39 ties:* let them implead one another. But if ye inquire any thing concerning other matters,† it shall be determined in a lawful assembly. 40 For we are in danger of being called in question for this day's uproar, there being no cause

41 which we can assign for this concourse.

And

when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.

CHAP. XX.

1 AND after the tumult had ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed to go into Macedonia. 2 And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came 3 into Greece. And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he concluded to 4 return through Macedonia. And there accompanied him into Asia, Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy, and 5 of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus. These 6 went before, and waited for us at Troas.

And

* Deputies of the emperor, or proconsuls; before whom they might have a hearing.

But if your inquiries and disputes relate to other subjects.

‡ Greece (proper) an extensive peninsula south of Macedonia.

we sailed away from Philippi,* after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven 7 days. And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them (being prepared to depart on the morrow :) and continu8 ed his speech until midnight. Now there were many lights in the upper chamber where 9 they were gathered together. And there sat in a window a certain young man, named Eutychus, having fallen into a deep sleep and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell from the third loft, and 10 was taken up dead. And Paul went down,

and fell on him, and embracing him, said, Be 11 not distressed, for his life is in him. Now when he was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even 12 till break of day, he departed. And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.

13

And we went before to the ship, and sailed unto Assos, there intending to take in Paul: for so he had appointed, resolving himself to 14 go by land. And when he met with us at

Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene. 15 And we sailed thence, and came the next day over against Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next day we came to Mi

* Philippi was a city of Macedonia. Here Paul established a church, to which one of his epistles is addressed.

16 letus.*

For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hastened, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost.

17 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus,† 18 and called the elders of the church. And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you 19 at all seasons, serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befel me through the conspiracies 20 of the Jews: And how I kept back nothing that was profitable, but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to 21 house, testifying both to the Jews, and to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith to22 ward our Lord Jesus Christ. And now behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things which shall befal me 23 there, except that the Holy Spirit witnesseth in every city, saying, that bonds and afflictions 24 await me. But I make no account of this, neither do I consider my life of any value, so that I may finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received of the Lord

Assos, Chios, Samos, Trogyllium and Miletus, are all ports or islands in the Egean Sea, in the Mediterranean, in the way from Troas to the coasts of Syria,

↑ A distance of about 40 miles.

Impelled or urged by the Spirit. He was convinced it was his duty to go: though he knew not the particular benefit which would result.

Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. 25 And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of 26 God, shall see my face no more. Wherefore

I testify to you this day, that I am pure from 27 the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

28

Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock over which the Holy Spirit hath made you overseers,* to feed the church of the Lord, which he hath purchased with his 29 own blood. For I know this, that after my departure grievous wolves will enter in among 30 you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. 31 Therefore watch, and remember that for the space of three years I ceased not to warn every 32 one night and day with tears. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all 33 them who are sanctified. I have coveted no 34 man's silver, or gold, or apparel. Yea, ye yourselves know that these hands have ministered to my necessities, and to them who 35 were with me. I have shewed you all things, that so laboring ye ought to assist the weak;

* Over which you have been made overseers, or bishops, by men under the direction and influence of the Holy Spirit. These overseers or bishops, are called elders in 17th verse.

† All the ancient versions read Lord, or Christ; and not God.

36

and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, which he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.*

And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled 57 down, and prayed with them all.

And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and 38 kissed him, sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.

1

CHAP. XXI.

And it came to pass, that when we were gone from them, we set sail and came with a direct course unto Coos, and the day following unto 2 Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara. And finding a ship going over to Phoenicia, we 3 went aboard, and set sail. Now, when we had discovered Cyprus,† we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her 4 cargo. And finding disciples, we remained there seven days who said to Paul, through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusa5 lem. And when we had accomplished those days, we departed, and went our way; and

* We have not in the gospels any express declaration of Christ in these words. The same sentiment is often suggested. But it is probable that Paul had this related to him verbally by some of the apostles.

+ Coos, Rhodes and Cyprus are islands in the Mediter

ranean sea.

4.2