How Paul began the Church of Ephesus, first in 12 that were baptized with John's baptism, 8 then preaching three months in the Synagogue of the Jews, until for their obstinacy and blaspheming, he forsook them, disputing afterward in a certain school for two years' space to the marvellous increase of the Church, specially through his great miracles also, in healing diseases with the touches of his clothes, and expelling devils, 13 who yet contemned the Exorcists of the Jews. 18 How the Christians there confess their acts, and burn their unlawful books: 21 and how he foretold that after he had been at Jerusalem, he must go to Rome, 23 and what a great sedition was raised against him at Ephesus, by them that get their living working to the idolatrous Temple of Diana.How Paul began the Church of Ephesus, first in 12 that were baptized with Iohns baptisme, 8 then preaching three moneths in the Synagogue of the Iewes, vntil for their obstinacie and blaspheming, he forsooke them, disputing afterward in a certaine schoole for two yeres space to the marueilous increase of the Church, specially through his great miracles also, in healing diseases with the touches of his clothes, and expelling diuels, 13 who yet contemned the Exorcists of the Iewes. 18 How the Christians there confesse their actes, and burne their vnlawful bookes: 21 and how he foretold that after he had been at Hierusalem, he must goe to Rome, 23 and what a great sedition was raised against him at Ephesus, by them that get their liuing working to the idolatrous Temple of Diana.
The 6 part. Of taking away the Gospel from Hierusalem the head citie of the Iewes, and going it to Rome the head citie of the Gentils.
And it came to pass when Apollo was at Corinth, that Paul having gone through the higher parts came to Ephesus, and found certain disciples:AND it came to passe when Apollo was at Corinth, that Paul hauing gone through the higher partes came to Ephesus, and found certaine disciples:Factum est autem cum Apollo esset Corinthi, ut Paulus peragratis superioribus partibus veniret Ephesum, et inveniret quosdam discipulos :
2and he said to them, Have you received the holy Ghost, believing? But they said to him, Nay, neither have we heard Whether there be a holy Ghost.and he said to them, Haue you receiued the holy Ghost, beleeuing? But they said to him, Nay, neither haue we heard Whether there be a holy Ghost.dixitque ad eos : Si Spiritum Sanctum accepistis credentes ? At illi dixerunt ad eum : Sed neque si Spiritus Sanctus est, audivimus.
3But he said, In what then were you baptized? Who said, In John's baptism.But he said, In what then were you baptized? Who said, In Iohns baptisme.Ille vero ait : In quo ergo baptizati estis ? Qui dixerunt : In Joannis baptismate.
4And Paul said: John baptized the people with the baptism of penance, saying: That they should believe in him that was to come after him, that is to say, in JESUS.And Paul said: * Iohn baptized the people with the baptisme of penance, saying: That they should beleeue in him that was to come after him, that is to say, in IESVS.Dixit autem Paulus : Joannes baptizavit baptismo pœnitentiæ populum, dicens in eum qui venturus esset post ipsum ut crederent, hoc est, in Jesum.
5Hearing these things, they were baptized in the name of our Lord JESUS.Hearing these things, they were baptized in the name of our Lord IESVS.His auditis, baptizati sunt in nomine Domini Jesu.
6And when Paul had imposed hands on them, the holy Ghost came upon them, and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.And when Paul had imposed hands on them, the holy Ghost came vpon them, and they spake with tongues, and prophecied.Et cum imposuisset illis manus Paulus, venit Spiritus Sanctus super eos, et loquebantur linguis, et prophetabant.
7And all the men were about twelve.And all the men were about twelue.Erant autem omnes viri fere duodecim.
8And entering in to the synagogue, he spake confidently for three months, disputing and exhorting of the kingdom of God.And entring in to the synagogue, he spake confidently for three moneths, disputing and exhorting of the kingdom of God.Introgressus autem synagogam, cum fiducia loquebatur per tres menses, disputans et suadens de regno Dei.
9But when certain were indurarentur: hardened, made obstinate, and believed not, ill-speaking the way of our Lord before the multitude, departing from them, he separated the disciples, daily disputing in the school of one Tyrannus.But when certaine were indurate, and beleeued not, il-speaking the way of our Lord before the multitude, departing from them, he separated the disciples, daily disputing in the schole of one Tyrannus.Cum autem quidam indurarentur, et non crederent, maledicentes viam Domini coram multitudine, discedens ab eis, segregavit discipulos, quotidie disputans in schola tyranni cujusdam.
10And this was done for the space of two years, so that all which dwelt in Asia, heard the word of our Lord, Jews and Gentiles.And this was done for the space of two yeres, so that al which dwelt in Asia, heard the word of our Lord, Iewes and Gentils.Hoc autem factum est per biennium, ita ut omnes qui habitabant in Asia audirent verbum Domini, Judæi atque gentiles.
