Be Sustained While Waiting

Identity Shaped by Grace

Virtuous: A Devotional for Women

God, Not the Glass -- Reset Your Mind and Spirit

The Art of Being Still

One New Humanity: Mission in Ephesians

Conversation Starters - Film + Faith - Redemption, Revenge & Justice

Following the Call of Jesus

____ for Christ - Salvation for All

The Way to True Happiness

The Listener’s Bible®: NIV Edition

New International Version™  (Anglicised), Audio Edition

Holy Bible, New International Version™ (Anglicised), South Asian Audio Edition

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkPRO">
      <div class="chapter ch26" data-usfm="PRO.26">
         <div class="label">26</div><div class="q1"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PRO.26.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Like snow in summer or rain in harvest,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PRO.26.1"><span class="content">honor is not fitting for a fool.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PRO.26.1"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PRO.26.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PRO.26.2"><span class="content">an undeserved curse does not come to rest.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PRO.26.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PRO.26.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PRO.26.3"><span class="content">and a rod for the backs of fools!</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PRO.26.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.26.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">Do not answer a fool according to his folly,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.26.4"><span class="content">or you yourself will be just like him.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.26.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PRO.26.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">Answer a fool according to his folly,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PRO.26.5"><span class="content">or he will be wise in his own eyes.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PRO.26.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PRO.26.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">Sending a message by the hands of a fool</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PRO.26.6"><span class="content">is like cutting off one&#8217;s feet or drinking poison.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PRO.26.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PRO.26.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">Like the useless legs of one who is lame</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PRO.26.7"><span class="content">is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PRO.26.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PRO.26.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">Like tying a stone in a sling</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PRO.26.8"><span class="content">is the giving of honor to a fool.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PRO.26.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PRO.26.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">Like a thornbush in a drunkard&#8217;s hand</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PRO.26.9"><span class="content">is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PRO.26.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PRO.26.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">Like an archer who wounds at random</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PRO.26.10"><span class="content">is one who hires a fool or any passer-by.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PRO.26.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PRO.26.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">As a dog returns to its vomit,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PRO.26.11"><span class="content">so fools repeat their folly.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PRO.26.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PRO.26.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">Do you see a person wise in their own eyes?</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PRO.26.12"><span class="content">There is more hope for a fool than for them.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PRO.26.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PRO.26.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">A sluggard says, &#8220;There&#8217;s a lion in the road,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PRO.26.13"><span class="content">a fierce lion roaming the streets!&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PRO.26.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PRO.26.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">As a door turns on its hinges,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PRO.26.14"><span class="content">so a sluggard turns on his bed.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PRO.26.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PRO.26.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">A sluggard buries his hand in the dish;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PRO.26.15"><span class="content">he is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PRO.26.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PRO.26.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">A sluggard is wiser in his own eyes</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PRO.26.16"><span class="content">than seven people who answer discreetly.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PRO.26.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PRO.26.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">Like one who grabs a stray dog by the ears</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PRO.26.17"><span class="content">is someone who rushes into a quarrel not their own.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PRO.26.17"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PRO.26.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">Like a maniac shooting</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PRO.26.18"><span class="content">flaming arrows of death</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PRO.26.18"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PRO.26.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">is one who deceives their neighbor</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PRO.26.19"><span class="content">and says, &#8220;I was only joking!&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PRO.26.19"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PRO.26.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">Without wood a fire goes out;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PRO.26.20"><span class="content">without a gossip a quarrel dies down.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PRO.26.20"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PRO.26.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PRO.26.21"><span class="content">so is a quarrelsome person for kindling strife.