Deeds of the Delegates by Lizelle Staats

Deeds of the Delegates

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬ Chapter 1 Starting from the end of the Glad Tidings of Luwqá’: The Ascension and the Promise ¶ The first account I indeed wrote concerning all the things which our Sovereign Yâhuwshúa` the Anointed began to both perform and to instruct, O friend of ’Elohíym (mighty Ones), Is until that day in which He was taken up, having given a command to the pupils whom He chose through the spirit of the Pure One, To whom He also presented His Self living after His suffering, by many criteria of certainty, being seen by them 1.

Deeds of the Delegates

during forty days, and speaking the things about the Kingdom of Yâ-hwéh! And, while eating bread1 together with Him, He charged them: “Do not depart from Yruwshâláim; instead, stay around for the promise of the Father, which ye did hear of Me, For Yâhuwchânâ´n indeed immersed within water, but ye shall be immersed within the spirit of the Pure One after not many days.”

Therefore they, having come together, indeed asked Him, saying: “Our Sovereign! Might You at this time restore the Kingdom to Yisrâ’Ë´l?” And He said to them:

The Greek sunalizomenos means to assemble together or to eat salt together. The Greek scribe had transposed the letters of the Aramaic letters of bread amxl to mean salt axlm. 1

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

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“It is not of you to know times or seasons which the Father placed within His own authority; Nevertheless ye will receive Force when the Pure One’s spirit has come upon you, and ye shall be witnesses for Me, both in Yruwshâláim, and within all Yâhuwthâ´h and also Shomrówn, even unto the extremities of the earth!”

And having said these things, while they were looking at Him, He was lifted up, and a cloud received Him and He was hidden from their vision. And as they were gazing intently into the heavens as He was going, look! Also two men stood beside them in white clothing, Who also said: 3

Deeds of the Delegates

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“Men of Gâlíyl, why do ye stand looking unto the heavens? This One, Yâhuwshúa`, Who was taken up from you into the heavens will thus come, in the manner ye observed Him going into the heavens.” [YchezqË´’l 11: 22-23] Then they returned to Yruwshâláim from the mount called “of the olives”, which is near Yruwshâláim, being a Shabbâ´th’s journey distant (.57 miles). Këph leads the pupils to fulfill scriptural prediction: MattithYâ´huw replaces Yehuwthâ´h And when they had entered, they went up into the upper room, where both Këph and Yaàqóv were staying with Yâhuwchânâń and MattithYâ´huw, Yaàqóv son of Chë´lphëy and Shim`ówn

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

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the zealot, and Yâhuwthâ´h the brother2 of Ya`aqóv. These ones were all unanimously earnestly persevering in prayer and in petitions, together with their wives and Miryâ´m the mother of Yâhuwshúa`, and together with His brothers. And in those days, Shim`ówn3 Këph, having stood up in the midst of the pupils – and their number was of about a hundred and twenty names – said: 16.

“Men, our brothers: it was necessary for this scripture to have been fulfilled, which the spirit of the Pure One

See Yâhuwthâ´h verse 1. He was the half brother of Yâhuwshúa`. The Peshitta Aramaic translation incorrectly says “the son of”. 3 Often in the Aramaic translations, we find Shim`ówn where the Greek translation only has Pétrus (Këph). There is no reason to translate his name, especially when our Savior Himself renamed him “Këph”. There is also no reason to substitute his former name Shim`ówn for his new name either, as though He did not have the authority to rename him. As it is not clear who altered it, I have put the Aramaic translation name in italics, and included the restored Greek translation name. 2

Deeds of the Delegates

predicted through the mouth of Dâwíth about Yehuwthâ´h, the one who became a guide to those who seized Yâhuwshúa`; Since he was numbered together with us, and obtained a lot in this service of attending. These ones4 indeed then procured a field from the wages of the injustice, and having fallen on their face, split apart in their midsection, and all their

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In Ìvríyth (Hebrew), a people is referred to by a person male singular pronoun, and Yehuwthâ´h had the same name as these people who had corrupted their own tribal name so as to not pronounce its theophoric component, Yâ´huw. MattithYâ´huw 27: 3-8 documents clearly that Yehuwthâ´h died hanging himself, and he was not the one who bought the field, but his people who also had betrayed their Sovereign. Therefore here the people of Yehuwthâ´h are being equated with the man by the same name who betrayed our Sovereign, since they also did this, denying Him and murdering Him by the hands of others. The part about falling on their face and splitting open and losing their compassions (bowels) is a spiritual description of what happened to their now debased religion, which ceased to be our brothers (ZkharYâ´hu 11:14). Compare how the love of the Christians grows cold as their rebellion multiplies (MattithYâ´huw 24: 12). If scripture considers this traitor Yehuwthâ´h as being the same as this treacherous “Yehuwthím” people (YirmYâ´huw 3: 11), and this traitor is called the “son of extermination” (Yâhuwchânâń’s Glad Tidings 17: 12) just like the anointed falsifier (2 Thessaloníkeans 2: 3), then is it any surprise that the anointed falsifier will be accepted by this treacherous people? (DâńiyyË´’l 11: 23, Yâhuwchânâń’s Glad Tidings 5: 43) 6

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

compassions spilled out [ZkharYâ´hu 11: 145]. And thus it became known to all those dwelling in Yruwshâláim, that in the language of the land6, that field was called “Choq ’el dâ´mâh” (the Portion of Bloodshed). For it has been written within the Scroll of Psalms [69: 25 and 109: 8]: “May their place become deserted, let there not be one dwelling in their tents.”7 And: “Let his days be few, let another take his office.”

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After speaking of the thirty pieces of silver being thrown to the potter into the House of Yâ-hwéh, “Then I cut in two my second staff, the Bindings, to break the brotherhood between Yâhuwthâ´h and between Yisrâ’Ë´l.” 6 Per the Peshitta Aramaic translation, which goes further to prove that the language spoken in the Land was still `Ivríyth (Hebrew). 7 This prediction which was foreshadowed with the dispersion of Yehuwthâ´h by the Romans is also end-time prophecy says that the Land where the “Yehuwthím” now inhabit would be deserted and emptied. 5

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Therefore it is necessary for one of those men who went with us during the whole time in which our Sovereign Yâhuwshúa` entered and exited from among us, Beginning from the immersion of Yâhuwchânâ´n until the day in which He was taken up away from us, to become a witness to His resurrection together with us.” 22.

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And two stood up, Yâhuwçë´ph, the one called Bar-Tsâvâ´’, who was called Iústus, and MattithYâ´huw. And praying, they said: “You, Yâ-hwéh, are the Knower of all hearts: show which one from these two You did pick out

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬ 25.

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To receive the portion of this service of attending and commission to be a delegate, from which Yehuwthâ´h turned against, to depart unto his own place.”

And they cast their lots, and the lot fell upon MattithYâ´huw, and he was numbered together along with the eleven delegates8.

Chapter 2 “The Promise of the Father” [1: 4] fulfills with a sign ¶ And during the accomplishing of the 50th day from Firstfruits, they were all at the same place unanimously, And unexpectedly a sound came from the skies just like a rushing of a violent wind, 1.

Yâhuwshúa` sent them forth into the world as He was sent forth by His Father. 9

Deeds of the Delegates

and filled the entire dwelling where they were sitting. And there appeared to them divided tongues, as if of fire, and sat upon each one of them. And they were all filled of the spirit of the Pure One, and began to speak with other languages, just as the spirit gave to them to pronounce clearly. And there were Yâhuwthím dwelling in Yruwshâláim, reverent men from every nation that are under the heavens. But when the sound of this was generated, all the multitude gathered and were bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in his own dialect! And all were astounded and marveled, saying to one another:

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

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“Look! Aren’t all those who are speaking Gliylíym? Yet how do we hear each speak in our own dialect in which we were born?”

Said the Parçíym and Mâtháy and `Ëylâmíym, and those who inhabit ’Arâ´m Naharáyim (“of the two rivers9”), and Yâhuwthím and those from Kappadokía, Póntus and ’Asía, Both Phrugías and Pamphulía, Mitsráyim and the parts of Libúe (Libya) which is near Kuréne and those who visited from Róma: both Yâhuwthím and foreign converts to Yâ-hwéh, And those from Kréte and `Arviy’íym (Arabians) all said:

Greek: “Mesopotamía” 11

Deeds of the Delegates

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“We hear them speaking in our own languages the great things of ‘Yâhwéh10’!” And all were astounded, yet were thoroughly perplexed, saying one to another: “What would that thing mean?” But others said, jeering: “They are full of new wine and become drunk11!” [1 Qorinthíym 14: 2] Këph translates and interprets the spiritual sayings in languages and ~3,000 turn to Yâhwéh

Though these were speaking in languages from everywhere, note that all spoke Yâhwéh’s name the same, not translated, nor rendered differently. Note in the next verses these foreigners did not understand as they were nonbelievers, and these things are spiritually discerned, and Këph stood up to interpret. 11 The Greek says “full of new wine” where the “full”(Strong’s #3325) implies intoxication. Either way, it is clear here that new wine was fermented and alcoholic (e.g. Beaujolais), though many Christians argue otherwise. 10

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬ 14.

But Shim`ówn Këph, standing up with the eleven delegates, raised his voice and spoke out to them: “Men, Yâhuwthím, and all of the ones who inhabit Yruwshâláim: let this thing become well-known to you, and give ear to my words: For it is not as ye suppose, ‘these are drunken’, for it is but the third hour of the day [9 AM], Instead, this thing is that which has been spoken through the predicator Yâhuw’Ë´l, And it shall be during the last days, Yâhwéh said: 15.

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“I will pour out My spirit upon all of flesh, and your sons will predicate, and your daughters, your young men will 13

Deeds of the Delegates

see visions, your old men will dream dreams,12 And even upon the men bondservants and the women bondservants in those days I will pour out My spirit (and they shall predicate) – And I will show signs in the heavens and mighty deeds on the earth, blood and fire and billows of smoke; The luminary orb, it will be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood before the great and the dreadful Day of Yâhwéh13 is to come! And it shall be, everyone who shall have called on the name of Yâ-hwéh, he shall be rescued! For on the Mountain of Tsiyyówn and in

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The Masoretic rendering of this text is mixed up. 13 On the dark Day of Yâhuwshúa`’s sudden return to His temple, the day cycle (YirmYâ´huw 31: 35-36) is broken and thus the descendants of Yisrâ’Ë´l will cease from being a heathen mass before Him forever. But verse 37 is not broken, so not ALL their Seed will be rejected. This event is the 6th seal. 12

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

Yruwshâláim shall the escaped remnant be, just as Yâ-hwéh said, even among the survivors whom Yâ-hwéh is calling.” [Yâhuw’Ë´l 2:28-32] Sons of Yisrâ’Ë´l, understand these words: Yâhuwshúa` the Nëtsríy is the Man exhibited by the Power (’Ël) unto you by works of Force and wonders and signs, which the Power wrought within your midst by His hand, just as you yourselves also recognize. This One was given up for this by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of Yâ-hwéh, when ye seized Him through the hands of the lawless, and ye did put Him to death, having hanged Him on a gallows-cross. But the Power raised Him up, having loosed Him from the labor pains of 22.

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Sh’ówl, since it was not possible for Him to be retained in Sh’ówl. For Dâwíth says for Him: “I have set Yâ-hwéh always before Me because at My right hand14, I will not be shaken: Therefore My heart is glad and My Honor rejoices – My body will also rest securely: Because You will not abandon My Self to Sh’ówl, You will not concede Your Kind One to see decay: You will make the Way of Life known to Me, the completion of happiness, Your Face, and pleasures eternally at Your right hand:” [Psalms 16: 8-11] 26.

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Translators change this to “because He is at My right hand”, but think, as He is at the right hand side of the Father, His Father would be at His left hand! The Truth is, since Yâhuwshúa` is Yâ-hwéh, the Father’s right hand is also His. 14

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

Men, our brothers, it is lawful to speak with outspokenness to you about the chief father Dâwíth, that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is among us unto this day. These things being so, he came to be a foreteller, and understanding that Yâhwéh swore to him with an oath: “One from the fruit of your loins [the Anointed One (Psalms 132:10)], I shall set upon your throne,” [Psalms 132: 11] And foreseeing, he did speak about the resurrection of the Anointed: that His Self was not left down in Sh’ówl, neither did His flesh see decay [v. 27]; This One is Yâhuwshúa`, Who the Power (’Ël) raised up, of which we are witnesses. Also this One is Who has been elevated to the right hand of the Power, [v. 28]

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and received the promise of the spirit of the Pure One from the Father, so He has poured this gift out, which ye now see and hear. For Dâwíth is not ascended into the heavens15, but himself says: “An oracle of Yâ-hwéh for ’Athníy (my Foundation): ‘Sit at My right hand, 35. until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet!’” [Psalms 110: 1] 36. Therefore, let all the house of Yisrâ’Ë´l assuredly acknowledge, that the Power (’Ël) has made Him both Yâhwéh16 [Yâhuwchânâ´n’s Glad Tidings 13: 31, Yshá`Yâhuw 49: 4] and the Anointed

Besides the point made by Këph, this knocks a very big hole in the false doctrine of believers going to heaven, even for those who claim it to happen with the Deliverer’s ascension. 16 As per the Peshitta Aramaic translation, and the whole point of this speech. 15

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

One, this one Yâhuwshúa`, Whom ye have hanged.” 37. And when they understood17, their hearts were vehemently agitated, and said to Shim`ówn Këph and the rest of the delegates: “What should we do, our brothers?” 38. And Shim`ówn Këph said to them: “Each of you reconsider, and become immersed within the name of Yâ-hwéh Yâhuwshúa`18 for release from sins, and ye will receive the gift of the spirit of the Pure One. They then understood that Yâhuwshúa` is Yâ-hwéh Who sent His spirit they saw manifesting, and that Yâhuwshúa` is Who will come in the Day of Yâ-hwéh, and that the name of Yâ-hwéh they had to call on to survive the Day of Yâ-hwéh is as Këph then says in the next verse: Yâ-hwéh Yâhuwshúa`! 18 Per the predictions in scripture, Yâ-hwéh has preserved this Truth intact. In the Aramaic, it is evident that this is the proper name to be immersed in, being as commanded in MattithYâ´huw, the name of the Father also of the Son. In other places the scribes have not left these names intact, substituting titles due to their unbelief. 17

Deeds of the Delegates

39. For the promise is for you and your children, and for all those at a distant time, whoever may call to Yâ-hwéh our mighty Ones.” 40. And with many other words he earnestly testified to them and implored them, saying: “Be delivered from this perverse stock!” 41. Then those who indeed had gladly accepted his Word and trusted were immersed. And that day were added about three thousand souls. 42. And they were steadfastly attentive to the instructions of the delegates and were in fellowship, both with the breaking of the bread and in prayers. 43. And reverence came on every soul, and many omens and signs took place by the hand of the delegates in Yruwshâláim. 20

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

44. And all the ones who believed were united and all things they had was shared by all, 45. And they sold their possessions and property, and divided them to each one, according to whether anyone had a need. 46. And every day they were steadfastly attentive unanimously within the temple, and breaking bread in their houses, they partook of nourishment with exultation, and in simplicity of heart, 47. They were praising Yâ-hwéh, and finding favor before all of the people, and Yâ-hwéh added those who were being delivered daily to the convocation. Chapter 3 A lame man cured by belief on Yâhuwshúa`’s name 21

Deeds of the Delegates 1.

¶ And as Shim`ówn Këph and Yâhuwchânâń went up at the same time into the temple at the hour of prayer (the ninth [3 PM, Roman time system]) Look! A certain man, lame from his mother’s womb was being carried, whom they placed daily before the door of the temple called “Shphiyrâ´h” (beautiful), to ask alms from the ones who were entering into the temple, Who, when he saw Shim`ówn Këph and Yâhuwchânâń about to enter into the temple, asked to receive alms. And Shim`ówn Këph, looking intently at him together with Yâhuwchânâń, said: “Look at us!” And he paid attention, expecting to receive something from them. And Shim`ówn Këph said:

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

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“My silver or gold has not come into existence, but what I have, this I give to you: by the name of Yâhuwshúa` the Anointed One of Netsârówth – rise up and walk about!” And having taken his right hand, he raised him, and immediately his feet and ankles were strengthened! And leaping up, he stood and walked about, and entered with them into the temple, walking about, and leaping, and praising Yâ-hwéh! And all the people saw him walking about and praising Yâ-hwéh, And they recognized him, that this one was who was sitting daily, asking for alms at the beautiful gate of the temple, and they were filled with astonishment and bewilderment at what had happened to him. 23

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And, as the lame man who had been cured grabbed Shim`ówn Këph and Yâhuwchânâ´n, all of the people ran together to them, to the porch of Shlómoh, quite astonished! And seeing it, Shim`ówn Këph responded to the people: “Men, sons of Yisrâ’Ë´l, why are you astonished at this? Or why do you gaze intently at us as if we with our own force or authority19 had made him to walk? The mighty Ones of ’Avrâhâ´m and of Yitschâ´q and of Ya`aqóv, the mighty Ones of our fathers has honored His Son Yâhuwshúa`, Whom ye gave over and denied Him against the intention of Pilátus, after that one had decided to release Him!

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The Greek translation has here “reverence”, which is less logical.

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

But ye denied the Pure and Righteous One, and requested a murderous man to be granted to you, So ye killed off the Prince of Life, Whom the Power (’Ël) has raised up from among the dead, of which all of us are witnesses! Yet by the belief of His name, He has strengthened and cured this one whom ye see and know, and the persuasion which is in Him gave to him this physical wholeness before all of you! And now, our brothers, I understand that ye acted by ignorance, as did also your leaders, But what Yâ-hwéh pre-announced through the mouths of all His predicators that His Anointed One should suffer, He fulfilled thus.

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Reconsider, therefore, and return for the blotting out of your sins, so that the seasons of the glad tidings20 may come from the presence of Yâ-hwéh, When He might send the One proclaimed before to you, Yâhuwshúa` the Deliverer, Whom the heavens must indeed receive until the completion of the times of all those things that Yâ-hwéh spoke through the mouth of all His pure predicators since perpetuity. For Moshéh indeed said to the fathers: 20.

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“A Predicator from among you, from your brothers, like me, Yâ-hwéh your 20

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The Greek “refreshing” means the `Ivríyth (Hebrew) word here was possibly bâsár: 01319. rsb basar baw-sar’; a primitive root; properly, to be fresh, i.e. full (rosy, (figuratively) cheerful); to announce (glad news):—messenger, preach, publish, shew forth, (bear, bring, carry, preach, good, tell good) tidings. It may be that the term used here is ha-Margë`â´h (as in Yshá`Yâhuw 28:12), meaning “the place of repose”. 26

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

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mighty Ones will raise up for you – to Him you must listen [:” [Deuteronomy 18: 15] …and Yâ-hwéh my mighty Ones said: “…and I will put My words in His mouth, and He will tell them] all that I command: And it shall be, the man who does not listen to My words that He speaks in My name, shall be extirpated from among his people!21” [Deuteronomy 18: 18-19]

And indeed all the predicators, from Shmuw’Ë´l and those who were thereafter spoke and foretold about these days. Ye are the sons of the predicators and of the covenant which Yâ-hwéh 24.

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This verse as quoted in this book resembles the LXX more than the apparently altered Masoretic text. 21

Deeds of the Delegates

covenanted for our fathers, saying to ’Avrâhâ´m: “[…For I shall surely bless you and I shall surely increase your Seed as the stars of the skies and as the sand that is on the shore of the sea, and your Seed will possess the gates of His enemies,] And all of the heathen masses of the earth shall be blessed through your Seed, [because you obeyed Me.]” [Genesis 22: 17-18] The Power, when He raised up His Son Yâhuwshúa`, sent Him to you first, blessing you by turning each of you away from your harmfulness.”

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Chapter 4 Këph and Yâhuwchânâ´n arrested, profess salvation by no other name than

Yâhuwshúa`

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬ 1.

And as they were speaking these words to the people, the priests and the chief temple-warden, and the Tsthuwqíym stood against them, Being grieved because they taught the people about “Yâhuwshúa`” and publicly proclaimed His22 resurrection from among the dead; So they laid hands on them and put them into prison until the morning, for it was already evening. But many of those who had heard the Word [Yâhuwshúa`] believed, and the number of the men became about five thousand. And it came to pass at the morning, the chiefs and elders and scribes were gathered together,

The context shows this to be true, as per verse 3:15, and apparently της should actually be rendered αυτης in the Greek translation. 22

Deeds of the Delegates 6.

With ChananYâ´huw the high priest and Qayë´phâ’ and Yâhuwchânâ´n and ’Aléxandros and those who were from the family of the high priest. And having placed them within the midst, they inquired of them: “By what force or by what name did ye do this?” Then Shim`ówn Këph was filled of the spirit of the Pure One, and said to them: “Chiefs of the people and elders of the house of Yisrâ’Ë´l! If we today are interrogated about the “Shphiyrâ´h” (beautiful) thing that happened to the infirm man, by what this one has been delivered, Let it become well-known to all of you and to all the people of Yisrâ’Ë´l that by the name of Yâhuwshúa` the Anointed

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‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

One, of Netsârówth, Whom ye hanged, Whom the Power raised from among the dead, by that One, look, does this one stand in your sight, whole. This One is the Stone that has been rejected by you, the builders, Which is become for the Chief Cornerstone. [From Psalms 118: 22] And there is deliverance in no other one, for neither is there another name that has been given by the heavens among men by which we must be delivered!” 11.

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And when they heard the saying of Shim`ówn Këph and of Yâhuwchânâ´n, seeing their confidence, though they had comprehended that they are unlearned men and ignorant, they marveled; and they recognized them, that they had been together with Yâhuwshúa`. 31

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But seeing the man who had been cured standing together with them, they had nothing to contradict them. “Yehuwthím” knowingly continue their rebellion, charge the censorship of Yâhuwshúa`’s name And having commanded them to go outside of the joint session (Sanhedrin), they conferred with one another, Saying: “What shall we do to these men? For indeed a visible sign has come to pass by their hands, recognized to all those inhabiting Yruwshâláim, and we are unable to deny it! Nevertheless, in order that this Word may not disseminate among the people, let us forbid them to speak again on this 17.

