Acts of the
Apostles
Biblical Verses Omitted From Roman Catholic Mass
Readings
Chapter 2 verses 12-13, 15-21 have been omitted from the Mass readings.
Chapter 3 is covered in full in the Mass Readings at some time during the three year cycle of readings.
Chapter 4 verse 22 has been omitted from the Mass readings.
Chapter 5 verses 1-11 have been omitted from the Mass readings.
[7] And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what had happened, came in. [8] And Peter said to her: Tell me, woman, whether you sold the land for so much? And she said: Yea, for so much. [9] And Peter said unto her: Why have you agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? Behold the feet of them who have buried thy husband are at the door, and they shall carry thee out. [10] Immediately she fell down before his feet, and gave up the ghost. And the young men coming in, found her dead: and carried her out, and buried her by her husband. [11] And there came great fear upon the whole church, and upon all that heard these things.
Chapter 6 is covered in full in the Mass Readings at some time during the three year cycle of readings.
Chapter 7 verses 1-43 have been omitted from the Mass readings.
[9] And the patriarchs, through envy, sold Joseph into Egypt; and God was with him, [10] And delivered him out of all his tribulations: and he gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharao, the king of Egypt; and he appointed him governor over Egypt, and over all his house. [11] Now there came a famine upon all Egypt and Chanaan, and great tribulation; and our fathers found no food. [12] But when Jacob had heard that there was corn in Egypt, he sent our fathers first: [13] And at the second time, Joseph was known by his brethren, and his kindred was made known to Pharao. [14] And Joseph sending, called thither Jacob, his father, and all his kindred, seventy-five souls. [15] So Jacob went down into Egypt; and he died, and our fathers. [16] And they were translated into Sichem, and were laid in the sepulchre, that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Hemor, the son of Sichem.
[17] And when the time of the promise drew near, which God had promised to Abraham, the people increased, and were multiplied in Egypt, [18] Till another king arose in Egypt, who knew not Joseph. [19] This same dealing craftily with our race, afflicted our fathers, that they should expose their children, to the end they might not be kept alive. [20] At the same time was Moses born, and he was acceptable to God: who was nourished three months in his father's house. [21] And when he was exposed, Pharao's daughter took him up, and nourished him for her own son. [22] And Moses was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians; and he was mighty in his words and in his deeds.
[23] And when he was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren, the children of Israel. [24] And when he had seen one of them suffer wrong, he defended him; and striking the Egyptian, he avenged him who suffered the injury. [25] And he thought that his brethren understood that God by his hand would save them; but they understood it not. [26] And the day following, he shewed himself to them when they were at strife; and would have reconciled them in peace, saying: Men, ye are brethren; why hurt you one another? [27] But he that did the injury to his neighbour thrust him away, saying: Who hath appointed thee prince and judge over us? [28] What, wilt thou kill me, as thou didst yesterday kill the Egyptian? [29] And Moses fled upon this word, and was a stranger in the land of Madian, where he begot two sons.
[30] And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the desert of mount Sina, an angel in a flame of fire in a bush. [31] And Moses seeing it, wondered at the sight. And as he drew near to view it, the voice of the Lord came unto him, saying: [32] I am the God of thy fathers; the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses being terrified, durst not behold. [33] And the Lord said to him: Loose the shoes from thy feet, for the place wherein thou standest, is holy ground. [34] Seeing I have seen the affliction of my people which is in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver them. And now come, and I will send thee into Egypt. [35] This Moses, whom they refused, saying: Who hath appointed thee prince and judge? him God sent to be prince and redeemer by the hand of the angel who appeared to him in the bush. [36] He brought them out, doing wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red Sea, and in the desert forty years. [37] This is that Moses who said to the children of Israel: A prophet shall God raise up to you of your own brethren, as myself: him shall you hear. [38] This is he that was in the church in the wilderness, with the angel who spoke to him on mount Sina, and with our fathers; who received the words of life to give unto us.
[39] Whom our fathers would not obey; but thrust him away, and in their hearts turned back into Egypt, [40] Saying to Aaron: Make us gods to go before us. For as for this Moses, who brought us out of the land of Egypt, we know not what is become of him. [41] And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifices to the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands. [42] And God turned, and gave them up to serve the host of heaven, as it is written in the books of the prophets: Did you offer victims and sacrifices to me for forty years, in the desert, O house of Israel? [43] And you took unto you the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Rempham, figures which you made to adore them. And I will carry you away beyond Babylon.