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PRO.26.21"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PRO.26.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PRO.26.22"><span class="content">they go down to the inmost parts.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PRO.26.22"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="PRO.26.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">Like a coating of silver dross on earthenware</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="PRO.26.23"><span class="content">are fervent</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">26:23 </span><span class="ft">Hebrew; Septuagint </span><span class="fqa">smooth</span></span></span><span class="content"> lips with an evil heart.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="PRO.26.23"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="PRO.26.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">Enemies disguise themselves with their lips,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="PRO.26.24"><span class="content">but in their hearts they harbor deceit.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="PRO.26.24"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="PRO.26.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">Though their speech is charming, do not believe them,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="PRO.26.25"><span class="content">for seven abominations fill their hearts.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="PRO.26.25"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="PRO.26.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">Their malice may be concealed by deception,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="PRO.26.26"><span class="content">but their wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="PRO.26.26"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="PRO.26.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">Whoever digs a pit will fall into it;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="PRO.26.27"><span class="content">if someone rolls a stone, it will roll back on them.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="PRO.26.27"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="PRO.26.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">A lying tongue hates those it hurts,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="PRO.26.28"><span class="content">and a flattering mouth works ruin.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkNEH">
      <div class="chapter ch3" data-usfm="NEH.3">
         <div class="label">3</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Builders of the Wall</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="NEH.3.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests went to work and rebuilt the Sheep Gate. They dedicated it and set its doors in place, building as far as the Tower of the Hundred, which they dedicated, and as far as the Tower of Hananel. </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="NEH.3.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">The men of Jericho built the adjoining section, and Zakkur son of Imri built next to them.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="NEH.3.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="NEH.3.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">The Fish Gate was rebuilt by the sons of Hassenaah. They laid its beams and put its doors and bolts and bars in place. </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="NEH.3.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">Meremoth son of Uriah, the son of Hakkoz, repaired the next section. Next to him Meshullam son of Berekiah, the son of Meshezabel, made repairs, and next to him Zadok son of Baana also made repairs. </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="NEH.3.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">The next section was repaired by the men of Tekoa, but their nobles would not put their shoulders to the work under their supervisors.</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">3:5 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">their Lord </span><span class="ft">or </span><span class="fqa">the governor</span></span></span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="NEH.3.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="NEH.3.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">The Jeshanah</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">3:6 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">Old</span></span></span><span class="content"> Gate was repaired by Joiada son of Paseah and Meshullam son of Besodeiah. They laid its beams and put its doors with their bolts and bars in place. </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="NEH.3.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">Next to them, repairs were made by men from Gibeon and Mizpah&#8212;Melatiah of Gibeon and Jadon of Meronoth&#8212;places under the authority of the governor of Trans-Euphrates. </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="NEH.3.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">Uzziel son of Harhaiah, one of the goldsmiths, repaired the next section; and Hananiah, one of the perfume-makers, made repairs next to that. They restored Jerusalem as far as the Broad Wall. </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="NEH.3.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">Rephaiah son of Hur, ruler of a half-district of Jerusalem, repaired the next section. </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="NEH.3.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">Adjoining this, Jedaiah son of Harumaph made repairs opposite his house, and Hattush son of Hashabneiah made repairs next to him. </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="NEH.3.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">Malkijah son of Harim and Hasshub son of Pahath-Moab repaired another section and the Tower of the Ovens. </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="NEH.3.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">Shallum son of Hallohesh, ruler of a half-district of Jerusalem, repaired the next section with the help of his daughters.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="NEH.3.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="NEH.3.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">The Valley Gate was repaired by Hanun and the residents of Zanoah. They rebuilt it and put its doors with their bolts and bars in place. They also repaired a thousand cubits</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">3:13 </span><span class="ft">That is, about 1,500 feet or about 450 meters</span></span></span><span class="content"> of the wall as far as the Dung Gate.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="NEH.3.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="NEH.3.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">The Dung Gate was repaired by Malkijah son of Rekab, ruler of the district of Beth Hakkerem. He rebuilt it and put its doors with their bolts and bars in place.