus, because many times (often; frequently) he refreshed me (he breathed back cool on me; he souled me up again), and he was not ashamed of (or: embarrassed by) my chain (= my imprisonment). ¹⁷ On the contrary, on coming to be in Rome, he urgently (quickly; diligently) searched for (or: seeks) me, and found (or: finds) me.

⁴ No one serving a tour of duty as a soldier (currently performing military service or being at war) habitually intertwines or entangles himself in (or: by) everyday affairs (undertakings and activities; business performances) of the course of life (or: of making a living), in order that he may please (or: be acceptable to) the one enlisting him in military service (the one collecting soldiers to gather an army). ⁵ So also, if anyone may be repeatedly competing in the athletic games, he is not normally being crowned with a winner's wreath if he does not compete lawfully (according to the rules of the game). ⁶ It is constantly binding (It is of continual necessity) for the farmer (or: field worker) that is habitually laboring in the field to be repeatedly first in taking a share of the fruits.

⁹ in which I am continually experiencing bad situations (suffering evil; experiencing bad treatment and conditions of poor quality) to the point of bonds (fetters or imprisonment) as a worthless worker (a criminal; one who acts badly; a worker of evil), but by comparison, the Word of God (or: God's thought, idea and message) has not been bound or imprisoned, and thus remains untied!

⁵ Yet you – you be habitually sober (not intoxicated [by such things]; clear-headed and steady) within all things and among all people; experience the bad and the ugly (or: suffer the evil and the worthless) [A adds: as an ideal (beautiful; fine; excellent) soldier of Christ Jesus]; perform [the] act (do [the] deed; produce the action; construct a work) of one who brings goodness and well-being and announces ease and good news (or: act [like] a man who has good news to tell); be fully bent on and bring your attending service to full measure, with complete assurance and absolute certainty! ⁶ You see, I, myself, am already being progressively poured out as a drink offering, and the fitting situation (the season; the occasion) of my loosing up (or: my kairos of loosening again [the tent pegs and ropes, or, the ship moorings]; or: the situation of my dissolution [as in breaking camp]) has taken its stand upon [its appointed place] and is imminent.

²⁰ Erastus remains in Corinth, but Trophimus, continuing weak in sickness, I left behind in Miletus.

⁹ [and] because of this love, I – being such a one as Paul, an old man, yet now also a bound-one (or: prisoner) of Christ Jesus – am rather now progressively calling [you] alongside to comfort, encourage and entreat (or: appeal):

⁷ Therefore (or: For this reason), just as the set-apart Breath-effect continues saying (or: On account of which, as in the same vein, the Holy Spirit is presently laying out the idea), "Today, if you could (or: can) hear His voice,

¹⁰ [relying] only upon foods and drinks and various immersions (baptisms; ceremonial washings), as well as rites and products of the way then pointed out (or: applications of fairness and equity) pertaining to the flesh (or: = [the] flesh's [religious] ordinances and external regulations of justice; or: = the system of human works), continuously lying upon them (thus: pressing upon them; = being imposed by them) until a fitting situation (or: season; fertile moment) of raising-up-through (or: thoroughly raising upright and making straight). ¹¹ So Christ ([the] Anointed One; [Messiah]), after suddenly coming to be present at [our] side [as] a Chief (or: Ruling; Ranking) Priest of the good things happening (or: of virtuous people being birthed; [with other MSS: pertaining to impending excellent things]), by means of the greater and more perfect (more matured, complete and destined) Tabernacle not made by hands – that is, not of this creation – and not by means of blood from he-goats and calves, but by means of and through His own blood ¹² entered in at once and once for all into the midst and core of the set-apart ones (or: the holy places), at once finding in Himself an unbinding (a loosening for release and liberation; redemption) proper to, belonging to and having its origin in the Age [of the Messiah] (or: eonian, or, age-lasting liberation). ¹³ For you see, if the blood of bulls and of he-goats, as well as ashes of a heifer repeatedly sprinkling the folks having become defiled (made common or ceremonially unclean), is continually making [a person] set-apart (or: making holy and sacred) with a view to and leading toward the cleanness of the flesh (= the physical body or human relationships), ¹⁴ to how much greater an extent shall the blood of the Christ (Anointed One; [Messiah]) – Who through means of a spirit (or: attitude; [the] Breath-effect) pertaining to the Age offers Himself (or: brought Himself face to face and offers Himself) without blemish by and with God (or: in, to and for God) – continue cleansing and pruning your conscience and shared consciousness from works of death (or: dead procedures and activities; deeds of dead folks) [leading] into [the situation] to be continuously rendering sacred service, as well as habitually doing the business and duties of life, for, in, by, to and with the living, as well as true and real, God?