11And God wrought by the hand of Paul miracles not common:And God wrought by the hand of Paul miracles not common:Virtutesque non quaslibet faciebat Deus per manum Pauli,
12so that there were also brought from his body napkins or handkerchiefs upon the sick, and the diseases departed from them, and the wicked spirits went out.so that there were also brought from his body napkins or handkerchefs vpon the sicke, and the diseases departed from them, and the wicked spirits went out.¶ita ut etiam super languidos deferrentur a corpore ejus sudaria et semicinctia, et recedebant ab eis languores, et spiritus nequam egrediebantur.
13And certain also of the Judaical exorcists that went about, assayed to invocate upon them that had evil spirits, the name of our Lord JESUS, saying, I adjure you by JESUS whom Paul preacheth.And certaine also of the Iudaical exorcists that went about, assaied to inuocate vpon them that had euil spirits, the name of our Lord IESVS, saying, I adiure you by IESVS whom Paul preacheth.Tentaverunt autem quidam et de circumeuntibus Judæis exorcistis invocare super eos qui habebant spiritus malos nomen Domini Jesu, dicentes : Adjuro vos per Jesum, quem Paulus prædicat.
14And there were certain sons of Sceva a Jew, chief priest, seven, that did this.And there were certaine sonnes of Sceua a Iewe, cheefe priest, seuen, that did this.Erant autem quidam Judæi, Scevæ principis sacerdotum septem filii, qui hoc faciebant.
15But the wicked spirit answering, said to them, JESUS I know, and Paul I know: but you, what are ye?But the wicked spirit answering, said to them, IESVS I know, and Paul I know: but you, what are ye?Respondens autem spiritus nequam dixit eis : Jesum novi, et Paulum scio : vos autem qui estis ?
16And the man in whom the wicked spirit was, leaping upon them, and mastering both, prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.And the man in whom the wicked spirit was, leaping vpon them, and mastring *both, preuailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.¶Et insiliens in eos homo, in quo erat dæmonium pessimum, et dominatus amborum, invaluit contra eos, ita ut nudi et vulnerati effugerent de domo illa.
17And this was made notum: widely known, made public, not infamous to all the Jews and the Gentiles that dwelt at Ephesus: and fear fell upon all them, and the name of our Lord JESUS was magnified.And this was made notorious to al the Iewes and the Gentiles that dwelt at Ephesus: and feare fel vpon al them, and the name of our Lord IESVS was magnified.Hoc autem notum factum est omnibus Judæis, atque gentilibus qui habitabant Ephesi : et cecidit timor super omnes illos, et magnificabatur nomen Domini Jesu.
18And many of them that believed, came confessing and declaring their deeds.And many of them that beleeued, came confessing and declaring their deedes.Multique credentium veniebant, confitentes et annuntiantes actus suos.
19And many of them that had followed curiosa: occult, pertaining to the magic arts things, brought together their books, and burnt them before all: and counting the prices of them, they found the money to be fifty thousand pence.And many of them that had folowed curious things, brought together their bookes, and burnt them before al: and counting the prices of them, they found the money to be fiftie thousand pence.¶Multi autem ex eis, qui fuerant curiosa sectati, contulerunt libros, et combusserunt coram omnibus : et computatis pretiis illorum, invenerunt pecuniam denariorum quinquaginta millium.
20So mightily increased the word of God and was confirmabatur: strengthened, established.So mightely increased the word of God and was confirmed.Ita fortiter crescebat verbum Dei, et confirmabatur.
21And when these things were ended, Paul purposed in the Spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I shall have been there, I must see Rome also.And when these things were ended, Paul purposed in the Spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to goe to Hierusalem, saying, After I shall haue been there, I must see Rome also.His autem expletis, proposuit Paulus in Spiritu, transita Macedonia et Achaia, ire Jerosolymam, dicens : Quoniam postquam fuero ibi, oportet me et Romam videre.
22And sending into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timothee and Erastus, himself remained for a time in Asia.And sending into Macedonia two of them that ministred vnto him, Timothee and Erastus, him self remained for a time in Asia.Mittens autem in Macedoniam duos ex ministrantibus sibi, Timotheum et Erastum, ipse remansit ad tempus in Asia.
23And at that time there was made no little trouble about the way of our Lord.And at that time there was made no litle trouble about the way of our Lord.Facta est autem illo tempore turbatio non minima de via Domini.