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="NEH.3.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="NEH.3.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">The Fountain Gate was repaired by Shallun son of Kol-Hozeh, ruler of the district of Mizpah. He rebuilt it, roofing it over and putting its doors and bolts and bars in place. He also repaired the wall of the Pool of Siloam,</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">3:15 </span><span class="ft">Hebrew </span><span class="fqa">Shelah, </span><span class="ft">a variant of </span><span class="fqa">Shiloah, </span><span class="ft">that is, Siloam</span></span></span><span class="content"> by the King&#8217;s Garden, as far as the steps going down from the City of David. </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="NEH.3.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">Beyond him, Nehemiah son of Azbuk, ruler of a half-district of Beth Zur, made repairs up to a point opposite the tombs</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">3:16 </span><span class="ft">Hebrew; Septuagint, some Vulgate manuscripts and Syriac </span><span class="fqa">tomb</span></span></span><span class="content"> of David, as far as the artificial pool and the House of the Heroes.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="NEH.3.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="NEH.3.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">Next to him, the repairs were made by the Levites under Rehum son of Bani. Beside him, Hashabiah, ruler of half the district of Keilah, carried out repairs for his district. </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="NEH.3.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">Next to him, the repairs were made by their fellow Levites under Binnui</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">3:18 </span><span class="ft">Two Hebrew manuscripts and Syriac (see also Septuagint and verse 24); most Hebrew manuscripts </span><span class="fqa">Bavvai</span></span></span><span class="content"> son of Henadad, ruler of the other half-district of Keilah. </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="NEH.3.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">Next to him, Ezer son of Jeshua, ruler of Mizpah, repaired another section, from a point facing the ascent to the armory as far as the angle of the wall. </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="NEH.3.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">Next to him, Baruch son of Zabbai zealously repaired another section, from the angle to the entrance of the house of Eliashib the high priest. </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="NEH.3.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">Next to him, Meremoth son of Uriah, the son of Hakkoz, repaired another section, from the entrance of Eliashib&#8217;s house to the end of it.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="NEH.3.21"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="NEH.3.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">The repairs next to him were made by the priests from the surrounding region. </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="NEH.3.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">Beyond them, Benjamin and Hasshub made repairs in front of their house; and next to them, Azariah son of Maaseiah, the son of Ananiah, made repairs beside his house. </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="NEH.3.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">Next to him, Binnui son of Henadad repaired another section, from Azariah&#8217;s house to the angle and the corner, </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="NEH.3.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">and Palal son of Uzai worked opposite the angle and the tower projecting from the upper palace near the court of the guard. Next to him, Pedaiah son of Parosh </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="NEH.3.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">and the temple servants living on the hill of Ophel made repairs up to a point opposite the Water Gate toward the east and the projecting tower. </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="NEH.3.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">Next to them, the men of Tekoa repaired another section, from the great projecting tower to the wall of Ophel.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="NEH.3.27"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="NEH.3.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">Above the Horse Gate, the priests made repairs, each in front of his own house. </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="NEH.3.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">Next to them, Zadok son of Immer made repairs opposite his house. Next to him, Shemaiah son of Shekaniah, the guard at the East Gate, made repairs. </span></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="NEH.3.30"><span class="label">30</span><span class="content">Next to him, Hananiah son of Shelemiah, and Hanun, the sixth son of Zalaph, repaired another section. Next to them, Meshullam son of Berekiah made repairs opposite his living quarters. </span></span><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="NEH.3.31"><span class="label">31</span><span class="content">Next to him, Malkijah, one of the goldsmiths, made repairs as far as the house of the temple servants and the merchants, opposite the Inspection Gate, and as far as the room above the corner; </span></span><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="NEH.3.32"><span class="label">32</span><span class="content">and between the room above the corner and the Sheep Gate the goldsmiths and merchants made repairs.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkNEH">
      <div class="chapter ch4" data-usfm="NEH.4">
         <div class="label">4</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Opposition to the Rebuilding</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="ft">  </span><span class="ft">In Hebrew texts 4:1-6 is numbered 3:33-38, and 4:7-23 is numbered 4:1-17.</span><span class="ft">  </span></span></span><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="NEH.4.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">When Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he became angry and was greatly incensed. He ridiculed the Jews, </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="NEH.4.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">and in the presence of his associates and the army of Samaria, he said, &#8220;What are those feeble Jews doing? Will they restore their wall? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they finish in a day? Can they bring the stones back to life from those heaps of rubble&#8212;burned as they are?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="NEH.4.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="NEH.4.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">Tobiah the Ammonite, who was at his side, said, &#8220;What they are building&#8212;even a fox climbing up on it would break down their wall of stones!