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“Behold, days are coming, says the L-rd, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Yisra᾽el, and with the house of Yehuda… but this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Yisra᾽el after those days, says the L-rd; I will put my Torah in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their G-d, and they shall be my people…”
-Jeremiah 31:31, 33
“Rabbi Elazar says: Be diligent in learning Torah, and know what to respond to one who denigrates the Torah. Know before Whom you labor–the Master of your work is trustworthy to pay you the wage for your activity.”
-Pirkei Avos 2:14
“While writing this commentary of the New Testament, I had no other goal, as I have said in the first volume, but to reconcile these two enemy sisters: The Church and the Synagogue… to show everyone that the New Testament only comes to show that the root of existence is in the unity of G–d (ahdut ha-Bore) … and also to strengthen the law of Moses (Torat Moshe)… I publish this commentary (to Matthew) in Hebrew for Jews, to introduce them to the New Testament who, until now, have not recognized its beauty (eynam makirim ’et yofya)… Notwithstanding the contrary misconception, the New Testament is in no manner contrary to the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible) or to the Talmud.“
-Rabbi Eliyahu Tzvi Soloveitchik, Kol Kore
Waykeeper Principles #6 & #8
6. The Jewish writings called, “the New Testament,” are not equal, but are subordinate to the Torah given by G-d at Sinai (and therefore not a Halachic authority).
8. We do not yet have a kosher translation of the “New Testament,” but its general teachings align especially with Hasidic Judaism (e.g. serving G-d with and beyond ‘the letter’).
Based on the Weekly NT Schedule…
Sunday (1):
Acts 22:17 → Acts 23:10 (24)
Vision in the Temple
17
“And it happened to me, after returning to Jerusalem and praying in the Temple, that I fell into a trance,
18
and saw him saying to me:
‘Hurry and go out quickly from Jerusalem, because they will not receive your testimony concerning me.’
19
And I said:
‘Master, they themselves know that I was imprisoning and beating in every synagogue those believing in you.
20
And when the blood of Stephen Your witness was being poured out, I myself also was standing by and approving and guarding the garments of those killing him.’
21
And he said to me:
‘Go, because I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’”
Crowd Reaction
22
And they listened to him up to this word, and then they lifted up their voice, saying:
“Away with such a one from the earth—for it is not fitting that he should live!”
23
And as they were shouting and throwing off garments and casting dust into the air,
24
the commander ordered him to be brought into the barracks, saying he should be examined by scourging, so that he might know for what reason they were shouting against him in this way.
Roman Citizenship Revealed
25
But as they stretched him out with thongs, Paul said to the centurion standing by:
“Is it lawful for you to scourge a Roman man who is uncondemned?”
26
And hearing this, the centurion went to the commander and reported, saying:
“What are you about to do? For this man is a Roman.”
27
And the commander came and said to him:
“Tell me—are you a Roman?”
And he said:
“Yes.”
28
And the commander answered:
“With a great sum I obtained this citizenship.”
But Paul said:
“But I was even born one.”
29
Immediately therefore those about to examine him withdrew from him—and the commander also became afraid, realizing that he was a Roman and because he had bound him.
Before the Sanhedrin
30
And on the next day, wanting to know with certainty why he was being accused by the Jews, he released him and commanded the chief priests and all their council to assemble—and bringing down Paul, he set him before them.
Acts — Chapter 23 (Before the Council and the Plot Against Paul)
Opening Before the Council
1
And Paul, fixing his gaze on the council, said:
“Men, brothers—I have lived my life before G-d in all good conscience until this day.”
2
And the high priest Chananya son of Nedevai commanded those standing by him to strike him on the mouth.
3
Then Paul said to him:
“G-d is about to strike you, you whitewashed wall! And do you sit judging me according to the Torah, and violating the Torah command me to be struck?”
Respect for the High Priest
4
And those standing by said:
“Do you revile the high priest of G-d?”
5
And Paul said:
“I did not know, brothers, that he is high priest—for it is written:
‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’”
Division in the Council
6
But Paul, knowing that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, cried out in the council:
“Men, brothers—I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees; concerning the hope and resurrection of the dead I am being judged!”
7
And when he said this, a dispute arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided.
8
For the Sadducees say there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit—but the Pharisees confess both.
