Paul in Athens

As the Holy Spirit seemed eager to get him into Macedonia1 I am eager to get Paul to Athens.  So I’m passing over the stories of Paul and Silas in Philippi, Thessalonica and Berea except to mention two things.  1) Along the way Paul picked up a young disciple named Timothy (the son of a believing Jewish woman) and had him circumcised because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father2 was Greek.3  And 2) it was Paul’s message that inflamed so much Jewish religious resentment in Thessalonica and Berea4 as opposed to lost profits among the Romans in Philippi,5 despite the similar tactics employed by both.

Paul was alone in Athens, waiting for Silas and Timothy, his spirit was greatly upset because he saw6 the city was full of idols.  So he was addressing the Jews and the God-fearing Gentiles in the synagogue, and in the marketplace every day those who happened to be there.7  Paul also met some Epicurean and Stoic philosophers who brought him before the Areopagus.

I have no clue what this council was, a criminal court, the intellectual/cultural equivalent of fashionistas, or something in between.  There is nothing to lead me to believe that Paul was under arrest or indictment.  There is a sense of formality that feels like a guest lecturer before an august body of educators.  But apart from the mention of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers, I found no historical mention of the Areopagus in any direct relationship to education.

Neither can I tell how Paul felt about this council or his Gospel presentation there.  I’ve had a gut instinct for a while now that Paul’s attitude was not as flippant as Luke’s—All the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there used to spend their time8 in nothing else than telling or9 listening to something new10—and that Paul felt that his presentation didn’t go that well.  But I get my gut instinct by reading backwards from 1 and 2 Corinthians rather than directly here in Acts.  More on that later.

For now I’ve put Paul’s address before the Areopagus in a table beside his Gospel presentation in Pisidian Antioch.

Areopagus – Athens

Pisidian Antioch

Men of Athens, I see that you are very religious in all respects.  For as I went around and observed closely your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: “To an unknown god.”11 Therefore what you worship without knowing it, this12 I proclaim to you.

Acts 17:22, 23 (NET)

Men of Israel, and you Gentiles who fear God, listen:

Acts 13:16 (NET)

 

 

Paul’s introductory comments were much shorter in Antioch, where he was officially invited to address the synagogue as a brother: After the reading from the law and the prophets, the leaders of the synagogue sent them a message, saying, “Brothers, if you have any message of exhortation for the people, speak it.”13 In Athens in as brief a time as possible Paul needed to establish some rapport.

Areopagus – Athens

Pisidian Antioch

The God who made the world and everything in it, who is Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by human hands, nor is he served (θεραπεύεται, a form of θεραπεύω) by human14 hands, as if he needed (προσδεόμενος, a form of προσδέομαι) anything, because he himself gives life and breath and15 everything to everyone.16  From one man17 he made every nation of the human race to inhabit the entire18 earth, determining their set times and the fixed limits of the places where they would live, so that they would search for God19 and perhaps grope around for him and find him, though20 he is not far from each one of us.  For in him we live and move about and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, “For we too are his offspring.”

Acts 17:24-28 (NET)

The God of this people Israel chose our ancestors and made the people great during their stay as foreigners in the country of Egypt, and with uplifted arm he led them out of it (Table).  For a period of about forty years he put up with them in the wilderness.  After he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, he gave his people their land as an inheritance (Table).  All this took about four hundred fifty years.  After this he gave them judges until the time of Samuel the prophet.  Then they asked for a king, and God gave them Saul son of Kish, a man from the tribe of Benjamin, who ruled forty years.  After removing him, God raised up David their king (Table).

Acts 13:17-22a (NET)

 

In Antioch Paul introduced God in terms of Israel’s history.  In Athens he did the same in terms of world history, even referencing some Greek poetry.  Though it may not be apparent yet, I think it is worth mentioning that Paul’s Athenian audience was at least willing to sit and listen to his account of God in history.

Areopagus – Athens

Pisidian Antioch

So since we are God’s offspring, we should not think the deity is like gold or silver or stone, an image made by human skill and imagination.  Therefore, although God has overlooked such times of ignorance, he now commands all21 people everywhere to repent, because22 he has set a day on which he is going to judge the world in righteousness, by a man whom he designated, having provided proof to everyone by raising him from the dead.

Acts 17:29-31 (NET)

He testified about him: “I have found David the son of Jesse to be a man after my heart, who will accomplish everything I want him to do.”  From the descendants of this man God brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, just as he promised.  Before Jesus arrived, John had proclaimed a baptism for repentance to all the people of Israel.  But while John was completing his mission, he said repeatedly, “What do you think I am?  I am not he.  But look, one is coming after me. I am not worthy to untie the sandals on his feet!’  Brothers, descendants of Abraham’s family, and those Gentiles among you who fear God, the message of this salvation has been sent to us.  For the people who live in Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognize him, and they fulfilled the sayings of the prophets that are read every Sabbath by condemning him.  Though they found no basis for a death sentence, they asked Pilate to have him executed.  When they had accomplished everything that was written about him, they took him down from the cross and placed him in a tomb (Table).  But God raised him from the dead, and for many days he appeared to those who had accompanied him from Galilee to Jerusalem.  These are now his witnesses to the people (Table).

Acts 13:22b-31 (NET) Table

In both Athens and Antioch, Paul pivoted to introduce Jesus.  But Paul’s address in Athens was cut short.

Areopagus – Athens

Pisidian Antioch

Now when they heard about the resurrection from the dead, some began to scoff, but others said,23 “We will hear you again24 about this.”  So25 Paul left the Areopagus.  But some people joined him and believed.  Among them were Dionysius, who was a member of the Areopagus, a woman named Damaris, and others with them.