&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="NEH.4.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="NEH.4.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">Hear us, our God, for we are despised. Turn their insults back on their own heads. Give them over as plunder in a land of captivity. </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="NEH.4.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">Do not cover up their guilt or blot out their sins from your sight, for they have thrown insults in the face of</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">4:5 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">have aroused your anger before</span></span></span><span class="content"> the builders.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="NEH.4.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="NEH.4.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">So we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached half its height, for the people worked with all their heart.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="NEH.4.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="NEH.4.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">But when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites and the people of Ashdod heard that the repairs to Jerusalem&#8217;s walls had gone ahead and that the gaps were being closed, they were very angry. </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="NEH.4.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">They all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and stir up trouble against it. </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="NEH.4.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="NEH.4.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="NEH.4.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">Meanwhile, the people in Judah said, &#8220;The strength of the laborers is giving out, and there is so much rubble that we cannot rebuild the wall.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="NEH.4.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="NEH.4.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">Also our enemies said, &#8220;Before they know it or see us, we will be right there among them and will kill them and put an end to the work.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="NEH.4.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="NEH.4.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">Then the Jews who lived near them came and told us ten times over, &#8220;Wherever you turn, they will attack us.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="NEH.4.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="NEH.4.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">Therefore I stationed some of the people behind the lowest points of the wall at the exposed places, posting them by families, with their swords, spears and bows. </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="NEH.4.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, &#8220;Don&#8217;t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="NEH.4.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="NEH.4.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">When our enemies heard that we were aware of their plot and that God had frustrated it, we all returned to the wall, each to our own work.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="NEH.4.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="NEH.4.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">From that day on, half of my men did the work, while the other half were equipped with spears, shields, bows and armor. The officers posted themselves behind all the people of Judah </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="NEH.4.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">who were building the wall. Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other, </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="NEH.4.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">and each of the builders wore his sword at his side as he worked. But the man who sounded the trumpet stayed with me.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="NEH.4.18"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="NEH.4.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">Then I said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, &#8220;The work is extensive and spread out, and we are widely separated from each other along the wall. </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="NEH.4.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, join us there. Our God will fight for us!&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="NEH.4.20"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="NEH.4.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">So we continued the work with half the men holding spears, from the first light of dawn till the stars came out. </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="NEH.4.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">At that time I also said to the people, &#8220;Have every man and his helper stay inside Jerusalem at night, so they can serve us as guards by night and as workers by day.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="NEH.4.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">Neither I nor my brothers nor my men nor the guards with me took off our clothes; each had his weapon, even when he went for water.</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">4:23 </span><span class="ft">The meaning of the Hebrew for this clause is uncertain.</span></span></span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkNEH">
      <div class="chapter ch5" data-usfm="NEH.5">
         <div class="label">5</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Nehemiah Helps the Poor</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="NEH.5.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Now the men and their wives raised a great outcry against their fellow Jews. </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="NEH.5.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">Some were saying, &#8220;We and our sons and daughters are numerous; in order for us to eat and stay alive, we must get grain.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="NEH.5.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="NEH.5.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">Others were saying, &#8220;We are mortgaging our fields, our vineyards and our homes to get grain during the famine.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="NEH.5.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="NEH.5.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">Still others were saying, &#8220;We have had to borrow money to pay the king&#8217;s tax on our fields and vineyards. </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="NEH.5.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">Although we are of the same flesh and blood as our fellow Jews and though our children are as good as theirs, yet we have to subject our sons and daughters to slavery. Some of our daughters have already been enslaved, but we are powerless, because our fields and our vineyards belong to others.