The Early Church

Save that the Holy Ghost in every city witnesseth to me, saying: That bands and afflictions wait for me at Jerusalem.

But I fear none of these things, neither do I count my life more precious than myself, so that I may consummate my course and the ministry of the word which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

And now behold, I know that all you, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.

Wherefore I take you to witness this day that I am clear from the blood of all men.

For I have not spread to declare unto you all, the counsel of God.

Take heed to yourselves and to the whole flock, wherein the Holy Ghost hath placed you bishops, to rule the Church of God which he hath purchased with his own blood.

I know that after my departure ravening wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

And of your own selves shall arise men speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

Therefore watch, keeping in memory that for three years I ceased not with tears to admonish every one of you, night and day.

And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, who is able to build up and to give an inheritance among all the sanctified.

I have not coveted any man's silver, gold or apparel, as

You yourselves know. For such things as were needful for me and them that are with me, these hands have furnished.

I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring you ought to support the weak and to remember the word of the Lord Jesus, how he said: It is a more blessed thing to give, rather than to receive.

And when he had said these things, kneeling down, he prayed with them all.

And there was much weeping among them all. And falling on the neck of Paul, they kissed him,

Being grieved most of all for the word which he had said, that they should see his face no more. And they brought him on his way to the ship.

And when it came to pass that, being parted from them, we set sail, we came with a straight course to Coos, and the day following to Rhodes: and from thence to Patara.

And when we had found a ship sailing over to Phenice, we went aboard and set forth.

And when we had discovered Cyprus, leaving it on the left hand, we sailed into Syria, and came to Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden.

And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul, through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.

And the days being expired, departing we went forward, they all bringing us on our way, with their wives and children, till we were out of the city. And we kneeled down on the shore: and we prayed.

And when we had bid one another farewell, we took ship. And they returned home.

But we, having finished the voyage by sea, from Tyre came down to Ptolemais: and saluting the brethren, we abode one day with them.

And the next day departing, we came to Caesarea. And entering into the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, we abode with him.

And he had four daughters, virgins, who did prophesy.