Uproar in the Council
9
And a great outcry arose, and some of the scribes of the Pharisees stood up and argued strongly, saying:
“We find nothing evil in this man—what if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?”
10
And when the dispute became violent, the commander, fearing that Paul would be torn apart by them, ordered the soldiers to go down and take him by force from among them and bring him into the barracks.
Acts 23:11 → Acts 23:30 (20)
Divine Assurance
11
And the following night the Master stood by him and said:
“Take courage—for as you have testified the things concerning me in Jerusalem, so it is necessary also for you to testify in Rome.”
The Plot to Kill Paul
The Oath
12
And when it became day, some Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves under an oath, saying they would neither eat nor drink until they had killed Paul.
13
And there were more than forty who made this conspiracy.
Appeal to the Leaders
14
And they came to the chief priests and elders and said:
“We have bound ourselves under a solemn curse to taste nothing until we have killed Paul.
15
Now therefore you, together with the council, make a request to the commander to bring him down to you, as though you are about to examine his case more carefully—and we are ready to kill him before he comes near.”
The Plot Discovered
16
But the son of Paul’s sister, hearing of the ambush, came and entered the barracks and reported it to Paul.
17
And Paul, calling one of the centurions, said:
“Take this young man to the commander, for he has something to report to him.”
18
So he took him and brought him to the commander and says:
“Paul the prisoner called me and asked me to bring this young man to you, as he has something to say to you.”
The Commander Learns the Plan
19
And the commander, taking him by the hand and withdrawing privately, asked:
“What is it that you have to report to me?”
20
And he said:
“The Judeans have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down tomorrow to the council, as though they intend to inquire more precisely concerning him.
21
But do not be persuaded by them—for more than forty men are lying in wait for him, who have bound themselves with an oath neither to eat nor drink until they have killed him—and now they are ready, waiting for the promise from you.”
22
So the commander dismissed the young man, instructing him:
“Tell no one that you have reported these things to me.”
Transfer to Caesarea
Military Escort
23
And calling two of the centurions, he said:
“Prepare two hundred soldiers to go as far as Caesarea, and seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen, at the third hour of the night,
24
and provide mounts so that they may set Paul upon them and bring him safely to Antonius Felix.”
Letter to the Governor
25
And he wrote a letter having this form:
26
“Claudius Lysias to the most excellent governor Antonius Felix—greetings.
27
This man was seized by the Judeans and was about to be killed by them, but I came upon them with soldiers and rescued him, having learned that he is a Roman.
28
And wanting to know the charge for which they were accusing him, I brought him down to their council.
29
I found him to be accused concerning questions of their law, but having no charge worthy of death or imprisonment.
30
And when it was reported to me that there would be a plot against the man, I sent him immediately to you, also instructing his accusers to speak against him before you.”
Monday (2):
Acts 23:31 → Acts 24:16 (21)
Arrival in Caesarea
31
So the soldiers, according to their orders, took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris.
32
And on the next day, leaving the horsemen to go on with him, they returned to the barracks.
33
And arriving in Caesarea and delivering the letter to the governor, they also presented Paul to him.
34
And reading it and asking from what province he was, and learning that he was from Cilicia,
35
he said:
“I will hear your case when your accusers also arrive.”
And he ordered him to be kept under guard in Herod’s praetorium.
Acts — Chapter 24 (Trial Before Felix)
Arrival of the Accusers
1
And after five days, the high priest Chananya son of Nedavai came down with some elders and a certain advocate named Tertullus, and they presented their case to the governor against Paul.
Tertullus’ Accusation
2
And when he was called, Tertullus began accusing him, saying:
“Since through you we enjoy much peace, and reforms are being accomplished for this nation through your foresight,
3
in every way and everywhere we acknowledge this, most excellent Antonius Felix, with all gratitude.
4
But so as not to detain you further, I beg you in your kindness to hear us briefly.
5
For we have found this man a plague, stirring up riots among all the Jews throughout the inhabited world, and a leader of the sect of the Nazarenes.
6
He even attempted to profane the Temple, and we seized him.
(Some manuscripts add details concerning Lysias the commander.)
8
By examining him yourself, you will be able to learn from him concerning all these things of which we accuse him.”
9
And some Jews also joined in the attack, affirming that these things were so.
Paul’s Defense
Opening Response
10
And when the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul answered:
“Knowing that for many years you have been judge over this nation, I gladly make my defense concerning these things.