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

name any longer to any man from the sons of ’Âthâ´m.” 18.

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So having called them, they charged them to not speak at all, nor to instruct on the name of Yâhuwshúa`. But Shim`ówn Këph and Yâhuwchânâ´n, responding, said to them: “Decide ye whether it is righteous in the sight of Yâ-hwéh to heed you more than Yâ-hwéh, For we cannot but speak what we have seen and heard.”

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But they, having further threatened them, let them go, finding nothing as to how they might punish them due to the people, because all were praising Yâ-hwéh about that which has taken place, 33

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For the man on whom this sign of curing had taken place was more than forty years old! And when they were released, they came to their brothers and reported everything the chief priests and the elders had said. And they, having heard, raised their voice unanimously before the Power (’Ël) and said:

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“O Sovereign Yâ-hwéh! You are the mighty Ones “Who made the heavens and the earth and the sea and all the things within them…” [Psalms 146: 6], And it is You Who spoke through the spirit of the Pure One by the mouth of Dâwíth Your servant:

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

“Why are the heathen masses in a tumult, and the communities devise a worthless thing? The kings of the earth take a stand, and the rulers, they are founded together against Yâ-hwéh, and against His Anointed!” [Psalms 2: 1-2] 26.

For truly both Heródes and Póntius Pilátus, together with the heathen masses and the peoples of Yisrâ’Ë´l were gathered together in this city against the Pure One, Your Son Yâhuwshúa`, Whom You did anoint, To do whatever Your hand and Your will has before marked out to come to pass! Yet also now, Yâ-hwéh, look on and see their threats, and grant to Your 27.

28.

29.

Deeds of the Delegates

bondmen to speak Your Word with all confidence, While Your hand is reaching out for curing and signs and wonders to be done through the name of Your pure Son Yâhuwshúa`!”

30.

31.

And when they had prayed, the place in which they were assembled was shaken and they were all filled of the spirit of the Pure One, and were speaking the Word of Yâ-hwéh [Yâhuwshúa`] with confidence.

The Convocation voluntarily sharing according to their needs ¶ And the heart and motivation of the multitude of those that were persuaded were united, and not even one said that anything of those possessions he had was

32.

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

33.

34.

35.

36.

37.

his privately, instead all things which were theirs was shared by all. And the delegates delivered the testimony of the resurrection of [the Sovereign] Yâhuwshúa` the Anointed One with great force, and great favor was upon all of them. For neither did anyone lack among them, for those who were owners of estates or houses sold them and brought the price of what was sold, And laid it at the feet of the delegates, and it was distributed to each according to the need anyone had. And Yâhuwçë´ph, who was called BarNâvíy’ (son of a predicator) by the delegates, a Lwiyyím, by birth from the region of Kúpros, Had a field, and having sold it, brought the price and placed it by the feet of the 37

Deeds of the Delegates

delegates, and it was distributed to each according as anyone had need. Chapter 5 The spirit of Yâ-hwéh is not to be wrongly tested (Ya`aqóv 1: 13) And a certain man – ChananYâ´huw by name, together with Shphiyrâ´h his wife – sold his field, But secretly withheld for themselves some of the price, while his wife was also conscious of it, and having brought a portion from the price, placed it at the feet of the delegates. And Shim`ówn Këph said: 1.

“ChananYâ´huw, why did the Adversary so fill your heart, for you to lie to the spirit of the Pure One, and to hide for 38

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

yourself some of the price of the plot of land? Didn’t some indeed continue to remain yours? And when it was sold, wasn’t it within your authority? Why did you set forth to do this matter within your heart? You did not lie to sons of ’Âthâ´m, rather to Yâ-hwéh.”

And when ChananYâ´huw heard these words, he fell down and expired! And great fear came upon all who heard these things. And the younger men, having risen, wrapped him, and having carried him out, buried him. And it came to pass about three hours later, his wife also entered, not knowing what had come to pass. And Shim`ówn Këph responded to her: 39

Deeds of the Delegates

10.

11.

“Tell me if ye sold off the plot of land for this quantity.” And she said: “Yes, for this quantity.” And Shim`ówn Këph said to her: “Why is it that ye agreed together to test the spirit of Yâ-hwéh? Look, the feet of those who buried your husband are arriving at the door; they shall also carry you out.” And she fell down immediately at his feet and expired! And the young men, having entered, found her dead, and having wrapped her, they carried her out, and buried her by her husband. And great fear came upon the entire convocation, even upon all of those who heard these things. The Convocation strengthened in force

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬ 12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

¶ And through the hands of the delegates did many signs and wonders come to pass among the people, and they were all unanimously in the porch of Shlómoh, Yet not one of the rest dared to join them, nevertheless the people magnified them; Even more believers were added to Yâhwéh: multitudes of both men and women, So as also even to bring out the sick to the streets, and to put them on cots and mattresses in order that at least the shadow of Shim`ówn Këph coming might overshadow some one of them! And also multitudes from the surrounding cities came together unto Yruwshâláim, bringing sick ones and those oppressed by unclean spirits, who were all relieved.

Deeds of the Delegates

17.

18.

19.

Envious “Yehuwthím” imprison the delegates; Yâ-hwéh frees them with an envoy And then the high priest and all those together with him (which is the sect of the Tsthuwqíym) were filled with envy, arose, And threw their hands on the delegates and put them in the public jail. But during the night an envoy of Yâhwéh opened the doors of the prison, and having brought them out, said to them: “Go ye, and standing, speak within the temple to the people all these Words of life!” And having heard, they entered by the dawn into the temple and were teaching. And the high priest with those together with him, when they arrived, they called together the joint session (Sanhedrim) with all the eldership of [the sons of] 20.

21.

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

22.

23.

24.

25.

Yisrâ’Ë´l, and sent out for the dungeon to have the delegates brought. But when the officers had arrived, they could not find them within the prison! And having returned, they reported, Saying: “The dungeon we did indeed find shut with all security, with the guards standing outside in front of the doors, but having opened these, we found no one inside.” And when they heard these words, both the temple-warden and the chief priests were completely perplexed about them, what this might mean. And someone having arrived, reported to them, saying: “Look! The men whom ye put within the prison are within the temple, standing and instructing the people!” 43

Deeds of the Delegates 26.

Then the temple warden left together with the officers to bring them, not by violence, for they feared the people lest they might be stoned.

“Yehuwthím” inquisition about the teaching of the name And when they brought them, they stood them within the joint session (Sanhedrim). And the high priest inquired of them, Saying: “Didn’t we surely command you to not to teach anyone about this name? And look! Ye have filled Yruwshâláim with your doctrine, and you want to charge us with blood of this Man!” But responding, Shim`ówn Këph and the delegates said:

27.

28.

29.

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

“It is necessary to obey Yâ-hwéh more so than the sons of ’Âthâ´m. The Power (’Ël) of our fathers raised Yâhuwshúa` up, Whom ye did murder, when you hanged Him on a gallows23cross. [To the Galátas 3: 13] This One did the Power make a Prince and a Deliverer, and exalted Him by His right hand, to grant repentance and liberation from sins to Yisrâ’Ë´l. And we are His witnesses of these Words, also with the spirit of the Pure One, which Yâ-hwéh granted to those who believe in Him.” 30.

31.

32.

33.

But they, having heard, were violently enraged, and determined to put them to death.

The `Ivríyth (Hebrew) word `Ëts stands for “wood”, “tree”, or “gallows”, which is its meaning here and can be in Deuteronomy 21: 23 as well. The type of gallows used primarily by the Romans at that time period was the gallows-cross. 23

Deeds of the Delegates

Gamliy’Ë´l’s sound advice for all those about to oppose Yâhuwshúa`’s convocation But a certain Phârushíy stood up in the Joint Session by the name Gamliy’Ë´l, a instructor in the Law esteemed by all the people, and he commanded for the delegates to be put outside for a short while, And said to them:

34.

35.

36.

“Men, sons of Yisrâ’Ë´l, pay attention to yourselves about what ye are about to do to these men, For before these days, Todah stood up, alleging his self to be someone great, to whom were joined a number of men – about four hundred. But he was slain, and all as many as were persuaded by

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

37.

him were dispersed and came to nothing. After this one, Yehuwthâ´h, the Gliylíy, rose up after him in the days of the registration for the poll tax, and instigated quite many people to revolt following him. That one also perished, and all as many as were persuaded by him were scattered abroad. So now I say to you, stand aloof from these men, and let them be, for if this purpose or this work is from sons of ’Âthâ´m, it will be overthrown, and pass away. But if it is from the mighty Ones (’Elohíym), ye are not capacitated to overthrow it, lest also ye be also found opponents against the mighty Ones.”

38.

39.

Deeds of the Delegates 40.

41.

42.

And they were persuaded by him, and having called the delegates to them, having whipped them, they charged them not to speak on the name of Yâhuwshúa`, and released them. Therefore they departed from the presence of the Joint Session, rejoicing because they were accounted worthy to be depreciated for His name. And every day within the temple and in the houses they did not cease instructing and announcing the glad tidings: our Sovereign Yâhuwshúa` is the Deliverer!

Chapter 6 Service of attending people should not override attending Yâ-hwéh’s Word But in those days, as the pupils were multiplying, there arose a murmuring of the Hellenist pupils against the `Ivríym, 1.

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

because their widows were overlooked in the daily service of attendance. And the twelve delegates having called to the multitude of the pupils, said to them: “Abandoning the Word of Yâ-hwéh to attend tables is not pleasing to us. Therefore, brothers, select out seven men with testimonials from among you, and who are full of the spirit of Yâ-hwéh and wisdom, who we will appoint over this necessity, But we will diligently persevere at prayer and the service of attendance of the Word.” 3.

And the statement was pleasing in the sight of all of the people, so they selected Stéphanos, a man full of persuasion and of the spirit of the Pure One, and Phílippoi, 49

Deeds of the Delegates

and Próxoros, and Nikánor, and Tímon, and Parmenás, and Nikólaos [See Disclosure 2: 6, 2: 15], a foreign convert of ’Antióxeia, Who they stood in the sight of the delegates, and after having prayed, they imposed their hands on them. The accusation of Stéphanos And the Word of Yâ-hwéh grew, and the number of the pupils in Yruwshâláim was multiplied violently; even many people of the priests24 were obedient to the persuasion! And Stéphanos was full of persuasion and Force, and he performed wonders and great signs among the people! But certain ones of those from the assembly called “Libertínos” stood up

The Aramaic has “Yehuwthím” here, but consider that these would not have been differentiated from other converts logically. 24

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

10.

11.

12.

13.

disputing with Stéphanos, along with some from Kuréne, and some from ’Aléxandreia, and some of those from Kilikía and ’Asía. Yet they were not able to stand against the wisdom and the spirit by which he spoke. Then they infiltrated men, and instructed them to allege: “We have heard him speaking scornful words against Moshéh and the mighty Ones.” They also stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes, and stood against him, and grabbed him, and led him to the Joint Session, They also set false witnesses, alleging:

Deeds of the Delegates

14.

15.

“This man does not cease speaking scornful utterances against the Law and this pure place, For we have heard him saying that this Yâhuwshúa` the One of Netsârówth will destroy this place and will change the customs which Moshéh delivered to us!”

And all those who sat within the Joint Session, gazing intently on him, saw his face as the face of an envoy!

Chapter 7

Stéphanos’s testimony: ’Avrâhâ´m was obedient And the high priest said: “Are these things thus?” And he declared:

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

“Men, brothers, and fathers, listen! The mighty One of the Honor appeared to our father ’Avrâhâ´m, when he was in ’Arâ´m Naharáyim (“of the two rivers25”), before he resided in Chârâ´n, And He said to him: ‘Leave what is yours: from your land and from your kindred and from the house of your father (and come) unto the land that I will show to you.’ [Genesis 12: 1] And then, ’Avrâhâ´m, going out from the land of the Kasdíym, he came and dwelled in Chârâ´n; and from there, after his father died [Térach died age 205, 2084 AC, 1889 BC], He caused him to move into this land in which ye now dwell. [Yitschâ´q offered on Mt. MowriyYâ´hu

Greek: “Mesopotamía” 53

Deeds of the Delegates

(Mt. Tsiyyówn, the Temple mount) 2086 AC, 1887 BC26] But He did not give to him an inheritance within it, not even a foot’s breadth, yet He promised to give it to him for an inheritance, and to his Seed after him, when there was not a son to him. And thus spoke Yâ-hwéh with him, saying to him: 5.

‘Know surely that four hundred years27 your Seed shall be a stranger in a land not theirs, and they will enslave them, and they will oppress them: ’Avrâhâ´m was 55 when Yâ-hwéh appeared to him and spoke verse 3 to him, but he finally left his father Térach when he left Chârâ´n at age 75, going to Mamrë´’, which is slightly north of Chevrówn. Nóach, his father who raised him, died when he was 58. I believe however that Stéphanos was referring to Térach dying and ’Avrâhâ´m coming to the land where later the Temple was built, where these Phrushíym judges dwelled, to offer his son Yitschâ´q. 27 Four hundred years passed from the birth of Yitschâ´q (2049 [1923 BC]) until the exodus from Mitsráyim (2449 [1523 BC]), but the sons of Yisrâ’Ë´l spent only the last 210 years of that 400 in Mitsráyim. 26

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬ 7.

But I will judge the heathen mass that they bondserve28 [The Scroll of the Yâshâ´r 81], and after that, they will come out with great possessions’ [Genesis 15: 13-14] and serve Me in this land.’ And He gave to him a covenant of circumcision, and thus he procreated Yitschâ´q, and circumcised him the eighth day, and Yitschâ´q procreated Ya`aqóv, and Ya`aqóv our twelve chief fathers. 8.

The sons of Yisrâ’Ë´l rebel against Yâ-hwéh’s choice among them, Yowçë´ph

The Scroll of the Upright (Yâshâ´r) chapter 81:22 documents that ALL the men of Mitsráyim went, about 1,000,000, and all except the Par`óh died in the Sea of Reeds pursuing the sons of Yisrâ’Ë´l, which constitutes a judgment of their heathen mass. Par`óh was converted. 28

Deeds of the Delegates 9.

But our chief fathers, envying Yowçë´ph, sold him off unto Mitsráyim. Yet Yâhwéh was with him, And He rescued him out of all his oppression, and granted him favor and wisdom in the sight of Par`óh, the king of Mitsráyim, so he appointed him governor over Mitsráyim and his whole house! And a food shortage came over the whole land of Mitsráyim and Kná`an and great affliction, and our fathers did not find food. And Ya`aqóv, having heard that there was grain in Mitsráyim, sent our fathers out first, And at the second time, Yâhuwçë´ph29[The Scroll of the Yâshâ´r 49: 14] was made recognized to his 10.

11.

12.

13.

The Envoy of Yâ-hwéh renamed Yowçë´ph “Yâhuwçë´ph” when he was last in prison, according to the Scroll of the Upright (Yâshâ´r) 49: 14. 29

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

14.

15.

brothers, and the family of Yâhuwçë´ph became known to the Par`óh. And Yâhuwçë´ph having sent them forth, he brought his father Yaàqóv and all his kindred, in seventy-five souls. And Yaàqóv went down into Mitsráyim, and he and our fathers died there, And he was carried over to Shkhém [Yâhuwshúa` (“Joshua”) 24: 32], and were placed within the tomb which Yaàqóv bought for a price of silver from the sons of Chamówr, the father of Shkhém [Genesis 33: 18-19]. And as the time of the promise which Yâ-hwéh swore to ’Avrâhâ´m approached, the people multiplied and they increased within Mitsráyim, 16.

17.

Deeds of the Delegates 18.

Until another king arose over Mitsráyim, who didn’t know Yâhuwçë´ph. [Exodus 1: 7-8] This one, having tricked30 our race, oppressed our fathers [The Scroll of the Yâshâ´r 65], and commanded their fetuses to be put out to perish, for them not to be born alive. 19.

20.

21.

Moshéh was obedient During which time Moshéh was born, and was beloved to Yâ-hwéh, who was brought up three months within the house of his father. And he being put outside by his mother [The Scroll of the Yâshâ´r 68: 13], the daughter of Par`óh took him up and brought him up for her own son.

The Scroll of the Upright (Yâshâ´r) documents how he tricked them into building defenses against invaders as a joint venture for pay, then the Mitsríy became their foremen and stopped paying them. 30

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

And Moshéh was trained in all the wisdom of Mitsráyim, and he was forceful in words and in deeds. And when his age of eighteen31 years was completed [The Scroll of the Yâshâ´r 71: 1], it came on his heart to look upon the sons of Yisrâ’Ë´l his brothers, And seeing a certain one of the sons of his tribe being wronged, he passed judgment and avenged32 the one being oppressed, having slain the Mitsríy. 22.

23.

24.

The sons of Yisrâ’Ë´l rebel against Yâ-hwéh’s appointed deliverer, Moshéh And he thought his brothers, the sons of Yisrâ’Ë´l, would understand that Yâhwéh through his hand would give 25.

Greek and Aramaic translations say 40, which is inaccurate, per the Scroll of the Upright (Yâshâ´r) 71:1. 40 was the number of years he reigned over Kuwsh (ibid. 73:2). 32 Some take this to mean Moshéh was a murderer, but this Mitsríy had raped this man’s wife and was trying to kill him. The Law says that in these cases the blood is on the rapist’s head. 31

Deeds of the Delegates

rescue to them, yet those did not understand. And on the following day, he appeared to those who were contending, and urged them to make peace saying: “Men, ye are brothers, why did you wrong each other?” But he who was wronging his neighbor rejected him, saying:

26.

27.

“Who appointed you a ruler and judge over us? Do you think to kill me just as you killed the Mitsríy yesterday?” 28.

29.

So Moshéh fled [to Kuwsh (Yâshâ´r 72: 22)] at this saying, and he became an alien resident in the land of Mithyâ´n, where he procreated two sons, [30.]

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

after forty years [of being king over Kuwsh33] had been fulfilled. And the Envoy of Yâ-hwéh appeared to him in the uninhabited land of the mountain of Çiynáy in a fire blazing in a bush. And Moshéh, seeing, wondered at the spectacle, and coming near it to investigate, by a voice Yâ-hwéh said to him: “I am the mighty Ones of your father, the mighty Ones of ’Avrâhâ´m, the mighty Ones of Yitschâ´q, and the mighty Ones of Ya`aqóv.”

30.

31.

32.

The more complete account in the Scroll of the Upright (Yâshâ´r) documents that Moshéh fled to the camp of King Kikianus who was besieging Kuwsh, and spent nine years there, then Moshéh was chosen to be their king, who ruled 40 years, and then went to Mithyâ´n, was imprisoned by Yithrów for 10 years, then married Tsipporâ´h. Evidence of this is also found in Numbers 12 where Moshéh’s past marriage to the queen of Kuwsh, never consummated, is mentioned. 33

Deeds of the Delegates

33.

And Moshéh, having become terrified, did not dare to look at the mighty Ones. [Exodus 3: 6] And Yâ-hwéh said to him: “Do not come closer; remove the sandals from on your feet, for the place where you are standing on, it is ground of pureness.” [Exodus 3: 5] “I have surely seen the misery of My people who are within Mitsráyim, and I have heard their groaning because of their slave-drivers. Because I have known their sufferings, so I have come down to deliver them from the hand of the Mitsráyim… so now go! For I will send you unto Par`óh and bring My people, the sons of Yisrâ’Ë´l out of Mitsráyim.” [Exodus 3: 7-10]

34.

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬ 35.

This is the Moshéh whom they rejected, saying: “Who set you over us to be a ruler and judge?” This one Yâ-hwéh did send for a ruler and judge [Deeds 13: 20] and deliverer by the hand of the Envoy Who appeared to him within the bush. This one is who led them out, having performed wonders and signs in the land of Mitsráyim and in the Sea of Reeds, and in the uninhabited land for forty years! 36.

Moshéh warns not to rebel against the coming One; the sons of Yisrâ’Ë´l continue their rebellion against Yâ-hwéh This one is the Moshéh who said to the sons of Yisrâ’Ë´l: 37.

Deeds of the Delegates

“A Predicator from among you, from your brothers, like me, Yâ-hwéh your mighty Ones will raise up for you – to Him you must listen:” [Deuteronomy 18: 15] This one is he who was within the convocation within the uninhabited land beside the Envoy Who spoke to him, and with our fathers by the Mountain of Çiynáy, and he is the one who received living decrees to give to us, Yet to whom our fathers did not want be obedient, instead, who rejected and returned in their hearts unto Mitsráyim, Saying to ’Aharón: “…Make us mighty ones who shall go before us, for this one, Moshéh, who brought us out of the land of Mitsráyim, we do not know what has happened to him.” [Exodus 32: 1] 38.

39.

40.

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

And they made a calf in those days, and offered burnt-offerings to the worshipped image, and rejoiced in the works of their hands. But Yâ-hwéh turned His back and gave them over to serve the forces of the heavens, as it has been written within the scroll of the predicators:

41.

42.

43.

“Did you bring the burnt offerings or grain offerings to Me in the uninhabited land forty years, house of Yisrâ’Ë´l? Though you lifted up the tabernacle of your King34, yet the statues of your worshipped images are of the stars, your mighty ones, which you made for yourselves! So I will exile you beyond

Âmówç is quoted by Stéphanos, who continues speaking about the tabernacle as being the one Yâ-hwéh ordered Moshéh to make, it is not of Mólekh, moreover, Mólekh was not worshipped by the Mitsríy. 34

Deeds of the Delegates

Dammâ´seq [to Bâvél]…” [Âmówç 5: 25-27] Look at the tabernacle of the testimony, which was among our fathers within the uninhabited land, just like He Who spoke to Moshéh commanded him to make it according to the pattern which he had seen, And this same tabernacle35 our fathers, with Yâhuwshúa` [Bin-Núwn (Son of Núwn)], brought into the land that the mighty Ones gave them36 when they received an inheritance, from the heathen masses who Yâ-hwéh drove out from the face of our fathers, and it was carried about until the days of Dâwíth,

44.

45.

The Greek translation merely uses the pronoun “which” here. The Greek has here “during the taking possession” as scribes apparently considered this original phrase an anachronistic `Ivríyth (Hebrew) idiom. 35 36

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬ 46.

