Paul’s

Among those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.

Soon the whole city was in disarray. They rushed together into the theatre, dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul’s traveling companions from Macedonia.

Even some of Paul’s friends who were officials of the province of Asia sent word to him, begging him not to venture into the theatre.

Coming over to us, he took Paul’s belt, bound his own feet and hands, and said, “The Holy Spirit says: ‘In this way the Jews of Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and hand him over to the Gentiles.’”

But when the son of Paul’s sister heard about the plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul.

Since they were staying several days, Festus laid out Paul’s case before the king: “There is a certain man whom Felix left in prison.

At this stage of Paul’s defense, Festus exclaimed in a loud voice, “You are insane, Paul! Your great learning is driving you to madness!”

But contrary to Paul’s advice, the centurion was persuaded by the pilot and by the owner of the ship.

But the centurion, wanting to spare Paul’s life, thwarted their plan. He commanded those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land.