Study Desk

At the same time, he hoped that Sha'ul would offer him a bribe; so he sent for him rather often and kept talking with him.

If I am a wrongdoer, if I have done something for which I deserve to die, then I am ready to die. But if there is nothing to these charges which they are bringing against me, no one can give me to them just to grant a favor! I appeal to the Emperor!"

Since they were staying on there for some time, Festus had the opportunity to acquaint the king with Sha'ul's situation. "There is a man here," he said, "who was left behind in custody by Felix.

They have known me for a long time; and if they are willing, they can testify that I have followed the strictest party in our religion — that is, I have lived as a Parush.

to open their eyes; so that they will turn from darkness to light, from the power of the Adversary to God, and thus receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who have been separated for holiness by putting their trust in me.'

For the king understands these matters, so to him I express myself freely, because I am sure that none of these things have been hidden from him. After all, they didn't happen in some back alley.

Sha'ul replied, "Whether it takes a short time or a long time, I wish to God that not only you, but also everyone hearing me today, might become just like me except for these chains!"

Once it had been decided that we should set sail for Italy, they handed Sha'ul and some other prisoners over to an officer of the Emperor's Regiment named Julius.

For a number of days we made little headway, and we arrived off Cnidus only with difficulty. The wind would not let us continue any farther along the direct route; so we ran down along the sheltered side of Crete from Cape Salmone;

For many days neither the sun nor the stars appeared, while the storm continued to rage, until gradually all hope of survival vanished.

For this very night, there stood next to me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve.

So, men, take heart! For I trust God and believe that what I have been told will come true.

Fearing we might run on the rocks, they let out four anchors from the stern and prayed for daylight to come.

Therefore I advise you to take some food; you need it for your own survival. For not one of you will lose so much as a hair from his head."

So they cut away the anchors and left them in the sea; at the same time, they loosened the ropes that held the rudders out of the water. Then they hoisted the foresail to the wind and headed for the beach.

But the officer, wanting to save Sha'ul, kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to throw themselves overboard first and head for shore,

Nearby were lands belonging to the governor of the island, whose name was Publius. He received us in a friendly manner and put us up for three days.

They heaped honors on us; and when the time came for us to sail, they provided the supplies we needed.

This is why I have asked to see you and speak with you, for it is because of the hope of Isra'el that I have this chain around me."

But we do think it would be appropriate to hear your views from you, yourself; for all we know about this sect is that people everywhere speak against it."