³⁴ For you even feel with (experience with; sympathize with) those bound or in prison [other MSS: with me in my bonds], and you at one point received to yourselves (accepted) the seizure (plunder; confiscation) of your possessions (properties; things having their origin below) with gracious joy, knowing and realizing to have for yourselves a superior (stronger and better) and continuously remaining (or: dwelling; or: abiding; = permanent and lasting) possession (or: property) [later MSS add: within the heavens (or: atmospheres)].

¹ Let brotherly affection (= fondness for the Family; = friendly devotion to fellow believers) continuously remain! ² Be continuously unforgetful (or: = un-neglecting) of fondness and affection to strangers and foreigners (or: Don't forget hospitality and friendliness to unexpected guests)! For you see, through this, some folks were unaware (oblivious; unconscious) of at some point receiving agents (or: messengers) as guests.

²⁴ Greet and embrace all the folks taking the lead among you, and all the set-apart folks (the holy ones; the saints). Those from Italy (or: The Italians [here]) are constantly embracing and greeting you folks (or: Those [here] are now sending you greetings from Italy).

¹ Jacob (or: James) a slave belonging to God and to [the] Lord, Jesus Christ (or: a slave pertaining to God, even in fact, really, to [the] Lord and Owner [or, perhaps: = Yahweh], Jesus Christ), to the twelve tribes (or: sprouts and branches which sprang forth) who are to be constantly rejoicing within the scattering (or: which are within the midst of the dispersion [= the planting], "To constant joy and gladness!").

¹² to which folks (or: in which ones) it was unveiled (revealed; disclosed) that not to or for themselves, but to and for you people, they had been progressively dispensing and serving them – which things are now announced (or: which tidings were brought back) to you through those announcing (proclaiming; bringing and communicating) the message of well-being and goodness (or: good news) to you within [or, with other MSS: by] a set-apart Breath-effect (or: [the] Holy Spirit; or: sacred spirit) being sent forth from [the] atmosphere (or: heaven) – into which things agents (or: messengers; folks that had the message) are habitually and earnestly desiring (are constantly in full passion and craving) to stoop down beside and look (or: peer; peek) inside, so as to obtain a clearer and more accurate view.

¹⁵ Now "you folks set [the] Lord [= Yahweh] – the Anointed One – apart (or: Yet, let the Lord Christ be set-apart)" [Isa. 8:13], within your hearts! (or: So, treat the Anointed Owner as holy, in the core of your beings), always ready (ever prepared) toward a defense to everyone – for the one repeatedly asking you for a word (i.e., a rational explanation and a logical response) about the expectation within you folks – but still with gentleness (tenderness; meekness; kindness) and deep respect (or: serious caution; reverence; [the] fear [of the Lord]),

¹⁵ Of course let not any one of you folks be experiencing suffering as a murderer, or a thief, or a doer of worthless or evil things, or, as a meddler (an interferer) in other people's affairs (or: one who focuses on things strange, foreign or "other, " or involving a place-change). ¹⁶ Yet if as a Christian [she or he is suffering], let him or her not continue feeling shame or embarrassment, but let him or her constantly glorify (give credit to; enhance the reputation of; bring an opinion of high status for) God within this Name (or: in union with this name [i.e., "Christian;" or, referring to "the Name of Christ" in vs. 14, above]),

¹⁴ having seen and now knowing that swift [in approach] is the laying aside (or: the putting off or away) of my tent-effect (or: tabernacle; = body), according as also our Lord, Jesus Christ, made clearly visible to me (or: makes [it] evident for and in me).