Acts 17:32-34 (NET)

And we proclaim to you the good news about the promise to our ancestors, that this promise God has fulfilled to us, their children, by raising Jesus, as also it is written in the second psalm, “You are my Son; today I have fathered you.”  But regarding the fact that he has raised Jesus from the dead, never again to be in a state of decay, God has spoken in this way: “I will give you the holy and trustworthy promises made to David.”  Therefore he also says in another psalm, “You   will not permit your Holy One to experience decay.”  For David, after he had served God’s purpose in his own generation, died, was buried with his ancestors, and experienced decay (Table), but the one whom God raised up did not experience decay.  Therefore let it be known to you, brothers, that through this one forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and by this one everyone who believes is justified from everything from which the law of Moses could not justify you.  Watch out, then, that what is spoken about by the prophets does not happen to you: “Look, you scoffers; be amazed and perish!  For I am doing a work in your days, a work you would never believe, even if someone tells you (Table).”

Acts 13:32-41 (NET)

In Antioch Paul continued from Jesus to a Gospel presentation, including a warning if the Gospel was rejected.  In Athens, well, my gut tells me Luke put the best face possible on an occasion when Paul was heckled from the stage.  Again, I will admit my opinion is more informed by 1 and 2 Corinthians than by Acts.

 

Addendum: March 29, 2020
Tables comparing Acts 16:3; 17:16; 17:21; 17:23; 17:25-27 and 17:30-33 in the NET and KJV follow.

Acts 16:3 (NET)

Acts 16:3 (KJV)

Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was Greek. Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.

NET Parallel Greek

Stephanus Textus Receptus

Byzantine Majority Text

τοῦτον ἠθέλησεν ὁ Παῦλος σὺν αὐτῷ ἐξελθεῖν, καὶ λαβὼν περιέτεμεν αὐτὸν διὰ τοὺς Ἰουδαίους τοὺς ὄντας ἐν τοῖς τόποις ἐκείνοις· ᾔδεισαν γὰρ ἅπαντες ὅτι ῞Ελλην πατὴρ αὐτοῦ ὑπῆρχεν τουτον ηθελησεν ο παυλος συν αυτω εξελθειν και λαβων περιετεμεν αυτον δια τους ιουδαιους τους οντας εν τοις τοποις εκεινοις ηδεισαν γαρ απαντες τον πατερα αυτου οτι ελλην υπηρχεν τουτον ηθελησεν ο παυλος συν αυτω εξελθειν και λαβων περιετεμεν αυτον δια τους ιουδαιους τους οντας εν τοις τοποις εκεινοις ηδεισαν γαρ απαντες τον πατερα αυτου οτι ελλην υπηρχεν

Acts 17:16 (NET)

Acts 17:16 (KJV)

While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, his spirit was greatly upset because he saw the city was full of idols. Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry.

NET Parallel Greek

Stephanus Textus Receptus

Byzantine Majority Text

Ἐν δὲ ταῖς Ἀθήναις ἐκδεχομένου αὐτοὺς τοῦ Παύλου παρωξύνετο τὸ πνεῦμα αὐτοῦ ἐν αὐτῷ θεωροῦντος κατείδωλον οὖσαν τὴν πόλιν εν δε ταις αθηναις εκδεχομενου αυτους του παυλου παρωξυνετο το πνευμα αυτου εν αυτω θεωρουντι κατειδωλον ουσαν την πολιν εν δε ταις αθηναις εκδεχομενου αυτους του παυλου παρωξυνετο το πνευμα αυτου εν αυτω θεωρουντι κατειδωλον ουσαν την πολιν

Acts 17:21 (NET)

Acts 17:21 (KJV)

(All the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there used to spend their time in nothing else than telling or listening to something new.) (For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.)

NET Parallel Greek

Stephanus Textus Receptus

Byzantine Majority Text

Ἀθηναῖοι δὲ πάντες καὶ οἱ ἐπιδημοῦντες ξένοι εἰς οὐδὲν ἕτερον ἠυκαίρουν ἢ λέγειν τι ἀκούειν τι καινότερον αθηναιοι δε παντες και οι επιδημουντες ξενοι εις ουδεν ετερον ευκαιρουν η λεγειν τι και ακουειν καινοτερον αθηναιοι δε παντες και οι επιδημουντες ξενοι εις ουδεν ετερον ευκαιρουν η λεγειν τι και ακουειν καινοτερον

Acts 17:23 (NET)

Acts 17:23 (KJV)

For as I went around and observed closely your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: ‘To an unknown god.’  Therefore what you worship without knowing it, this I proclaim to you. For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD.  Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.

NET Parallel Greek

Stephanus Textus Receptus

Byzantine Majority Text

διερχόμενος γὰρ καὶ ἀναθεωρῶν τὰ σεβάσματα ὑμῶν εὗρον καὶ βωμὸν ἐν ᾧ ἐπεγέγραπτο· Ἀγνώστῳ θεῷ. ὃ οὖν ἀγνοοῦντες εὐσεβεῖτε, τοῦτο ἐγὼ καταγγέλλω ὑμῖν διερχομενος γαρ και αναθεωρων τα σεβασματα υμων ευρον και βωμον εν ω επεγεγραπτο αγνωστω θεω ον ουν αγνοουντες ευσεβειτε τουτον εγω καταγγελλω υμιν διερχομενος γαρ και αναθεωρων τα σεβασματα υμων ευρον και βωμον εν ω επεγεγραπτο αγνωστω θεω ον ουν αγνοουντες ευσεβειτε τουτον εγω καταγγελλω υμιν

Acts 17:25-27 (NET)

Acts 17:25-27 (KJV)

nor is he served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives life and breath and everything to everyone. Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;

