Psalms 16; Psalms 17; Acts 20:1-16

1 Protect me, God, because I take refuge in you.

2 I say to the LORD, "You are my Lord. Apart from you, I have nothing good."

3 Now as for the "holy ones" in the land, the "magnificent ones" that I was so happy about;

4 let their suffering increase because they hurried after a different god. I won't participate in their blood offerings; I won't let their names cross my lips.

5 You, LORD, are my portion, my cup; you control my destiny.

6 The property lines have fallen beautifully for me; yes, I have a lovely home.

7 I will bless the LORD who advises me; even at night I am instructed in the depths of my mind.

8 I always put the LORD in front of me; I will not stumble because he is on my right side.

9 That's why my heart celebrates and my mood is joyous; yes, my whole body will rest in safety

10 because you won't abandon my life to the grave; you won't let your faithful follower see the pit.

11 You teach me the way of life. In your presence is total celebration. Beautiful things are always in your right hand.

1 Listen to what's right, LORD; pay attention to my cry! Listen closely to my prayer; it's spoken by lips that don't lie!

2 My justice comes from you; let your eyes see what is right!

3 You have examined my heart, testing me at night. You've looked me over closely, but haven't found anything wrong. My mouth doesn't sin.

4 But these other people's deeds? I have avoided such violent ways by the command from your lips.

5 My steps are set firmly on your paths; my feet haven't slipped.

6 I cry out to you because you answer me. So tilt your ears toward me now— listen to what I'm saying!

7 Manifest your faithful love in amazing ways because you are the one who saves those who take refuge in you, saving them from their attackers by your strong hand.

8 Watch me with the very pupil of your eye! Hide me in the protection of your wings,

9 away from the wicked who are out to get me, away from my deadly enemies who are all around me!

10 They have no pity; their mouths speak arrogantly.

11 They track me down— suddenly, they surround me! They make their plans to put me in the dirt.

12 They are like a lion eager to rip its prey; they are like a strong young lion lying in wait.

13 Get up, LORD! Confront them! Bring them down! Rescue my life from the wicked— use your sword!

14 Rescue me from these people— use your own hands, LORD! Rescue me from these people whose only possession is their fleeting life. But fill the stomachs of your cherished ones; let their children be filled full so that they have leftovers enough for their babies.

15 But me? I will see your face in righteousness; when I awake, I will be filled full by seeing your image.

1 When the riot was over, Paul sent for the disciples, encouraged them, said good-bye, and left for the province of Macedonia.

2 He traveled through that region with a message of encouragement. When he came to Greece,

3 he stayed for three months. Because the Jews hatched a plot against Paul as he was about to sail for Syria, he decided instead to return through Macedonia.

4 He was accompanied by Sopater, Pyrrhus' son from Beroea, Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius from Derbe, Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus from the province of Asia.

5 They went on ahead and waited for us in Troas.

6 We sailed from Philippi after the Festival of Unleavened Bread and met them five days later in Troas, where we stayed for a week.

7 On the first day of the week, as we gathered together for a meal, Paul was holding a discussion with them. Since he was leaving the next day, he continued talking until midnight.

8 There were many lamps in the upstairs room where we had gathered.

9 A young man named Eutychus was sitting in the window. He was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell from the third floor and died.

10 Paul went down, fell on him and embraced him, then said, "Don't be alarmed. He's alive!"

11 Then Paul went back upstairs and ate. He talked for a long time—right up until daybreak—then he left.

12 They took the young man away alive, and they were greatly comforted.

13 We went on to the ship and sailed for Assos, where we intended to take Paul on board. Paul had arranged this, since he intended to make his way there by land.

14 When he met us at Assos, we took him aboard and went on to Mitylene.

15 The next day we sailed from there and arrived opposite Chios. On the day after, we sailed to Samos, and on the following day we came to Miletus.

16 Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus so that he wouldn't need to spend too much time in the province of Asia. He was hurrying to reach Jerusalem, if possible, by Pentecost Day.