Who found favor in the sight of Yâhwéh, and He asked him: “Are you the One Who will build a house for Me to dwell?”37 [2 Shmuw’Ë´l 7: 4, ZkharYâ´hu 6: 12-1338],

The sons of Yisrâ’Ë´l rebel and build Yâ-hwéh a house against His wishes Yet Shlómoh built Him a house!39 47.

The Greek says here “asked him to find a dwelling place for the mighty Ones of Ya`aqóv”. This is not only scripturally inaccurate, it goes against Stéphanos’s whole argument. The scripture quote has been restored here, and we suppose that the source for the scribal revision must have been from those “Yehuwthím” who YirmYâ´huw was addressing in 7:4 who trust in the man-made building. 38 “…And you shall take silver and gold and you shall make crowns and you shall set it on the head of YÂHUWSHÚA` the son of Yâhuwtsâthâ´q [the Righteousness of Yâ-hwéh], the high priest: And you shall talk to him, saying: “This says Yâ-hwéh of hosts:” saying: “Here is a man, his name is of the Branch, and He [the Branch] shall branch out from His depths and He shall build the temple of Yâ-hwéh: yes, He is Who shall build the temple of Yâhwéh, and He [the Branch] is Who shall lift up Majesty, and He [Majesty] shall sit and He shall rule upon His throne, and He [the Branch] shall be Priest beside His throne, and the advice of peace shall be between the two of Them.” 39 Yâ-hwéh actually promised instead that He, Yâ-hwéh, would build Dâwíth a house in 2 Shmuw’Ë´l 7:11-13. Above is quoted where He said Who was going to build a house for Him, Yâhuwshúa`, the son of Dâwíth. 37

Deeds of the Delegates 48.

Nevertheless, the Most High does not dwell in hand-made temple buildings, just as the predicator says: 49.

“[Thus says Yâ-hwéh,] ‘The heavens are My throne, and the earth is the footstool of My feet – where is this house that you will build for Me? And where is this place, My resting place? Even all of these things have My hand made, so all of these have come to exist! … ’” [Yshá`Yâhuw 66: 1-2]

50.

O stiff-necked ones, and ones uncircumcised in hearts [Leviticus 26: 41] and ears [YirmYâ´huw 6: 10], ye unceasingly strive against the spirit of the Pure One, as your fathers did, also ye do! 51.

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

Which of the predicators did your fathers NOT persecute and kill off? Those who foretold about the coming of the Righteous One40 [Chanówkh 38: 2-3, 96: 4, Yshá`Yâhuw 24: 16, 61: 3], of Whom ye now have become the betrayers and the murderers! So ye are those ones which received the Law by the commandment of the Envoy41 but did not keep it!42” 52.

53.

54.

And hearing these things, they were violently enraged in their hearts, and gnashed their teeth at him.

In `Ivríyth this would be Tsâthúwq (‫)צָד֜וּק‬, since in the Peshitta Aramaic, this is ‫זדיקא‬ Greek and Aramaic translations have this in plural, but the Envoy of Yâ-hwéh Who commanded the Law from Mount Çiynáy was One. 42 Stéphanos was accused falsely of scorning Moshéh, and the Law, and the temple, and the mighty Ones. By his discourse he has identified these “Yehuwthím” as being the REAL sons of the rebellious stiff-necked opponents of Yâ-hwéh and Moshéh, who rely on their unauthorized temple, and who are under this Law and are condemned by it, having violated it murdering sinless Yâhuwshúa` and here heeding false testimony. 40 41

Deeds of the Delegates 55.

56.

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But being full of persuasion and the spirit of the Pure One, having gazed intently into the skies, he saw the Honor of Yâhwéh, and Yâhuwshúa` standing at the right hand of the Power (’Ël)! [MattithYâ´huw 5: 8] So he said: “Look! I see the heavens opened up, and the Son of ’Âthâ´m is standing at the right hand of the Power (’Ël)!” And screaming out with a loud voice, they held their ears shut, and rushed upon him unanimously, And having seized him, they threw him out of the city, and stoned him. And the witnesses against him laid their garments by the feet of a young man called Shâ’úwl, And they stoned Stéphanos, who was invoking Him and saying:

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

60.

“Yâ-hwéh Yâhuwshúa`, accept my spirit!” And having settled on his knees, he screamed with a loud voice: “Oh Yâ-hwéh! Do not cause this sin to be established against them!” And having said this, he fell asleep.

Chapter 8 Shâ’úwl persecutes and scatters the Convocation And Shâ’úwl was pleased and participating with his murder. Now on that day there took place a great persecution against the Convocation that was in Yruwshâláim, and all were scattered throughout the counties of Yâhuwthâ´h and Shomrówn, except the delegates only. And reverent men gathered up and buried Stéphanos, and made great lamentation over him. 1.

Deeds of the Delegates 3.

But Shâ’úwl was ravaging the Convocation, entering house-by-house and dragging men and women away, and putting them in prison. Then those who had been scattered went abroad, and proclaimed the glad tidings: the Word of Yâ-hwéh [Yâhuwshúa` = Yâhwéh is deliverance/wealth]. Phílippos goes to Shomrówn And Phílippos, going down to a city of Shomrówn, proclaimed to them about the Deliverer, And when those sons of ’Âthâ´m who were there heard the Word spoken by Phílippos; they listened to him unanimously, and were persuaded to all that he said when they heard it and saw the signs that he did.43

This verse in the Aramaic Peshitta translation shows that the main reason the Shomroníy listened was because of the Word, which they understood and had heard before (Yâhuwchânâ´n’s Glad Tidings 4: 4-42). The Greek translation does not show this at all, making them seem like the sign-seeking “Yehuwthím”. Isn’t it curious luminary orb43

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬ 7.

10.

For many of the ones unclean spirits were possessing, as they cried with a loud voice those exited, and many having been paralyzed and lame were cured. And there was great joy within that city. Out of envy, Shim`ówn the priest of Mithras (Mâğ) seeks to purchase the Gift But a certain man there, Shim`ówn by name, who had been within the city for a long time, and he was using luminary orbworship sorceries and amazing the people of Shomrówn, magnifying his self and alleging himself to be some great one, And to whom all from small to great were listening, saying: “This is the great force of the mighty Ones (’Elohíym)!”

worship went in to supplant their belief on Yâhuwshúa` after His departure, much like it has in Christianity? 73

Deeds of the Delegates 11.

12.

13.

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And they were paying attention to him due to the quite long time he had amazed them with the luminary orb-worship sorceries. But when they believed Phílippos announcing the glad tidings about the Kingdom of Yâ-hwéh by the name of our Sovereign Yâhuwshúa` the Anointed One, they, both men and women, were immersed. Even Shim`ówn himself believed, and having been immersed, was steadfastly attentive to Phílippos, and when he had seen the signs and great works of Force being done by his hand, he was amazed and marveled, And when the delegates in Yruwshâláim, had heard that the people of Shomrówn had accepted the Word of Yâ-hwéh, they sent

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

15.

16.

17.

18.

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forth Shim`ówn Këph and Yâhuwchânâ´n towards them, Who having come down, prayed about them that they might receive the spirit of the Pure One, For It was not yet fallen upon any of them, and they had only been immersed in the name of our Sovereign Yâhuwshúa`44. Then they imposed a hand upon them and they received the spirit of the Pure One. And when Shim`ówn had seen that through the imposition of a hand of the delegates the spirit of the Pure One was given, he offered riches to them, Saying: “Give this authority also to me, in order that on whomsoever I may impose a

The commandment is to be immersed in the name of the Father and the Son, by the name of Yâ-hwéh Yâhuwshúa`. 44

Deeds of the Delegates

20.

hand, he may receive spirit of the Pure One!” But Shim`ówn Këph said to him: “Your silver together with you will go to extermination because you did think the gift of Yâ-hwéh is to be obtained through the riches of the world! There is no portion nor a lot for you in this Word, for your heart is not upright in the sight of Yâ-hwéh! Therefore reconsider from this your wickedness, and supplicate Yâ-hwéh whether somehow the deceit of your heart may be released from you. For I clearly see you to be in the bile of bitterness and in the bondage of unrighteousness.”

21.

22.

23.

24.

And responding, Shim`ówn said:

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

25.

26.

“Supplicate ye on my behalf towards Yâhwéh so that nothing of which ye have spoken might come upon me!” Then Shim`ówn and Yâhuwchânâ´n, when they had thoroughly testified and had taught the Word of Yâ-hwéh, returned to Yruwshâláim and announced the glad tidings to many villages of the Shomroníy. Phílippos explains Yshá`Yâhuw to Kushíy officer And an envoy of Yâ-hwéh spoke to Phílippos, saying to him: “Rise up and travel southward on the deserted way which descends from Yruwshâláim unto `Azzâ´h.”

Deeds of the Delegates 27.

28.

29.

30.

31.

And having risen up, he traveled, and here was a believer45, a Kuwshíy man, an officer of Kandáke, the queen of Kuwsh. And he was over all her treasure, and had come unto Yruwshâláim to worship, And he was returning and sitting on his chariot, and he was reading in the predicator Yshá`Yâhuw. And the spirit said to Phílippos: “Approach and stick with this chariot.” And running towards him, Phílippos heard him reading in the predicator Yshá`Yâhuw, and said to him: “Don’t you understand what you are reading?” And he said: “No, for how should I be able, unless someone might guide me?”

The word in Aramaic for eunuch can also mean believer. Eunuchs were not allowed to worship at the temple (Deuteronomy 23:1). 45

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

32.

So he invited Phílippos to come up and sit together with him. And the passage of the scripture which he was reading was this: “[He was pressured hard and He was afflicted yet He did not open His mouth,] like the Lamb to the slaughter He is led along, and as a ewe before one shearing her is mute, yet He did not open His mouth. In His abasement46 from restraint and from justice He was deprived, yet who of His stock might complain? Because He was cut off from the land of the living [by the stroke due to my people for their rebellion (apostasy)47?]” [Yshá`Yâhuw 53: 7-8] 33.

Found in the Peshitta Aramaic translation and in the LXX (Septuagint) Yshá`Yâhuw. 47 `Ivríyth (Hebrew): Pésha, meaning rebellion and transgression against Yâ-hwéh, translated “apostasia” in Greek in other places. 46

Deeds of the Delegates

34.

35.

36.

37.

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And the believer, responding, said to Phílippos: “I beg you, about Whom does the predicator say this? About his self48, or about Someone else?” And Phílippos opened his mouth and began, from this scripture, to announce the glad tidings to him about our Sovereign Yâhuwshúa`! And as they were traveling along the way, they came upon certain place where there was water, and the believer says: “Look! Water – what hinders me to be immersed?” [This verse not found in Aramaic nor in 5/8 Greek texts compared] And he commanded the chariot to stand still, and they both went down to the

Yshá`Yâhuw was sawn in half for the Word of Yâ-hwéh (To the `Ivríym 11: 37).

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

39.

40.

water, both Phílippos and the believer, and he immersed him. And when they came up out of the water, the spirit of Yâ-hwéh snatched Phílippos away, and the believer no longer saw him, for he continued his way rejoicing. But Phílippos found himself at ’Ashdówth, and from there, traveling abroad, he announced the glad tidings to all the cities even until he came into Kæsária.

Chapter 9 Shâ’úwl’s genocide of the Way cut short by Yâ-hwéh’s direct self-revelation of His Person to him Yet Shâ’úwl was still full of threats and murderous anger against the pupils of our Sovereign. [2.] Having approached the high priest, 1.

Deeds of the Delegates 2.

He asked from him letters for Dammâ´seq to the assemblies so that if he should find any who are of “The Way”, both men and women, he might put them in shackles and bring them to Yruwshâláim. But during the journey, it came to pass, he drew near to Dammâ´seq, and suddenly a Light from the heavens shone around him, And having fallen onto the earth, he heard a voice saying to him: “Shâ’úwl, Shâ’úwl, why do you persecute Me? It is a tough thing for you to recalcitrate against the prods.” And he said: “Who are You, my Sovereign?” And our Sovereign said: “I am Yâhuwshúa` of Netsârówth, Whom you persecute.

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

Get up and enter into the city, and it shall be told to you what you ought to do.” But those men who were traveling together with him stood speechless, hearing the voice indeed, but seeing no one. Then Shâ’úwl rose up from the earth, but when he opened his eyes, he saw nothing. And leading him by the hand, they brought him to Dammâ´seq. And he was not able to see three days, and he did not eat nor drink. 6.

Páulus’s sight restored and he is immersed and commissioned ¶ And there was a certain pupil at Dammâ´seq named ChananYâ´huw and Yâ-hwéh said to him in a vision: “ChananYâ´huw!”

10.

Deeds of the Delegates

11.

And he said: “Hinë´niy (Here am I [Exodus 3: 4]), my Sovereign.” And our Sovereign said to him: “When you arise, go on the street, the one called “Level”, and seek in the house of Yâhuwthâ´h for one named Shâ’úwl, of Tarsós; for look! He was praying, And he saw in a vision a man named ChananYâ´huw entering and imposing a hand on him so that he should receive sight.” 12.

13.

But ChananYâ´huw responded: “My Sovereign, I have heard from many about this man, how many evil things he has done to Your pure ones in Yruwshâláim,

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬ 14.

15.

And look, also here he holds authority from the chief priests to bind all who call upon Your name!” And Yâ-hwéh said to him:

16.

17.

“Go, because this one is a selected vessel for Me, to carry My name in the sight of heathen masses and kings and among the sons of Yisrâ’Ë´l! For I will demonstrate to him how much it is necessary for him to suffer for My name.”

So ChananYâ´huw left and entered into the house, and having imposed a hand upon him, he said to him: “Shâ’úwl, my brother, Yâ-hwéh has sent me, Yâhuwshúa`, Who appeared to you on the way in which you came, so that 85

Deeds of the Delegates

18.

19.

20.

21.

you might receive sight and be filled with spirit of the Pure One.” And immediately there fell from his eyes as if scales, and he received sight instantly, and having risen up, was immersed, And when he had taken food, he was strengthened. And Shâ’úwl was with the pupils in Dammâ´seq certain days. Páulus proclaims the Truth, escapes the first “Yehuwthíy” plot against his life And immediately he was proclaiming Yâhuwshúa` within the assemblies of the “Yehuwthím”, that this One is the Son of the Power (’Ël)! And all who heard him were astounded, and said: “Isn’t this one he who destroyed those who called on this name in Yruwshâláim? And who had come here

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

22.

23.

24.

25.

for this – in order that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?” But Shâ’úwl was increased in force, and mixed up the “Yehuwthím” who resided within Dammâ´seq, convincing them that this One is the Deliverer! Yet when quite many days had passed, the “Yehuwthím” determined together to murder him, But their plot that they determined against him was made known to Shâ’úwl, yet they were guarding the gates both day and night so that they might murder him, So by night the pupils, taking him in a basket, lowering him through the wall, let him down. (2 Qorinthíym 11: 32-33)

14 years later (To the Galátas 2: 1) Páulus returns to Yruwshâláim, and is accepted by delegates 87

Deeds of the Delegates 26.

27.

28.

29.

30.

But when Shâ’úwl had arrived unto Yruwshâláim, he attempted to join himself to the pupils, but all were afraid of him, not believing that he was a pupil. But Bar-Nâvíy, having accepted him, brought him before the delegates, and led them through how on the way, he saw Yâ-hwéh, and that He spoke to him, and how he spoke confidently within Dammâ´seq by the name of Yâhuwshúa`. So he was with them entering and exiting Yruwshâláim, [29.] and speaking confidently by the name of Yâhuwshúa`, He both spoke to and argued with the Hellenists “Yehuwthím”, but those undertook to murder him. And when they knew it, those brothers brought him down into Kæsária and sent him away off unto Tarsós.

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬ 31.

Then the convocations throughout the whole of Yâhuwthâ´h and Gâlíyl and Shomrówn did indeed have peace, being edified and walking in the fear of Yâhwéh, and were multiplied by the encouragement of the spirit of the Pure One.

Yâ-hwéh uses Këph to unparalyze a man from Loth And it came to pass, Shim`ówn Këph, traveling abroad through all cities, came down also towards the pure ones that inhabited the city of Loth, And he found there a certain man, named ’Achyâ´n49 who was paralyzed, lying on a cot for eight years.

32.

33.

’Achyâ´n, Strong’s #291 in the `Ivríyth (Hebrew) dictionary, is a name which means “brotherly”. The Greek version found here is Ainéas, which is a close approximation of how this name would be transliterated to the Greek. Its derivation however is unknown to the Strong’s Concordance. The Peshitta Aramaic translation has two different spellings for this man’s name. 49

Deeds of the Delegates 34.

35.

36.

37.

And Shim`ówn Këph said to him: “’Achyâ´n, Yâhuwshúa` the Anointed One cures you! Stand up and stretch yourself.” And immediately he got up, And all those inhabiting Loth and in Shârówn saw him, and those returned to Yâ-hwéh. Yâ-hwéh uses Këph to raise a woman from Yâphów from the dead And in Yâphów was a certain pupil named Ţaviythâ´’ (which being interpreted [from Aramaic to `Ivríyth (Hebrew)] means Tsviyyâ´h (female gazelle). She was full of good works and of alms that she did. And it came to pass in those days, having sickened, she died; and having washed her, they put her in an upper room.

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬ 38.

39.

40.

And the pupils having heard that Shim`ówn Këph was within the city of Loth, which was near to Yâphów, sent out two men towards him, to implore him not to delay to come unto them. And having got up, Shim`ówn Këph went together with them, and when he had arrived, they brought him into the upper room, and all the widows stood near him, weeping and exhibiting Kthóneth (shirts) and apparel which Tsviyyâ´h had made for them when she was with them. But Shim`ówn Këph, having sent all the people outside, he bowed down on his knees and he prayed. And having turned towards the body, he said: “Ţaviythâ´’, get up.” And she opened her eyes; and seeing Shim`ówn Këph, she sat up. 91

Deeds of the Delegates 41.

42.

43.

And having given her his hand, he raised her up, and having called the pure ones and the widows, he presented her to them living. And it became well-known throughout the whole city, and many believed on our Sovereign. And it came to pass he stayed quite many days at Yâphów with a certain leathertanner, Shim`ówn.

Chapter 10 Yâ-hwéh sends an envoy to a Roman in Kæsária And there was a certain man in Kæsária named Kornélius, a captain of a hundred men (centurion) from a military cohort, the one called ’Italicús, And he was devout and fearing Yâ-hwéh together with all of his house, doing both 1.

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

many donations to the people, and supplicating Yâ-hwéh constantly. About the ninth hour of the day [3 PM, Roman system], he saw in a vision plainly an envoy of Yâ-hwéh, who came towards him, and said to him: “Kornélius!” And he having gazed intently at him, and becoming afraid, said: “What is it, my sovereign?” And the envoy said to him: “Your prayers and your alms have gone up for a memorial in the sight of Yâhwéh! And now send men unto the city of Yâphów, and send for Shim`ówn, who is called Këph. Look, this one lodges with a certain leather-tanner, Shim`ówn, whose house 5.

Deeds of the Delegates

is by the sea. [And he shall tell you Words whereby you and your entire house shall be delivered.” (10: 32, 11: 14)] 7.

And when the envoy who spoke to Kornélius had departed, he called two of his sons who lived in his house, and a soldier well-reverent to Yâ-hwéh of those devoted to him, And having related all things to them, he sent them unto Yâphów.

Yâ-hwéh tells Këph that whatever or whomever He has cleansed is not detestable or unclean And at daybreak, as these were journeying and approaching the city, Shim`ówn Këph went up upon the housetop to pray around the sixth hour [noon].

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬ 10.

11.

12.

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And he became very hungry and wished to eat. But as these were preparing it for him, a altered state of mind fell upon him, And he saw the heavens opened and a certain sail descending upon him, as if a great linen sheet, bound by its four corners, and was lowered onto the earth. And upon it were all the four-legged animals of the earth and the wild beasts and the creeping things and the flying animals of the skies. And a voice came to him: “Arise, Shim`ówn Këph, slaughter and eat.” [Genesis 9: 350] But Shim`ówn Këph said: “By no means, my Sovereign, for I have never eaten anything detestable51 or

Everything that lives and moves will be for food to you, as I have given to you green plants, I give you everything. 51 Këph was using Leviticus 11 terms as he was in literal obedience to it. There, ţâmë´’ means “unclean” and shâqáts means “to detest” or “to make detestable”, and shéqets means “a detestation” or “an abomination”. 50

Deeds of the Delegates

15.

unclean!” [Leviticus 11, Letter of BarNâvíy 10] And a voice again the second time said to him: “What Yâ-hwéh has cleansed, you shall not detest.”52 Page:

(From our website) The Blessing of Yâ-hwéh on Nóach preceded the Law: -4 “Everything that lives and moves will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything. But you must not eat meat that has its lifeblood still in it...” - NIV Yisrâ’Ë´l was also granted this blessing with the condition of giving thanks to Him. -16 “However, according to all the longings of your soul you may slaughter and you may eat meat, according to the blessing of Yâ-hwéh your mighty Ones that He gave to you. Within all of your gates: the unclean and the clean [meat], one may eat it like the gazelle or like the deer; however the blood you must not eat - on the ground you shall pour it like the waters...” ...then giving thanks with offerings: (then they were to eat the tithe for Yâ-hwéh before Yâ-hwéh at the place He chose (verse 17-18), or do the burnt offerings if they were too far away (verse 26-27) But this is the new covenant way to offer thanks: Howshë´`á 14:2 “Return, Yisrâ’Ë´l, to Yâ-hwéh your mighty Ones, because you fell down by your sin. Take words with you, and return to Yâ-hwéh; say to Him: 'Bear away all our sin and receive us well, so we may offer the bulls of our lips...” This explains these verses in the New Covenant Scripture: 1 Timótheos 4:1-5 - ¶ But the spirit speaks outspokenly that in latter seasons, some shall instigate to revolt from the persuasion, giving heed to misleading spirits and instructions of gods Deceiving by the fakery, speaking the Lie, their own conscience being cauterized:  ... instructing to abstain from meats, which Yâ-hwéh created for partaking with thanksgiving for the persuaded, and who acknowledge the Truth. 96

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬ 16.

17.