11
You are able to verify that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem.
Denial of Sedition
12
And neither in the Temple did they find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd, nor in the synagogues, nor throughout the city.
13
Nor are they able to prove to you the things concerning which they now accuse me.
Confession Regarding “The Way”
14
But this I confess to you: that according to the Way, which they call a sect, so I worship the G-d of our fathers, believing all things according to the Torah and those written in the Prophets,
15
having hope toward G-d—which these themselves also await—that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.
16
In this also I myself strive always to have a blameless conscience before G-d and men.
Acts 24:17 → Acts 25:8 (19)
Temple Purity Defense
17
And after many years, I came bringing charitable gifts to my nation and offerings.
18
While doing these things, they found me purified in the Temple, without crowd or uproar—but certain Jews from Asia—
19
who ought to be present before you and accuse me, if they have anything against me.
20
Or let these men themselves say what wrongdoing they found when I stood before the council,
21
other than this one statement which I cried out while standing among them:
‘Concerning the resurrection of the dead I am being judged before you today!’”
Felix Delays Judgment
22
But Antonius Felix, having a rather accurate knowledge concerning the Way, postponed them, saying:
“When Lysias the commander comes down, I will decide your case.”
23
And he ordered the centurion that he be kept under guard but have some freedom, and not to prevent any of his own people from attending to him.
Private Hearing with Felix and Drusilla
24
And after some days, Antonius Felix came with Drusilla his wife, who was Jewish, and sent for Paul and heard him concerning faith in Yeshua the Messiah.
25
And as he reasoned concerning righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix became afraid and answered:
“For the present, go away. When I find opportunity, I will summon you.”
26
At the same time he also hoped that money would be given to him by Paul; therefore he sent for him frequently and conversed with him.
Two Years of Custody
27
But after two years had passed, Porcius Festus succeeded Felix—and Felix, wishing to gain favor with the Judeans, left Paul imprisoned.
Acts — Chapter 25 (Appeal to Caesar)
Festus Arrives in Judea
1
Therefore Porcius Festus, having entered the province, after three days went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem.
2
And the chief priests and the leading men of the Judeans informed him against Paul, and they urged him,
3
asking as a favor against him that he summon him to Jerusalem—while preparing an ambush to kill him along the way.
Festus Refuses Immediate Transfer
4
So Festus answered that Paul was being kept in Caesarea, and that he himself was about to depart there shortly.
5
“Therefore,” he says, “let those among you who are able come down with me, and if there is anything improper in the man, let them accuse him.”
Formal Hearing in Caesarea
6
And staying among them not more than eight or ten days, he went down to Caesarea, and on the next day, sitting on the tribunal, he ordered Paul to be brought.
7
And when he arrived, Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many and serious charges which they were not able to prove.
Paul’s Defense
8
Paul defended himself:
“Neither against the Torah of the Jews, nor against the Temple, nor against Caesar have I sinned in anything.”
Tuesday (3):
Acts 25:9 → Acts 25:27 (19)
Political Pressure
9
But Porcius Festus, wishing to gain favor with the Judeans, answered Paul and said:
“Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and there be judged before me concerning these things?”
Appeal to Caesar
10
But Paul said:
“I am standing before Caesar’s tribunal, where it is necessary for me to be judged. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you yourself also know very well.
11
If indeed I am doing wrong and have committed anything worthy of death, I do not refuse to die. But if there is nothing to the things of which these accuse me, no one may hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar.”
12
Then Festus, conferring with the council, answered:
“To Caesar you have appealed—to Caesar you shall go.”
Arrival of Agrippa and Bernice
13
And after some days, Herod Agrippa II and Bernice arrived at Caesarea to greet Festus.
14
And as they stayed there many days, Festus laid Paul’s case before the king, saying:
“There is a certain man left prisoner by Felix,
15
concerning whom, when I was in Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews brought charges, asking for a sentence against him.
Roman Legal Procedure Explained
16
To them I answered that it is not the custom of the Romans to hand over any man before the accused has the accusers face to face and receives opportunity for defense concerning the accusation.
17
Therefore when they came together here, without delay, on the next day I sat upon the tribunal and ordered the man to be brought.
18
Concerning him, the accusers standing up brought no charge of the evils I had suspected,
19
but they had certain disputes with him concerning their own religion and concerning a certain Yeshua who had died, whom Paul claimed to be alive.