¹³ I am writing to you, fathers (or: parents), that you have by experience known, and now have intimate insight of, the One [Who is] from [the] beginning (or: the Original One). I am writing to you, young men (or: youths), that you have overcome (conquered; are victorious over) the one bringing a gush of misery (or: the useless, unprofitable situation; the wicked man; the evil one; the bad situation or sorry plight; the worthless man; the pernicious and knavish fellow; the one causing anguish and painful labor; the condition full of harassed toil and annoying perils; the base fellow) – and this now exists as a decided victory. ¹⁴ I write to you, little boys and girls, or servants, who might be hit for discipline (or: those of the age for being educated and trained), that you have by experience known the Father; I write to you, fathers (or: parents), that you have by experience known, and now have insight into, the One [Who is] from [the] beginning (or: the Original One). I write to you, young men (or: youths), that you are (or: exist being) constantly strong, and God's Word (Logos; Thought; Idea; message) continuously dwells (abides; remains) within you and you have overcome (conquered; are the victor over) the one bringing a gush of misery (see parenthetical expansion in verse 13, above).

⁷ for they came out for the sake of (or: went forth in behalf of) the Name, continually taking (or: receiving) not even one thing from the nations (the ethnic multitudes; the non-Israelites). ⁸ We ourselves, then, are constantly obligated to continuously take [them] up, while placing ourselves underneath to support such people as these, to the end that we would progressively come to be folks working together (co-workers) in (or: for; by; with) the Truth (or: reality).

¹⁰ was within the island called Patmos because of God’s Word (or: the message which is God) and because of the testimony (witness; evidence) pertaining to and having the characteristics of Jesus Christ. I came to be (or: birthed myself; happened to be) within spirit (or: in union with [the] Spirit; in the midst of a Breath-effect) within the Day which pertains to or has the characteristics of the Lord (the Lord’s Day; = the Day of Yahweh; or, = the Day of Christ; = Christ’s Day), and I heard behind me a great voice (or: = a loud sound), as of a trumpet, saying (or: = like that of a trumpet sounding a command or a message),

²⁰ but still, I continue holding (having) much down against you, because you are constantly letting-off (tolerating; allowing; pardoning) your wife [other MSS: the woman] Jezebel – she is habitually calling herself a prophetess – and she is continually teaching and deceiving (seducing) My slaves to practice prostitution (adultery; fornication) and (or: that is,) to eat things sacrificed to idols (things offered to forms and outward appearances).

¹⁰ Because you keep watch over (observe; preserve; guard) the Word of My patient endurance (of My remaining-under), I, also, will continue keeping watch over (observing; preserving; guarding) you from out of the hour of the putting to the proof (or: trial; test) which is presently about to be progressively coming upon the whole territory where folks normally dwell (or: inhabited land), to put to the proof (to test, try and put through an ordeal) those continually dwelling down in houses upon the Land (or: inhabiting the territory).'

¹¹ They habitually have a King (or One who reigns) upon them: the Agent (or: Messenger) of the Deep. The name for Him in Hebrew [is] Abaddon (Destruction; [note: see Ex. 12:23; in verb form, speaking of Yahweh, in Deut. 11:4; Ps. 5:6; Ps. 9:5; Ps. 9:5; Jer. 15:7]), and in the Greek He has the name Apollyon (Destroyer; A Destroying One; or: One who makes folks lost; [verb form used in Lu. 17:33 and, of Yahweh, in Judah 5]).

¹¹ And they at once overcame (or: at some point overcome; conquer) him because of the blood of the little Lamb, and (or: even) because of the word (or: message; Word; Logos) of their witness (evidence; testimony) – and they love not (or: did not love) their soul (soul-life; inner self; personhood) even to (or: until) death.

¹⁶ And He gathered (or: assembles) them together into the place being called, in the Hebrew, Armageddon [= the hill of Megiddo; some MSS: Mageddon].

⁶ Next I heard as a voice of a large crowd, and as a sound of many waters, even as a sound of strong thunders saying, "Praise Yahweh (Hallelujah)! Because the Lord [= Yahweh] our God, the Almighty, reigns! ⁷ "We should (or: may) continually rejoice (be glad; be full of joy), and we should continually celebrate (exult), and we should [other MSS: we will continue to] give the glory to Him, because the wedding (marriage festival) of the little Lamb came (or: comes) and His Wife made (or: makes) herself ready (prepares herself)."