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And this took place three times, and again the sail was taken up into the heavens. And as Shim`ówn Këph was completely perplexed within his self what the vision that he saw might mean, also look! Those men who were sent from Kornélius had arrived, having inquired for the house of Shim`ówn, and they came and stood at the gate of the yard. And having called out, they asked, “Is Shim`ówn, who is called Këph, lodged here?” And as Shim`ówn Këph was pondering about the vision, the spirit said to him:

Because every creature of Yâ-hwéh is virtuous, and not even one is to be rejected, if it is being received with thanksgiving, For it is purified through Yâ-hwéh’s Word with supplication.  However the restriction on eating blood continued: Deeds 15:20 “Nevertheless, let it be written to them to abstain from the defilement of what is offered to the worshipped images, and from fornication, and from what is strangled, and from blood.” Therefore the Leviticus 11 food laws do not annul the blessing of Nóach, just as the Law does not annul the promise of 'Avrâhâ´m. Both laws are fulfilled through our persuasion on Yâhuwshúa`. 97

Deeds of the Delegates

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“Look! Three men seek you, So get up and go down and go together with them, not hesitating at all, because I have sent them.”

And Shim`ówn Këph, having gone down to the men who were sent from Kornélius towards him, said: “Look, I am he whom you seek: what is the reason for which ye have come?” And they said: “Kornélius, a captain of a hundred, is a righteous man who also fears Yâ-hwéh and is testified to by the entire people of the ‘Yehuwthím’. He was instructed in a vision by a pure envoy to send for you and to bring you unto his house, and to hear the Word from you.”

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬ 23.

24.

25.

26.

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Therefore, Shim`ówn having invited them in, he lodged them, and at daybreak Këph departed with them, and certain ones of the brothers from Yâphów went with him. And at daybreak they entered into Kæsária. And Kornélius was expecting them, having called together his kinsmen and intimate friends. And as Shim`ówn Këph was entering, Kornélius, having encountered him, fell and did reverence at his feet. But Shim`ówn Këph raised him up, saying: “Stand up! I also myself am a son of ’Âthâ´m.” And talking together with him, he entered, and found many who had gathered together. And he said to them:

Deeds of the Delegates

“Ye are aware how it is forbidden by law for a man who is a ‘Yehuwthíy’ to join or approach one of another race. Yet Yâhwéh did show to me to call no believing man53 detestable or unclean. Which is why I also came without contradicting when I was sent for. Therefore, I ask you, for what reason did ye send for me?” 29.

30.

And Kornélius said:

31.

“Four days ago until this hour I was fasting, and when I was praying the ninth hour within my house, and here was a man stood before me in radiant white apparel, And he said to me:

Instead of “man”, Këph may have said “believer”, or a term which implies it meaning “man” such as “’iysh”, because the vision applied to those who Yâ-hwéh had cleansed. See To the ’Epheçíym 5:5 that (spiritually) unclean men continue to exist. 53

100

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

‘Kornélius, your prayer has been heard and your alms are remembered in the sight of Yâ-hwéh! So send unto the city of Yâphów, and summon Shim`ówn, who is called Këph: this one lodges within the house of Shim`ówn the leather-tanner, by the sea, and he, when he comes, will speak to you.’ Therefore I sent for you at once, and you did well, having come! Therefore now we all are present in your sight, and we want to hear all the things that have been ordered to you by the mighty Ones.” 32.

33.

34.

Këph professes the Word and release from sin for everyone that believes on His name And Shim`ówn Këph, opening his mouth, said: 101

Deeds of the Delegates

“Definitely I comprehend that Yâ-hwéh is not One exhibiting partiality, Rather, among every heathen mass, he who fears Him and works righteousness is acceptable to Him! For the Word which He sent to the sons of Yisrâ’Ë´l announcing the glad tidings54, is that reconciliation55 and rest is through Yâhuwshúa` the Anointed One – this One is Yâ-hwéh the Sovereign56 of all, Whom Ye do acknowledge, the Word which came through the entire land of Yâhuwthâ´h, beginning from Gâlíyl

35.

36.

37.

Yâhuwshúa` means “He causes to be saved!” in `Ivríyth (Hebrew), and this His Word is also the glad tidings. 55 Shâlówm in `Ivríyth (Hebrew) means peace, completeness, and reconciliation. In this context, the emphasis appears to be reconciliation. 56 The Aramaic shows that the name of Yâ-hwéh was here, and the Greek has “Sovereign” here, and “Yâ-hwéh of all” makes no sense. 54

102

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

after the immersion which Yâhuwchânâ´n proclaimed: Yâhuwshúa`, Who is from Netsârówth, Whom the Power (’Ël) anointed with spirit of the Pure One and with Force, and this One was Who traveled around working goodness and curing all the ones being oppressed by the Accuser, because Yâ-hwéh was with Him. And we are His witnesses of all that which He did, both in the whole land of the ‘Yehuwthím’ and in Yruwshâláim! This is Whom the ‘Yehuwthím’ murdered, hanging Him on a gallows-cross. [Deuteronomy 21: 23] Yet the Power raised this One up after three days57, and granted Him to be manifested openly,

38.

39.

40.

The Greek translation says here “on the third day”, probably a scribal attempt to explain current Christian traditions. 57

103

Deeds of the Delegates

Not to all the people, rather to us who had been selected in advance by Yâhwéh to be His witnesses: who ate and drank together with Him after His resurrection from among the dead! And He commanded us to proclaim to the people and to solemnly testify that He is Who has been appointed by the Power to be the Judge of the living and dead! Yet concerning Him all the predicators do testify: that everyone that believes on His name will receive liberation from sins!”58 [1 Yâhuwchânâ´n 2: 12]

41.

42.

43.

The spirit manifests a sign to demonstrate the salvation of the believing nations

The Greek says this: “everyone that believes in Him receives liberation from sins through His name!” The Aramaic rendering makes more sense. 58

104

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬ 44.

45.

46.

Yet as Shim`ówn Këph was speaking these words, the spirit of the Pure One fell upon all those hearing the Word! And the circumcised brothers who had come together with Këph, were amazed that the gift of the spirit of the Pure One had also been poured out also upon the [racial] Gowyím [heathen masses], For they heard them speaking with languages and magnifying Yâ-hwéh! Then Shim`ówn Këph responded: “Can anyone refuse water that these should not be immersed, who, look, have received the spirit of the Pure One just as we also?” 47.

105

Deeds of the Delegates 48.

So he ordered them to be immersed by the name of Yâ-hwéh Yâhuwshúa`59, the Deliverer. [Deeds of the Delegates 2: 38, MattithYâ´huw 28: 19] Then they begged him to remain with them some days.

Chapter 11 Këph informs the brothers in Yâhuwthâ´h of the salvation of the believing nations And the delegates and the brothers who were in Yâhuwthâ´h, understood that the heathen masses also accepted the Word of Yâ-hwéh, But when Shim`ówn Këph went up unto Yruwshâláim, those from the Circumcision contended with him, 1.

Most Greek translations have here only “the Sovereign”, which often was used to replace “Yâ-hwéh”; two other Greek editions have here their rendition of “Yâhuwshúa` the Deliverer”. The Peshitta Aramaic translation has its version of both of those here, “our Sovereign Yâhuwshúa` the Deliverer”. The command is for it to be done in the name of the Father and the name of the Son, as per MattithYâ´huw 28: 19. Yâ-hwéh is a name applied to both the Father and the Son and is not exclusive to the Father. See note on 2: 38. 59

106

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬ 3.

Saying: “You entered before uncircumcised men, and ate together with them!” And Shim`ówn Këph, having started, explained it to them in order, saying: “While I was praying at the city of Yâphów, I saw a vision in an altered state of mind, of a certain sail like a great linen sheet descending. It was let down by its four corners out of the heavens, and it came as far down as me, And on which I, having gazed intently, I observed and saw the four-legged animals of the earth and the wild beasts and the creeping things and even the flying animals of the skies. And I heard a voice saying to me: “Arise, Shim`ówn Këph, slaughter and eat.” 5.

107

Deeds of the Delegates 8.

But I said: “By no means, my Sovereign! For nothing detestable or unclean has ever entered into my mouth!” But a voice answered me the second time from out of the heavens, saying: “What Yâ-hwéh has cleansed, you shall not detest.” And this took place three times, and again all the things were taken up into the heavens. And look! At that instant, three men stood at the gate of the yard of the house in which I was, sent forth from Kornélius of Kæsária for me. And the spirit had said to me to go together with them, not hesitating at all. And these six brothers also went together with me and we entered into the house of the man, 10.

11.

12.

108

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬ 13.

And he related to us how he saw the envoy within his house, standing and saying to him: “…send men unto the city of Yâphów, and send for Shim`ówn, who is called Këph. …And he shall tell you Words whereby you and your entire house shall be delivered.” 14.

15.

16.

And at my beginning to speak, the spirit of the Pure One fell upon them, exactly like at the beginning also upon us! And I remembered the message of our Sovereign, as He said: “For Yâhuwchânâ´n indeed immersed within water, but ye shall be immersed within the spirit of the Pure One …” [Deeds of the Delegates 1: 5] 109

Deeds of the Delegates 17.

18.

19.

110

Therefore if Yâ-hwéh gave the same gift to the heathen masses who believed on our Sovereign Yâhuwshúa` the Anointed One as also to us, who was I that I should be able to hinder Yâ-hwéh?”

And having heard these things they became silent, and praised Yâ-hwéh, saying: “Then indeed Yâ-hwéh has also granted to the heathen masses repentance unto life!” Dispersed foreign converts announce the glad tidings to the nations The pupils first called “Xristianoús” ¶ By then, those who had been dispersed by the oppression that took place about Stéphanos had passed through as far as palm-country (Phoiníke) and the island of

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

20.

21.

22.

23.

Kúpros and to ’Antióxeia, speaking the Word to no one except only to the “Yehuwthím”. But certain men from them, who were of Kúpros and of Kuréne, had entered into ’Antióxeia, and had spoken also to the Greeks60, announcing the glad tidings, that Yâhuwshúa` is Yâ-hwéh! And the hand of Yâ-hwéh was with them, and a great number, having believed, returned to Yâ-hwéh. And this about them was heard unto the ears of the convocation which was in Yruwshâláim, so they sent out Bar-Nâvíy to go abroad as far as ’Antióxeia, And when he had come and had seen the favor of Yâ-hwéh, he rejoiced, and implored them to continue with our

The Greek translation says “Hellenists”, which would mean Greek-speaking which would not be anything new, as Shâ’úwl did this. The point here is about how the proclaiming to the heathen masses started. 60

“Yehuwthím”,

111

Deeds of the Delegates

24.

25.

26.

27.

Sovereign with all the purpose of their heart. For he was a good man, and full of the spirit of the Pure One and of persuasion. And quite many people were added to our Sovereign. And Bar-Nâvíy went forth unto Tarsós to seek Shâ’úwl, And when he found him, he brought him into ’Antióxeia. And it came to pass they were gathered together a whole year with the convocation, and they taught quite a large crowd. From that time, the pupils were first called “Xristianoús61” (Christians) in ’Antióxeia. ¶ And in these days, predicators came down from Yruwshâláim unto ’Antióxeia,

They were called this by nonbeliever speakers of Greek. In the Aramaic translation, this appears transliterated into the Aramaic, rather than in the Aramaic. Greeks did not anoint kings, and this term was akin to “greaser” in English. 61

112

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬ 28.

29.

30.

And one from among them, named Châğâ´v62 [Deeds of the Delegates 21: 10], having stood up, gave a sign indicating through the spirit that a great food shortage was about to happen over the whole Land of Yisrâ’Ë´l63, and this food shortage came to pass under Kláudius Kæ´sar. And the pupils, determined for an act of service to send food, according as each of them was prospered, to the brothers dwelling in Yâhuwthâ´h, Which they also rendered, sending it through the hand of Bar-Nâvíy and Shâ’úwl to the pure ones who were there64.

Soft g as in “gem” The Aramaic translations say ’Ará`, the equivalent of `Ivríyth (Hebrew) ’Érets, which refers to the Land of Yisrâ’Ë´l. The Greek says “habitable world”, which would mean the Roman Empire, and wouldn’t make much sense, since these also would be afflicted. 64 The Greek translation has here “elders”. Who do you think would want to have changed this, and why? 62 63

113

Deeds of the Delegates

Chapter 12 Yâ-hwéh sends an envoy to rescue Këph from Heródes and the “Yehuwthím” But at that feast season, Heródes the king, who was named ’Agríppa I, laid his hands on some of the ones of the convocation to afflict them, And he murdered Ya`aqóv the brother of Yâhuwchânâ´n by the sword. And having seen that it was pleasing to the “Yehuwthím”, he went on further to arrest Shim`ówn Këph also. Now those were the days of unfermented bread. And when he had seized him also, he put him into prison, and gave him over to four sets of four soldiers to guard him, intending to bring him out to the people of Yâhuwthâ´h after the Feast of unfermented bread. 1.

114

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬ 5.

And while Shim`ówn Këph was being guarded within the prison, extended prayer was offered to Yâ-hwéh concerning him by the convocation. And in that night when Heródes was about to bring him out, Shim`ówn Këph was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and guards were guarding before the doors of the prison. And look! An envoy of Yâ-hwéh stood over him, and a light shone within the entire building! And he nudged the side of Këph and he roused him, saying to him: “Get up quickly!” And his chains fell off from his hands! Also the envoy said to him: “Gird up your loins and tie on your sandals.” And he did so. And again he says to him: 115

Deeds of the Delegates

10.

11.

116

“Clothe yourself in your garment and follow me.” And exiting, he followed him, but he did not know that what was happening by means of the envoy was real, and thought he was seeing a vision, And having passed through a first guard and a second, they came to the iron gate that leads into the city, and it was opened to them moving by its self. And having exited, they went on through one street, and immediately the envoy departed from him. And Shim`ówn Këph came to himself, and said: “Now I understand that truly Yâ-hwéh sent out His envoy and delivered me from the hand of Heródes, and all the things planned by the ‘Yehuwthím’ about me!

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬ 12.

13.

14.

15.

And when he understood it, he came to the house of Miryâ´m the mother of Yâhuwchânâ´n who was called Márquwç, where quite many were gathered together and praying. And when Këph had knocked at the gate of the yard, a girl named Róde (Rose [in Greek]) approached it to answer it, And having recognized the voice of Shim`ówn Këph, from joy she did not open the gate, but having run inside, she reported: “Shim`ówn Këph is standing before the gate of the yard!” But they said to her: “You’re out of your mind!” But she strongly affirmed it was thus! So they said to her: “Perhaps it is his envoy.” 117

Deeds of the Delegates 16.

17.

18.

19.

118

But Shim`ówn Këph continued knocking at the gate, so they opened it, saw him, and were astounded! And having made a sign to them with the hand to be silent, he entered and he described to them how Yâ-hwéh had brought him out of the prison. And he said: “Report these things to Ya`aqóv and to the brothers.” And having exited, he went to another place. And when daytime came, there was a great disturbance among the soldiers, about what then had become of Shim`ówn Këph! And Heródes when he had sought after him and had not found him, he judged the guards and he ordered them to be killed.

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

And he went down from Yâhuwthâ´h and he remained in Kæsária.

20.

21.

22.

23.

Heródes gets what he deserves ¶ Now Heródes was in bitter hostility with those of Tsowr and Tsiythówn, for they had allied and invaded him as one, and when they had persuaded Blástos, the chamberlain of the king, they sought peace, because their country was being supplied by the kingdom of Heródes. And on an appointed day, Heródes, having put on the royal apparel, and having sat upon the judgment seat, he was making a public address. And all of the people were exclaiming: “This is the transmitted voice of a mighty Ones (’Elohíym) and is not of a human!” And because he did not give the honor to Yâ-hwéh, immediately the Envoy of Yâ119

Deeds of the Delegates

24.

25.

hwéh struck him; and he swarmed with worms and expired. Yet the Word of Yâ-hwéh grew and multiplied! And Bar-Nâvíy and Shâ’úwl returned from Yruwshâláim to ’Antióxeia, having fulfilled the service of attending [11: 2930], having also taken with them Yâhuwchânâ´n, the one called Márquwç.

Chapter 13 Now certain predicators and instructors were in each existing convocation in ’Antióxeia, both Bar-Nâvíy and Shim`ówn who was called “Negro”, and Lúkius who was of the city of Kuréne, and Manaéil, also a foster brother of Heródes the ruler of the fourth part of the country, and Shâ’úwl. 1.

120

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

Páulus and Bar-Nâvíy separated for Yâ-hwéh: vow nâzíyr (separate) vow65 (See also Deeds of the Delegates 18: 18) And as they were doing service to Yâhwéh and fasting, the spirit of the Pure One said: “Separate, indeed, to Me both BarNâvíy and Shâ’úwl for the work which I have summoned them.” Then having fasted and prayed and having imposed a hand on them, they sent them off. Then when those ones had indeed been sent out by the spirit of the Pure One, they went down unto Seleúkeia [a place in ’Arâ´m], and from there, sailed off unto Kúpros.

This having been done while the manmade temple still existed nevertheless signifies the continuing legality of this scriptural practice in New Covenant times. 65

121

Deeds of the Delegates 5.

And on being at Salamís, they announced the Word of Yâ-hwéh within the assemblies of the “Yehuwthím”. And they also had Yâhuwchânâ´n [Márquwç] as an assistant.

Bar-Yeshuw`â´h the “Yehuwthíy” predicator of the lie is blinded Roman Proconsul is persuaded And having traveled through the whole island as far as the city of Páphos, they found a certain “Yehuwthíy” luminary orb-worshipping sorcerer-priest, a predicator of the lie whose name was BarYeshuw`â´h66,

The Greek translation has here Bar-Ihsous, a closer rendition than the Aramaic translation, which has here “The Son of the name”. The Aramaic translation has in verse 8 “whose name is interpreted mutely (relating to Strong’s #481)”. Yet the Greek translation has this verse “But there withstood them Muteness the magician, for thus is interpreted His name, seeking…”. This being apparently a scribal name-censorship mess, we will render it as probably the original `Ivríyth (Hebrew) had it, not mistaking his false name for Yâhuwshúa`, nor making people say it silently. The possibility does exist however, that his name was Bar-Yâhuwshúa`. 66

122

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬ 7.

10.

Who was with a learned man, who was the Roman proconsul and was called Sergíus Páulus. And this one had summoned Shâ’úwl and Bar-Nâvíy and sought to hear the Word of Yâ-hwéh from them. But this luminary orb-worshipping sorcerer-priest, Bar-Yeshuw`â´h, opposed them, seeking to divert the proconsul away from the persuasion. But Shâ’úwl, who was also named Páulus, being filled of the spirit of the Pure One, and having fixed his eyes on him, Said: “O full of all deceit and all cunning, son of the Accuser, the Adversary of all justification, won’t you cease distorting the straight ways of Yâ-hwéh? 123

Deeds of the Delegates 11.

12.

13.

And now look! The hand of Yâ-hwéh is upon you, and you shall be blind, not seeing the luminary orb for a time!”

And immediately a mist and darkness fell upon him, and wandering around, he sought someone to lead him by his hand. Then when the proconsul had seen what had happened, being struck with astonishment, he believed the instruction of Yâ-hwéh. And Páulus and Bar-Nâvíy, when they had sailed from the city of Páphos, they came unto Pérge, a city of Pamphulía; but Yâhuwchânâ´n [Márquwç], having departed from them, returned unto Yruwshâláim. Páulus predicates the Glad Tidings on the Shabbâ´th

124

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬ 14.

15.

16.

But those who journeyed [with Páulus], from Pérge, came unto ’Antióxeia, a city of Pisidía, and they entered the assembly on the day of the Shabbâ´th, and sat down. And after the reading of the Law and of the Predicators, the chiefs of the assembly sent for them, saying: “Men, our brothers, if there is a word among you of encouragement, speak before the people.” And Páulus stood up and motioned with his hand, and said: “Men, sons of Yisrâ’Ë´l, and those fearing Yâ-hwéh, listen! The mighty Ones (’Elohíym) of this people [Yisrâ’Ë´l] selected our fathers, and increased the people during the foreign residence in the land of Mitsráyim, and with an outstretched 17.

125

Deeds of the Delegates

arm brought them out of it, [Exodus 6: 6] And He nourished them about forty years’ time within the uninhabited land. And having destroyed seven nations within the land of Kná`an [Deuteronomy 7: 1], He gave to them their land for an inheritance. Meanwhile, about four hundred and fifty-five67 years, He gave them judges until Shmuw’Ë´l the predicator. But then, they asked for a king, and Yâhwéh granted to them Shâ’úwl BenQíysh, a man of the tribe of Vinyâmíyn, forty-two years [1 Shmuw’Ë´l 13: 1]. But having removed him, He raised up for them Dâwíth for a king, and about whom He testified, having said: 18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

This 455 year interval is from Moshéh’s judgment-slaying of the adulterous Mitsríy at Goshen (2388 [1584 BC]), until the anointing of Shâ’úwl Ben-Qíysh as king of Yisrâ’Ë´l (2843 [1129 BC]). 67

126

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

23.

“I found Dâwíth the son of Yisháy, a man according to My heart, who will perform all My will.” [From 1 Shmuw’Ë´l 13: 14] Of the Seed of this one, the Power raised up for Yisrâ’Ë´l a Deliverer according to the promise: Yâhuwshúa`, And He sent Yâhuwchânâń to proclaim, before the appearance of His coming, an immersion of repentance for all the people of Yisrâ’Ë´l. And as Yâhuwchânâń was completing his career, he said: “Who do ye suppose me to be? I am not He, rather look! He comes after me, of Whom I am not worthy to loosen the sandals of His feet!” [The Glad Tidings of Yâhuwchânâń 1: 27]

24.

25.

127

Deeds of the Delegates

Men, our brothers, sons of the Seed of ’Avrâhâ´m, even those among you fearing Yâ-hwéh: for you was the Word of this deliverance sent forth, Because the ones dwelling in Yruwshâláim and their rulers, not having recognized Him with the voices of the predicators who are read on every Shabbâ´th, having judged Him they fulfilled their written predictions. And although no one had found a legal cause for death, they demanded Pilátus to put Him to death. And when they completed all things that had been written about Him, having taken Him down from the gallows cross, they put Him in a tomb, But the Power raised Him from among the dead, 26.

27.

28.

29.

30.

128

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬ 31.