NET Parallel Greek

Stephanus Textus Receptus

Byzantine Majority Text

οὐδὲ ὑπὸ χειρῶν ἀνθρωπίνων θεραπεύεται προσδεόμενος τινος, αὐτὸς διδοὺς πᾶσι ζωὴν καὶ πνοὴν καὶ τὰ πάντα ουδε υπο χειρων ανθρωπων θεραπευεται προσδεομενος τινος αυτος διδους πασιν ζωην και πνοην κατα παντα ουδε υπο χειρων ανθρωπων θεραπευεται προσδεομενος τινος αυτος διδους πασιν ζωην και πνοην κατα παντα
From one man he made every nation of the human race to inhabit the entire earth, determining their set times and the fixed limits of the places where they would live, And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;

NET Parallel Greek

Stephanus Textus Receptus

Byzantine Majority Text

ἐποίησεν τε ἐξ ἑνὸς πᾶν ἔθνος ἀνθρώπων κατοικεῖν ἐπὶ παντὸς προσώπου τῆς γῆς, ὁρίσας προστεταγμένους καιροὺς καὶ τὰς ὁροθεσίας τῆς κατοικίας αὐτῶν εποιησεν τε εξ ενος αιματος παν εθνος ανθρωπων κατοικειν επι παν το προσωπον της γης ορισας προτεταγμενους καιρους και τας οροθεσιας της κατοικιας αυτων εποιησεν τε εξ ενος αιματος παν εθνος ανθρωπων κατοικειν επι παν το προσωπον της γης ορισας προστεταγμενους καιρους και τας οροθεσιας της κατοικιας αυτων
so that they would search for God and perhaps grope around for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:

NET Parallel Greek

Stephanus Textus Receptus

Byzantine Majority Text

ζητεῖν τὸν θεόν, εἰ ἄρα γε ψηλαφήσειαν αὐτὸν καὶ εὕροιεν, καί γε οὐ μακρὰν ἀπὸ ἑνὸς ἑκάστου ἡμῶν ὑπάρχοντα ζητειν τον κυριον ει αρα γε ψηλαφησειαν αυτον και ευροιεν καιτοιγε ου μακραν απο ενος εκαστου ημων υπαρχοντα ζητειν τον κυριον ει αρα γε ψηλαφησειαν αυτον και ευροιεν καιγε ου μακραν απο ενος εκαστου ημων υπαρχοντα

Acts 17:30-33 (NET)

Acts 17:30-33 (KJV)

Therefore, although God has overlooked such times of ignorance, he now commands all people everywhere to repent, And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

NET Parallel Greek

Stephanus Textus Receptus

Byzantine Majority Text

τοὺς μὲν οὖν χρόνους τῆς ἀγνοίας ὑπεριδὼν ὁ θεός, τὰ νῦν |παραγγέλλει| τοῖς ἀνθρώποις πάντας πανταχοῦ μετανοεῖν τους μεν ουν χρονους της αγνοιας υπεριδων ο θεος τα νυν παραγγελλει τοις ανθρωποις πασιν πανταχου μετανοειν τους μεν ουν χρονους της αγνοιας υπεριδων ο θεος τα νυν παραγγελλει τοις ανθρωποις πασιν πανταχου μετανοειν
because he has set a day on which he is going to judge the world in righteousness, by a man whom he designated, having provided proof to everyone by raising him from the dead.” Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

NET Parallel Greek

Stephanus Textus Receptus

Byzantine Majority Text

καθότι ἔστησεν ἡμέραν ἐν ᾗ μέλλει κρίνειν τὴν οἰκουμένην ἐν δικαιοσύνῃ, ἐν ἀνδρὶ ᾧ ὥρισεν, πίστιν παρασχὼν πᾶσιν ἀναστήσας αὐτὸν ἐκ νεκρῶν. διοτι εστησεν ημεραν εν η μελλει κρινειν την οικουμενην εν δικαιοσυνη εν ανδρι ω ωρισεν πιστιν παρασχων πασιν αναστησας αυτον εκ νεκρων διοτι εστησεν ημεραν εν η μελλει κρινειν την οικουμενην εν δικαιοσυνη εν ανδρι ω ωρισεν πιστιν παρασχων πασιν αναστησας αυτον εκ νεκρων
Now when they heard about the resurrection from the dead, some began to scoff, but others said, “We will hear you again about this.” And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter.

NET Parallel Greek

Stephanus Textus Receptus

Byzantine Majority Text

Ἀκούσαντες δὲ ἀνάστασιν νεκρῶν οἱ μὲν ἐχλεύαζον, οἱ δὲ εἶπαν· ἀκουσόμεθα σου περὶ τούτου καὶ πάλιν ακουσαντες δε αναστασιν νεκρων οι μεν εχλευαζον οι δε ειπον ακουσομεθα σου παλιν περι τουτου ακουσαντες δε αναστασιν νεκρων οι μεν εχλευαζον οι δε ειπον ακουσομεθα σου παλιν περι τουτου
So Paul left the Areopagus. So Paul departed from among them.

NET Parallel Greek

Stephanus Textus Receptus

Byzantine Majority Text

οὕτως ὁ Παῦλος ἐξῆλθεν ἐκ μέσου αὐτῶν και ουτως ο παυλος εξηλθεν εκ μεσου αυτων και ουτως ο παυλος εξηλθεν εκ μεσου αυτων

3 Acts 16:3 (NET)

5 Acts 16:16-40 (NET)  It is interesting that “lost profits” was not the claim made in court.  Perhaps upon investigation such a claim may have fared badly in a Roman court.  The charge made against Paul and Silas did not even go to trial: When they had brought them before the magistrates, they said, “These men are throwing our city into confusion.  They are Jews and are advocating customs that are not lawful for us to accept or practice, since we are Romans.”  The crowd joined the attack against them, and the magistrates tore the clothes off Paul and Silas and ordered them to be beaten with rods. (verses 20-22)

7 Acts 17:16, 17 (NET)

8 The NET parallel Greek text and NA28 had ἠυκαίρουν here, where the Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had ευκαιρουν (KJV: spent their time).