Festus Explains His Difficulty
20
And being uncertain how to investigate these matters, I asked whether he wished to go to Jerusalem and there be judged concerning them.
21
But when Paul appealed to be kept for the decision of the Emperor, I ordered him to be held until I send him to Caesar.”
Agrippa Wishes to Hear
22
And Herod Agrippa II said to Festus:
“I myself also would like to hear the man.”
“Tomorrow,” he says, “you shall hear him.”
Formal Audience
23
So on the next day, Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp and entered into the audience hall together with military commanders and the prominent men of the city; and at Festus’ command Paul was brought in.
Festus’ Public Statement
24
And Festus says:
“King Herod Agrippa II, and all men present with us—you see this man concerning whom the whole multitude of the Jews petitioned me, both in Jerusalem and here, shouting that he ought not live any longer.
25
But I found that he had done nothing worthy of death, and since he himself appealed to the Emperor, I decided to send him.
26
Yet I have nothing definite to write to my lord concerning him. Therefore I brought him before you all, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that after the examination has taken place, I may have something to write.
27
For it seems unreasonable to me, sending a prisoner, not also to indicate the charges against him.”
Acts 26:1 → Acts 26:23 (23)
Acts — Chapter 26 (Paul Before Agrippa)
Permission to Speak
1
And Herod Agrippa II said to Paul:
“You are permitted to speak for yourself.”
Then Paul, stretching out his hand, began his defense:
Opening Before Agrippa
2
“Concerning all the things of which I am accused by the Judeans, King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to make my defense before you today,
3
especially because you are knowledgeable concerning all the customs and controversies among the Jews. Therefore I beg you to hear me patiently.
Paul’s Former Life
Pharisaic Identity
4
“My manner of life from youth, from the beginning spent among my nation and in Jerusalem, all the Jews know,
5
having known me from the first, if they are willing to testify, that according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived as a Pharisee.
Hope of Israel
6
“And now I stand being judged for the hope of the promise made by G-d to our fathers,
7
to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, serving G-d earnestly night and day. Concerning this hope, O king, I am accused by Judeans.
8
Why is it judged unbelievable among you if G-d raises the dead?
Former Persecution
9
“Indeed I myself thought it necessary to do many things contrary to the name of Yeshua the Nazarene.
10
And this I did in Jerusalem. And many of the holy ones I shut up in prisons, receiving authority from the chief priests—and when they were being put to death, I cast my vote against them.
11
And throughout all the synagogues I often punished them and compelled them to blaspheme—and being furiously enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities.
The Damascus Encounter
Heavenly Vision
12
“While thus engaged, traveling to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests,
13
at midday, O king, I saw on the road a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those traveling with me.
14
And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language:
‘Shaul, Shaul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’
15
And I said:
‘Who are you, master?’
And the Master said:
‘I am Yeshua whom you are persecuting.
Commissioning
16
But rise and stand upon your feet—for for this purpose I appeared to you: to appoint you as a servant and witness both of the things you have seen and of the things in which I will appear to you,
17
delivering you from the people and from the Gentiles—to whom I send you,
18
to open their eyes, to turn them from darkness to light and from the authority of Satan to G-d, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and inheritance among those sanctified by faith in me.’
Obedience to the Vision
19
“Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision,
20
but first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, I proclaimed that they should repent (do teshuvah) and turn to G-d, doing works worthy of repentance.
Reason for the Accusation
21
“For this reason the Judeans seized me in the Temple and attempted to kill me.
22
Therefore, having obtained help from G-d, I stand to this day testifying both to small and great, saying nothing beyond what the Prophets and Moshe said would happen:
23
that the Messiah would suffer, and that by being first from the resurrection of the dead he would proclaim light both to the people and to the Gentiles.”
Wednesday (4):
Acts 26:24 → Acts 27:12 (21)
Festus Interrupts
24
And while he was saying these things in his defense, Porcius Festus said with a loud voice:
“Paul—you are out of your mind! Your great learning is driving you to madness!”
25
But Paul says:
“I am not mad, most excellent Festus, but I speak words of truth and sober judgment.
Appeal to Agrippa’s Knowledge
26
For the king knows about these matters, to whom also I speak boldly—for I am persuaded that none of these things escapes his notice, for this was not done in a corner.
