§66. FROM MELITA TO ROME. ACTS 28: 11-15. II And after three months we set sail in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the island, whose sign was 1The Twin Brothers. 12 And touching at Syracuse, we tarried there three days. 13 And from thence we made a circuit, and arrived at Rhegium: and after one day a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli: 14 where we found brethren, and were intreated to tarry with them seven days: and so we came to Rome. 15 And from thence the brethren, when they heard of us, came to meet us as far as The Market of Appius, and The Three Taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage. CHAPTER XVI. PAUL'S TWO YEARS' IMPRISONMENT IN ROME. §67. PAUL'S CONFERENCE WITH THE JEWS IN ROME. ACTS 28: 16–28. 16 And when we entered into Rome, & Paul was suffered to abide by himself with the soldier that guarded him. 17 And it came to pass that after three days he called together those that were the chief of the Jews: and when they were come together, he said unto them, I, brethren, though I had done nothing against the people, or the customs of our fathers, yet was delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans : 18 who, when they had examined me, desired to set me at liberty, because there was no cause of death in me. 19 But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Cæsar; not that I had aught to accuse my nation of. 20 For this cause therefore did I intreat you to see and to speak with me: for because of the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain. 21 And they said unto him, We neither received letters from Judæa concerning thee, nor did any of the brethren come hither and report or speak any harm of thee. 22 But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, it is known to us that everywhere it is spoken against. 23 And when they had appointed him a day, they came to him into his lodging in great number; to whom he expounded the matter, testi 1 Gr. Dioscuri. 2 Some ancient authorities read cast loose. 3 Some ancient authorities insert the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the prætorian guard: but. Or, those that were of the fews first 5 Or, call for you, to see and to speak with you fying the kingdom of God, and persuading them concerning Jesus, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall in no wise understand; 27 For this people's heart is waxed gross, And their ears are dull of hearing, And their eyes they have closed; Lest haply they should perceive with their eyes, And hear with their ears, And understand with their heart, And should turn again, And I should heal them. 28 Be it known therefore unto you, that this salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles: they will also hear." §68. TWO YEARS' LABOURS IN ROME: THE EPISTLES OF THE IMPRISONMENT. ACTS 28: 30, 31. PHIL., PHILEM., COL., EPH., entire." (1) Preaching in his own hired dwelling. ACTS 28:30, 31. 30 And he abode two whole years in his own hired dwelling, and received all that went in unto him, 31 preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, none forbidding him. 1 Or, through 2 Some ancient authorities insert ver. 29 And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, having much disputing among themselves. a Phil. I: 1. Paul and Timothy & Phil. I: 12-17. Now would have you know, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the progress of the gospel; 13 so that my bonds became manifest in Christ throughout the whole prætorian guard, and to all the rest; 14 and that most of the brethren in the Lord, being confident through my bonds, are more abundantly bold to speak the word of God without fear. 15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: 16 the one do it of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel: 17 but the other proclaim Christ of faction, not sincerely, thinking to raise up affliction for me in my bonds. a Phil. 2: 19-30. But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. 20 For I have no man likeminded, who will care truly for your state. 21 For they all seek their own, not the things of Jesus Christ. 22 But ye know the proof of him, that, as a child serveth a father, so he served with me in furtherance of the gospel. 23 Him therefore I hope to send forthwith, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me: 24 but I trust in the Lord that I myself also shall come shortly. 25 But I counted (2) The letter to the Philippians. 1 2 Grace 1:1 Paul and Timothy, 1 servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the 2 bishops and deacons : to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 I thank my God upon all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every supplication of mine on behalf of you all making my supplication with joy, 5 for your fellowship in furtherance of the gospel from the first day until 6 being confident of this very thing, that he which began a good now; 1 Gr. bondservants. 2 Or, overseers it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow-worker and fellowsoldier, and your messenger and minister to my need; 26 since he longed after you all, and was sore troubled, because ye had heard that he was sick: 27 for indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, that I might not have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 I have sent him therefore the more diligently, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful. 29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all joy; and hold such in honour: 30 because for the work of Christ he came nigh unto death, hazarding his life to supply that which was lacking in your service toward me. Phil. 4:18. But I have all things, and abound: I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things that came from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God. a Phil. 4:21, 22. The brethren which are with me salute you. 22 All the saints salute you, especially they that are of Cæsar's household. Philem. 1. Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy ... * Philem. 10-12. I beseech thee for my child, whom I have begotten in my bonds, Onesimus, II who was aforetime unprofitable to thee, but now is profitable to thee and to me: 12 whom I have sent back to thee in his own person, that is, my very heart: ■ Philem. 22. But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I hope that through your prayers I shall be granted unto you. ■ Philem. 23, 24. Epaphras, my fellow-prisoner in Christ Jesus, saluteth thee; 24 and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow-workers. a Col. I: I. Paul... and Timothy. & Col. 4:7-14. All my affairs shall Tychicus make known unto you, the beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow-servant in the Lord: 8 whom I have sent unto you for this very purpose, that ye may know our estate, and that he may comfort your hearts; 9 together with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things that are done here. 10 Aristarchus my fellow-prisoner saluteth you, and Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (touching whom ye received commandments; if he come unto you, receive him), 11 and Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision: these only are my fellow-workers unto the kingdom of God, men that have been a comfort unto me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, saluteth you, always striving for you in his prayers, that ye may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God. 13 For I bear him witness, that he hath much labour for you, and for them in Laodicea, and for them in Hierapolis. 