Study Desk

they being also prophets, they consolated and confirm'd the brethren by several discourses.

and after they had stay'd there some time, with the good wishes of the brethren, they had leave to go to the apostles.

and the contention was so sharp between them, that they separated: so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed to Cyprus.

as they pass'd through the cities, they recommended it to the faithful to observe the decisions, made by the apostles and presbyters at Jerusalem.

but after they had travers'd Phrygia and Galatia, they were order'd by the holy spirit not to preach the gospel in Asia:

her masters finding they had lost such a prospect of gain, seized upon Paul and Silas, and hawl'd them to the publick place before the magistrates.

having presented them to the Officers, they said, these men, who are Jews, raise great disorders in our city, and preach such maxims,

believe, said they, on the Lord Jesus, and you shall be saved, you, and your family.

then they declared the word of the Lord to him, and to all his family.

but Paul replied, they have publickly scourg'd us, who are Romans, without any trial, they have thrown us into jayl, and now do they give us a private discharge? no, let them come themselves and release us.

so they came, and by persuasions brought them out, and desired them to leave the city.

then they quitted the prison, and went to Lydia's house, where finding the brethren, they gave them an exhortation, and departed.

Having pass'd thro' Amphipolis and Apollonia, they arriv'd at Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue.

but not finding them, they dragg'd Jason and some of the brethren to the magistrates, crying out, these that have been every where the disturbers of the publick peace, are come hither also, and have been entertain'd by Jason.

however having oblig'd Jason and the rest to give security, they let them go.

Immediately the brethren sent away Paul and Silas by night to Berea, where being arriv'd, they went into the synagogue.

the Jews there were of a more generous temper than those of Thessalonica: for they very readily embrac'd their doctrine, and daily examin'd, whether it was conformable to the scriptures.

however Paul's guides attended him to Athens: where they left him, after having received his orders for Silas and Timothy to come to him with all speed.

One day they conducted him to the Areopagus, and said to him, may we know what this new doctrine is, which you publish?

he receives no service from their officiousness: he is self-sufficient: it is he that gives to all their life and breath and every thing they have.