And He appeared for many days to those who had come up together with Him from Gâlíyl unto Yruwshâláim, and those are now His witnesses before the people. And look, we also announce to you the glad tidings, the promises made towards our fathers: That Yâ-hwéh has fulfilled this to us, their sons, having raised up Yâhuwshúa`, as it has also been written within the second Psalm [about 2 Shmuw’Ë´l 7: 12-14]: “You are My Son! Today I have become Your Father.” [Psalms 2: 7] And because He raised Him from among the dead, intending Him to not return again and see decay, thus He spoke: “[…so I will cut for you an eternal covenant:] I will give to you the 32.

33.

34.

129

Deeds of the Delegates

35.

confirmed kindness of Dâwíth!” [Yshá`Yâhuw 55: 3] Which is why in another Psalm, He says: “…because You will not abandon My Self to Sh’ówl, You will not concede Your Kind One to see decay!” [Psalms 16: 910] For indeed Dâwíth, having served the will of Yâ-hwéh for his own generation, laid to rest, and was added to his fathers, and saw decay. But this One Whom the Power raised up did not see decay! Therefore let it be well-known to you, men, brothers, that liberation from sins is announced to you through this One, And, everyone who believes in this One is justified from everything from which ye were incapable to be justified by the Law of Moshéh! 36.

37.

38.

39.

130

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬ 40.

Beware, therefore, lest that which has been said by the predicators may not supervene upon you: “Look ye treacherous men68, and carefully regard [Me], or you shall refigure it69. You shall disfigure it for I am surely doing a work in your days you would not believe as you were told it!” [Chavaqqúwq 1: 570] 41.

A derivative of Strong’s #900, the Masoretic interprets the B first letter as an article. This way it better reflects the Greek rendition, “despisers”. 68 69

Page:

131

Translating the `Ivríyth (Hebrew) per Strong’s #8538 instead of #8539, it better reflects the Greek rendition, which means 1) to snatch out of sight, to put out of view, to make unseen 2) to cause to vanish away, to destroy, consume 3) to deprive of luster, render unsightly 3a) to disfigure. 70 This verse in its context in Chavaqqúwq says those first century brothers had better carefully regard the work done by the Word, because the treacherous were going to distort it, thus Bâvél the Great (the Great Confusion) was coming to take over the convocation to honor themselves and to worship their own power. This is because they would not believe it the way it was told to them. 131

Deeds of the Delegates 42.

43.

44.

45.

132

And when the Yâhuwthím had departed from the assembly, they begged for these words to be spoken to them the next Shabbâ´th. And after the assembly had disbanded, many of the Yâhuwthím and of the foreign converts who feared Yâ-hwéh followed Páulus and Bar-Nâvíy, who speaking to them, persuaded them to persevere in the favor of Yâ-hwéh. Next Shabbâ´th: masses believe, but envious “Yehuwthím” rebel and expel Páulus And on the following Shabbâ´th, nearly all the city was gathered together to hear the Word of Yâ-hwéh! But when the “Yehuwthím” had seen the crowds, they were filled with envy, and opposed the Words spoken by Páulus, contradicting and scorning.

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬ 46.

But Páulus and Bar-Nâvíy, speaking confidently, said:

47.

“It was necessary for the Word of Yâhwéh to be spoken first to you, but since ye thrust it away from you, and ye judge yourselves not to be worthy of endless life, look! We turn unto the heathen masses, For thus has our Sovereign enjoined us as it is written: “[…It is a small thing for you to be My Bondman for restoring the tribes of Ya`aqóv and to bring back the protected ones of Yisrâ’Ë´l (144,000), so] I will also give You for a Light of the heathen masses to bring My deliverance even unto the end of the earth!” [Yshá`Yâhuw 49: 6, Bar-Nâvíy 14: 8] 133

Deeds of the Delegates

48.

49.

50.

51.

52.

And hearing, the heathen masses rejoiced and praised Yâ-hwéh, and as many as were appointed for endless life were persuaded. And the Word of Yâ-hwéh was spoken throughout the whole country! But the “Yehuwthím” spurred the women71 who feared Yâ-hwéh and the wealthy and the foremost men of the city, and incited a persecution against Páulus and Bar-Nâvíy, so they threw them out from their borders. But after they had gone out, they shook off the dust of their feet against them [MattithYâ´huw 10: 14] and came unto ’Ikónion. Yet the pupils were filled with joy and the spirit of the Pure One.

Not necessarily females. As Chauwâ´h was deceived, “women” are often spiritually symbolic for deceived ones. 71

134

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

Chapter 14 ’Ikónion hears the glad tidings ¶ And it came to pass in ’Ikónion, they entered together into the assembly of the “Yehuwthím”, and spoke thus that a great number of both Yâhuwthím and Greeks were persuaded. But the rebelliously unpersuadable72 “Yehuwthím” stirred up the heathen masses against the brothers to oppress them. However, they stayed quite a long time, speaking confidently about Yâ-hwéh, 1.

Page:

135

Greek “apeiyountev” (apeithountes) which is the present active participle of the verb “apeiyew” (apeitheo), Strong’s 544 which it defines as “to disbelieve (willfully and perversely). For lack of an equivalent single word, “rebelliously unpersuadable” is used in this translation. It is a term which fits the hardened apostate Christians well. The Greek Lexicon describes it as: 1) not to allow one’s self to be persuaded 1a) to refuse or withhold belief 1b) to refuse belief and obedience 2) not to comply with 135

Deeds of the Delegates

Who bore testimony about the Word of His favor by granting signs and wonders to be done through their hands. Yet the multitude of the city was divided, and some were together with the “Yehuwthím”, and some stuck together with the delegates. But then there was a violent rushing assault of both the heathen masses and “Yehuwthím” together with their rulers to insult and to stone them with stones. When they were aware of it, they fled unto the cities of Lukaonía, Lústra, and Derbé, and the villages of surrounding region, And they were announcing the glad tidings there. Lústra lame man cured

136

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬ 8.

10.

And a certain man was sitting in the city of Lústra, whose feet were incapacitated, who had never walked about, having been lame from the womb of his mother. This one heard Páulus speaking. And when Páulus had looked fixedly at him and saw that he had persuasion to be cured, He said to him with a loud voice: “To you I say, by the name of our

Sovereign Yâhuwshúa` the Anointed One, stand up upright upon your

feet!” And he sprang up, stood, and walked about! Confused Lústra crowd seek to worship them as Diós and Hermés 137

Deeds of the Delegates 11.

12.

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And the crowds, having seen what Páulus did, lifted up their voice in the Lukaonían language, saying: “The mighty ones have assimilated humans and have descended to us!” And they indeed called Bar-Nâvíy “Día” [Zeus], and Páulus “Hermés”, because he was the lead-speaker. So the priest of Diós (Διός) [Zeus]73, who was in front of their city, having brought oxen and wreaths unto the gate of the courtyard where they lodged, and wished to make burnt-offerings to them together with the crowds. But the delegates, Páulus and Bar-Nâvíy, when they had understood, tore apart

This is the proper name found here, used in Greek manuscripts, Diόv, knowledgeably translated in lexicons as a specific name of Zeus but substituted with “Jupiter” to prevent controversy among the deceived Spanish speakers. It is the only way Diós is used in the Greek manuscripts. It is not a name of OUR mighty ones, nor is it an acceptable title for Him. Its meaning is “PENETRATOR”, a reference to penile Bá`al worship, frequently associated with grove (female pudenda) Astarte worship. 73

138

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

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their clothes and rushed in unto the crowd, screaming, And saying: “Men, why do ye do these things? We are also humans of similar afflictions to you, announcing the glad tidings to you to turn from these profitless religions to the living mighty Ones, Who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all the things within them, Who in the past generations permitted all the nations to go by the ways of their selves, Though indeed He did not leave without a testimony of Himself, doing for them good things from the heavens, giving rains and fruitful seasons to us, filling our hearts with food and gladness!”

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Deeds of the Delegates 18.

Yet as they were saying these things they barely stopped the crowds from making burnt-offerings to them.

Pursuing “Yehuwthím” continue their persecution: stone Páulus Páulus returns to previous cities to establish the believers’ convocations But the “Yehuwthím” came over there from ’Antióxeia and ’Ikónion and persuaded the crowds, and they stoned Páulus and dragged him outside of the city, supposing him to have died. But when the pupils had surrounded him, having got up, he entered into the city. And at daybreak, he departed from there together with Bar-Nâvíy and they went unto the city of Derbé. And having announced the glad tidings to the sons of that city, and having made quite

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‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

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many pupils, they returned unto the city of Lústra and ’Ikónion and ’Antióxeia, Making firm the motivations74 of the pupils, imploring them to continue within the persuasion, and that through much oppression we need to enter into the Kingdom of Yâ-hwéh. And having chosen elders for them in every convocation, having prayed with fasting, they committed them to our Sovereign, on Whom they had believed. And having traveled through Pisidía, they came unto Pamphulía, And having spoken the Word of Yâ-hwéh in the city of Pérge, they came down unto ’Attáleia, And from there they sailed unto ’Antióxeia, because from there they had

The word nephésh means self, a life, or as its root and Greek translation suggest, “animus”. To “establish a soul” thus means to make firm one’s motivation. 74

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been separated (nâzíyr) by the favor of Yâhwéh unto the work which they had fulfilled. And having arrived and having assembled the convocation, they reported all that Yâ-hwéh did with them, and that He had opened a door of persuasion to the heathen masses. And they stayed there a long time together with the pupils.

Chapter 15 Legalizers seek to add works of the Law as a requirement to justification through persuasion But certain ones, having come down from Yâhuwthâ´h, were teaching the brothers: “Unless ye become circumcised by the custom of the Law, ye cannot be saved!” 1.

142

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬ 2.

Then when a stand and a great dispute had been made by Páulus and Bar-Nâvíy against them, they appointed Páulus and Bar-Nâvíy and certain others from among them to go up before the delegates and elders who were in Yruwshâláim about this question. Therefore those having indeed been sent forward by the convocation passed through Phoiníke and Shomrówn, telling them all about the conversion of the heathen masses, and they caused great joy to all of the brothers. And when they arrived at Yruwshâláim, the convocation and the delegates and the elders welcomed them, and they reported all that Yâ-hwéh did with them. But certain ones of those of the faction of the Phrushíym who believed arose, saying: 143

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“It is necessary to circumcise them and you should command them to observe the Law of Moshéh!” And the delegates and the elders were gathered together to see about this matter. And when much debating had taken place, Shim`ówn Këph got up, and said to them:

“Men, our brothers, note ye that from the early days, `Immâ´nuw-’Ë´l chose through my mouth for the heathen masses to hear the Word of the glad tidings and to believe. And the mighty Ones, Who knows the hearts, bore testimony about them, granting to them the spirit of the Pure One, just as also to us, Yet He made no distinction between either them or us, because He had

144

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

10.

cleansed their hearts with the persuasion. Therefore now, why do ye test Yâ-hwéh, putting a yoke on the neck of the pupils which neither our fathers, nor we, were able to bear? Instead, through the favor of Yâ-hwéh, Yâhuwshúa` the Deliverer, we are persuaded to be delivered, in the same manner as they also.”

11.

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Then all the multitude kept silent, and heard Bar-Nâvíy and Páulus recounting all of the signs and wonders Yâ-hwéh did among the heathen masses by their hands.

The believers’ remaining ordinances of the flesh And after they were silent, Ya`aqóv responded, saying:

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“Men, our brothers, hear me: Shim`ówn has recounted to you first just how Yâ-hwéh visited to claim from the heathen masses a people for His name. And the words of the predicators agree with this, as it has been written: After these things, I shall return, and “In that Day, I will raise the tabernacle of Dâwíth which has fallen, and I will repair their broken places, and his ruins I will raise up, and I will build her as the ancient days, So that the remnant of ’Âthâ´m might seek Yâ-hwéh, with all of the heathen masses who shall call on My name. Over them” declares Yâ-hwéh, “I am doing75 all this.” [`Âmówç 9: 11-12]

16.

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This view of the text connects these two verses, and corrects the erroneous concept that some people have the name of Yâ-hwéh called on them. In each of these cases, it is a mistranslation most often caused by the insertion of erroneous vowel points in the Masoretic text. The error leads to their doctrine that because they are “Yehuwthím”, a 75

146

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

To Yâ-hwéh, all of His works are wellknown from eternity. Which is why I decide that they should not trouble those from the heathen masses who return to Yâ-hwéh; Nevertheless, let it be written to them to abstain from the defilement of what is offered to the worshipped images, and from fornication, and from what is strangled, and from blood. [Genesis 9: 3476] For Moshéh from generations of old has had those proclaiming it in every city in the assemblies, who read it every Shabbâ´th.”

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name which formerly included His name in it, that somehow they are racially entitled to these promises. 76 Everything that lives and moves shall be food for you just as the green plants I have given to you, everything. But meat with its life, its blood, you shall not eat. 147

Deeds of the Delegates 22.

23.

Then it seemed good to the delegates and to the elders together with the whole convocation to send selected men from among them unto ’Antióxeia together with Páulus and Bar-Nâvíy: Yâhuwthâ´h, called Bar-Tsâvâ´’, and Síla, men leading among the brothers, Having written thus through their hand: “The delegates and the elders and the brothers, to those in ’Antióxeia and ’Arâ´m and Kilikía, brothers from among the heathen masses: peace! Since we have heard now that certain ones from among us have gone out and troubled you with words, upsetting your selves, saying ye must be circumcised and observe the Law, which we did not command them. 24.

148

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

It seemed good to us, having come in unison, to send chosen men towards you, together with our beloved Páulus and Bar-Nâvíy, Men who have given over their lives [souls] for the name of our Sovereign Yâhuwshúa` the Anointed One. We have therefore sent forth Yâhuwthâ´h and Síla, who will also themselves report to you the same things through speech. For it was pleasing to the spirit of the Pure One, and also to us, to not lay a greater burden on you besides these necessary things: To abstain from image-offerings and from blood [Genesis 9: 3-477], and what is strangled, and from fornication, from 25.

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Everything that lives and moves shall be food for you just as the green plants I have given to you, everything. But meat with its life, its blood, you shall not eat. 77

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Deeds of the Delegates

which keeping your selves carefully from these, ye will do well. Be strengthened in Yâ-hwéh!” 30.

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Therefore the ones who were sent forth went unto ’Antióxeia, and having gathered all the people, delivered the letter. And when they had read it, they rejoiced at the encouragement. Also through many words Yâhuwthâ´h and Síla encouraged the brothers, and established those of the House, because they themselves also were predicators. And after they had done this a while, they were allowed to leave in peace from the brothers towards the delegates, But it was pleasing for Síla to remain there.

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬ 35.

And Páulus and Bar-Nâvíy stayed in ’Antióxeia, teaching and announcing the glad tidings with many others also: the Word of Yâ-hwéh [Yâhuwshúa`]! [Disclosure 19: 13]

Páulus with Síla and Bar-Nâvíy with Yâhuwchânâ´n (Márquwç) depart separately to revisit the convocations But after certain days, Páulus said to BarNâvíy: “Let us return now and visit our brothers in every city in which we have announced the Word of Yâ-hwéh, to see how they are.” And Bar-Nâvíy resolved to bring with them Yâhuwchânâ´n, the one called Márquwç, But Páulus did not deem this one fit to take together with them, the one who

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deserted them from Pamphulía and did not go together with them unto the work. [Deeds of the Delegates 13: 5-13, contrast 2 To Timótheos 4: 11] Then a dispute arose such that they separated from one another; and BarNâvíy took Márquwç and sailed unto Kúpros, And Páulus, having chosen Síla, went out, having been committed to the favor of Yâhwéh by the brothers. And he passed through ’Arâ´m and Kilikía, establishing the convocations.

Chapter 16 1.

152

Timótheos joins Páulus And he arrived at the city of Derbé and to Lústra, and look! A certain pupil was there named Timótheos, the son of a

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

certain believing Yâhuwthíyth wife and a Greek78 father, Who was testified to by all the brothers in Lústra and ’Ikónion. Páulus wished to depart together with this one, so having taken him, he circumcised him due to the “Yehuwthím”79 who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. [Contrast Títus] And as they passed through the cities, they were proclaiming the glad tidings and gave over to them the ordinances80 decided on by the delegates and the elders in Yruwshâláim to keep. The convocations were therefore indeed strengthened in the persuasion, and

The Aramaic translation says his father was Arâmíy. With a name like Timótheos, it is more likely that the Greek translation is correct. 79 The motive for this act of circumcision is written here, and it was not for salvation. 80 Greek: dogma (plural). 78

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Deeds of the Delegates

abounded in number every day81. [Contrast latter-day legalists Yshá`Yâhuw 28: 7-13] And having passed through Phrugías and the region of Galatía, they were prevented by the Pure One of spirit to speak the Word of Yâ-hwéh within ’Asía, For when they had come down to the land of Musía they tried to travel into Bithunía, but the spirit of Yâhuwshúa` did not let them, And having passed by Musía, they descended into the plain of Troás (Troy). Páulus crosses into Europe Luwqá’ joins Páulus and Síla at Troy “we”

Note: The convocations were strengthened and multiplied due to their not binding on themselves the yoke of the Laws of Moshéh and fleshly circumcision as a condition for salvation, and leaning to the persuasion for their justification, while not polluting themselves by following these ordinances which the delegates wrote. Most of today’s “sacred name movement”, by thinking the Word of Yâ-hwéh means “Torah”, are binding themselves to these things, repeating the same error, and do not prosper, becoming latterday legalists (see reference). The milk is the Word, Yâhuwshúa`, per scripture, and without it their religion is reduced to legalism (To the `Ivríym 6:1). 81

154

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬ 9.

10.

11.

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And a vision during the night appeared to Páulus: a certain man who was of Makedonía, standing, imploring him and saying: “Cross over into Makedonía and help us!” And when Páulus had seen the vision, we immediately sought to depart for Makedonía, concluding that our Sovereign had summoned us to announce the glad tidings to them. Therefore, having sailed from Troás, we laid a straight course for Sámos of Thráke, and from there on the next day for to the city of Neápolis [of Makedonía], And from there we sailed for Phílippoi, which is the principal city of that part of Makedonía, a Roman colony. And we were staying in this city certain days. 155

Deeds of the Delegates 13.

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And on the day of the Shabbâ´th, we went forth outside the city, by the edge of a river where there was a house it was customary for prayer to be done, and having sat down, we spoke to the wives who convened there. And a certain wife, a seller of purple named Ludía of the city of Thuáteira, who feared Yâ-hwéh, was listening, the heart of whom our Sovereign opened to pay attention to the things spoken by Páulus. And as she and her house were immersed, she invited us, saying: “If ye have judged me to be trusting in Yâ-hwéh, come stay in my house!” So she compelled us greatly. The spirit of the Oracle at Delphi cast out And it came to pass, as we were walking unto the house of prayer, a certain girl

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

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encountered us, who had the spirit from Pútho [the name of the region where Delphi, the seat of the famous oracle was located], who had brought much profit to her bosses82 by her inspired raving. And she was following Páulus and us, and she was screaming, and saying: “These men are the bondmen of ’Ël `Elyówn (the most high Power), who announce to you the Way of deliverance!” And she did this for many days. But Páulus was distressed, so having turned to the spirit, he said: “I command you, by the name of Yâhuwshúa` the Anointed One, to exit from her.” And it departed at that same moment.

Literally “sovereigns”. 157

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Páulus and Síla beaten and imprisoned as agitators against Róma and Roman religion But her bosses, seeing that the hope of their business had gone out of her, they seized Páulus and Síla, and they dragged these into the town-square before the magistrates, And having brought them up to the chief magistrates in the colony, said:

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“These are the men who extremely agitate our city, because they are Yâhuwthím, And proclaim to us customs which it is not right for us to take up, or to perform, being Romans!”

And the large crowd rose up together against them, and the chief magistrates,

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

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tore their garments off of them, and ordered for them to be beaten with rods. And having applied many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, commanding the prison guard to guard them securely, Who having received this kind of a charge, threw them into the inner prison chamber, and secured their feet in the stocks. Yâ-hwéh sets the prisoners and the prison guard and his house free And towards midnight, Páulus and Síla were praying and singing praises to Yâhwéh, and the prisoners were listening to them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake thus that the foundations of the prison were shaken and all the doors 159

Deeds of the Delegates

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were immediately opened up, and the bonds of all were released. And when the prison guard was awakened out of sleep and saw the doors of the prison were opened, he drew a sword and was about to kill himself, supposing the prisoners had escaped. But Páulus yelled to him with a loud voice, saying to him: “Do not do any harm to your self, for we are all here!” So he lit a lamp and he sprang in, and entering trembling, fell down at the feet of Páulus and Síla. And having brought them outside, he said to them: “My sovereigns, what is it necessary for me to do in order that I may be delivered?” And those said:

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

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“Trust on our Sovereign Yâhuwshúa` the Deliverer, and you would be delivered, you and your house!” And they spoke to him the Word of Yâhwéh, and to all the sons within his house. And in that hour of the night, he took them and washed them from the stripes, and he and all the sons of his house were immediately immersed. And having brought them into his house, he set a table for them and jumped for joy with his entire house, having believed in Yâ-hwéh. Believers should appeal government rights violations And when day had come, the chief magistrates sent the constables, saying: “Release those men.” 161

Deeds of the Delegates 36.

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And when the chief of the prison had heard of it, he reported these words to Páulus: “The chief magistrates have sent forth for you to be released; therefore now depart, go in peace.” But Páulus said to them: “They have beaten us, being uncondemned men of Róma, in full view of all the world, and they have thrown us into prison, and now do they secretly have us thrown out? No indeed! Instead, let them come themselves and bring us out!83” And the constables reported up to the chief magistrates these messages that were said to them, and they were horrified when they had heard that they are Romans.

The responsibility of government is to safeguard the rights of its citizens. Páulus here illustrates how we should legally appeal for them to live up to their responsibilities within their stipulated rules. 83

162

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬ 39.

40.

So they came to them and they implored them, and having brought them out, begged them to leave the city. And when they had gone out from the prison, they entered into the house of Ludía, and saw the brothers, and they consoled them and left.

Chapter 17 Recalcitrant Thessaloníke “Yehuwthím” maliciously persecute Páulus And having journeyed through the cities ’Amphípolis and ’Apollonía, they came into Thessaloníke, where there was an assembly of the Yâhuwthím; And Páulus, according to his custom, entered before them and on three Shabbthóth reasoned with them from the scriptures, Explaining and demonstrating: 1.