Chapter 8 verses 9-11, 16-25 have been omitted from the Mass readings.
[18] And when Simon saw, that by the imposition of the hands of the apostles, the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, [19] Saying: Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I shall lay my hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter said to him: [20] Keep thy money to thyself, to perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. [21] Thou hast no part nor lot in this matter. For thy heart is not right in the sight of God. [22] Do penance therefore for this thy wickedness; and pray to God, that perhaps this thought of thy heart may be forgiven thee. [23] For I see thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bonds of iniquity. [24] Then Simon answering, said: Pray you for me to the Lord, that none of these things which you have spoken may come upon me. [25] And they indeed having testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel to many countries of the Samaritans.
Chapter 9 verses 23-25, 43 have been omitted from the Mass readings.
Chapter 10 verses 1-13, 14b-24, 27-33 have been omitted from the Mass readings.
[9] And on the next day, whilst they were going on their journey, and drawing nigh to the city, Peter went up to the higher parts of the house to pray, about the sixth hour. [10] And being hungry, he was desirous to taste somewhat. And as they were preparing, there came upon him an ecstasy of mind. [11] And he saw the heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending, as it were a great linen sheet let down by the four corners from heaven to the earth: [12] Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts, and creeping things of the earth, and fowls of the air. [13] And there came a voice to him: Arise, Peter; kill and eat. [14] ...for I never did eat any thing that is common and unclean. [15] And the voice spoke to him again the second time: That which God hath cleansed, do not thou call common. [16] And this was done thrice; and presently the vessel was taken up into heaven.
[17] Now, whilst Peter was doubting within himself, what the vision that he had seen should mean, behold the men who were sent from Cornelius, inquiring for Simon's house, stood at the gate. [18] And when they had called, they asked, if Simon, who is surnamed Peter, were lodged there. [19] And as Peter was thinking of the vision, the Spirit said to him: Behold three men seek thee. [20] Arise, therefore, get thee down and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them. [21] Then Peter, going down to the men, said: Behold, I am he whom you seek; what is the cause for which you are come? [22] Who said: Cornelius, a centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and having good testimony from all the nation of the Jews, received an answer of an holy angel, to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee. [23] Then bringing them in, he lodged them. And the day following he arose, and went with them: and some of the brethren from Joppe accompanied him. [24] And the morrow after, he entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, having called together his kinsmen and special friends.
Chapter 11 verses 27-30 have been omitted from the Mass readings.
Chapter 12 verses 12-23 have been omitted from the Mass readings.
[20] And he was angry with the Tyrians and the Sidonians. But they with one accord came to him, and having gained Blastus, who was the king's chamberlain, they desired peace, because their countries were nourished by him. [21] And upon a day appointed, Herod being arrayed in kingly apparel, sat in the judgment seat, and made an oration to them. [22] And the people made acclamation, saying: It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. [23] And forthwith an angel of the Lord struck him, because he had not given the honour to God: and being eaten up by worms, he gave up the ghost.
Chapter 13 verses 5b-12 have been omitted from the Mass readings.
Chapter 14 verses 1-4 have been omitted from the Mass readings.
Chapter 15 verses 32-41 have been omitted from the Mass readings.
Chapter 16 verses 16-21, 35-40 have been omitted from the Mass readings.
[16] And it came to
pass, as we went to prayer, a certain girl, having a pythonical spirit, met us, who brought
to her masters much gain by divining.
[17] This same
following Paul and us, cried out, saying: These men are the servants of the most high God, who
preach unto you the way of salvation.
[18] And this she did
many days. But Paul being grieved, turned, and said to the spirit: I command thee, in the name of
Jesus Christ, to go out from her. And he went out the same hour.
[19] But her masters,
seeing that the hope of their gain was gone, apprehending Paul and Silas, brought them into the
marketplace to the rulers.
[20] And presenting
them to the magistrates, they said: These men disturb our city, being Jews;
[21] And preach a
fashion which it is not lawful for us to receive nor observe, being Romans.