27
King Herod Agrippa II—do you believe the Prophets? I know that you believe.”
Agrippa’s Response
28
And Agrippa said to Paul:
“In a short time you persuade me to become a follower of Messiah.”
29
And Paul said:
“I would pray to G-d that whether in a short or long time, not only you, but also all hearing me today, might become such as I am—except for these chains.”
Private Conclusion
30
And the king rose up, and the governor and Bernice and those sitting with them.
31
And withdrawing, they spoke with one another, saying:
“This man is doing nothing worthy of death or imprisonment.”
32
And Herod Agrippa II said to Festus:
“This man could have been released if he had not appealed to Caesar.”
Acts — Chapter 27 (Voyage to Rome and the Great Storm)
Departure for Italy
1
And when it was decided that we should sail for Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion named Julius of the Augustan cohort.
2
And boarding an Adramyttian ship about to sail to places along the coast of Asia, we put out to sea, Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, being with us.
Sidon
3
And on the next day we landed at Sidon. And Julius, treating Paul kindly, permitted him to go to his friends and receive care.
Difficult Sailing
4
And putting out from there, we sailed under the shelter of Cyprus because the winds were against us.
5
And sailing across the sea along Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra in Lycia.
6
And there the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing for Italy and put us aboard it.
Slow Progress
7
And sailing slowly for many days and arriving with difficulty off Cnidus, because the wind did not permit us, we sailed under the shelter of Crete opposite Salmone.
8
And with difficulty coasting along it, we came to a certain place called Fair Havens, near which was the city of Lasea.
Paul’s Warning
9
And much time having passed, and the voyage already becoming dangerous because even the Fast had already passed, Paul began warning them,
10
saying to them:
“Men, I perceive that the voyage is about to be with injury and much loss, not only of cargo and ship, but also of our lives.”
Centurion Ignores Warning
11
But the centurion was persuaded more by the pilot and the ship-owner than by the things spoken by Paul.
12
And because the harbor was unsuitable for wintering, the majority decided to put out to sea from there, hoping somehow to reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete facing southwest and northwest, and spend the winter there.
Acts 27:13 → Acts 27:32 (20)
The Storm
Initial Favorable Wind
13
And when a gentle south wind began blowing, supposing they had obtained their purpose, they raised anchor and sailed close along Crete.
Violent Wind
14
But not long afterward, a violent wind called the Northeaster rushed down from it.
15
And the ship being caught and unable to face the wind, giving way, we were driven along.
16
And running under the shelter of a small island called Cauda, we were scarcely able to secure the lifeboat.
17
After hoisting it up, they used supports to undergird the ship; and fearing that they might run aground on the Syrtis sands, lowering the gear, they were driven along.
18
And being violently storm-tossed, on the next day they began throwing cargo overboard,
19
and on the third day with their own hands they threw out the ship’s equipment.
Loss of Hope
20
And neither sun nor stars appearing for many days, and no small storm pressing upon us, finally all hope of being saved was taken away.
Paul Encourages the Crew
21
And after much abstinence from food, then Paul stood in their midst and said:
“Men—you should indeed have listened to me and not set sail from Crete, thereby avoiding this injury and loss.
22
And now I urge you to take courage, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship.
23
For this night an angel of the G-d to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me,
24
saying:
‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand before Caesar. And behold, G-d has granted to you all those sailing with you.’
25
Therefore take courage, men, for I believe G-d that it will be exactly as it has been told to me.
26
But it is necessary for us to run aground on some island.”
Attempted Escape of the Sailors
27
And when the fourteenth night came, as we were being driven across the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors suspected that some land was approaching them.
28
And taking soundings, they found twenty fathoms; and going a little farther, they again took soundings and found fifteen fathoms.
29
And fearing that we might run upon rocky places, they cast four anchors from the stern and prayed for day to come.
Paul Prevents Desertion
30
And as the sailors were seeking to escape from the ship and lowering the lifeboat into the sea under pretense of laying out anchors from the bow,
31
Paul said to the centurion and soldiers:
“Unless these men remain in the ship, you cannot be saved.”
32
Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the lifeboat and let it fall away.
Thursday (5):
Acts 27:33 → Acts 28:10 (22)
Breaking Bread Before Shipwreck
33
And until day was about to come, Paul urged them all to take food, saying:
“Today is the fourteenth day you continue waiting without food, taking nothing.