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="NEH.5.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="NEH.5.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">When I heard their outcry and these charges, I was very angry. </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="NEH.5.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">I pondered them in my mind and then accused the nobles and officials. I told them, &#8220;You are charging your own people interest!&#8221; So I called together a large meeting to deal with them </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="NEH.5.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">and said: &#8220;As far as possible, we have bought back our fellow Jews who were sold to the Gentiles. Now you are selling your own people, only for them to be sold back to us!&#8221; They kept quiet, because they could find nothing to say.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="NEH.5.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="NEH.5.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">So I continued, &#8220;What you are doing is not right. Shouldn&#8217;t you walk in the fear of our God to avoid the reproach of our Gentile enemies? </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="NEH.5.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">I and my brothers and my men are also lending the people money and grain. But let us stop charging interest! </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="NEH.5.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">Give back to them immediately their fields, vineyards, olive groves and houses, and also the interest you are charging them&#8212;one percent of the money, grain, new wine and olive oil.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="NEH.5.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="NEH.5.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">&#8220;We will give it back,&#8221; they said. &#8220;And we will not demand anything more from them. We will do as you say.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="NEH.5.12"><span class="content">Then I summoned the priests and made the nobles and officials take an oath to do what they had promised. </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="NEH.5.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">I also shook out the folds of my robe and said, &#8220;In this way may God shake out of their house and possessions anyone who does not keep this promise. So may such a person be shaken out and emptied!&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="NEH.5.13"><span class="content">At this the whole assembly said, &#8220;Amen,&#8221; and praised the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">. And the people did as they had promised.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="NEH.5.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="NEH.5.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">Moreover, from the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, until his thirty-second year&#8212;twelve years&#8212;neither I nor my brothers ate the food allotted to the governor. </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="NEH.5.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">But the earlier governors&#8212;those preceding me&#8212;placed a heavy burden on the people and took forty shekels</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">5:15 </span><span class="ft">That is, about 1 pound or about 460 grams</span></span></span><span class="content"> of silver from them in addition to food and wine. Their assistants also lorded it over the people. But out of reverence for God I did not act like that. </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="NEH.5.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">Instead, I devoted myself to the work on this wall. All my men were assembled there for the work; we</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">5:16 </span><span class="ft">Most Hebrew manuscripts; some Hebrew manuscripts, Septuagint, Vulgate and Syriac </span><span class="fqa">I</span></span></span><span class="content"> did not acquire any land.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="NEH.5.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="NEH.5.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">Furthermore, a hundred and fifty Jews and officials ate at my table, as well as those who came to us from the surrounding nations. </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="NEH.5.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">Each day one ox, six choice sheep and some poultry were prepared for me, and every ten days an abundant supply of wine of all kinds. In spite of all this, I never demanded the food allotted to the governor, because the demands were heavy on these people.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="NEH.5.18"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="NEH.5.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">Remember me with favor, my God, for all I have done for these people.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkNEH">
      <div class="chapter ch6" data-usfm="NEH.6">
         <div class="label">6</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Further Opposition to the Rebuilding</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="NEH.6.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">When word came to Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab and the rest of our enemies that I had rebuilt the wall and not a gap was left in it&#8212;though up to that time I had not set the doors in the gates&#8212; </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="NEH.6.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">Sanballat and Geshem sent me this message: &#8220;Come, let us meet together in one of the villages</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">6:2 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">in Kephirim</span></span></span><span class="content"> on the plain of Ono.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="NEH.6.2"><span class="content">But they were scheming to harm me; </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="NEH.6.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">so I sent messengers to them with this reply: &#8220;I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and go down to you?&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="NEH.6.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">Four times they sent me the same message, and each time I gave them the same answer.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="NEH.6.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="NEH.6.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">Then, the fifth time, Sanballat sent his aide to me with the same message, and in his hand was an unsealed letter </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="NEH.6.