Chapter 17 verses 1-14, 16-21 have been omitted from the Mass readings.
[10] But the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea. Who, when they were come thither, went into the synagogue of the Jews. [11] Now these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, who received the word with all eagerness, daily searching the scriptures, whether these things were so. [12] And many indeed of them believed, and of honourable women that were Gentiles, and of men not a few. [13] And when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was also preached by Paul at Berea, they came thither also, stirring up and troubling the multitude. [14] And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul, to go unto the sea; but Silas and Timothy remained there.
Chapter 18 verses 2-8, 19-22 have been omitted from the Mass readings.
Chapter 19 verses 9-40 have been omitted from the Mass readings
[9] But when some were hardened, and believed not, speaking evil of the way of the Lord, before the multitude, departing from them, he separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus. [10] And this continued for the space of two years, so that all they who dwelt in Asia, heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Gentiles.
[11] And God wrought by the hand of Paul more than common miracles. [12] So that even there were brought from his body to the sick, handkerchiefs and aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the wicked spirits went out of them. [13] Now some also of the Jewish exorcists who went about, attempted to invoke over them that had evil spirits, the name of the Lord Jesus, saying: I conjure you by Jesus, whom Paul preacheth. [14] And there were certain men, seven sons of Sceva, a Jew, a chief priest, that did this. [15] But the wicked spirit, answering, said to them: Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?
[16] And the man in whom the wicked spirit was, leaping upon them, and mastering them both, prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. [17] And this became known to all the Jews and the Gentiles that dwelt at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. [18] And many of them that believed, came confessing and declaring their deeds. [19] And many of them who had followed curious arts, brought together their books, and burnt them before all; and counting the price of them, they found the money to be fifty thousand pieces of silver. [20] So mightily grew the word of God, and was confirmed.
[21] And when these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying: After I have been there, I must see Rome also. [22] And sending into Macedonia two of them that ministered to him, Timothy and Erastus, he himself remained for a time in Asia. [23] Now at that time there arose no small disturbance about the way of the Lord. [24] For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver temples for Diana, brought no small gain to the craftsmen; [25] Whom he calling together, with the workmen of like occupation, said: Sirs, you know that our gain is by this trade;
[26] And you see and hear, that this Paul by persuasion hath drawn away a great multitude, not only of Ephesus, but almost of all Asia, saying: They are not gods which are made by hands. [27] So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought, but also the temple of great Diana shall be reputed for nothing; yea, and her majesty shall begin to be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth. [28] Having heard these things, they were full of anger, and cried out, saying: Great is Diana of the Ephesians. [29] And the whole city was filled with confusion; and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions, they rushed with one accord into the theatre. [30] And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not.
[31] And some also of the rulers of Asia, who were his friends, sent unto him, desiring that he would not venture himself into the theatre. [32] Now some cried one thing, some another. For the assembly was confused, and the greater part knew not for what cause they were come together. [33] And they drew forth Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews thrusting him forward. And Alexander beckoning with his hand for silence, would have given the people satisfaction. [34] But as soon as they perceived him to be a Jew, all with one voice, for the space of about two hours, cried out: Great is Diana of the Ephesians. [35] And when the town clerk had appeased the multitudes, he said: Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great Diana, and of Jupiter's offspring.
[36] For as much
therefore as these things cannot be contradicted, you ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly.
[37] For you have
brought hither these men, who are neither guilty of sacrilege, nor of blasphemy against your
goddess. [38] But if
Demetrius and the craftsmen that are with him, have a matter against any man, the courts of
justice are open, and there are proconsuls: let them accuse one another.
[39] And if you inquire
after any other matter, it may be decided in a lawful assembly.
[40] For we are even in
danger to be called in question for this day's uproar, there being no man guilty (of whom we may
give account) of this concourse. And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly.
Chapter 20
verses 1-16 have been omitted from the Mass readings
[4] And there accompanied him Sopater the son of Pyrrhus, of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus, and Secundus, and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus. [5] These going before, stayed for us at Troas. [6] But we sailed from Philippi after the days of the Azymes, and came to them to Troas in five days, where we abode seven days.