10 Acts 17:21 (NET)  The NET parallel Greek text and NA28 had τί preceding new.  The Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text did not.

11 For an extremely interesting insight into the unknown god, see “Eternity in Their Hearts” by Don Richardson and “Peace Child” for the experience that prompted that search.  http://www.donrichardsonbooksales.com/

13 Acts 13:15 (NET) Table

17 The Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had αιματος (KJV: blood) here.  The NET parallel Greek text and NA28 did not.

19 The NET parallel Greek text and NA28 had θεόν here, where the Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had κυριον (KJV: Lord).

20 The NET parallel Greek text and NA28 had καὶ γε here, where the Byzantine Majority Text had καιγε, and the Stephanus Textus Receptus had καιτοιγε (KJV: though).

24 The NET parallel Greek text and NA28 had καὶ preceding again.  The Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text did not.

25 The Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had καὶ (not translated in the KJV) preceding So.  The NET parallel Greek text and NA28 did not.

Saul and Barnabas, Part 2

So Barnabas and Saul,1 sent out by the2 Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia,3 and4 from there they sailed to Cyprus.5  When they arrived in Salamis, they began to proclaim the word of God in the Jewish synagogues.6

They traveled east across the island this way to Paphos.  And so begins the account of what is known as Paul’s first missionary journey.  The proconsul Sergius Paulus summoned Barnabas and Saul and wanted to hear the word of God.7  A magician called Bar-Jesus (also called Elymas) opposed their preaching.  But Saul (also known as Paul), filled with the Holy Spirit, stared straight at him and said, “You who are full of all deceit and all wrongdoing, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness – will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord?8  Then Paul prophesied that the magician would be blind for a time, and the magician was unable to see and needed to be led by the hand.

Then when the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed (ἐπίστευσεν, a form of πιστεύω), because he was greatly astounded at the teaching about the Lord.9

This incident reminds me of the story of Jesus and the centurion (Matthew 8:5-10 NET):

When [Jesus]10 entered11 Capernaum12, a centurion came to him asking for help:  “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, in terrible anguish.”  Jesus13 said to him, “I will come and heal him.”  But the centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof.  Instead, just say the word14 and my servant will be healed.  For I too am a man under authority (ἐξουσίαν, a form of ἐξουσία), with soldiers under me.  I say to this one, ‘Go’ and he goes, and to another ‘Come’ and he comes, and to my slave ‘Do this’ and he does it.”  When Jesus heard this he was amazed and said to those who followed him, “I tell you the truth, I have not found such faith (πίστιν, a form of πίστις) in anyone15 in Israel!

Something about these Roman military men (the proconsul probably came up through the military ranks) and their respect for ἐξουσία touches me.  Apparently the proconsul allowed the magician to be a part of his retinue.  I’m only guessing, but it seems that the proconsul recognized that his own ἐξουσία ended at the visible world of human governance.  He seems to have been intrigued by, or even longed for, the companionship of one whose ἐξουσία reached beyond those limits.  Saul and Barnabas proclaimed, not themselves, but Jesus as Lord of this ἐξουσία.

From Paphos Saul and Baranbas set sail and made their way to Perga, the capital of Pamphylia (about 10 miles northeast of present day Antalya, Turkey).  John left them and returned to Jerusalem.16  (That detail becomes important later in the story.)  Moving on from Perga, they arrived at Pisidian17 Antioch, and on the Sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down.  After the reading from the law and the prophets, the leaders of the synagogue sent them a message, saying, “Brothers, if you have any18 message of exhortation for the people, speak it.”19

This became part of Paul’s standard operating procedure spreading the Gospel to Gentiles—Roman roads and Jewish synagogues.  Paul stood up and began speaking, Men of Israel, and you Gentiles who fear God, listen20  I am noting that so far Paul’s experience with Gentiles and the Gospel as spelled out in Acts is limited to Sergius Paulus and those who have attached themselves to a synagogue.  What follows is Paul’s first recorded Gospel proclamation (Acts 13:17-23 NET):

The God of this people Israel21 chose our ancestors and made the people great during their stay as foreigners in the country of Egypt,22 and with uplifted arm he led them out of it.  For a period of about forty years he put up with them in the wilderness.  After he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, he gave23 his people their land as an inheritance.  All this took about four hundred fifty years.  After this he gave them judges until the time of Samuel the prophet.  Then they asked for a king, and God gave them Saul son of Kish, a man from the tribe of Benjamin, who ruled forty years.  After removing him, God raised up David24 their king.  He testified about him: “I have found David the son of Jesse to be a man after my heart, who will accomplish everything I want him to do.”  From the descendants of this man God brought25 to Israel a Savior,26 Jesus,27 just as he promised.

Paul’s Gospel proclamation began with a history lesson, Israel’s history.  Then he turned to the prophets (Acts 13:24-41 NET).