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Deeds of the Delegates

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“It was necessary for the Anointed One to have suffered and to have risen from among the dead” and that: “This One, Yâhuwshúa`, is the Deliverer Whom I proclaim to you.” And some from them were persuaded, and were joined to Páulus and to Síla, and a great multitude of the Greeks feared Yâhwéh, and many of the foremost women. But the rebelliously unpersuadable “Yehuwthím”, having become envious, and having befriended certain evil men from the town-square riffraff, and they gathered a great mob and caused the city to riot. And having rushed on the house of ’Iáson, they sought to bring them [Páulus and Síla] out unto the mob,

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬ 6.

But when they did not find them there, they dragged Iáson and certain brothers before the city magistrates, shouting: “These are the ones who have driven the habitable world (Roman Empire) crazy, and look! These have also come here, Whom ’Iáson has admitted under his roof, and all these practice things in opposition to the decrees of Kæ´sar, alleging there is a different King: a ‘Yâhuwshúa`’!”

And the city magistrates and the crowd were horrified when they had heard these things. And having taken the bail from ’Iáson and from the rest of the brothers, they released them. 165

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Béroia Yâhuwthím display the proper way to consider new information So the brothers immediately sent away both Páulus and Síla by night unto the city of Béroia84, who when they arrived, went into the assembly of the Yâhuwthím. But these Yâhuwthím were more noble than those “Yehuwthím” in Thessaloníke, for they gladly heard the Word daily, while examining the scriptures whether these things were so. Therefore indeed many from among them believed, and likewise also many of the respectable Greek wives and husbands. But when the “Yehuwthím” from Thessaloníke knew that the Word of Yâhwéh also was being announced within

Béroia is a provincial form of a derivative of “peran”, meaning ACROSS: Peroea, the REGION BEYOND the coastline. Note the resemblance with Iberia (Spain), and Hibernia (Ireland), both derivatives of ‘Ivríy/`Ë´ver meaning a REGION ACROSS, commonly called “Hebrew”. 84

166

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

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Béroia by Páulus, they went there also, continually agitating the crowds! So then Páulus immediately sent the brothers away to go down to the sea, but both Síla and Timótheos stayed there in the city. And those escorting Páulus brought him as far as the city of ’Athénai, and when they received a command [from Páulus] for Síla and Timótheos, that they should come to him as quickly as possible, they departed.

’Athénai philosophers demand to hear Páulus’s new doctrine But while Páulus was waiting for them at ’Athénai, his spirit within him was exasperated, seeing the whole city was full of worshipped images. Therefore he indeed reasoned within the assembly with the Yâhuwthím and with

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those who feared Yâ-hwéh, and within the town-square every day before the ones who he happened to meet. And some philosophers, of the followers of ’Epikóuros and others, called the Stoikós, gathered together to debate with him. And some from them said: “What might this charlatan wish to say?” And others said: “He seems to be a proclaimer of foreign gods (daimoníon)85” because he was proclaiming the glad tidings to them of Yâhuwshúa` and His resurrection.

The Greeks worshipped false mighty ones who they believed distributed to them fortune (luck), so their word for these was daimoníon or daemon, meaning fortune distributor or deity, which is GOD in `Ivríyth (Hebrew). In English fortune-distributors means deities. Ironically this is the only place in the KJV where “demons” is translated correctly, but into `Ivríyth (Hebrew), “gods”. 85

168

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬ 19.

So having grabbed him, they brought him to the court, which is called the Peak of ”Arés (Mars [for Romans]), saying: “Could we know what this new doctrine is which is spoken by you? For you are bringing in some foreign Words to our ears; we therefore wish to know what these may mean.”

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Now all the ones of ’Athénai and the residing aliens had a good time in nothing else than to say something new and to hear something newer. So as Páulus stood in the midst of the “Martial Peak”, he said: “Men of ’Athénai, I have seen you are very reverent to gods (fortunedistributors) in everything, 169

Deeds of the Delegates

For while I was walking through and looking attentively at the places of your worship, I even found an altar on which had been inscribed: “’Aγνώστω ω (To an unknown mighty Ones)” Therefore, He, Whom ye fear while you do not know; this One I announce to you: For Yâ-hwéh is Who made the world and all things that are within it. This One, being the Sovereign of the heavens and earth, dwells not in handmade temple buildings, Nor is He waited upon menially by the hands of the sons of ’Âthâ´m, as He does not need anything, because He has given to every man life and breath! 23.

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170

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

And He made from one bloodline86 the whole world of sons of ’Âthâ´m that they might settle on all of the face of the earth. And He has predetermined the seasons by His commandment, and the boundaries of the dwelling of the sons of ’Âthâ´m, For them to research about Yâ-hwéh, if indeed they might search for Him and might find Him from His works, though indeed He is not far from each of us, For “Within Him we live and move and exist” as also some of the poets [Epimenides and Aratus] among you have said: “For we are also offspring of Him;”

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This debunks the SDA and other groups’ doctrine about Qáyin being the bastard son of Sâţâ´n and Chauwâ´h. 86

171

Deeds of the Delegates

Therefore, as men are offspring of Yâhwéh, we ought not to suppose the mighty One’s Person87 to be similar to gold or silver or to a sculptured stone of the workmanship and the imagination of a son of ’Âthâ´m! Therefore, as He has overlooked88 the times of ignorance, Yâ-hwéh now commands all the sons of ’Âthâ´m that everyone everywhere must return, For he has established a Day in which He is about to judge all the earth for justification89, through the Man Whom He appointed90. So He has offered

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The same word used in Aramaic here as in To the Romans 1:20, atwhla ’Ëlhuwtha’. In Greek, to yeion (the mighty One) is used here, and in Romans 1:20, yeiothv (Mighty Personhood). 88 The Aramaic has here “caused to end” 89 To render justice, for rectification, to make all clean from the works of Sâţâ´n. Though He puts the rebellious to death who refused His gift, they get cleansed by paying for the sin themselves (the wages of sin is death). Thus at the second resurrection, it is found that they have paid for their sin, and only must decide who to follow at that point. 90 Appointed by anointing, thus He is also called the Anointed. Greeks did not anoint anyone, thus Páulus used this other term. 87

172

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

Himself for everyone to return to persuasion in Him [Yâhuwchânâ´n s Glad Tidings 12: 32], because He has raised Him from among the dead!” ’

32.

33.

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But when they heard of a resurrection of the dead, some indeed jeered, yet some said: “We wish to hear about this again from you!” And thus, Páulus departed from their midst. And some men from them joined with him and believed, among whom also was Dionúsios (Diós of Nusos [Bacchus for Romans]) a judge of the court of the “Martial Peak”, and a wife named Dámaris and others together with them.

Chapter 18 173

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Páulus settles in Qorínth ¶ And after these things, when Páulus had departed from the ones of ’Athénai, he came unto Qorínth, And having found a certain Yâhuwthíy man named ’Aqúila, who was from the kindred in Póntus, who had with Prískilla his wife recently come from the region of ’Italía, because Claúdius Kæ´sar had ordered all the Yâhuwthím to depart out of Róma, so he approached them, And due to their being of the same trade, he stayed and worked with them, for they were saddle-makers by trade. And he explained at the assembly every Shabbâ´th and persuaded the Yâhuwthím and Greeks. Now when both Síla and Timótheos had come back from Makedonía, Páulus was pressured by the Word, as he earnestly

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

testified to the “Yehuwthím” that Yâhuwshúa` is the Deliverer. But because they opposed him and were scorning, having shaken out his garments, he said to them: “Your blood is on your head, I am clean! From now on, I will go unto the heathen masses!” So having departed from there, he came into the house of Titíus ’Iústus, who feared Yâ-hwéh, and whose house was adjacent to the assembly. Yet Kríspus the chief (rabbíy) of the assembly believed in our Sovereign together with all the sons of his house, and many of the Qorinthíym who heard believed and were immersed. And Yâ-hwéh said through a vision by night to Páulus: 175

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11.

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“Do not fear, rather speak and do not keep silent, For I am with you, and no one shall be able to harm you, because I have many people in this city.”

So he settled there a year and six months, teaching the Word of Yâ-hwéh among them. But when Gallío became the proconsul of ’Achaï´a, the “Yehuwthím” unanimously rose up against Páulus and brought him before the judgment seat, Alleging: “This one persuades the men to fear the mighty Ones a manner contrary to the Towrâ´h (Law)!” But as Páulus was motioning to open his mouth to speak, Gallío said before the “Yehuwthím”:

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

15.

16. 17.

18.

“If indeed it were an injustice or some harmful villainy you were accusing, O ‘Yehuwthím’, then according to reason, I should have put up with you, But if it be a question about a Word and proper names and of a Law - of the one according to you – see to it yourselves, for I do not wish to be a judge of these things!”

And he drove them out from his tribunal. And all the Greeks seized Sosthénes, the leader of the “Yehuwthím” mob91, they beat him in front of the judgment seat, but these things mattered nothing to Gallío. And when Páulus had remained there many more days, he took leave of the

The Greek and the Aramaic says he was the chief/ ruler/ elder of the assembly, but Kríspus was this (verse 8). The Greeks would not have been angry against Páulus, nor was his believing assembly there. Therefore it was the “Yehuwthím” mob who had dragged him there whose leader was beaten. 91

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brothers and sailed away unto ’Arâ´m, and Prískilla and ’Aqúila were together with him, when he had shorn his head in Kengchreái for he had a nâzíyr (separated, “nazarite”) vow. [Deeds of the Delegates 13: 2, Numbers 6: 992] And they came unto ”Éphesos, and Páulus entered into the assembly himself, spoke with the Yâhuwthím. Though they asked him to stay for a longer time with them, he did not accede, Saying: “It is necessary for me by all means to make it to the coming feast at Yruwshâláim, but I will return to you again, Yâ-hwéh willing.”

“If one dying dies by him suddenly, and he defiles the hair of his dedication, then he must shave his head on the day of his cleansing, on the seventh day he must shave it.” This is not a reference to Numbers 6: 18 because that shaving is at the Tent of Meeting when he is to take the hair and put it in the fire under the offering of the fellowship offering. 178

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And he sailed from ’Éphesos and left Aqúila and Prískilla behind there. And when he had landed at Kæsária, having gone up and having greeted the sons of the convocation, he went down into ’Antióxeia. And when he had done some time there, he departed and traveled through the region of Galatía and of Phrugías, reinforcing all the pupils. ’Apollós arises and refutes “Yehuwthím” ¶ And a certain Yâhuwthíy named ’Apollós, by birth of ’Aléxandreia, a man trained in speech, who was skilled in the scriptures, came unto ”Éphesos. This one was instructed in the Way of Yâ-hwéh and was zealous in spirit, he spoke and accurately taught the things 179

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about Yâhuwshúa`, though knowing only of the immersion of Yâhuwchânâ´n. And this one began to speak confidently within the assembly, and when ’Aqúila and Prískilla heard him, they brought him in their house and fully showed the Way of Yâ-hwéh exactly to him. So when he wished to go abroad into ’Achaï´a, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the pupils to welcome him, who when he had arrived, much helped those who believed through favor. For intensely he publicly refuted the “Yehuwthím”, demonstrating through the scriptures concerning Yâhuwshúa`, that He is to be the Deliverer.

Chapter 19 Páulus speaks at ”Éphesos 3 months, pupils separated from the hardened 180

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬ 1.

And it came to pass while ’Apollós was at Qorínth that Páulus passed through the more remote parts and came into ”Éphesos; and having found certain pupils there, He asked them: “Did ye receive the spirit of the Pure One when you believed?” And they responded and said to him: “Nay, we had not even heard whether a spirit of the Pure One exists!” And he said to them: “Then in what were ye immersed?” And they said: “Into the immersion of Yâhuwchânâ´n.” And Páulus said to them: “Yâhuwchânâ´n indeed immersed one in an immersion of repentance, while saying to the people that they should 181

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7. 8.

182

believe on the One coming after him, that is, on the Deliverer, Yâhuwshúa`!” And when they had heard these things, they were immersed into the name of Yâ-hwéh Yâhuwshúa`. [See 2: 38] And Páulus imposed a hand on them, and the spirit of the Pure One came upon them, and they were speaking with different languages and predicating. And all those men were about twelve. And Páulus entered into the assembly and he spoke confidently, reasoning for three months and was convincing them about the things about the Kingdom of Yâ-hwéh. But when certain ones were hardened and rebelliously refused to be persuaded, slandering of the Way of Yâ-hwéh in the sight of the assembly of the people, Páulus departed from them, and he separated the

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

10.

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pupils, daily speaking to them within the school of a certain Túrannos. And this continued for two years, so also all those who inhabited ’Asía, both Yâhuwthím and Greeks, heard the Word of Yâ-hwéh [Yâhuwshúa`]. Yâ-hwéh honors His name, the Word: Yâhuwshúa`, in ”Éphesos And Yâ-hwéh was performing extraordinary works of Force through the hands of Páulus, Such that even onto those who were sick there were brought rags and pieces of cloth from the garments which were on his skin, and the diseases were removed from them and also the gods exited from them! Even certain “Yehuwthím”, who wandered about casting out gods by conjuration, mentioned the name of our Sovereign 183

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Yâhuwshúa` over those who had the harmful spirits, saying: “We conjure you by the ‘Yâhuwshúa`’ Whom Páulus proclaims!” And there were certain seven sons of a “Yehuwthíy” high priest, named Skewás (left-handed), who were performing this. But responding, the harmful god said to them: “The ‘Yâhuwshúa`’ I know; and Páulus I am well-acquainted with; but ye, who are ye?” And the man, in whom the harmful spirit was, sprang on them and having subdued them, humbled93 them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded! And this became well-known to all, both Yâhuwthím and Greeks, who inhabited ”Éphesos, and fear fell upon all of them,

The Greek says “forced each of them”, so in view of all this, it probably speaks of rape.

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and the name of our Sovereign Yâhuwshúa` was highly esteemed. And many of those who believed came confessing their faults and declaring their deeds, And quite many of those who practiced the meddling arts (sorcerers) brought their books, and burned them in the sight of all. And they calculated their prices and found it fifty thousand silverlings! Thus vigorously did the Word94 of Yâhwéh increase and exercise force. And when these things were completed, the spirit put in Páulus to travel through all of Makedonía and ’Achaï´a and to journey unto Yruwshâláim, and he said: “After my having been there, it is necessary for me to see Róma!”

The Aramaic has here “persuasion”. 185

Deeds of the Delegates 22.

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And having sent two of the ones who attended to him – Timótheos and ”Érastos – into Makedonía, he remained a time in ’Asía [at ”Éphesos]. ”Éphesos image sellers provoke ”Ártemis worshippers to riot against The Way ¶ And during that season there occurred a great riot about The Way of Yâ-hwéh. For a certain silversmith named Demétrios was making silver temple buildings of ”Ártemis, and these brought great profit for the sons of his craft, This one gathered together the sons of his craft with the workers about such things, and he said to them: “Men, ye understand well that from this business is our means of wealth,

186

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

And ye have seen and heard that this one, Páulus, has persuaded and turned away quite a huge multitude, not only of the citizens of ”Éphesos, rather also of almost all ’Asía, alleging that those which are made through hands of sons of ’Âthâ´m are not mighty ones! Now this not only endangers that our portion is being shamed and come into repudiation, rather also that the temple of the great mighty female ”Ártemis be reckoned as nothing, and even her majesty is on the verge to also be taken down, whom all ’Asía and the habitable world (Roman empire)95 worships!” 26.

27.

The Aramaic has the equivalent of the `Ivríyth (Hebrew) “Gowyím” here, which means heathen masses, or nations. The Greek here seems more likely as to what he must have said. 95

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Deeds of the Delegates 28.

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And having heard these things and having become full of rage, they screamed out, saying: “Great is the ”Ártemis of the ”Epheçíym!” And the whole city was filled with rioting, and they rushed unanimously to the Theatre, when they had snatched and carried together with them Cáius and ’Arístarxos, men of Makedonía, companions of Páulus. But Páulus was wanting to enter the Theatre unto the people, but the pupils did not permit him, And some of the chiefs96 of ’Asía who were friends to him, having sent to him, implored him not to venture his self into the Theatre.

Probably of the assemblies.

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Then some crowds were screaming out one thing and others another, for the convocation was confused, and most did not even understand why they had convened! But a “Yehuwthíy” named ’Aléxandros was put forward from among the people, the “Yehuwthím” thrusting him forward. And when ’Aléxandros stood up, having motioned with his hand, and wished to make a defense to the people. But when they recognized that he was a “Yehuwthíy”, all of them cried out in unison for about two hours, crying out: “Great is the ”Ártemis of the ’Epheçíym!” And the scribe of the city, when he had calmed the crowd, said: 189

Deeds of the Delegates

“Men of ”Éphesos! For what son of ’Âthâ´m exists who does not recognize the city of the ”Epheçíym as being temple-servants of the great mighty female ”Ártemis and [her image] which is fallen from Diós (Zeus)? Therefore as these things are indisputable, it is necessary for you to be calm and not to do anything rash. For ye have brought these men who are neither temple-robbers nor are scorning our mighty female. If then indeed this Demétrios and the fellow artisans with him do have a matter against anyone, it is brought to the courts, and there are proconsuls in the city – let them come forward to accuse one another. But if ye seek for anything different, let it be resolved by the lawful convocation. 36.

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190

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬ 40.

41.

For we are also in danger to be accused of insurrection about today, when we shall not be able to provide any existing legal cause, about a motive for this riotous assembly.”

And having said these dismissed the convocation.

things,

Chapter 20 Páulus changes his route, stays in Phílippoi the Days of Unfermented bread, then stays 7 days in Troás, leaving it on the first day of the week. But after the uproar had ceased, Páulus, having summoned the pupils and encouraged them and embraced them, departed to travel into Makedonía. And having passed through those parts and having exhorted them with many words, he came into the land of Greece. 1.

191

Deeds of the Delegates 3.

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And having done three months there, a plot by the “Yehuwthím” was made against them as he was about to sail into ’Arâ´m, so a decision was made for him to return through Makedonía. And Sópatros of Béroia and ’Arístarxos and Secúndus from Thessaloníkeans, and Cáius of Derbé and Timótheos, and from ’Asía Tuxikós and Tróphimos accompanied him as far as ’Asía. These others, having preceded us, waited for us in Troás; So we sailed away after the days of the Feast of unfermented bread from Phílippoi, a city of Makedonía, and came by sea towards them for five days and arrived at Troás, and we were there seven days. And on the first of the week, when the pupils were assembled to break bread, Páulus continued conversing with them,

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

because he intended to depart the next day97, so he continued the talk until midnight. And there were many lamps burning within the upper room where we were assembled.

Páulus defiles himself by contact with the dead, required to shave hair of his Nâzíyr vow (see 18:18) Yet a certain youth named Eútuxos was sitting on the windowsill and listening, and he was overcome by sleep as Páulus continued on speaking, and overcome from the sleep, he fell down from the third story and was picked up dead. And having descended, Páulus fell upon him, and having embraced him, said: “Do

10.

Some use this passage to try to infer that the first day of the week was a day of rest for them. Were it so, Páulus would not be traveling on it. It is also clear that they hadn’t traveled on the days of the Feast of unfermented bread which they spent in Phílippoi. 97

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not make an uproar, for his life [soul] is within him. And when he had gone up and had broken bread and eaten, he continued talking until daybreak, and thus he departed by land. And they [vv. 4-5] took the youth with them alive, and they were greatly encouraged by him. But we, having preceded him onto the ship, sailed unto ”Ássos, intending there to pick up Páulus, for thus he had ordered us, intending himself to travel by land. And when he met together with us at ”Ássos, having picked him up, we came unto Mituléne [a town on the island of Lesbos]; And when we had sailed away from there, on the ensuing day we arrived opposite Xíos, and the next evening we threw

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

anchor at Sámos, and we stayed at Trogúllium, and the next day we came unto Míletos.

16.

17.

18.

Páulus must go to Yruwshâláim to complete Nâzíyr vow scriptural requirements: Predicts the convocation’s departure from the Truth For Páulus had decided to sail by ”Éphesos so that he might not have to delay himself within ’Asía, for if he hastened, it was possible for him to make the day of the Feast of Weeks in Yruwshâláim. And having sent from Míletos for ”Éphesos, he summoned the elders of the convocation. And when they were come before him, he said to them: 195

Deeds of the Delegates

“Ye have known how, from the first day on which I arrived at ’Asía, I was with you all the time, Bondserving Yâ-hwéh with all humility and many tears and trials which befell me by the plots of the ‘Yehuwthím’, How I withheld nothing advantageous, to not announce it to you, and to teach you publicly and in each house, While earnestly testifying both to Yâhuwthím and to Greeks of the reconsideration unto Yâ-hwéh and persuasion in our Sovereign Yâhuwshúa` the Anointed One. And now, look! I am bound by the spirit98 to travel unto Yruwshâláim, and I do not perceive what things shall befall me within it,

19.

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Páulus had a vow of separation (as a Nâzíyr [“Nazarite”]) which on fulfillment of his mission needed to be completed at the temple, according to Numbers 6: 13, but according to Numbers 6: 9-12, he became defiled when he touched the dead youth, so he had to fulfill this. 98

196

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬ 23.

24.

Except that the spirit of the Pure One earnestly testifies to me in every city, saying: “Bonds and oppressions await you.” Nevertheless, of no matter I make it nor consider my life [soul] precious for myself, so as to complete my career and the service of attending which I received from our Sovereign, Yâhuwshúa`, to fully testify the glad tidings of the favor of Yâ-hwéh; But now look! I know that no longer will all of you see my face, among whom I have traveled, proclaiming the Kingdom of Yâ-hwéh. And which is why I do testify to you on this day, that I am clean from the blood of all of you, 25.

26.

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Deeds of the Delegates 27.

For I did not withhold from announcing to you all the will of Yâ-hwéh. [Compare YchezqË´’l 3: 17-21] Therefore be attentive to yourselves and to all the flock over which the spirit of the Pure One did set you for elders99, to pasture the Convocation of the Anointed One100, which He purchased through the His own blood. For I perceive this: that after my departure, fierce wolves will invade among you, sparing none of the flock, Even also from among your own selves, men will stand up, speaking distortions 28.