34
Therefore I urge you to take food, for this concerns your preservation, for not a hair from the head of any of you will perish.”
35
And saying these things, taking bread, he gave thanks to G-d before them all, and breaking it, he began to eat.
36
Then all became encouraged and themselves also took food.
37
And we were in all two hundred seventy-six souls in the ship.
38
And after eating enough food, they lightened the ship, throwing out the wheat into the sea.
Shipwreck
39
And when day came, they did not recognize the land, but they noticed a bay having a beach, into which they resolved, if possible, to drive the ship.
40
And casting off the anchors, they left them in the sea, at the same time loosening the ropes of the rudders; and hoisting the foresail to the wind, they headed for the beach.
41
But striking a sandbar between two seas, they ran the ship aground. And the bow stuck fast and remained immovable, but the stern was being broken apart by the force of the waves.
Prisoners Spared
42
And the soldiers’ plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any swim away and escape.
43
But the centurion, wishing to save Paul, prevented them from carrying out their plan and ordered those able to swim to jump overboard first and get to land,
44
and the rest, some on planks and some on pieces from the ship.
And thus it happened that all were brought safely to land.
Acts — Chapter 28 (Malta, Rome, and the Final Witness)
On the Island of Malta
1
And after being brought safely through, then we learned that the island was called Malta.
2
And the natives showed us unusual kindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all because of the rain that had come and because of the cold.
The Viper
3
And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them upon the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened onto his hand.
4
And when the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another:
“Surely this man is a murderer, whom though he escaped from the sea, Justice has not permitted to live.”
5
He, however, shook the creature off into the fire and suffered no harm.
6
But they were expecting him to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, changing their minds, they began saying that he was a god.
Healing on Malta
7
Now in the surrounding area were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who welcomed us and hosted us courteously for three days.
8
And it happened that the father of Publius was lying sick with fever and dysentery. Paul entered to him, and after praying and laying hands upon him, healed him.
9
And after this happened, the rest also who had diseases on the island came and were healed.
10
They also honored us with many honors, and when we were setting sail, they supplied what was needed.
Acts 28:11 → Acts 28:31 (21)
Journey to Rome
11
And after three months we set sail in an Alexandrian ship that had wintered at the island, whose figurehead was the Twin Brothers.
12
And landing at Syracuse, we remained three days.
13
From there we sailed around and arrived at Rhegium. And after one day, a south wind arose, and on the second day we came to Puteoli,
14
where finding brothers, we were invited to remain with them seven days. And thus we came to Rome.
Roman Believers Welcome Paul
15
And from there the brothers, hearing about us, came to meet us as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns. Seeing them, Paul gave thanks to G-d and took courage.
House Arrest in Rome
16
And when we entered Rome, Paul was permitted to remain by himself with the soldier guarding him.
Meeting with the Jewish Leaders
Paul Explains His Situation
17
And it happened after three days that he called together those who were leaders among the Jews.
And when they had gathered, he said to them:
“Men, brothers—though having done nothing against the people or the customs of our fathers, I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.
18
Who, after examining me, wished to release me because there was no cause of death in me.
19
But when the Jews spoke against it, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar—not as though having any accusation against my nation.
20
For this reason therefore I asked to see and speak with you, because for the hope of Israel I wear this chain.”
Response of the Jewish Leaders
21
And they said to him:
“We neither received letters concerning you from Judea, nor has anyone arriving from the brothers reported or spoken anything evil concerning you.
22
But we consider it proper to hear from you what you think, for concerning this sect it is known to us that everywhere it is spoken against.”
Extended Discussion from the Scriptures
23
And appointing a day for him, many came to him at his lodging, to whom he explained, solemnly testifying concerning the Kingdom of G-d, persuading them concerning Yeshua both from the Torah of Moshe and from the Prophets, from morning until evening.
Division of Response
24
And some were persuaded by the things spoken, but others did not believe.
25
And disagreeing among themselves, they began departing after Paul spoke one final word:
“Well spoke the Holy Spirit through Yeshayahu the prophet to your fathers,
Quotation from Isaiah 6
26
saying:
‘Go to this people and say:
Hearing you shall hear and never understand,
and seeing you shall see and never perceive.