Before Jesus arrived, John had proclaimed a baptism for repentance to all28 the people of Israel.  But while John29 was completing his mission, he said repeatedly, “What30 do you think I am?31  I am not he.  But look, one is coming after me.  I am not worthy to untie the sandals on his feet!”  Brothers, descendants of Abraham’s family, and those Gentiles among you who fear God, the message of this salvation has been sent32 to us.33  For the people who live in Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognize him, and they fulfilled the sayings of the prophets that are read every Sabbath by condemning him.  Though they found no basis for a death sentence, they asked Pilate to have him executed.  When they had accomplished everything34 that was written about him, they took him down from the cross and placed him in a tomb.  But God raised him from the dead, and for many days he appeared to those who had accompanied him from Galilee to Jerusalem.  These are now35 his witnesses to the people.  And we proclaim to you the good news about the promise to our ancestors, that this promise God has fulfilled to us, their children, by raising Jesus, as also it is written in the second psalm, “You are my Son; today I have fathered you.”  But regarding the fact that he has raised Jesus from the dead, never again to be in a state of decay, God has spoken in this way: “I will give you the holy and trustworthy promises made to David(Table).  Therefore36 he also says in another psalm, “You will not permit your Holy One to experience decay (Table).”  For David,37 after he had served God’s purpose in his own generation, died, was buried with his ancestors, and experienced decay, but the one whom God raised up did not experience decay.  Therefore let it be known to you, brothers, that through this one forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and by this one everyone who believes is justified from everything from which the38 law of Moses39 could not justify you.  Watch out, then, that what is spoken about by the prophets does not happen to you:40 Look, you scoffers; be amazed and perish!  For I am doing a work in your days, a work41 you would never believe, even if someone tells you.

 

Addendum: August 17, 2019
Tables comparing Acts 13:4; Matthew 8:5; 8:7, 8; 8:10; Acts 13:13-15; 13:17; 13:19; 13:22-26; 13:29; 13:31; 13:36 and 13:38-41 in the NET and KJV follow.

Acts 13:4 (NET) Acts 13:4 (KJV)
So Barnabas and Saul, sent out by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.
NET Parallel Greek Stephanus Textus Receptus Byzantine Majority Text
Αὐτοὶ μὲν οὖν ἐκπεμφθέντες ὑπὸ τοῦ ἁγίου πνεύματος κατῆλθον εἰς Σελεύκειαν, ἐκεῖθεν τε ἀπέπλευσαν εἰς Κύπρον ουτοι μεν ουν εκπεμφθεντες υπο του πνευματος του αγιου κατηλθον εις την σελευκειαν εκειθεν τε απεπλευσαν εις την κυπρον ουτοι μεν ουν εκπεμφθεντες υπο του πνευματος του αγιου κατηλθον εις την σελευκειαν εκειθεν δε απεπλευσαν εις την κυπρον
Matthew 8:5 (NET) Matthew 8:5 (KJV)
When he entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him asking for help: And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,
NET Parallel Greek Stephanus Textus Receptus Byzantine Majority Text
Εἰσελθόντος δὲ αὐτοῦ εἰς Καφαρναοὺμ προσῆλθεν αὐτῷ ἑκατόνταρχος παρακαλῶν αὐτὸν εισελθοντι δε τω ιησου εις καπερναουμ προσηλθεν αυτω εκατονταρχος παρακαλων αυτον εισελθοντι δε αυτω εις καπερναουμ προσηλθεν αυτω εκατονταρχος παρακαλων αυτον
Matthew 8:7, 8 (NET) Matthew 8:7, 8 (KJV)
Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.” And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.
NET Parallel Greek Stephanus Textus Receptus Byzantine Majority Text
|καὶ| λέγει αὐτῷ· ἐγὼ ἐλθὼν θεραπεύσω αὐτόν και λεγει αυτω ο ιησους εγω ελθων θεραπευσω αυτον και λεγει αυτω ο ιησους εγω ελθων θεραπευσω αυτον
But the centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof!  Instead, just say the word and my servant will be healed. The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.
NET Parallel Greek Stephanus Textus Receptus Byzantine Majority Text
|καὶ| ἀποκριθεὶς  ὁ ἑκατόνταρχος ἔφη· κύριε, οὐκ εἰμὶ ἱκανὸς ἵνα μου ὑπὸ τὴν στέγην εἰσέλθῃς, ἀλλὰ μόνον εἰπὲ λόγῳ, καὶ ἰαθήσεται ὁ παῖς μου και αποκριθεις ο εκατονταρχος εφη κυριε ουκ ειμι ικανος ινα μου υπο την στεγην εισελθης αλλα μονον ειπε λογον και ιαθησεται ο παις μου και αποκριθεις ο εκατονταρχος εφη κυριε ουκ ειμι ικανος ινα μου υπο την στεγην εισελθης αλλα μονον ειπε λογω και ιαθησεται ο παις μου
Matthew 8:10 (NET) Matthew 8:10 (KJV)
When Jesus heard this he was amazed and said to those who followed him, “I tell you the truth, I have not found such faith in anyone in Israel! When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
NET Parallel Greek Stephanus Textus Receptus Byzantine Majority Text
ἀκούσας δὲ ὁ Ἰησοῦς ἐθαύμασεν καὶ εἶπεν τοῖς ἀκολουθοῦσιν· ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν, παρ᾿ οὐδενὶ τοσαύτην πίστιν ἐν τῷ Ἰσραὴλ εὗρον ακουσας δε ο ιησους εθαυμασεν και ειπεν τοις ακολουθουσιν αμην λεγω υμιν ουδε εν τω ισραηλ τοσαυτην πιστιν ευρον ακουσας δε ο ιησους εθαυμασεν και ειπεν τοις ακολουθουσιν αμην λεγω υμιν ουδε εν τω ισραηλ τοσαυτην πιστιν ευρον
Acts 13:13-15 (NET) Acts 13:13-15 (KJV)
Then Paul and his companions put out to sea from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia, but John left them and returned to Jerusalem. Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.
NET Parallel Greek Stephanus Textus Receptus Byzantine Majority Text
Ἀναχθέντες δὲ ἀπὸ τῆς Πάφου οἱ περὶ Παῦλον ἦλθον εἰς Πέργην τῆς Παμφυλίας, Ἰωάννης δὲ ἀποχωρήσας ἀπ᾿ αὐτῶν ὑπέστρεψεν εἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα αναχθεντες δε απο της παφου οι περι τον παυλον ηλθον εις περγην της παμφυλιας ιωαννης δε αποχωρησας απ αυτων υπεστρεψεν εις ιεροσολυμα αναχθεντες δε απο της παφου οι περι τον παυλον ηλθον εις περγην της παμφυλιας ιωαννης δε αποχωρησας απ αυτων υπεστρεψεν εις ιεροσολυμα
Moving on from Perga, they arrived at Pisidian Antioch, and on the Sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down. But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.
NET Parallel Greek Stephanus Textus Receptus Byzantine Majority Text
Αὐτοὶ δὲ διελθόντες ἀπὸ τῆς Πέργης παρεγένοντο εἰς Ἀντιόχειαν τὴν Πισιδίαν, καὶ [εἰσ]ελθόντες εἰς τὴν συναγωγὴν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ τῶν σαββάτων ἐκάθισαν αυτοι δε διελθοντες απο της περγης παρεγενοντο εις αντιοχειαν της πισιδιας και εισελθοντες εις την συναγωγην τη ημερα των σαββατων εκαθισαν αυτοι δε διελθοντες απο της περγης παρεγενοντο εις αντιοχειαν της πισιδιας και εισελθοντες εις την συναγωγην τη ημερα των σαββατων εκαθισαν
After the reading from the law and the prophets, the leaders of the synagogue sent them a message, saying, “Brothers, if you have any message of exhortation for the people, speak it.” And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.
NET Parallel Greek Stephanus Textus Receptus Byzantine Majority Text
μετὰ δὲ τὴν ἀνάγνωσιν τοῦ νόμου καὶ τῶν προφητῶν ἀπέστειλαν οἱ ἀρχισυνάγωγοι πρὸς αὐτοὺς λέγοντες· ἄνδρες ἀδελφοί, εἴ τίς ἐστιν ἐν ὑμῖν λόγος παρακλήσεως πρὸς τὸν λαόν, λέγετε μετα δε την αναγνωσιν του νομου και των προφητων απεστειλαν οι αρχισυναγωγοι προς αυτους λεγοντες ανδρες αδελφοι ει εστιν λογος εν υμιν παρακλησεως προς τον λαον λεγετε μετα δε την αναγνωσιν του νομου και των προφητων απεστειλαν οι αρχισυναγωγοι προς αυτους λεγοντες ανδρες αδελφοι ει εστιν λογος εν υμιν παρακλησεως προς τον λαον λεγετε
Acts 13:17 (NET) Acts 13:17 (KJV)
The God of this people Israel chose our ancestors and made the people great during their stay as foreigners in the country of Egypt, and with uplifted arm he led them out of it. The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high arm brought he them out of it.
NET Parallel Greek Stephanus Textus Receptus Byzantine Majority Text
ὁ θεὸς τοῦ λαοῦ τούτου Ἰσραὴλ ἐξελέξατο τοὺς πατέρας ἡμῶν καὶ τὸν λαὸν ὕψωσεν ἐν τῇ παροικίᾳ ἐν γῇ Ἀιγύπτου καὶ μετὰ βραχίονος ὑψηλοῦ ἐξήγαγεν αὐτοὺς ἐξ αὐτῆς ο θεος του λαου τουτου ισραηλ εξελεξατο τους πατερας ημων και τον λαον υψωσεν εν τη παροικια εν γη αιγυπτω και μετα βραχιονος υψηλου εξηγαγεν αυτους εξ αυτης ο θεος του λαου τουτου εξελεξατο τους πατερας ημων και τον λαον υψωσεν εν τη παροικια εν γη αιγυπτω και μετα βραχιονος υψηλου εξηγαγεν αυτους εξ αυτης