24For one named Demetrius, a silversmith, that made silver temples of Diana, procured to the artificers no small gain:For one named Demetrius, a siluersmith, that made siluer temples of Diana, procured to the artificers no smal gaine:Demetrius enim quidam nomine, argentarius, faciens ædes argenteas Dianæ, præstabat artificibus non modicum quæstum :
25whom calling together and them that were the same kind of workmen, he said, Sirs, you know that our gain is of this occupation:whom calling together and them that were the same kinde of workemen, he said, Sirs, you know that our gaine is of this occupation:quos convocans, et eos qui hujusmodi erant opifices, dixit : Viri, scitis quia de hoc artificio est nobis acquisitio :
26and you see and hear that this same Paul by persuasion hath avertit: turned away, diverted, not avoided a great multitude not only of Ephesus, but almost of all Asia, saying, That they are not gods which be made by hands.and you see and heare that this same Paul by persuasion hath auerted a great multitude not only of Ephesus, but almost of al Asia, saying, That they are not gods which be made by handes.et videtis et auditis quia non solum Ephesi, sed pene totius Asiæ, Paulus hic suadens avertit multam turbam, dicens : Quoniam non sunt dii, qui manibus fiunt.
27And not only unto us is this part in danger to be reproved, but also the temple of great Diana shall be reputed for nothing, yea and her majesty shall begin to be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth.And not only vnto vs is this part in danger to be reproued, but also the temple of great Diana shal be reputed for nothing, yea & her maiestie shal begin to be destroied, whom al Asia & the world worshippeth.Non solum autem hæc periclitabitur nobis pars in redargutionem venire, sed et magnæ Dianæ templum in nihilum reputabitur, sed et destrui incipiet majestas ejus, quam tota Asia et orbis colit.
28Hearing these things, they were repleti: filled full with anger, and cried out saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.Hearing these things, they were replenished with anger, and cried out saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.His auditis, repleti sunt ira, et exclamaverunt dicentes : Magna Diana Ephesiorum.
29And the whole city was filled with confusion, and they ran violently with one accord into the theatre, catching Gaius and Aristarchus Macedonians, Paul's companions.And the whole citie was filled with confusion, & they ranne violently with one accord into the theatre, catching Gaius and Aristarchus Macedonians, Paules companions.Et impleta est civitas confusione, et impetum fecerunt uno animo in theatrum, rapto Gajo et Aristarcho Macedonibus, comitibus Pauli.
30And when Paul would have entered in to the people, the disciples did not permit him.And when Paul would haue entred in to the people, the disciples did not permit him.Paulo autem volente intrare in populum, non permiserunt discipuli.
31And certain also of the Princes of Asia were his friends, sent unto him, desiring that he would not daret: venture, risk himself into the theatre:And certaine also of the Princes of Asia were his friendes, sent vnto him, desyring that he would not aduenture him self into the theatre:Quidam autem et de Asiæ principibus, qui erant amici ejus, miserunt ad eum rogantes ne se daret in theatrum :
32and others cried another thing. For the assembly was confusa: in confusion, disordered, and the more part knew not for what cause they were assembled.and others cried an other thing. For the assemblie was confuse, & the more part knew not for what cause they were assembled.alii autem aliud clamabant. Erat enim ecclesia confusa : et plures nesciebant qua ex causa convenissent.
33And of the multitude they drew forth Alexander, the Jews thrusting him forward. But Alexander with his hand desiring silence, would have given the people satisfaction:And of the multitude they drew forth Alexander, the Iewes thrusting him forward. But Alexander with his hand desyring silence, would haue giuen the people satisfaction:De turba autem detraxerunt Alexandrum, propellentibus eum Judæis. Alexander autem manu silentio postulato, volebat reddere rationem populo.
34Whom as soon as they perceived to be a Jew, there was made one voice of all, almost for the space of two hours crying out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.Whom as soone as they perceiued to be a Iewe, there was made one voice of al, almost for the space of two houres crying out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.Quem ut cognoverunt Judæum esse, vox facta una est omnium, quasi per horas duas clamantium : Magna Diana Ephesiorum.
35And when the Scribe had appeased the multitudes, he saith, Ye men of Ephesus, for what man is there that knoweth not the city of the Ephesians to be a worshipper of great Diana, and of Jupiter's prolis: offspring?And when the Scribe had appeased the multitudes, he saith, Ye men of Ephesus, for what man is there that knoweth not the citie of the Ephesians to be a worshipper of great Diana, and of Iupiters childe?Et cum sedasset scriba turbas, dixit : Viri Ephesii, quis enim est hominum, qui nesciat Ephesiorum civitatem cultricem esse magnæ Dianæ, Jovisque prolis ?
36Forasmuch therefore as these things cannot be contradici: contradicted, denied, you must be quieted, and do nothing rashly.Forasmuch therfore as these things can not be gainsaid, you must be quieted, and doe nothing rashly.Cum ergo his contradici non possit, oportet vos sedatos esse, et nihil temere agere.