27
For the heart of this people has become dull,
and with their ears they hear heavily,
and their eyes they closed,
lest they should see with their eyes
and hear with their ears
and understand with the heart
and turn back,
and I would heal them.’
Final Declaration
28
“Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of G-d has been sent to the Gentiles—they also will hear.”
(Some manuscripts add a concluding reaction verse.)
Open-Ended Conclusion
30
And he remained two whole years in his own rented dwelling, and welcomed all those coming to him,
31
proclaiming the Kingdom of G-d and teaching the things concerning the Master Yeshua the Messiah with all boldness, unhindered.
Friday (6):
Romans 1:1 → Romans 1:17 (17)
Romans 1
1 Paul, a servant of Yeshua the Messiah, called to be a shaliach and set apart for the good news of G-d, 2 which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the holy writings, 3 concerning His son—who came from the seed of David according to the flesh, 4 and was openly declared son of G-d in power according to the Holy Spirit by resurrection from the dead—Yeshua the Messiah, our Master.
5 Through him we received grace and the calling of Shlichut for the obedience that comes from faith among all the Gentiles, for the sake of his name, 6 among whom you also are called ones of Yeshua the Messiah.
7 To all those in Rome who are beloved by G-d and called to be holy ones: favor to you and peace from G-d our Father and the Master Yeshua the Messiah.
8 First, I give thanks to my G-d through Yeshua the Messiah concerning all of you, because your faithfulness is spoken of throughout the whole world. 9 For G-d is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the good news of His son, how continually I make mention of you, 10 always asking in my prayers that somehow now at last, by the will of G-d, I may prosper in coming to you.
11 For I long to see you, so that I may share with you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— 12 that is, that we may be encouraged together among you, each by the faithfulness of the other, both yours and mine.
13 Now I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that I often intended to come to you, though I was hindered until now, in order that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among the rest of the Gentiles.
14 I am indebted both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the unlearned. 15 So, as much as is in me, I am eager to proclaim the good news also to you who are in Rome.
16 For I am not ashamed of the good news, because it is the power of G-d for salvation to everyone who trusts—first to the Jew, and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of G-d is revealed from faithfulness unto faithfulness, as it is written:
“The righteous one shall live by faithfulness.”
Romans 1:18 → Romans 2:10 (25)
18 For the wrath of G-d is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and injustice of people who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known about G-d is plain among them, for G-d made it plain to them.
20 For His invisible qualities, both His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived from the creation of the world, being understood through the things He made, so that they are without excuse.
21 For although they knew G-d, they did not honor Him as G-d or give thanks, but became empty in their reasoning, and their senseless heart was darkened. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible G-d for images resembling corruptible man and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.
24 Therefore G-d gave them over in the desires of their hearts to impurity, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 because they exchanged the truth of G-d for falsehood and worshiped and served the creation rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
26 Because of this G-d gave them over to degrading passions. Their women exchanged natural relations for those contrary to nature, 27 and likewise also the men abandoned natural relations with women and burned in desire for one another, men with men committing shameful acts and receiving in themselves the due consequence of their error.
28 And since they did not see fit to acknowledge G-d, G-d gave them over to a debased mind, to do things that are improper. 29 They were filled with every kind of unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, and evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and malice; whisperers, 30 slanderers, haters of G-d, violent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, 31 senseless, covenant-breakers, without natural affection, and without mercy.
32 Though they know the righteous decree of G-d—that those who practice such things deserve death—not only do they do them, but they also approve of those who practice them.
Romans 2
1 Therefore you are without excuse, O person, whoever you are who judge; for in what you judge another, you condemn yourself, because you who judge practice the same things.
2 Now we know that the judgment of G-d is according to truth against those who practice such things. 3 But do you suppose this, O person who judges those practicing such things and yet does them yourself, that you will escape the judgment of G-d?
4 Or do you despise the riches of His kindness and patience and long-suffering, not knowing that the kindness of G-d leads you to repentance? 5 But according to your hardness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of G-d,
6 who will repay each person according to his works: 7 eternal life to those who by perseverance in good work seek glory and honor and immortality; 8 but wrath and indignation to those who are selfishly ambitious and disobey the truth while obeying unrighteousness.
9 There will be trouble and distress upon every soul of man who practices evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek; 10 but glory and honor and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
Shabbat (7):
Romans 2:11 → Romans 2:29 (19)
11 For there is no favoritism with G-d.
12 For all who sinned without Torah will also perish without Torah, and all who sinned within Torah will be judged through Torah. 13 For it is not the hearers of Torah who are righteous before G-d, but the doers of Torah who will be declared righteous.