Acts 13:19 (NET)

Acts 13:19 (KJV)

After he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, he gave his people their land as an inheritance. And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Chanaan, he divided their land to them by lot.

NET Parallel Greek

Stephanus Textus Receptus?

Byzantine Majority Text

|καὶ| καθελὼν ἔθνη ἑπτὰ ἐν γῇ Χανάαν κατεκληρονόμησεν τὴν γῆν αὐτῶν και καθελων εθνη επτα εν γη χανααν κατεκληροδοτησεν αυτοις την γην αυτων και καθελων εθνη επτα εν γη χανααν κατεκληρονομησεν αυτοις την γην αυτων
Acts 13:22-26 (NET) Acts 13:22-26 (KJV)
After removing him, God raised up David their king.  He testified about him: ‘I have found David the son of Jesse to be a man after my heart, who will accomplish everything I want him to do.’ And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.
NET Parallel Greek Stephanus Textus Receptus Byzantine Majority Text
καὶ μεταστήσας αὐτὸν ἤγειρεν τὸν Δαυὶδ αὐτοῖς εἰς βασιλέα ᾧ καὶ εἶπεν μαρτυρήσας· εὗρον Δαυὶδ τὸν τοῦ Ἰεσσαί, |ἄνδρα| κατὰ τὴν καρδίαν μου, ὃς ποιήσει πάντα τὰ θελήματα μου και μεταστησας αυτον ηγειρεν αυτοις τον δαβιδ εις βασιλεα ω και ειπεν μαρτυρησας ευρον δαβιδ τον του ιεσσαι ανδρα κατα την καρδιαν μου ος ποιησει παντα τα θεληματα μου και μεταστησας αυτον ηγειρεν αυτοις τον δαυιδ εις βασιλεα ω και ειπεν μαρτυρησας ευρον δαυιδ τον του ιεσσαι ανδρα κατα την καρδιαν μου ος ποιησει παντα τα θεληματα μου
From the descendants of this man God brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, just as he promised. Of this man’s seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:
NET Parallel Greek Stephanus Textus Receptus Byzantine Majority Text
τούτου ὁ θεὸς ἀπὸ τοῦ σπέρματος κατ᾿ ἐπαγγελίαν ἤγαγεν τῷ Ἰσραὴλ σωτῆρα Ἰησοῦν τουτου ο θεος απο του σπερματος κατ επαγγελιαν ηγειρεν τω ισραηλ σωτηρα ιησουν τουτου ο θεος απο του σπερματος κατ επαγγελιαν ηγαγεν τω ισραηλ σωτηριαν
Before Jesus arrived, John had proclaimed a baptism for repentance to all the people of Israel. When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.
NET Parallel Greek Stephanus Textus Receptus Byzantine Majority Text
προκηρύξαντος Ἰωάννου πρὸ προσώπου τῆς εἰσόδου αὐτοῦ βάπτισμα μετανοίας παντὶ τῷ λαῷ Ἰσραήλ προκηρυξαντος ιωαννου προ προσωπου της εισοδου αυτου βαπτισμα μετανοιας παντι τω λαω ισραηλ προκηρυξαντος ιωαννου προ προσωπου της εισοδου αυτου βαπτισμα μετανοιας τω ισραηλ
But while John was completing his mission, he said repeatedly, ‘What do you think I am?  I am not he.  But look, one is coming after me.  I am not worthy to untie the sandals on his feet! And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am?  I am not he.  But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose.
NET Parallel Greek Stephanus Textus Receptus Byzantine Majority Text
ὡς δὲ ἐπλήρου Ἰωάννης τὸν δρόμον, ἔλεγεν· τί ἐμὲ ὑπονοεῖτε εἶναι; οὐκ εἰμὶ ἐγώ· ἀλλ᾿ ἰδοὺ ἔρχεται μετ᾿ ἐμὲ οὗ οὐκ εἰμὶ ἄξιος τὸ ὑπόδημα τῶν ποδῶν λῦσαι ως δε επληρου ο ιωαννης τον δρομον ελεγεν τινα με υπονοειτε ειναι ουκ ειμι εγω αλλ ιδου ερχεται μετ εμε ου ουκ ειμι αξιος το υποδημα των ποδων λυσαι ως δε επληρου ο ιωαννης τον δρομον ελεγεν τινα με υπονοειτε ειναι ουκ ειμι εγω αλλ ιδου ερχεται μετ εμε ου ουκ ειμι αξιος το υποδημα των ποδων λυσαι
Brothers, descendants of Abraham’s family, and those Gentiles among you who fear God, the message of this salvation has been sent to us. Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.
NET Parallel Greek Stephanus Textus Receptus Byzantine Majority Text
῎Ανδρες ἀδελφοί, υἱοὶ γένους Ἀβραὰμ καὶ οἱ ἐν ὑμῖν φοβούμενοι τὸν θεόν, ἡμῖν ὁ λόγος τῆς σωτηρίας ταύτης ἐξαπεστάλη ανδρες αδελφοι υιοι γενους αβρααμ και οι εν υμιν φοβουμενοι τον θεον υμιν ο λογος της σωτηριας ταυτης απεσταλη ανδρες αδελφοι υιοι γενους αβρααμ και οι εν υμιν φοβουμενοι τον θεον υμιν ο λογος της σωτηριας ταυτης απεσταλη
Acts 13:29 (NET) Acts 13:29 (KJV)