[7] And on the first day of the week, when we were assembled to break bread, Paul discoursed with them, being to depart on the morrow: and he continued his speech until midnight. [8] And there were a great number of lamps in the upper chamber where we were assembled. [9] And a certain young man named Eutychus, sitting on the window, being oppressed with a deep sleep, (as Paul was long preaching,) by occasion of his sleep fell from the third loft down, and was taken up dead. [10] To whom, when Paul had gone down, he laid himself upon him, and embracing him, said: Be not troubled, for his soul is in him. [11] Then going up, and breaking bread and tasting, and having talked a long time to them, until daylight, so he departed. [12] And they brought the youth alive, and were not a little comforted.
[13] But we, going aboard the ship, sailed to Assos, being there to take in Paul; for so he had appointed, himself purposing to travel by land. [14] And when he had met with us at Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene. [15] And sailing thence, the day following we came over against Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos; and the day following we came to Miletus. [16] For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, lest he should be stayed any time in Asia. For he hasted, if it were possible for him, to keep the day of Pentecost at Jerusalem.
Chapter 21 verses 1-40 have been omitted from the Mass readings
[1] And when it came to pass that, being parted from them, we set sail, we came with a straight course to Coos, and the day following to Rhodes, and from thence to Patara. [2] And when we had found a ship sailing over to Phenice, we went aboard, and set forth. [3] And when we had discovered Cyprus, leaving it on the left hand, we sailed into Syria, and came to Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden. [4] And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem. [5] And the days being expired, departing we went forward, they all bringing us on our way, with their wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and we prayed.
[6] And when we had bid
one another farewell, we took ship; and they returned home.
[7] But we having
finished the voyage by sea, from Tyre came down to Ptolemais: and saluting the brethren, we abode
one day with them. [8]
And the next day departing, we came to Caesarea. And entering into the house of Philip the
evangelist, who was one of the seven, we abode with him.
[9] And he had four
daughters, virgins, who did prophesy.
[10] And as we tarried
there for some days, there came from Judea a certain prophet, named Agabus.
[11] Who, when he was come to us, took Paul's girdle: and binding his own feet and hands, he said: Thus saith the Holy Ghost: The man whose girdle this is, the Jews shall bind in this manner in Jerusalem, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles. [12] Which when we had heard, both we and they that were of that place, desired him that he would not go up to Jerusalem. [13] Then Paul answered, and said: What do you mean weeping and afflicting my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but to die also in Jerusalem, for the name of the Lord Jesus. [14] And when we could not persuade him, we ceased, saying: The will of the Lord be done. [15] And after those days, being prepared, we went up to Jerusalem.
[16] And there went also with us some of the disciples from Caesarea, bringing with them one Mnason a Cyprian, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge. [17] And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly. [18] And the day following, Paul went in with us unto James; and all the ancients were assembled. [19] Whom when he had saluted, he related particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry. [20] But they hearing it, glorified God, and said to him: Thou seest, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews that have believed: and they are all zealous for the law.
[21] Now they have
heard of thee that thou teachest those Jews, who are among the Gentiles, to depart from Moses:
saying, that they ought not to circumcise their children, nor walk according to the custom.
[22] What is it
therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come.
[23] Do therefore this
that we say to thee. We have four men, who have a vow on them.
[24] Take these, and
sanctify thyself with them: and bestow on them, that they may shave their heads: and all will know
that the things which they have heard of thee, are false; but that thou thyself also walkest
keeping the law.
[25] But as touching
the Gentiles that believe, we have written, decreeing that they should only refrain themselves
from that which has been offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangles, and from
fornication.
[26] Then Paul took the men, and the next day being purified with them, entered into the temple, giving notice of the accomplishment of the days of purification, until an oblation should be offered for every one of them. [27] But when the seven days were drawing to an end, those Jews that were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands upon him, crying out: [28] Men of Israel, help: This is the man that teacheth all men everywhere against the people, and the law, and this place; and moreover hath brought in Gentiles into the temple, and hath violated this holy place. [29] (For they had seen Trophimus the Ephesian in the city with him, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.) [30] And the whole city was in an uproar: and the people ran together. And taking Paul, they drew him out of the temple, and immediately the doors were shut.