29.

30.

The Peshitta Aramaic translation has here a transliteration of the Greek “episkopov” which means overseer. Yâhuwshúa` is our Overseer, per 1 Këph 2: 25, and that term is not found elsewhere in the Aramaic. This is why we put “elders” here, as we have seen that in the Greek, “elders” has been substituted often with “overseers”, usurping His authority. 100 5/8 Byzantine Greek translations compared have here “Sovereign”, 3/8 Alexandrian Greek translations and the Jacobite Aramaic manuscripts have here “mighty One”, but the Peshitta Aramaic and the Nestorian Aramaic translations have “Anointed One” here. It is also the most logical rendition here. 99

198

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

to draw away the pupils to follow after them. Wherefore be vigilant, remembering that three years, night and day, I did not cease being vigilant, gently reproving each one of you with tears. And now I entrust you to Yâ-hwéh and with the Word of His favor, which is capable to edify you and grant you an inheritance among all the purified ones. I desired of no one silver or gold or clothing. And ye recognize that these hands did subserve for my needs and for those who were with me. And I exemplified for you all things: that it is necessary laboring thus to assist those being weak, and to remember the words of our Sovereign Yâhuwshúa` that Himself said: 31.

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Deeds of the Delegates

‘Happier it is to give than to receive.’”101 36.

37.

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And having said these things, having fell on his knees, he prayed together with all of them. And there was much weeping among all of them, and rushing to embrace the neck of Páulus, they earnestly kissed him, Being distressed most of all about the word that he had said, that they are about to see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.

Chapter 21 Páulus continues sail for Yruwshâláim, stops at ’Arâ´m And when we sailed out, when we had pulled away from them, we laid a straight 1.

Note: Páulus was speaking of the shepherds to give to the flock, not what today’s foolish shepherds preach, for the flock to give to their pastors. 101

200

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

course to come to Kós, and on the next day we came unto Ródon, and from there unto Pátara. And we found a ship crossing over to Phoiníke, and having gone on board, we sailed. And having sighted the island of Kúpros and having left it on the left side, we sailed unto ’Arâ´m and we moored at Tsowr, for the ship was unloading the lading there. And when we had found the pupils there, we remained there with them seven days, who daily said to Páulus through the spirit not to go up unto Yruwshâláim. But when we had completed the days, we left to journey, and all of them together with women and children escorted us as far as outside the city. And having fallen on the knees on the shore, we prayed. 201

Deeds of the Delegates 6.

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And having embraced one another, we went up into the ship, and they returned unto their own homes. And when we had finished the voyage from Tsowr, we arrived at the city of `Akków [Ptolemaís], and having greeted the brothers there, we stayed one day with them, And at daybreak, having departed, we came into Kæsária, and having entered into the house of Phílippoi the announcer of glad tidings, who was one from the seven [Deeds of the Delegates 6: 5], we abode with him. Now this one had four daughters, virgins, who predicated. And as we were remaining there many days, a certain predicator came down from Yâhuwthâ´h, named Châğâ´v [Deeds of the Delegates 11: 28],

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬ 11.

12.

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14.

And having come before us and having taken the belt of Páulus and having bound his own hands and feet, he said: “Thus says the spirit of the Pure One: “Thus the ‘Yehuwthím’ in Yruwshâláim shall bind the man who owns this belt, and give him over into the hands of the heathen masses.” And when we heard these words, both we and those residents implored him not to go up into Yruwshâláim. But Páulus responded and said: “What are ye doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, rather also to die in Yruwshâláim for the name of Yâ-hwéh, Yâhuwshúa`!” And as he was not being persuaded, we were silent, saying: “May the will of Yâ-hwéh be done.” 203

Deeds of the Delegates

Páulus enters Yruwshâláim Páulus completes Nâzíyr purification with four brothers So after these days, having packed the baggage, we went up into Yruwshâláim. And some of the pupils from Kæsária also went together with us, bringing one from the original pupils, named Mnáson, who was of Kúpros, with whom we might lodge. And when we had arrived at Yruwshâláim, the brothers received us gladly. And on the following day Páulus went together with us in before Ya`aqóv, and all the elders were present. And we greeted them and Páulus reported to them, one by one, all that Yâ-hwéh had

15.

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‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

20.

performed among the heathen masses through his service of attendance. And when they had heard it, they praised Yâ-hwéh, but they said to him: “Do you see, O brother, how many tenthousands there are of the Yâhuwthím who have been persuaded? But all are zealots of the Law, And they were told about you that you teach all the Yâhuwthím among the heathen masses to defect from Moshéh, telling them not to circumcise their sons, nor to walk about by the customs of the Law! Therefore, whatever it is anyway, they will hear that you have come here! Therefore do this that we say to you: there are four men with us also having a vow on themselves, to be purified;

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Deeds of the Delegates

Join with these and go, be purified together with them, and incur the cost for them in order that they may shave their heads, and all will know that what they have been told about you is false, instead, that you walk in line, also keeping the Law yourself, Though we did write instructions concerning the ones who have believed of the heathen masses, deciding of them to observe no such thing, except to keep their selves away from things offered to worshipped images and blood [Genesis 9: 3-4102], and what is strangled, and fornication.â&#x20AC;? 24.

25.

26.

Then PĂĄulus, having joined with the men on the next day, was purified together with them. And he had entered into the

Everything that lives and moves shall be food for you just as the green plants I have given to you, everything. But meat with its life, its blood, you shall not eat. 102

206

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

temple to announce the completion of the days of the purification, until the offering had been offered for each one of them. Visiting “Yehuwthím” from ’Asía seize Páulus and start a riot; Roman soldiers rescue him But when the seventh day was being completed, the “Yehuwthím” who were from ’Asía, having seen him within the temple, stirred up all the crowd about him, and threw their hands upon him, Screaming: “Men of Yisrâ’Ë´l, help! This one is the man who is against our people, teaching everyone everywhere against the Law and against this place, and furthermore, he has also

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brought Greeks into the temple and defiled this pure place!” For they had before seen Tróphimos, an ’Epheçíy, within the city together with him, whom they supposed that Páulus had brought into the temple. [YirmYâ´huw 50: 43-44, 51: 51] And the whole city was thrown into commotion, and all the people became a running mob, and they seized Páulus and they dragged him outside of the temple and immediately the doors were shut. But as the mob were seeking to murder him, a report came to the captain of a thousand (colonel) of the Roman military cohort, that the whole city of Yruwshâláim was rioting, And instantly he took captains of one hundred men (centurions) and many soldiers and they rushed down upon them.

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

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And when they saw the captain of a thousand and the soldiers, they ceased beating Páulus. Then the captain of a thousand, having approached him, seized him, and commanded him to be bound with two shackles, and he questioned the mob who he might be, and what he had been doing. But within the crowd, some were shouting one thing and some another. So not being able to absolutely know unequivocally due to the uproar, he commanded him to be brought into the barracks. And when Páulus came onto the stairs, it turned out that he was carried by the soldiers due to the violence of the crowd. For the multitude of the people followed after him, screaming: “Do away with him!” 209

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37.

Páulus addresses the mob in their native language But when he was about to be brought into the barracks, Páulus said to the captain of a thousand in Greek: “Ei exestin moi eipein ti prov se? (Is it permitted for me to say something to you?)” And he said: “Do you know Greek? Aren’t you then the Aigúptios (Mitsríy [in Greek]) who before these days caused a disturbance and led out into the uninhabited land the four thousand men of the assassins [“Yehuwthím” freedom fighter outlaws]? But Páulus said: “I am actually a Yâhuwthíy man of Tarsós, a citizen of the notable city of 38.

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‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

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Kilikía, in which I was born, and I beg you, allow me to speak to the people.” And when he had permitted him, Páulus standing on the stairs made a sign with the hand to the people, and when a great hush had taken place, he spoke to them in the `Ivríyth (Hebrew) dialect, saying:

Chapter 22 “Men, brothers and fathers, hear ye my plea to you:” And when they had heard that he spoke to them in the `Ivríyth (Hebrew) dialect, the more so they kept quiet. And he said: 1.

“I am truly a Yâhuwthíy man, having been born in Tarsós of Kilikía, and I was educated within this city at the feet of Gamliy’Ë´l, having been trained according to the exactness of the Law of 3.

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our fathers, and I become zealous for the mighty Ones, just as all ye are this day; And I persecuted this, The Way, unto the death, binding and giving over both men and women unto the prisons, As also the high priest and all the eldership testify about me, from whom I also received letters that I might go unto Dammâ´seq against the brothers, to bring also those who were there unto Yruwshâláim bound, in order that they might be punished. But it occurred to me around midday, when I was journeying and drawing near to Dammâ´seq, that suddenly from the heavens a very great Light illuminated upon me! And I fell to the ground, and I heard a voice saying to me: 4.

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10.

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“Shâ’úwl, Shâ’úwl, why do you persecute Me?” And I responded: “Who are you, my Sovereign?” And He said to me: “I am Yâhuwshúa` of Netsârówth, Whom you persecute.” But those being together with me indeed saw the Light, but did not understand the voice of the One speaking to me. And I said: “What shall I do, my Sovereign?” And Yâ-hwéh said to me: “Get up, go into Dammâ´seq, and there it shall be told you about all things which it has been appointed for you to perform.” And as I did not see from the brightness of that Light, I came into Dammâ´seq 213

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being led by the hand by those being present with me. And a certain man, ChananYâ´huw, an upright man by the Law, testified to by all the Yâhuwthím residing there, Came to me and standing over me, said to me: “Shâ’úwl, my brother, receive your sight.” And immediately my eyes were opened and I saw him. And he said to me: 12.

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“The mighty Ones of our fathers has appointed you to know His will, and to see the Righteous One, and to heed the voice from His mouth, That you should become a witness for Him before all sons of ’Âthâ´m about all that you have seen and heard.

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So now why do you delay? Stand up, be immersed and be fully washed from your sins, calling on His name! [Yâhwéh Yâhuwshúa` (2: 38)]”

16.

It was done to me, but when I had returned into Yruwshâláim, and during my praying within the temple, I became in an altered state, And saw Him saying to me: “You will hurry and depart quickly out of Yruwshâláim, because they will not accept your testimony about Me.103” And I said: “My Sovereign, they themselves are aware that I was imprisoning and flaying those believing in You in all our assemblies, 17.

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Nothing which Yâ-hwéh says doesn’t come true. Páulus did just this, being evacuated by the soldiers by night later! 103

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Even when the blood of Stéphanos, Your witness, was poured out, I myself also was standing with them, and I approved of it together with his murderers, even guarding the garments of the ones who were stoning him!” And He said to me: “Go, because I shall send you forth104 afar off to proclaim unto heathen masses.” 20.

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Racist envy shuts the ears of the “Yehuwthím” mob; Romans investigate Páulus using the Sanhedrim And they listened to him until this word105, and they raised their voice, screaming:

Greek exapostέlo (exaspostélo). This is Páulus’s commission by Yâhuwshúa`, as a delegate, his sending forth, and it is to the Gowyím. 104

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“Cut off such a one from the earth, for it is not fitting that he should live!” And as they were screaming accusations and throwing down their garments, and throwing dust into the air, The captain of a thousand commanded him to be brought into the barracks, ordering him to be inquisitioned with stripes, in order that he might determine due to what cause they cried out thus against him. But as he stretched him forward [for scourging] with the leather straps, Páulus said to the captain of a hundred men (centurion) who stood by him: “ei anyrwpon rwmaion kai akatakriton exestin umin mastizein

The concept that Yâ-hwéh would accept GOWYÍM over them provokes “Yehuwthím” to jealousy, even today. It is a foreshadow of the jealousy of rejected adulterous Yisrâ’Ë´l (Christianity) at the entrance of the Great Multitude of GOWYÍM in Disclosure 7. 105

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(Is it lawful for you to whip a man who is a Roman and uncondemned?)” And the captain of a hundred men having heard it, having approached, reported to the captain of a thousand, saying: “Beware what you are about to do, for this man is a Roman!” And having approached him, the captain of a thousand said to him: “Tell me, are you a Roman?” And he said: “Yes” And the captain of a thousand responded: “I procured this Roman citizenship with a great amount of capital!” But Páulus said: “But I was truly born in it.” Therefore those being about to inquisition him departed immediately from him, and the captain of a thousand was also afraid,

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

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when he had ascertained that he is a Roman, and because he had bound him. And in the morning, he wished to know unequivocally what he was being accused of by the “Yehuwthím”, so he loosed him from the bonds and commanded the chief priests and their whole joint session (Sanhedrim) to come, and having brought down Páulus, he stood him among them.

Chapter 23 Páulus turns an unlikely alliance violently against itself And Páulus, having fixed his eyes on the joint session (Sanhedrim) said: “Men, brothers: I have conducted myself in all good conscience towards Yâ-hwéh unto this day.” 1.

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But ChananYâ´huw, the high priest, ordered those standing beside him to strike Páulus on his mouth. Then Páulus said to him: “Yâ-hwéh is about to strike you, whitewashed wall! And do you sit, judging me according to the Law, yet you violate the Law and command for me to be struck?” And those who stood by said: “Do you revile the high priest of the mighty Ones?” And Páulus said: “I had not perceived, brothers, that he is the high priest106; for it has been written: “[You shall not revile judges (’elohíym107),

Páulus being in the spirit did not see ChananYâ´huw as being the high priest, since he had been deposed by then by the High Priest of the Order of Malkiy-Tsétheq, Yâhuwshúa`! 107 He did not quote this part of the verse because it did not apply, though he was asked about it. Yâ-hwéh did not grant ChananYâ´huw this authority over Páulus. Thus, Páulus quoted the latter half of this verse because even unauthorized ones exalted among the people should not be bitterly cursed. Note: the anointed falsifier is often called exalted one in the Tenákh, so we should beware to not violate this in his case also. 106

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and] you shall not bitterly curse an exalted one among your people.” [Exodus 22: 28] But as Páulus had known that one part of the joint session consisted of Tsthuwqíym and the other of Phrushíym, he cried out in the joint session: “Men, my brothers, I am a Phârushíy, a son of Phrushíym: I am being judged about the hope of the resurrection of the dead!” And when he had said this, there was an insurrection of the Phrushíym and the Tsthuwqíym, and the people were divided; For Tsthuwqíym indeed allege there is no resurrection nor envoys nor spirit, but Phrushíym profess all these things. And there was a great outcry, and the scribes of the part of the Phrushíym rose 221

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up and they were fiercely fighting it out with them, saying: “We do not find anything evil within this man – and whether a spirit spoke to Him or an Envoy, let us not fight against ’Elohíym (the mighty Ones)! And as a great uprising was generating among them, the captain of a thousand was concerned lest Páulus should be torn apart by them [1 Qorinthíym 3: 3, Ya`aqóv 4: 1], so he commanded the Roman soldiers to go down to snatch him from their midst, and to bring him into the barracks. And the following night, appearing to Páulus, Yâ-hwéh said to him: “Be courageous, Páulus, for as you did fully testify the things about Me at Yruwshâláim, thus you ought also at Róma bear witness.”

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

12.

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“Yehuwthím” conspire a murderous ambush against Páulus Romans told and Páulus escorted out by night to Kæsária And when it was day, some men of the “Yehuwthím” made a conspiracy, and bound themselves under a curse, swearing neither to eat nor to drink till they had killed off Páulus. And they were more than forty who had made this vow together, And who, having approached the priests and the elders, said:

15.

“We have bound our selves to die by a curse, to taste nothing until we should kill off Páulus! Therefore now, indicate to the captain of a thousand that he may bring him down 223

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tomorrow to you together with the joint session (Sanhedrim), as though you intend to investigate his behavior more accurately, and we will be prepared to put him to death before his arrival to you!” 16.

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But the son of the sister of Páulus, having heard of the ambush, approached and entered into the fortress, and he reported it to Páulus; And Páulus, having called for one of the captains of a hundred, said to him: “Conduct this young man before the captain of a thousand, for he has something to report to him.” Therefore the captain of a hundred did take him with him, and brought him before the captain of a thousand, and he said:

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

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“Páulus, the prisoner, summoned me and requested me to bring this young man before you, as he has something to say to you.” And the captain of a thousand, having grabbed his hand and having gone off in private, asked him: “What is it that you have to report to me?” And the young man said to him: “That the ‘Yehuwthím’ have agreed to request you that tomorrow you might bring Páulus into their Joint Session, as though intending to ascertain something more accurately about him. However, you should not be persuaded by them, for more than forty men from them lie in ambush for him, who have bound their selves by a curse to die, to

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neither eat nor drink until they put him to death, and look, they are ready now, awaiting the promise from you!” 22.

23.

Then the captain of a thousand indeed let the young man go, having charged him: “Divulge to no one that you disclosed these things to me!” And having summoned a certain two of the captains of a hundred, he said to them: “Prepare two hundred Roman soldiers that they may journey as far as Kæsária, with seventy horsemen and two hundred righthanded archers, for leaving the third hour of the night [9 PM]. And also provide a beast of burden, that they may set Páulus on, and carry him safe through to Félix, the governor, 24.

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‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬ 25.

And he wrote a letter and gave it to them, containing this print: 26.

‘Claúdius Lusías, to the most excellent governor Félix: greetings108! This man was seized by the ‘Yehuwthím’ and on the verge of being murdered by them, so I moved in with the Roman army and I rescued him, and I learned that he is a Roman. And wishing to know the cause for which they accused him, I brought him down into their joint session, And I found him to be accused concerning questions of their Law, but having no accusation worthy of bonds or of death. 27.

28.

29.

The Aramaic has here “Shâlówm”. It seems doubtful that these two would employ this `Ivríyth (Hebrew) word. 108

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And when it had been disclosed to me of an ambush against the man, about to take effect by the ‘Yehuwthím’, immediately I sent him to you, and commanded his accusers to come and to allege the things against him before you. Farewell!’”

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Then the Roman foot soldiers, according to the orders given to them, brought Páulus, leading him by night into Antipatrís, And at daybreak, having left the horsemen to journey together with him, their associates, the foot soldiers, returned to the barracks. And when they had entered into Kæsária and handed over the letter to the governor, they also presented Páulus to him.

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬ 34.

35.

And when the governor had read the letter, he asked him from what province he was, and when he had learned that he was from Kilikía, He said to him: “I will hear you fully, when those, your accusers, may also have arrived.” And he commanded him to be kept in the Prætórium (Governor’s courtroom) of Heródes.

Chapter 24 Páulus’s Sanhedrim accusers arrive, but not the “Yehuwthím” from ’Asía And after five days, the high priest ChananYâ´huw came down with the elders and a forensic orator, a certain Tertúllus, who made an indictment to the governor against Páulus. 1.

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Deeds of the Delegates 2.

And when Tertúllus had been called, he began to make an accusation, saying: “We dwell in great peace on account of you, obtaining it with successful reforms being done for this people through your providential care, Both in every way and everywhere, we gladly accept your favor most excellent Félix, with all thankfulness. So in order that I may no longer be a hindrance to you, I implore you to hear our briefing by your clemency. For we have found this man to be a pestilence, and a moving insurrection among all the Yehuwthím in the Habitable World (Roman Empire), for also he is a champion leader of the sect109 of the Në´tsríym,

Greek: “heresy”. Modern English: “cult”. The Peshitta Aramaic translation has “teaching”; a word too mild for the context. With so much ample evidence for our 109

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Who also attempted to profane our temple. So we did seize him, and desired to judge him according to our Law, But Lusías, the captain of a thousand, arrived, and with great violence, seized him away out of our hands, and brought him to you, And he commanded his accusers to come before you. Yet you will be able, when you have investigated about it from him, to acknowledge all these things yourself of which we accuse him!” 6.

And the “Yehuwthím” also joined in the attack, crying out against him, declaring these things to be thus.

persuasion being called The Way of Yâ-hwéh (Dérekh Yâ-hwéh) since Genesis 18: 19 throughout all scripture, with even the “Yehuwthím” calling it their version of that (MattithYâ´huw 22: 16), it is surprising that so many groups cling to this one obviously derogatory smear-label as their name for their persuasion. 231

Deeds of the Delegates 10.

So the governor motioned to Páulus to speak. And Páulus responded, saying: “I know you have been a judge for this community for many years, so more cheerfully do I make a plea concerning myself. As you may know, it has not been more than twelve days since I went up to worship at Yruwshâláim, And neither they did find me arguing with anyone within the temple, nor making a rioting mob of a crowd, not even within their assemblies nor in the city, And they are not able to prove for you about that which they now accuse me. However, this I do confess to you, that according to The Way, which they call a “sect”, thus I do serve the mighty Ones

11.

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‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

of their Fathers, as I believe all the things which have been written throughout the Law and the Predicators, Also having a hope for Yâ-hwéh, which they also themselves accept, that He intends a resurrection of the dead, both of just ones, and of the unjust ones. Because of this, also I am laboring myself, to have a clear conscience before the mighty Ones and before sons of ’Âthâ´m, continually. So after many years, I have arrived, bringing alms for my own people, and offerings. During which these found me as I was being purified within the temple, not with a crowd, nor in an uproar. [19.] But certain ‘Yehuwthím’ who came from ’Asía who were riotous,

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Are who ought to be present with me before you and to accuse, if they may have anything against me, Or these themselves, let them say whether they found any wrongdoing in me when I stood before the joint session (Sanhedrim), For I cried out nothing except this one word while I was standing among them: “I am judged by you today about the resurrection of the dead!” 19.

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And having heard these things, Félix postponed them, as he accurately knew the things about “The Way”, saying: “When Lusías, the captain of a thousand, may have come down, I will examine the things of each of you.” And he ordered the captain of a hundred to guard Páulus and to be at ease, and to

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

forbid none of his own colleagues to serve him or to visit him.

24.

25.

26.

Páulus held without charges to please “Yehuwthím” And after a few days, when Félix had made an appearance with Drúsilla his wife (who was a Yâhuwthíyth), he sent for Páulus and listened to him about the persuasion on the Deliverer Yâhuwshúa`. And as he explained about justification and continence, and of the Judgment about to happen, becoming terrified, Félix responded: “Hold it for now; go, and when I have gotten an opportunity, I will summon you.” For he was also simultaneously hoping that a bribe of riches will be given to him by Páulus that he might loose him, which 235

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27.

is why he also was frequently sending for him to come talk with him. But after two years were concluded, a successor received his position, Pórkius Féstus, and Félix, wishing to gain favor with the “Yehuwthím”, left Páulus behind, imprisoned.