When they had accomplished everything that was written about him, they took him down from the cross and placed him in a tomb. And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre.
NET Parallel Greek Stephanus Textus Receptus Byzantine Majority Text
ὡς δὲ ἐτέλεσαν πάντα τὰ περὶ αὐτοῦ γεγραμμένα, καθελόντες ἀπὸ τοῦ ξύλου ἔθηκαν εἰς μνημεῖον ως δε ετελεσαν απαντα τα περι αυτου γεγραμμενα καθελοντες απο του ξυλου εθηκαν εις μνημειον ως δε ετελεσαν παντα τα περι αυτου γεγραμμενα καθελοντες απο του ξυλου εθηκαν εις μνημειον
Acts 13:31 (NET) Acts 13:31 (KJV)
and for many days he appeared to those who had accompanied him from Galilee to Jerusalem.  These are now his witnesses to the people. And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people.
NET Parallel Greek Stephanus Textus Receptus Byzantine Majority Text
ὃς ὤφθη ἐπὶ ἡμέρας πλείους τοῖς συναναβᾶσιν αὐτῷ ἀπὸ τῆς Γαλιλαίας εἰς Ἰερουσαλήμ, οἵτινες [νῦν] εἰσιν μάρτυρες αὐτοῦ πρὸς τὸν λαόν ος ωφθη επι ημερας πλειους τοις συναναβασιν αυτω απο της γαλιλαιας εις ιερουσαλημ οιτινες εισιν μαρτυρες αυτου προς τον λαον ος ωφθη επι ημερας πλειους τοις συναναβασιν αυτω απο της γαλιλαιας εις ιερουσαλημ οιτινες εισιν μαρτυρες αυτου προς τον λαον
Acts 13:36 (NET) Acts 13:36 (KJV)
For David, after he had served God’s purpose in his own generation, died, was buried with his ancestors, and experienced decay, For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption:
NET Parallel Greek Stephanus Textus Receptus Byzantine Majority Text
Δαυὶδ μὲν γὰρ ἰδίᾳ γενεᾷ ὑπηρετήσας τῇ τοῦ θεοῦ βουλῇ ἐκοιμήθη καὶ προσετέθη πρὸς τοὺς πατέρας αὐτοῦ καὶ εἶδεν διαφθοράν δαβιδ μεν γαρ ιδια γενεα υπηρετησας τη του θεου βουλη εκοιμηθη και προσετεθη προς τους πατερας αυτου και ειδεν διαφθοραν δαυιδ μεν γαρ ιδια γενεα υπηρετησας τη του θεου βουλη εκοιμηθη και προσετεθη προς τους πατερας αυτου και ειδεν διαφθοραν
Acts 13:38-41 (NET) Acts 13:38-41 (KJV)
Therefore let it be known to you, brothers, that through this one forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:
NET Parallel Greek Stephanus Textus Receptus Byzantine Majority Text
γνωστὸν οὖν ἔστω ὑμῖν, ἄνδρες ἀδελφοί, ὅτι διὰ τούτου ὑμῖν ἄφεσις ἁμαρτιῶν καταγγέλλεται, [καὶ] ἀπὸ πάντων ὧν οὐκ ἠδυνήθητε ἐν νόμῳ Μωϋσέως δικαιωθῆναι γνωστον ουν εστω υμιν ανδρες αδελφοι οτι δια τουτου υμιν αφεσις αμαρτιων καταγγελλεται γνωστον ουν εστω υμιν ανδρες αδελφοι οτι δια τουτου υμιν αφεσις αμαρτιων καταγγελλεται
and by this one everyone who believes is justified from everything from which the law of Moses could not justify you. And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.
NET Parallel Greek Stephanus Textus Receptus Byzantine Majority Text
ἐν τούτῳ πᾶς ὁ πιστεύων δικαιοῦται και απο παντων ων ουκ ηδυνηθητε εν τω νομω μωσεως δικαιωθηναι εν τουτω πας ο πιστευων δικαιουται και απο παντων ων ουκ ηδυνηθητε εν τω νομω μωυσεως δικαιωθηναι εν τουτω πας ο πιστευων δικαιουται
Watch out, then, that what is spoken about by the prophets does not happen to you: Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets;
NET Parallel Greek Stephanus Textus Receptus Byzantine Majority Text
βλέπετε οὖν μὴ ἐπέλθῃ τὸ εἰρημένον ἐν τοῖς προφήταις βλεπετε ουν μη επελθη εφ υμας το ειρημενον εν τοις προφηταις βλεπετε ουν μη επελθη εφ υμας το ειρημενον εν τοις προφηταις
‘Look, you scoffers; be amazed and perish!  For I am doing a work in your days, a work you would never believe, even if someone tells you.’” Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.
NET Parallel Greek Stephanus Textus Receptus Byzantine Majority Text
ἴδετε, οἱ καταφρονηταί, καὶ θαυμάσατε καὶ ἀφανίσθητε, ὅτι ἔργον ἐργάζομαι ἐγὼ ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις ὑμῶν, ἔργον οὐ μὴ πιστεύσητε ἐάν τις ἐκδιηγῆται ὑμῖν ιδετε οι καταφρονηται και θαυμασατε και αφανισθητε οτι εργον εγω εργαζομαι εν ταις ημεραις υμων εργον ω ου μη πιστευσητε εαν τις εκδιηγηται υμιν ιδετε οι καταφρονηται και θαυμασατε και αφανισθητε οτι εργον εγω εργαζομαι εν ταις ημεραις υμων ο ου μη πιστευσητε εαν τις εκδιηγηται υμιν