14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas salute you. Eph. 3:1, I Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus a Eph. 6: 21, 22. But that ye also may know my affairs, how I do, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things: 22 whom I have sent unto you for this very purpose, that ye may know our state, and that he may comfort your hearts. See Note 12. work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ: 7 even as it is right for me to be thus minded on behalf of you all, because 1I have you in my heart, inasmuch as, both in my bonds and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers with me of grace. 8 For God is my witness, how I long after you all in the tender mercies of Christ Jesus. 9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all discernment; 10 so that ye may 2 approve the things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and void of offence unto the day of Christ; II being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are through Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. 12 Now I would have you know, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the progress of the gospel; 13 so that my bonds became manifest in Christ throughout the whole prætorian guard, and to all the rest; 14 and that most of the brethren in the Lord, 5 being confident through my bonds, are more abundantly bold to speak the word of God without fear. 15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: 16 the one do it of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel: 17 but the other proclaim Christ of faction, not sincerely, thinking to raise up affliction for me in my bonds. 18 What then? only that in every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and therein I rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. 19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation, through your supplication and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 according to my earnest expectation and hope, that in nothing shall I be put to shame, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether by life, or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 6 But if to live in the flesh,—if this is the fruit of my work, then 7 what I shall choose I wot not. 23 But I am in a strait betwixt the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ; for it is very far better: 24 yet to abide in the flesh is more needful for your sake. 25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide, yea, and abide with you all, for your progress and joy 9 in the faith; 26 that your glorying may abound in Christ Jesus in me through my presence with you again. 27 Only 10 let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ: that, whether I come and see you or be absent, I may hear of your state, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one soul striving 11 for the faith of the gospel; 28 and in nothing affrighted by the adversaries: which is for them an evident token of perdition, but of your salvation, and that from God; 29 because to you it hath been granted in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer in his behalf: 30 having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me. 2: If there is therefore any comfort in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tender mercies and compassions, 2 fulfil ye my joy, that ye be of the same mind, having the same love, being of one accord, 12 of one mind; 3 doing nothing through faction or through vainglory, 7 Or, 1 Or, ye have me in your heart 2 Or, prove the things that differ 3 Gr. fruit. 4 Gr. in the whole Prætorium. 5 Gr. trusting in my bonds. 6 Or, But if to live in the flesh be my lot, this is the fruit of my work: and what I shall choose I wot not. what shall I choose? 8 Or, I do not make known Or, of faith 10 Gr. behave as citizens worthily, 11 Gr. with. 12 Some ancient authorities read of the same mind. 4 but in lowliness of mind each counting other better than himself; 4 not looking each of you to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others. 5 Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 who, 1 being in the form of God, counted it not 2a prize to be on an equality with God, 7 but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men; 8 and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, becoming obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore also God highly exalted him, and gave unto him the name which is above every name; 10 that in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven and things on earth and 5 things under the earth, II and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 12 So then, my beloved, even as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God which worketh in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure. 14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings; 15 that ye may be blameless and harmless, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom ye are seen as 7 lights in the world, 16 holding forth the word of life; that I may have whereof to glory in the day of Christ, that I did not run in vain neither labour in vain. 17 Yea, and if I am offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all: 18 and in the same manner do ye also joy, and rejoice with me. 8 19 But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. 20 For I have no man likeminded, who will care 9 truly for your state. 21 For they all seek their own, not the things of Jesus Christ. 22 But ye know the proof of him, that, as a child serveth a father, so he served with me in furtherance of the gospel. 23 Him therefore I hope to send forthwith, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me : 24 but I trust in the Lord that I myself also shall come shortly. 25 But I counted it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow-worker and fellow-soldier, and your 10 messenger and minister to my need; 26 since he longed 11 after you all, and was sore troubled, because ye had heard that he was sick: 27 for indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, that I might not have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 I have sent him therefore the more diligently, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful. 29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all joy; and hold such in honour : 30 because for the work of 12 Christ he came nigh unto death, hazarding his life to supply that which was lacking in your service toward me. 3:1 Finally, my brethren, 18 rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not irksome, but for you it is safe. 2 Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the concision: 3 for we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God, and glory in Christ Jesus, and 4 Gr. 1 Gr. being originally. 2 Gr. a thing to be grasped. 3 Gr. bondservant. becoming in. 5 Or, things of the world below • Some ancient authorities omit as. 7 Gr. luminaries. 8 Gr. poured out as a drink-offering. Gr. genuinely. 10 Gr. apostle. 11 Many ancient authorities read to see you all. 12 Many ancient authorities read the Lord. 13 Or, farewell |