[31] And as they went about to kill him, it was told the tribune of the band, That all Jerusalem was in confusion. [32] Who, forthwith taking with him soldiers and centurions, ran down to them. And when they saw the tribune and the soldiers they left off beating Paul. [33] Then the tribune coming near, took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains: and demanded who he was, and what he had done. [34] And some cried one thing, some another, among the multitude. And when he could not know the certainty for the tumult, he commanded him to be carried into the castle. [35] And when he was come to the stairs, it fell out that he was carried by the soldiers, because of the violence of the people.
[36] For the multitude
of the people followed after, crying: Away with him.
[37] And as Paul was
about to be brought into the castle, he saith to the tribune: May I speak something to thee? Who
said: Canst thou speak Greek?
[38] Art not thou that
Egyptian who before these days didst raise a tumult, and didst lead forth into the desert four
thousand men that were murderers?
[39] But Paul said to
him: I am a Jew of Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city. And I beseech thee, suffer me to
speak to the people.
[40] And when he had
given him leave, Paul standing on the stairs, beckoned with his hand to the people. And a great
silence being made, he spoke unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying:
Chapter 22 verses 1-2, 17-29 have been omitted from the Mass readings
[22] And they heard him until this word, and then lifted up their voice, saying: Away with such an one from the earth; for it is not fit that he should live. [23] And as they cried out and threw off their garments, and cast dust into the air, [24] The tribune commanded him to be brought into the castle, and that he should be scourged and tortured: to know for what cause they did so cry out against him. [25] And when they had bound him with thongs, Paul saith to the centurion that stood by him: Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned? [26] Which the centurion hearing, went to the tribune, and told him, saying: What art thou about to do? For this man is a Roman citizen. [27] And the tribune coming, said to him: Tell me, art thou a Roman? But he said: Yea. [28] And the tribune answered: I obtained the being free of this city with a great sum. And Paul said: But I was born so. [29] Immediately therefore they departed from him that were about to torture him. The tribune also was afraid after he understood that he was a Roman citizen, and because he had bound him.
Chapter 23 verses 1-5, 12-35 have been omitted from the Mass readings
[23] Then having called two centurions, he said to them: Make ready two hundred soldiers to go as far as Caesarea, and seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen for the third hour of the night: [24] And provide beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring him safe to Felix the governor. [25] (For he feared lest perhaps the Jews might take him away by force and kill him, and he should afterwards be slandered, as if he was to take money.) And he wrote a letter after this manner: [26] Claudius Lysias to the most excellent governor, Felix, greeting. [27] This man being taken by the Jews, and ready to be killed by them, I rescued coming in with an army, understanding that he is a Roman: [28] And meaning to know the cause which they objected unto him, I brought him forth into their council. [29] Whom I found to be accused concerning questions of their law; but having nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bands. [30] And when I was told of ambushes that they had prepared for him, I sent him to thee, signifying also to his accusers to plead before thee. Farewell.
[31] Then the soldiers, according as it was commanded them, taking Paul, brought him by night to Antipatris. [32] And the next day, leaving the horsemen to go with him, they returned to the castle. [33] Who, when they were come to Caesarea, and had delivered the letter to the governor, did also present Paul before him. [34] And when he had read it, and had asked of what province he was, and understood that he was of Cilicia; [35] I will hear thee, said he, when thy accusers come. And he commanded him to be kept in Herod's judgment hall.
Chapter 24 verses 1-27 have been omitted from the Mass readings
[1] And after five days the high priest Ananias came down, with some of the ancients, and one Tertullus an orator, who went to the governor against Paul. [2] And Paul being called for, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying: Whereas through thee we live in much peace, and many things are rectified by thy providence, [3] We accept it always and in all places, most excellent Felix, with all thanksgiving. [4] But that I be no further tedious to thee, I desire thee of thy clemency to hear us in few words. [5] We have found this to be a pestilent man, and raising seditions among all the Jews throughout the world, and author of the sedition of the sect of the Nazarenes.
[6] Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom, we having apprehended, would also have judged according to our law. [7] But Lysias the tribune coming upon us, with great violence took him away out of our hands; [8] Commanding his accusers to come to thee: of whom thou mayest thyself, by examination, have knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him. [9] And the Jews also added, and said that these things were so. [10] Then Paul answered, (the governor making a sign to him to speak:) Knowing that for many years thou hast been judge over this nation, I will with good courage answer for myself.