1 The NET parallel Greek text and NA28 had Αὐτοὶ here, where the Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had ουτοι (KJV: they).

2 The Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had του πνευματος του αγιου (KJV: the Holy Ghost) here, where the NET parallel Greek text and NA28 had simply τοῦ ἁγίου πνεύματος (NET: the Holy Spirit).

3 The Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had the article την preceding Seleucia.  The NET parallel Greek text and NA28 did not.

5 The Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had the article την preceding Cyprus.  The NET parallel Greek text and NA28 did not.

6 Acts 13:4, 5a (NET)

7 Acts 13:7b (NET)

8 Acts 13:9, 10 (NET)

9 Acts 13:12 (NET)

10 The NET parallel Greek text and NA28 had αὐτοῦ here, where the Byzantine Majority Text had αυτω.  But the Stephanus Textus Receptus had τω ιησου (KJV: Jesus).

13 The Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had ο ιησους (KJV: Jesus) here.  The NET parallel Greek text and NA28 did not.

15 The NET parallel Greek text and NA28 had παρ᾿ οὐδενὶ (“I have found none near such great faith in Israel”) here, where the Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had simply ουδε (KJV: no, not).

16 Acts 13:13b (NET)

17 The NET parallel Greek text and NA28 had Πισιδίαν in the accusative case here along with its corresponding article τὴν, where the Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had πισιδιας in the genitive case with its corresponding article της.

19 Acts 13:14, 15 (NET)

20 Acts 13:16b (NET)

29 The Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had the article ο preceding John.  The NET parallel Greek text and NA28 did not.

30 The NET parallel Greek text and NA28 had τί here, where the Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had τινα (KV: Whom).

33 The NET parallel Greek text and NA28 had ἡμῖν here, where the Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had υμιν (KJV: you).

36 The NET parallel Greek text and NA28 had διότι here, where the Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had διο (KJV: Wherefore).

38 The Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had the article τω here.  The NET parallel Greek text and NA28 did not.

40 The Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had εφ υμας (KJV: upon you) here.  The NET parallel Greek text and NA28 did not.

41 The NET parallel Greek text and NA28 had ἔργον (ὃ was not translated in the NET) here, where the Stephanus Textus Receptus had εργον ω (KJV: which), and the Byzantine Majority Text had simply ο.