The apostolical history containing the acts, labours, travels, sermons, discourses, miracles, successes, and sufferings of the Holy Apostles from Christ's ascention to the destruction of Jerusalem by Titus : a brief description whereof is here inserted : also, a narration of the particular times and occasions upon which the apostolical epistles were written, together with a brief analytical paraphrase of them : to which is added (for the better understanding of this history) a map of the Apostle Paul's travels ... / by Samuel Cradock.

SECT. XXIII.

THE Apostle had soon a notable experience of Gods gra∣cious protection over him, promised unto him in that forementioned Vision. For early the very next morning above Forty Jews combin'd together, and bound themselves by an Oath, and by a Curse and execration on themselves that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed him. And they came to the chief Priests and Elders being confident of their assistance, and acquainted them with what they had re∣solved on, and perswaded them to intreat the Colonel, that he would bring Paul down on the morrow to them, that they might further examine him, and by the way, before he could come at the Council, they resolv'd to kill him. This conspi∣racy, by the wonderful providence of God, coming to the knowledg of a Nephew of Pauls, he is by him acquainted there∣with, who thereupon desired one of the Captains of the Guard, to bring that young man to Lysias their chief Commander: which being done he acquainted him with this wicked conspiracy a∣gainst the life of his Uncle. Hereupon the Colonel presently gave order that a Guard both of Horse and Foot should be made ready against Nine of the Clock that night, and a Horse or Mule provided for Paul to ride on, and that they should convey him safe to Felix the Procurator or Governour of Judea, under the Roman Emperor, who had his ordinary residence at Caesarea. And he wrote a Letter to the Governour concerning the Prisoner, to this sense, viz. That he found nothing brought against him, that was punishable either with death or bonds by

the Roman Laws, and Imperial Constitutions; (for the Romans had not as yet set out any decrees against the Christians) and therefore he had rescued him out of the hands of the Jews, who had treacherously conspired against his life, and had given or∣der to his accusers to appear before his Excellency, and there to implead him. Felix when he had read the Letter, command∣ed Paul should be secured in the Hall call'd Herods Hall, and wen his Accusers were come, he said, he would hear him.

Act. 23. v. 12. And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bounded themselves under a curse, saying, That they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul.

v. 13. And they were more than forty which had made this conspi∣racy.

v. 14. And they came to the chief Priests, and Elders, and said, We have bound our selves under a great curse, that we will eat nothing untill we have slain Paul.

v. 15. Now therefore ye, with the Council, signifie to the chief Captain, that he bring him down unto you to morrow, as though ye would en∣quire something more perfectly concerning him: and we, or ever he come neer, are ready to kill him.

v. 16. And when Pauls sisters son heard of their laying in wait, he went and entred into the Castle, and told Paul.

v. 17. Then Paul called one of the Centurions unto him, and said, Bring this young man unto the chief Captain: for he hath a certain thing to tell him.

v. 18. So he took him, and brought him to the chief Captain, and said, Paul the prisoner called me unto him, and prayed me to bring this young man unto thee, who hath something to say unto thee.

v. 19. Then the chief Captain took him by the hand, and went with him aside privately, and asked him, What is that thou hast to tell me?

v. 20. And he said, The Jews have agreed to desire thee, that thou wouldst bring down Paul to morrow into the Council, as though they would enquire somewhat of him more perfectly.

v. 21. But do not thou yeild unto them, for there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men, which have bound themselves with an oath, that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him: and now are they ready, looking for a promise from thee.

v. 22. So the chief Captain let the young man depart, and charged him, See thou tell no man, that thou hast shewed these things to me.

v. 23. And he called unto him two Centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred Soldiers to go to Cesarea, and horsmen threescore and ten, and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night:

v. 24. And provide them beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring him safe to Felix the Governour.

v. 25. And he wrote a Letter after this manner,

v. 26. Claudius Lysias, unto the most excellent Governor Felix, sendeth greeting.

v. 27. This man was taken of the Jews, and should have been killed of them: Then came I with an army, and rescued him, having under∣stood that he was a Roman.

v. 28. And when I would have known the cause wherefore they accused him, I brought him forth into their Councell.

v. 29. Whom I perceived to be accused of questions of their Law, but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death, or of bonds.

v. 30. And when it was told me, how that the Jews laid wait for the man, I sent straitway to thee, and gave commandment to his accu∣sers also to say before thee what they had against him. Farewell.

v. 31. Then the Soldiers, as it was commanded them, took Paul, and brought him by night to Antipatris.

v. 32. On the morrow they left the horsmen to go with him, and re∣turned to the Castle.

v. 33. Who when they came to Cesarea, and delivered the epistle to the Governour, presented Paul also before him.

v. 34. And when the Governour had read the letter, he asked of what province he was. And when he understood that he was of Cilicia:

v. 35. I will hear thee, said he, when thine accusers are also come. And he commanded him to be kept in Herods judgment hall.