This plan pleased everyone. They chose Stephen, a man who was full of faith and of the Holy Spirit. They also chose Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, who was a convert to the Jewish faith.
But as for you, stay in control of yourself no matter what happens. Don’t give up when things become difficult. Work to spread the good news. Fulfill all the responsibilities of your work.
On the Sabbath day we went outside the city gate and walked down to the river because we expected to find a place of prayer there. We sat down and began to speak to the women who’d gathered together.
After Paul had seen this vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, because we concluded that God had called us to preach the good news there.
After three months we headed out to sea in a ship from Alexandria that had stayed in Malta over the winter. The ship was called the “Twin Gods,” and it had the figures of Castor and Pollux carved on the front.
Since it was decided that we would sail for Italy, Paul and some other prisoners were handed over to a Roman commander named Julius. He belonged to the Imperial Guard and led 100 men.
Then the commander called for two of his officers. He ordered them, “Gather a company of 200 soldiers, 70 horsemen, and 200 men armed with spears. Get them ready to go to Caesarea at nine o’clock tonight.
One day when we were going to the place of prayer, a female slave met us. She had a spirit that told fortunes. She earned a lot of money for her owners by doing this.
Some of the disciples from Caesarea went with us. They brought us to Mnason’s home, where we were going to stay. Mnason was from Cyprus and was one of the first disciples.