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">in which was written:</span></span></div><div class="pm"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="NEH.6.6"><span class="content">&#8220;It is reported among the nations&#8212;and Geshem</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">6:6 </span><span class="ft">Hebrew </span><span class="fqa">Gashmu, </span><span class="ft">a variant of </span><span class="fq">Geshem</span></span></span><span class="content"> says it is true&#8212;that you and the Jews are plotting to revolt, and therefore you are building the wall. Moreover, according to these reports you are about to become their king </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="NEH.6.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">and have even appointed prophets to make this proclamation about you in Jerusalem: &#8216;There is a king in Judah!&#8217; Now this report will get back to the king; so come, let us meet together.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="NEH.6.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="NEH.6.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">I sent him this reply: &#8220;Nothing like what you are saying is happening; you are just making it up out of your head.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="NEH.6.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="NEH.6.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, &#8220;Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="NEH.6.9"><span class="content">But I prayed, &#8220;Now strengthen my hands.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="NEH.6.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="NEH.6.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">One day I went to the house of Shemaiah son of Delaiah, the son of Mehetabel, who was shut in at his home. He said, &#8220;Let us meet in the house of God, inside the temple, and let us close the temple doors, because men are coming to kill you&#8212;by night they are coming to kill you.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="NEH.6.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="NEH.6.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">But I said, &#8220;Should a man like me run away? Or should someone like me go into the temple to save his life? I will not go!&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="NEH.6.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">I realized that God had not sent him, but that he had prophesied against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="NEH.6.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">He had been hired to intimidate me so that I would commit a sin by doing this, and then they would give me a bad name to discredit me.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="NEH.6.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="NEH.6.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">Remember Tobiah and Sanballat, my God, because of what they have done; remember also the prophet Noadiah and how she and the rest of the prophets have been trying to intimidate me. </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="NEH.6.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of Elul, in fifty-two days.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Opposition to the Completed Wall</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="NEH.6.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="NEH.6.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="NEH.6.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="NEH.6.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">Also, in those days the nobles of Judah were sending many letters to Tobiah, and replies from Tobiah kept coming to them. </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="NEH.6.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">For many in Judah were under oath to him, since he was son-in-law to Shekaniah son of Arah, and his son Jehohanan had married the daughter of Meshullam son of Berekiah. </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="NEH.6.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">Moreover, they kept reporting to me his good deeds and then telling him what I said. And Tobiah sent letters to intimidate me.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkACT">
      <div class="chapter ch23" data-usfm="ACT.23">
         <div class="label">23</div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ACT.23.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, &#8220;My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ACT.23.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">At this the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth. </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ACT.23.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">Then Paul said to him, &#8220;God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit there to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck!&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ACT.23.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ACT.23.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">Those who were standing near Paul said, &#8220;How dare you insult God&#8217;s high priest!&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ACT.23.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ACT.23.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">Paul replied, &#8220;Brothers, I did not realize that he was the high priest; for it is written: &#8216;Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.&#8217;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">23:5 </span><span class="ft">Exodus 22:28</span></span></span><span class="content">&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ACT.23.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ACT.23.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, &#8220;My brothers, I am a Pharisee, descended from Pharisees. I stand on trial because of the hope of the resurrection of the dead.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ACT.23.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">When he said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ACT.23.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">(The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, and that there are neither angels nor spirits, but the Pharisees believe all these things.)</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ACT.23.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ACT.23.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">There was a great uproar, and some of the teachers of the law who were Pharisees stood up and argued vigorously. &#8220;We find nothing wrong with this man,&#8221; they said. &#8220;What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ACT.23.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">The dispute became so violent that the commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them. He ordered the troops to go down and take him away from them by force and bring him into the barracks.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ACT.23.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ACT.23.