[11] For thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days, since I went up to adore in Jerusalem: [12] And neither in the temple did they find me disputing with any man, or causing any concourse of the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city: [13] Neither can they prove unto thee the things whereof they now accuse me. [14] But this I confess to thee, that according to the way, which they call a heresy, so do I serve the Father and my God, believing all things which are written in the law and the prophets: [15] Having hope in God, which these also themselves look for, that there shall be a resurrection of the just and unjust.
[16] And herein do I endeavour to have always a conscience without offence toward God, and towards men. [17] Now after many years, I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings, and vows. [18] In which I was found purified in the temple: neither with multitude, nor with tumult. [19] But certain Jews of Asia, who ought to be present before thee, and to accuse, if they had any thing against me: [20] Or let these men themselves say, if they found in me any iniquity, when standing before the council,
[21] Except it be for this one voice only that I cried, standing among them, Concerning the resurrection of the dead am I judged this day by you. [22] And Felix put them off, having most certain knowledge of this way, saying: When Lysias the tribune shall come down, I will hear you. [23] And he commanded a centurion to keep him, and that he should be easy, and that he should not prohibit any of his friends to minister unto him. [24] And after some days, Felix, coming with Drusilla his wife, who was a Jew, sent for Paul, and heard of him the faith, that is in Christ Jesus. [25] And as he treated of justice, and chastity, and of the judgment to come, Felix being terrified, answered: For this time, go thy way: but when I have a convenient time, I will send for thee.
[26] Hoping also
withal, that money should be given him by Paul; for which cause also oftentimes sending for him,
he spoke with him. [27]
But when two years were ended, Felix had for successor Portius Festus. And Felix being willing to
shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.
[6] And having tarried among them no more than eight or ten days, he went down to Caesarea, and the next day he sat in the judgment seat; and commanded Paul to be brought. [7] Who being brought, the Jews stood about him, who were come down from Jerusalem, objecting many and grievous causes, which they could not prove; [8] Paul making answer for himself: Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar, have I offended in any thing. [9] But Festus, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, answering Paul, said: Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me? [10] Then Paul said: I stand at Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought to be judged. To the Jews I have done no injury, as thou very well knowest. [11] For if I have injured them, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die. But if there be none of these things whereof they accuse me, no man may deliver me to them: I appeal to Caesar. [12] Then Festus having conferred with the council, answered: Hast thou appealed to Caesar? To Caesar shalt thou go.
Chapter 26 verses 1-18, 24-32 have been omitted from the Mass readings
[12] Whereupon when I was going to Damascus with authority and permission of the chief priest, [13] At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me, and them that were in company with me. [14] And when we were all fallen down on the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me in the Hebrew tongue: Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? It is hard for thee to kick against the goad. [15] And I said: Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord answered: I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. [16] But rise up, and stand upon thy feet: for to this end have I appeared to thee, that I may make thee a minister, and a witness of those things which thou hast seen, and of those things wherein I will appear to thee, [17] Delivering thee from the people, and from the nations, unto which now I send thee: [18] To open their eyes, that they may be converted from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and a lot among the saints, by the faith that is in me.
Chapter 27 verses 1-44 have been omitted from the Mass readings
[1] And when it was determined that he should sail into Italy, and that Paul, with the other prisoners, should be delivered to a centurion, named Julius, of the band Augusta, [2] Going on board a ship of Adrumetum, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia, Aristarchus, the Macedonian of Thessalonica, continuing with us. [3] And the day following we came to Sidon. And Julius treating Paul courteously, permitted him to go to his friends, and to take care of himself. [4] And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary. [5] And sailing over the sea of Cilicia, and Pamphylia, we came to Lystra, which is in Lycia:
[6] And there the centurion finding a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy, removed us into it. [7] And when for many days we had sailed slowly, and were scarce come over against Gnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed near Crete by Salmone: [8] And with much ado sailing by it, we came into a certain place, which is called Good-havens, nigh to which was the city of Thalassa. [9] And when much time was spent, and when sailing now was dangerous, because the fast was now past, Paul comforted them, [10] Saying to them: Ye men, I see that the voyage beginneth to be with injury and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives.