Chapter 25 “Yehuwthím” plan yet another ambush to murder Páulus Páulus appeals to Kæ´sar Then three days after when Féstus had come into the province, he went up from Kæsária unto Yruwshâláim. And there the high priest and the chiefs of the “Yehuwthím” made an presentation against Páulus and implored him, Requesting a favor against him, that he would summon him into Yruwshâláim, as 1.

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‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

they were forming an ambush along the way to put him to death. Therefore Féstus responded: “Páulus shall be guarded at Kæsária, and I myself intend to go out there shortly. “Then those among you,” He said, “able to go down there together with us, should accuse him, if anything exists wrong within this man.” So after having spent not more than eight or ten days among them, he went down unto Kæsária, and at daybreak he sat on the judgment seat, and he commanded for Páulus to be brought. And when he had arrived, the “Yehuwthím” who had come down from Yruwshâláim stood around him, bringing many strong accusations against Páulus, which they could not demonstrate. 5.

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10.

And Páulus made his defense: “I did not sin in anything, neither against the Law of the Yâhuwthím, nor against the temple, nor against the Kæ´sar!” But Féstus, as he was willing to grant a favor to the “Yehuwthím”, said to Páulus: “Are you willing to go up to Yruwshâláim, to be judged before me there about these things?” But Páulus said: “I am standing before the judgment seat of the Kæ´sar where I ought to be judged. I did not do one wrong to the ‘Yehuwthím’, as you also do very well know. Yet indeed if I had done a wrong or committed anything worthy of death, I would not beg to not die, however, if 11.

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‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

there exists nothing against me of what these accuse me, no one can grant me to them as a favor. To the Kæ´sar I appeal110!” 12.

13.

Then Féstus, having conferred with the council, responded: “To Kæ´sar you have appealed? Before Kæ´sar you shall go.” King ’Agríppa hears Páulus and almost converts [see 9: 15] ¶ And when a few days had passed, ’Agríppa II, the king, and Berníke [his sister] came down into Kæsária to greet Féstus.

Páulus, seeing in Féstus another “Yehuwthíy”-pleasing bribe-seeker, did not want to die in the ambush which they planned or to lose more time after 2 years of imprisonment without charges under Félix. He knew this was his chance to escape from the stagnation into the place he knew he had to go, Róma. Yet Páulus also exemplifies how a believer should indeed demand his government to provide the rights which it promises its citizens, though we should not violate its laws when that does not require breaking those laws of Yâ-hwéh. Note that if we were indeed guilty, we do not refuse the penalty. 110

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Deeds of the Delegates 14.

And as they spent many days there, Féstus laid out the case of Páulus, saying: “One man was left behind a prisoner by the hand of Félix, About whom, when I was at Yruwshâláim, the chief priests and the elders informed me, asking that I should grant to them condemnation against him. And I responded to them: ‘It is not a custom with Romans to grant any son of ’Âthâ´m to be destroyed before he may have been accused face to face by his accusers, and he may get an opportunity for a verbal defense concerning the accusation.’ Therefore they, having departed in company with me to here – not even having made any delay; when I had sat 15.

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240

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18.

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the next day on the judgment seat, I commanded the man to be brought, Whom the accusers, when they stood up against him, did not bring even one legal charge like that which I had supposed, nor one which they could prove, But they had certain debates about their own deity-worship against him, even concerning some man ‘Yâhuwshúa`’ Who died, Whom Páulus alleges to be alive. And I, being stuck in the debate about this, asked Páulus whether he would be willing to travel to Yruwshâláim and to be judged there about these things, But Páulus, as he had appealed for himself to be guarded for the ascertainment of the venerable Kæ´sar, I

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commanded him to be kept until when I should send him before Kæ´sar.” 22.

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And ’Agríppa said to Féstus: “But I was wishing to hear the man myself!” And he says: “Tomorrow you will hear him.” Therefore at daybreak, when ’Agríppa and Berníke had come with great pomp and had entered into the audience hall together with both the captains of a thousand and those men being of eminence of the city, then Féstus commanded, and Páulus was brought. And Féstus said: “King ’Agríppa and all the men being present with us: Behold ye, this is the one concerning whom all the people of the ‘Yehuwthím’ have pleaded with me in

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

both Yruwshâláim and here, screaming out that he must no longer live! But I have found he had not committed anything worthy of death; yet because this one himself had invoked as his judge the venerable Kæ´sar, I have determined to send him, But I do not have anything certain concerning him to write to Kæ´sar, my sovereign. This is why I brought him before all of you, and especially before you, King ’Agríppa, so that when his case may have been investigated, I may have something to write. For it seems illogical to me, when we send a prisoner, to not even indicate the charges against him.”

25.

26.

27.

Chapter 26 And ’Agríppa said to Páulus: 1.

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“It is turned over to you to speak for your self.” Then Páulus extending his hand, gave a legal defense: “About all of which I am accused by ‘Yehuwthím’, King ’Agríppa, I consider myself happy that I may make a legal defense before you today, Especially as you are an expert with all the customs and even the debates among the ‘Yehuwthím’, which is why I beg of you to hear me patiently. For, all those ‘Yehuwthím’ who knew me before from the beginning indeed do know my manner of life from the start of my youth, which was among my people in Yruwshâláim, If they were willing to testify it, and acknowledge that I lived according to the 2.

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most exact sect of our religion: a Phârushíy. So now, for the hope of the promise made to our fathers by Yâ-hwéh, I stand being judged, A hope to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, worshipping intently night and day, a hope about which I am accused, King ’Agríppa, by the hands of the ‘Yehuwthím’. What is being judged by you, whether it is right that we believe that the mighty Ones raises the dead? For I indeed did suppose of myself before, that I ought to practice many adverse things against the name of Yâhuwshúa` the Nëtsríy, Which I also did in Yruwshâláim, and I incarcerated many of the pure ones in prisons, by the authority I had received 6.

10.

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from the chief priests. Even when they were being put to death, I had cast my vote with those condemning them. And in every one of the assemblies, I was often torturing them, compelling them to scorn the name of Yâhuwshúa`. And I, being exceedingly furious against them, I even persecuted them as far as unto the foreign cities. But during the time which, I was journeying for this purpose unto Dammâ´seq, with authority and commission from the chief priests, At mid-day along the way, I saw, O King, from the heavens a Light, greater than the brightness of the luminary orb, illuminating around me and those traveling together with me; 11.

12.

13.

246

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬ 14.

15.

And all of us fell down unto the ground, and I heard a voice speaking to me and saying in the `Ivríyth (Hebrew) dialect: “Shâ’úwl, Shâ’úwl, why do you persecute Me? It is a tough thing for you to recalcitrate against the prods.” And I said: “Who are You, my Sovereign?” And He said: “I am Yâhuwshúa` of Netsârówth, Whom you persecute. Nevertheless get up and stand on your feet, for I appeared to you for this purpose: to appoint you an attendant and a witness both of that you did see Me and that in the future I shall appear to you, Rescuing you from among the people of Yâhuwthâ´h and other people unto whom I send you forth now, 16.

17.

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To open their eyes, that they may turn from the darkness unto the Light and from the authority of the Adversary unto Yâ-hwéh, that they may receive liberation from sins and an inheritance among those that have been purified by the persuasion in Me.”

18.

Which is why, O King ’Agríppa, I was not rebelliously unpersuaded by the heavenly vision, Instead, I was announcing first to those in Dammâ´seq and to those who were in Yruwshâláim, both unto all the villages of Yâhuwthâ´h and to the heathen masses, to reconsider and to return to Yâ-hwéh, practicing works that correspond to repentance.

19.

20.

248

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

Yet on account of these things, the ‘Yehuwthím’, when they had seized me in the temple, even attempted to kill me! But then, since I have obtained help from Yâ-hwéh until this day, here also I stand, and testify both to the small and to the great, saying nothing outside than those things which both the predicators and Moshéh said were going to happen, That though first the Anointed One should suffer and become the Firstfruits from the resurrection of the dead, that He would proclaim Light to the people and to the heathen masses!” 21.

22.

23.

24.

And as he was saying these things in his defense, Féstus declared with a loud voice: 249

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25.

“You are raving mad, Páulus, too much scripture learning has turned you to madness!” But he said:

26.

“I am not raving mad, most noble Féstus, rather, I am plainly speaking words of Truth and of sanity. For also ’Agríppa the King is informed about these things, and because of this I speak confidently before him, for I am persuaded that none of these words are hidden from him, for it is not in secret that this has been done. Do you believe the predicators, King ’Agríppa? I perceive that you do believe.”

27.

28.

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And ’Agríppa said to Páulus:

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

29.

30.

31.

32.

“You came this close to convincing me111 to become a ‘Xristianoús’ (Christian).” And Páulus said: “I pray to Yâ-hwéh that both by a little and by much, not only for you to be [convinced], rather also for all of those hearing me this day to become such of this sort as I also am, with the exception of these bonds!” And when he had said these things, the king stood up and the governor and Berníke and those who sat together with them, And having withdrawn from there, they spoke to each other, saying: “This man has done nothing worthy of death or of bonds.” And ’Agríppa said to Féstus:

Greek: literally “By a little you convince me” is more understandable directly translating it into Spanish: “Por poquito me convences”, which is most closely translated “You have almost convinced me”. 111

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“This man could have been released if he had not appealed to Kæ´sar!”112 Chapter 27 Páulus starts escorted voyage to Róma ¶ But when Féstus decreed about him that he should be sent to ’Italía to Kæ´sar, they transferred both Páulus and certain other prisoners with him to a captain of a hundred named ’Iulíus, of the Roman Imperial military cohort. And when we had gone on board a ship from the city of ’Adramutteión, we set sail, about to navigate along the places along the land of ’Asía. And ’Arístarxos, a Makedonían from the city of Thessaloníke, was on board the ship together with us. 1.

This otherwise true statement was based on Féstus’ lies (25:9, 20) about his potentially embarrassing motives for asking Páulus whether he wanted to be sent to Yruwshâláim to be judged there. 112

252

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬ 3.

And the next day, we moored at Tsiythówn. And ’Iulíus, the captain of a hundred, treated Páulus kindly, allowing him to go to his friends to refresh himself. And setting sail from there, we sailed a course under the lee of Kúpros because the winds were against us. And having sailed across the high seas along Kilikía and Pamphulía, we came unto the city of Múra of Lukía, And there, the captain of a hundred found a ship of ’Aléxandreia sailing for ’Italía, and he boarded us on it. And as we were sailing slowly, after quite many days, we had hardly even come by the island of Knídos. So as the wind was not permitting us to progress, we sailed under the lee of Kréte along the city of Salmóne, 253

Deeds of the Delegates 8.

And when we had hardly sailed past it, we came to a certain place called Kalói Liménes (the Good Harbors), which was near a city by the name of Lasaía.

Páulus’s warning ignored, Eúroklúdon tempest hits And when we had passed much time there, and the voyage by sea already being dangerous, because even the Yâhuwthíy fast [the Day of Atonement, Yowm Kippuríym, the 10th day of the 7th month] had already past, Páulus recommended a change in plans, Saying to them: “Men, I perceive that our voyage is about to be with damage and much loss, not only of the cargo and of the ship, rather also of our lives.”

10.

254

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬ 11.

12.

13.

But the captain of a hundred was persuaded by the helmsman and the shipcaptain, rather than by the words spoken by Páulus. And the port being ill-suited to winter in bad weather, the majority of us counseled to set sail from there, and if by any means they might be able, having arrived at Phoiníke to winter there, a port of Kréte which looked towards the southwest and towards the northwest. So when a south wind blew gently, they thought to have obtained their proposal that we might arrive, having weighed anchor close by, they coasted along around Kréte.

255

Deeds of the Delegates 14.

15.

16.

17.

But not long after we left there came down on us a tempestuous113 wind called Eúroklúdon. And the ship was caught and carried off, and not able to turn towards the wind, so giving up control, we were driven along, But being swept past leeward of a certain small island called Klaúde, we were hardly able to keep hold of the ship’s skiff, Which, when we had picked up the ropes for frapping the vessel, they employed for undergirding the ship. Also, as we were frightened lest they should be driven off course onto the Súrtis major114, we lowered the sail, and thus we were driven.

This translation will not use the word “hurricane” as it is derived from the name of a Caribbean Indian false mighty one, in keeping with Exodus 23:13. 114 Page: 256 From the Greek Lexicon: 0594 ~surtiv~ surtis \@soor'-tis\@ 113

from 4951; ; n pr f AV-quicksands 1; 1 256

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬ 18.

19.

20.

And when we were violently tossed by the storm on the next day, they started throwing out the cargo, And on the third day, we flung overboard the tackling of the ship with our own hands. And as neither luminary orb nor stars appeared above, and as a great tempest rested over us for many days, all what was left of our hope of being rescued was removed altogether.

Páulus gives good news from Yâ-hwéh, Whose prediction gets fulfilled

1) Syrtis, the name of two places in the African or Libyan Sea between Carthage and Cyrenaicia, full of shallows and sandbanks, and therefore destructive to ships; the western Syrtis, between the islands Cercina and Meninx (or the promontories of Zeitha and Brachodes), was called Syrtis minor, the eastern (extending from the promontories of Cephalae on the west to that of Boreum on the east) was called Syrtis major; this latter must be the one referred to in Deeds of the Delegates 27:17, for the ship in which Paul was sailing might easily be cast upon this after leaving Crete 257

Deeds of the Delegates 21.

And when they had been abstaining from food for a long time, then Páulus stood up in their midst, and said:

22.

“Indeed you should have obeyed me, men: we would not have sailed from Kréte and we would have been spared from this damage and from loss. Yet now I advise you to be of good cheer for not one of your selves shall be lost, only the ship. For this night an envoy, of that mighty Ones Whose I am and Whom I worship, appeared beside me, And he said to me: “Do not fear, Páulus, it is necessary that you stand before Kæ´sar, and look! Yâ-hwéh has granted as a gift for your sake all those sailing with you.”

23.

24.

258

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

Which is why, be cheerful, men, for I trust in Yâ-hwéh that it shall be thus, according to the way it was told to me. But it is necessary for us to drop off on a certain island.” 25.

26.

27.

28.

29.

And when the fourteenth night was come that we were driven throughout in the ’Adrías [the Adriatic and Ionian sea], towards the middle of the night the sailors figured that they were approaching some land, And having sounded, they found twenty fathoms, and having gone a little farther and again having sounded, they found fifteen fathoms, And as we were afraid lest somehow we should be driven onto jagged rocky places, they cast four anchors from the stern, and prayed for day. 259

Deeds of the Delegates 30.

31.

32.

33.

But the sailors sought to flee from the ship, and they lowered the skiff into the sea, pretending as if they were about to cast out anchors from the prow, And Páulus, seeing this, said to the captain of a hundred and to the soldiers: “Unless these stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.” Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the skiff and let her drift away. And until it was about to become day, Páulus encouraged all to eat some food, saying to them: “Look! Today is the fourteenth day that ye continue fasting, having taken in nothing yourselves, as ye watch for danger. Which is why I implore you to take food, for this is for the strengthening 34.

260

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

towards your deliverance, for not even one hair from the head of anyone of you shall be hurt.” 35.

36.

37.

38.

39.

And when he had said these things, he took a loaf, and he gave thanks to Yâhwéh in the sight of all of them, and having broken it, began to eat. And they all became of good cheer, and took food for themselves. And there were within the ship two hundred seventy-six of our selves. And when they were sated of food, they lightened the ship, throwing out the wheat into the sea. And when it was day, the sailors did not recognize the land, but they observed the shore to have a certain bay of the sea, thus they purposed to drive the ship into it if they could. 261

Deeds of the Delegates 40.

41.

42.

43.

262

So they cut away the anchors from the ship, and they left them in the sea, having simultaneously loosened the fastening bands from the rudders and having hoisted the foresail to the wind that was blowing, and they made for the shore. And having lighted upon an isthmus between the seas, they ran the vessel aground, and the prow remained indeed immovable, having stuck fast, but the stern was demolished by the violence of the waves. And the will of the soldiers was that they should kill off the prisoners, lest anyone, having swum out, should escape from them. But the captain of a hundred, as he wanted to preserve Pรกulus, hindered them of their purpose, and commanded the ones able to

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

44.

swim to hurl themselves off first to escape onto the land. And the rest escaped, some indeed on boards and others on some wood fragments from the ship; and thus it happened that all were delivered safely onto the land.

Chapter 28 Páulus does works of Force on Melíta And then, after having been saved, they learned that the island was called Melíta. And the native non-Greeks115 showed unusual kindness to us, for they kindled a fire and they invited in all of us to warm ourselves due to the great rain that was present over us and due to the cold. And when Páulus had gathered a large group of dry sticks and had laid them on 1.

Greek: “Bárbaros”, meaning one who speaks a foreign or strange language which is not understood by another, and this term was used by the Greeks of ANY foreigner ignorant of the Greek language. 115

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Deeds of the Delegates

264

the fire, a poisonous snake came out from the heat of the fire, and bit him on his hand. And when the non-Greeks saw the dangerous animal hanging from his hand, they said to one another: “Surely this man is a murderer, whom though he has been saved from the sea, the Justice has not permitted to live!” Then indeed Páulus, when he had shaken off the poisonous snake into the fire, did not suffer any injury. However, the non-Greeks were expecting him to soon become inflamed or to drop dead suddenly. But when they had watched him for a long time and did not see anything out of place happening to him, they changed their opinion and said he was a mighty one. Now in the surrounding area were fields belonging to a man named Públius, the

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

10.

11.

ruler of the island. And he received us as guests, hosting us three days in a friendly manner. And it occurred that the father of Públius lay prostrate, oppressed with fevers and dysentery. And Páulus, having entered before him and prayed, imposed his hand on him and cured him. Then when this had occurred, also the rest who had infirmities on the island approached him and they were cured, And these also honored us with many valuables, and when we set sail, they carried onboard the supplies for our necessities. Páulus taken to Róma And after three months, we departed and sailed in a ship which had wintered on the 265

Deeds of the Delegates

12.

13.

14.

15.

island, one of ’Aléxandreia, with the markings of the twins of Diós116 was on it; And when we had been moored at Surákousai [Capital of Sicily], we remained there three days. And from there we navigated around and we arrived at Rhégium, and after one day, a south wind arose for us, and in two days, we came unto Potíoloi. And we having found brothers there, and they implored us to stay over with them seven days, and then we went on to Róma. And when the brothers from there had heard the things about us, they came out to meet us as far as the marketplace called

116

Page: [From the lexicon] Greek: 9595 ~dioskouroi~ Dioskouroi \@dee-os'-koo-roy\@ from the alternate of 2203 [Zeus] and a form of the base of 2877; ; n pr m AV-Castor and Pollux 1; 1 1) Castor and Pollux, were the twin sons of Jupiter and Leda, and were regarded as the tutelary divinities of sailors 266

266

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

16.

Forum of Áppius [39 miles (62.4 km) from Róma] and unto the Three Tabérnoe [33 miles (52.8 km) from Róma], and when Páulus saw them, he gave thanks to Yâhwéh, and he took courage. And when we came into Róma, the captain of a hundred transferred the prisoners over to the captain of the Prætórium Guard; but Páulus was permitted to stay wherever he wished, together with the soldier who guarded him. [To the Romans 13: 1-3]

Páulus addresses Yâhuwthím leaders of Róma And it came to pass after three days, Páulus called together those who were the foremost of the “Yehuwthím”. And when they were convened, he said to them:

17.

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Deeds of the Delegates

“Men, my brothers: while not having done anything against the people or the Law of my fathers, I was delivered up a prisoner from Yruwshâláim into the hands of the Romans, Who when they had investigated me, wished to release me because they found no legal cause worthy for death in me. But as the ‘Yehuwthím’ were contradicting it, I was compelled to appeal to Kæ´sar, not because I would make any accusation against the sons of my people. Due to this cause, therefore, I invited you to come and to see you and to speak this to you, for on account of the Hope of Yisrâ’Ë´l I am bound with this chain.” 18.

19.

20.

21.

268

And they said to him:

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

22.

23.

“We have neither received letters about you from Yâhuwthâ´h, nor have any one of the brothers who arrived from Yruwshâláim declared or said anything harmful about you. But we think it is right to hear from you what it is you think about, for indeed what is well-known to us about this sect is that it is contradicted everywhere!”

Páulus testifies the Glad Tidings of the Kingdom of Yâ-hwéh in Róma So they appointed a day for him, and they assembled; many came before him unto the place he was lodging. And he explained to them about the Kingdom of Yâ-hwéh, solemnly testifying and persuading them about Yâhuwshúa`, both from the Law of Moshéh and from the predicators, from daybreak unto evening! 269

Deeds of the Delegates 24.

25.

And some were indeed persuaded of the Words he spoke, but others disbelieved, But they departed while disagreeing with each other, when Páulus had spoken this last word:

26.

“Well did the spirit of the Pure One speak through the mouth of Yshá`Yâhuw the predicator against your fathers, Saying:

27.

270

“Go to this people and tell them: ‘You shall surely hear, but you shall not understand; and you shall surely see, but you shall not perceive!’ For the heart of this people has grown thick, and they do hardly hear with the ears, and they have shut their eyes, lest they should see with their eyes, and with their ears they should hear,

‫שׁ ַלחִים‬ ְ ‫ַמ ֲעשֶׁה ִמ‬

and their heart should understand, and they should return to Me and I should cure them. [Yshá`Yâhuw 6: 9-10] 28.

29.

30.

31.

Therefore be it well-known to you that this curing of Yâ-hwéh is sent forth to the heathen masses, and they are understanding it.”

[Scribal repetition of a portion of verse 25, not found in the Aramaic nor in many Greek translations] And Páulus rented a house for himself from his own resources, and stayed two whole years within it. And he welcomed all those who entered before him, And he was proclaiming the Kingdom of Yâ-hwéh and with all outspokenness was instructing the things about our 271

Deeds of the Delegates

Sovereign YĂ˘huwshĂşa`, the Anointed One, without hindrances.

272