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.&#8221;</span></span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">The Plot to Kill Paul</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ACT.23.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ACT.23.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">The next morning some Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ACT.23.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">More than forty men were involved in this plot. </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ACT.23.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">They went to the chief priests and the elders and said, &#8220;We have taken a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul. </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ACT.23.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">Now then, you and the Sanhedrin petition the commander to bring him before you on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about his case. We are ready to kill him before he gets here.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ACT.23.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ACT.23.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">But when the son of Paul&#8217;s sister heard of this plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ACT.23.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ACT.23.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">Then Paul called one of the centurions and said, &#8220;Take this young man to the commander; he has something to tell him.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ACT.23.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">So he took him to the commander.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ACT.23.18"><span class="content">The centurion said, &#8220;Paul, the prisoner, sent for me and asked me to bring this young man to you because he has something to tell you.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ACT.23.18"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ACT.23.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">The commander took the young man by the hand, drew him aside and asked, &#8220;What is it you want to tell me?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ACT.23.19"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ACT.23.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">He said: &#8220;Some Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul before the Sanhedrin tomorrow on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about him. </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="ACT.23.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">Don&#8217;t give in to them, because more than forty of them are waiting in ambush for him. They have taken an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him. They are ready now, waiting for your consent to their request.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="ACT.23.21"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="ACT.23.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">The commander dismissed the young man with this warning: &#8220;Don&#8217;t tell anyone that you have reported this to me.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Paul Transferred to Caesarea</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="ACT.23.22"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="ACT.23.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">Then he called two of his centurions and ordered them, &#8220;Get ready a detachment of two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">23:23 </span><span class="ft">The meaning of the Greek for this word is uncertain.</span></span></span><span class="content"> to go to Caesarea at nine tonight. </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="ACT.23.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">Provide horses for Paul so that he may be taken safely to Governor Felix.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="ACT.23.24"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ACT.23.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">He wrote a letter as follows:</span></span></div><div class="pmo"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ACT.23.25"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ACT.23.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">Claudius Lysias,</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="pmo"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ACT.23.26"><span class="content">To His Excellency, Governor Felix:</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="pmo"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ACT.23.26"><span class="content">Greetings.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="pm"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ACT.23.26"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="ACT.23.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">This man was seized by the Jews and they were about to kill him, but I came with my troops and rescued him, for I had learned that he is a Roman citizen. </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="ACT.23.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">I wanted to know why they were accusing him, so I brought him to their Sanhedrin. </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="ACT.23.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">I found that the accusation had to do with questions about their law, but there was no charge against him that deserved death or imprisonment. </span></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="ACT.23.30"><span class="label">30</span><span class="content">When I was informed of a plot to be carried out against the man, I sent him to you at once. I also ordered his accusers to present to you their case against him.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="ACT.23.30"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="ACT.23.31"><span class="label">31</span><span class="content">So the soldiers, carrying out their orders, took Paul with them during the night and brought him as far as Antipatris. </span></span><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="ACT.23.32"><span class="label">32</span><span class="content">The next day they let the cavalry go on with him, while they returned to the barracks. </span></span><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="ACT.23.33"><span class="label">33</span><span class="content">When the cavalry arrived in Caesarea, they delivered the letter to the governor and handed Paul over to him. </span></span><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="ACT.23.34"><span class="label">34</span><span class="content">The governor read the letter and asked what province he was from. Learning that he was from Cilicia, </span></span><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="ACT.23.35"><span class="label">35</span><span class="content">he said, &#8220;I will hear your case when your accusers get here.&#8221; Then he ordered that Paul be kept under guard in Herod&#8217;s palace.</span></span></div>
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