[11] But the centurion believed the pilot and the master of the ship, more than those things which were said by Paul. [12] And whereas it was not a commodious haven to winter in, the greatest part gave counsel to sail thence, if by any means they might reach Phenice to winter there, which is a haven of Crete, looking towards the southwest and northwest. [13] And the south wind gently blowing, thinking that they had obtained their purpose, when they had loosed from Asson, they sailed close by Crete. [14] But not long after, there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroaquilo. [15] And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up against the wind, giving up the ship to the winds, we were driven.
[16] And running under a certain island, that is called Cauda, we had much work to come by the boat. [17] Which being taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship, and fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, they let down the sail yard, and so were driven. [18] And we being mightily tossed with the tempest, the next day they lightened the ship. [19] And the third day they cast out with their own hands the tackling of the ship. [20] And when neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small storm lay on us, all hope of our being saved was now taken away.
[21] And after they had fasted a long time, Paul standing forth in the midst of them, said: You should indeed, O ye men, have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and have gained this harm and loss. [22] And now I exhort you to be of good cheer. For there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but only of the ship. [23] For an angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, stood by me this night, [24] Saying: Fear not, Paul, thou must be brought before Caesar; and behold, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. [25] Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer; for I believe God that it shall so be, as it hath been told me.
[26] And we must come unto a certain island. [27] But after the fourteenth night was come, as we were sailing in Adria, about midnight, the shipmen deemed that they discovered some country. [28] Who also sounding, found twenty fathoms; and going on a little further, they found fifteen fathoms. [29] Then fearing lest we should fall upon rough places, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day. [30] But as the shipmen sought to fly out of the ship, having let down the boat into the sea, under colour, as though they would have cast anchors out of the forepart of the ship,
[31] Paul said to the centurion, and to the soldiers: Except these stay in the ship, you cannot be saved. [32] Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off. [33] And when it began to be light, Paul besought them all to take meat, saying: This day is the fourteenth day that you have waited, and continued fasting, taking nothing. [34] Wherefore I pray you to take some meat for your health's sake; for there shall not an hair of the head of any of you perish. [35] And when he had said these things, taking bread, he gave thanks to God in the sight of them all; and when he had broken it, he began to eat.
[36] Then were they all of better cheer, and they also took some meat. [37] And we were in all in the ship, two hundred threescore and sixteen souls. [38] And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, casting the wheat into the sea. [39] And when it was day, they knew not the land; but they discovered a certain creek that had a shore, into which they minded, if they could, to thrust in the ship. [40] And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves to the sea, loosing withal the rudder bands; and hoisting up the mainsail to the wind, they made towards shore.
[41] And when we were fallen into a place where two seas met, they run the ship aground; and the forepart indeed, sticking fast, remained unmoveable: but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the sea. [42] And the soldiers' counsel was, that they should kill the prisoners, lest any of them, swimming out, should escape. [43] But the centurion, willing to save Paul, forbade it to be done; and he commanded that they who could swim, should cast themselves first into the sea, and save themselves, and get to land. [44] And the rest, some they carried on boards, and some on those things that belonged to the ship. And so it came to pass, that every soul got safe to land.
Chapter 28 verses 1-10, 21-29 have been omitted from the Mass readings
[21] But they said to him: We neither received letters concerning thee from Judea, neither did any of the brethren that came hither, relate or speak any evil of thee. [22] But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest; for as concerning this sect, we know that it is everywhere contradicted.
[23] And when they had appointed him a day, there came very many to him unto his lodgings; to whom he expounded, testifying the kingdom of God, and persuading them concerning Jesus, out of the law of Moses and the prophets, from morning until evening. [24] And some believed the things that were said; but some believed not. [25] And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, Paul speaking this one word: Well did the Holy Ghost speak to our fathers by Isaias the prophet, [26] Saying: Go to this people, and say to them: With the ear you shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing you shall see, and shall not perceive. [27] For the heart of this people is grown gross, and with their ears have they heard heavily, and their eyes they have shut; lest perhaps they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. [28] Be it known therefore to you, that this salvation of God is sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear it. [29] And when he had said these things, the Jews went out from him, having much reasoning among themselves.