37For you have brought these men, being neither sacrilegious, nor blaspheming your Goddess.For you haue brought these men, being neither sacrilegious, nor blaspheming your Goddesse.Adduxistis enim homines istos, neque sacrilegos, neque blasphemantes deam vestram.
38But if Demetrius and the artificers that are with him, have matter to say against any man, there are Courts kept in the common place, and there are Proconsuls, let them accuse one another.But if Demetrius and the artificers that are with him, haue matter to say against any man, there are Courtes kept in the common place, & there are Proconsuls, let them accuse one an other.Quod si Demetrius et qui cum eo sunt artifices, habent adversus aliquem causam, conventus forenses aguntur, et proconsules sunt : accusent invicem.
39And if you ask any other matter: it may be resolved in a lawful assembly.And if you aske any other matter: it may be resolued in a lawful assemblie.Si quid autem alterius rei quæritis, in legitima ecclesia poterit absolvi.
40For we are in danger also to be accused for this day's sedition: whereas there is no man guilty by whom we may give an account of this concourse. And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly.For we are in danger also to be accused for this daies sedition: whereas there is no man guilty by whom we may giue an account of this concourse. And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assemblie.Nam et periclitamur argui seditionis hodiernæ, cum nullus obnoxius sit de quo possimus reddere rationem concursus istius. Et cum hæc dixisset, dimisit ecclesiam.
Annotations
12Napkins. The napkins that had touched S. Paul's body, wrought miracles, and it was no superstition to attribute that virtue to them which God gave to them in deed: nor to seek to touch them for health, was any dishonour to God, but it much proved Christ's religion to be true, and him to be the only God, whose servants, yea whose servants' *shades and napkins could do such wonders, as S. Chrysostom (to. 5. cont. Gentiles, quòd Christus sit Deus, in vit. Babylæ.) showeth in a whole book to that purpose, against the Pagans, proving hereby and by the like virtue of other Saints and their Relics, that Christ their Lord and Master is God. For it is all one concerning the bodies of Saints, relics, garments, staves, books, or any thing that belonged to them, all which may and have done and yet do (when it is necessary to our edification) the like wonders to God's great honour: not only in their life time, but after their death much more. For S. Paul's napkins had as great force when he was dead, as when he lived, and so much more, as his grace and dignity with God is greater than before. Which S. Chrysostom in the place alleged proveth as large by the shrine of S. Babylas the Martyr: and to think the contrary, is the Heresy of Vigilantius, condemned of long time, as in S. Hierom's time, and by him refuted abundantly.
16Paul I know. Both the said napkins taken from S. Paul's body, and his name also, were dreadful and able to expel devils. Whereby we learn that not only Christ's name, which is the principal, but his servants' names also invocated upon the possessed, have power over devils: which is a marvellous honour to Saints, and nothing diminisheth the glory of Christ, but exceedingly increaseth the same, not only himself, but his servants also being able to do such things, and to be stronger than any Devil in Hell. So we read in S. Hierom that many did invocate the name of S. Hilarion upon the possessed, and the devils straight departed. So did the Devil know S. Babylas and other Saints, even after they were dead, when they could not speak for the presence of their bodies. But our Heretics Luther and Calvin and their Scholars attempting to cast out devils, sped much like as these good fellows did.
19Curious things. Curious and unlawful sciences, as Witchcraft, Necromancy, and other means of divination by soothsaying, figure-casting, interpretation of dreams, or any way that is not allowed by God and his Church, must much more be abhorred of old Christians, when these so lately converted were so zealous and diligent to leave them. And by this example all that are newly converted, and must be made reconciled to the Church, are taught, the first thing they do, to burn their heretical and naughty books away.
19Books. A Christian man is bound to burn or deface all wicked books of what sort soever, specially heretical books. Which though they infect not him always that keepeth them, yet being furth coming, they may be noisome and pernicious to others that shall have them and read them after his death, or otherwise. Therefore hath the Church taken order for condemning all such books, and against the reading of them, where danger may ensue: and the Christian Emperors, Constantinus Magnus, Valentinian, Theodosius, Martian, Justinian, made penal laws for the burning or defacing of them. Sozom. li. 1 c. 20. li. 2 c. 31. Conc. Chalc. act. 3. in fine, cap. Ampla. & in fine totius Conc. c. Imperator. Conc. Constantinop. 2. consec. 5. cap. Debitam. & Act. 1 cap. 1. & cap. Rem. See Eusebius li. 5 de vita Constant. c. 61. 62. 63. 64. The danger of reading them, as it is manifest, so it is signified by Euseb. li. 7. c. 6. and by S. Augustine li. 3 de bapt. c. 14. S. Greg. li. 5 ep. 64.