14 For when nations, who do not possess Torah by nature, do the things of Torah, these, though not having Torah, are a Torah to themselves. 15 They show the work of Torah written upon their hearts, their conscience bearing witness, and their thoughts accusing or even defending them, 16 in the day when G-d judges the hidden things of people through Yeshua the Messiah, according to my good news.
17 But if you call yourself a Jew and rely upon Torah and boast in G-d, 18 and know His will and approve the things that matter because you are instructed from Torah, 19 and are persuaded that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those in darkness, 20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of children, possessing in Torah the form of knowledge and truth—
21 then you who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who proclaim not to steal, do you steal? 22 You who say not to commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? 23 You who boast in Torah, through transgressing Torah do you dishonor G-d?
24 For, as it is written:
“The name of G-d is blasphemed among the nations because of you.”
25 For circumcision indeed profits if you practice Torah; but if you are a transgressor of Torah, your circumcision has become uncircumcision.
26 Therefore if the uncircumcised keeps the righteous requirements of Torah, will not his uncircumcision be counted as circumcision? 27 And the naturally uncircumcised person, if fulfilling Torah, will judge you who possess the written code and circumcision yet transgress Torah.
28 For the Jew is not one outwardly only, nor is circumcision merely outward in the flesh. 29 Rather, the Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is of the heart—in spirit, not merely in letter—whose praise is not from men but from G-d.
“Yohanan said: He did indeed come from Benjamin. Why then was he called “a Jew”? Because he denied idolatry. For anyone who denies idolatry is called ‘a Jew’, as it is written, “There are certain Jews etc.” (Daniel 3:13).”
-Talmud Bavli, Megillah 13a:2
Romans 3:1 → Romans 3:19 (19)
Romans 3
1 What then is the advantage of the Jew? Or what is the benefit of circumcision? 2 Much in every way. First indeed, because they were entrusted with the utterances of G-d.
3 For what if some were unfaithful? Will their unfaithfulness nullify the faithfulness of G-d? 4 May it never be! Rather, let G-d be true though every person be found a liar, as it is written:
“So that You may be justified in Your words
and prevail when You are judged.”
5 But if our unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of G-d, what shall we say? Is G-d unjust in bringing wrath? I speak in human terms. 6 May it never be! Otherwise how will G-d judge the world?
7 But if through my falsehood the truth of G-d abounds to His glory, why am I still judged as a sinner? 8 And why not say—as we are slanderously reported and as some claim we say—“Let us do evil so that good may come”? Their condemnation is just.
9 What then? Are we better off? Not at all. For we already charged that both Jews and Greeks are all under sin, 10 as it is written:
“There is none righteous, not even one.
11 There is none who understands,
none who seeks after G-d.
12 All turned aside;
together they became worthless.
There is none doing goodness,
not even one.”
13
“Their throat is an open grave;
with their tongues they deceive.”
“The venom of serpents is under their lips.”
14
“Their mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.”
15
“Their feet are swift to shed blood;
16 ruin and misery are in their paths,
17 and the way of peace they have not known.”18
“There is no fear of G-d before their eyes.”
19 Now we know that whatever Torah says, it speaks to those within Torah, so that every mouth may be stopped and all the world may become accountable to G-d.
“Isaiah then established the 613 mitzvot upon two, as it is stated: “So says the Lord: Observe justice and perform righteousness” (Isaiah 56:1). Amos came and established the 613 mitzvot upon one, as it is stated: “So says the Lord to the house of Israel: Seek Me and live” (Amos 5:4). Rav Naḥman bar Yitzḥak objects to this: There is no proof that the verse in Amos is establishing all the mitzvot upon one; say that Amos is saying: Seek Me throughout the entire Torah, as the verse does not specify the manner in which one should seek the Lord. Rather, say: Habakkuk came and established the 613 mitzvot upon one, as it is stated: “But the righteous person shall live by his faith” (Habakkuk 2:4). § Rabbi Yosei bar Ḥanina says: Moses our teacher issued four decrees upon the Jewish people, and four prophets came and revoked them.“
-Talmud Bavli, Makkot 24a:26
Eye To Zion 