Spirit-Led Evangelism

Consider It All Joy

Know Jesus, Make Him Known

Burst Your Christian Bubble

God's Goodness and Human Free Will

Baptism Faith Training

Everyday Evangelism: Practical Ways to Share Jesus

The Harvest Is Ready

Christmas Miracles

Christmas: The Birth of Your Personal Miracle

The Listener’s Bible®: NIV Edition

New International Version™  (Anglicised), Audio Edition

Holy Bible, New International Version™ (Anglicised), South Asian Audio Edition

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkPRO">
      <div class="chapter ch14" data-usfm="PRO.14">
         <div class="label">14</div><div class="q1"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PRO.14.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">The wise woman builds her house,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PRO.14.1"><span class="content">but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PRO.14.1"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PRO.14.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">Whoever fears the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> walks uprightly,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PRO.14.2"><span class="content">but those who despise him are devious in their ways.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PRO.14.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PRO.14.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">A fool&#8217;s mouth lashes out with pride,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PRO.14.3"><span class="content">but the lips of the wise protect them.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PRO.14.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.14.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.14.4"><span class="content">but from the strength of an ox come abundant harvests.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.14.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PRO.14.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">An honest witness does not deceive,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PRO.14.5"><span class="content">but a false witness pours out lies.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PRO.14.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PRO.14.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PRO.14.6"><span class="content">but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PRO.14.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PRO.14.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">Stay away from a fool,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PRO.14.7"><span class="content">for you will not find knowledge on their lips.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PRO.14.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PRO.14.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PRO.14.8"><span class="content">but the folly of fools is deception.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PRO.14.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PRO.14.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">Fools mock at making amends for sin,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PRO.14.9"><span class="content">but goodwill is found among the upright.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PRO.14.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PRO.14.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">Each heart knows its own bitterness,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PRO.14.10"><span class="content">and no one else can share its joy.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PRO.14.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PRO.14.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">The house of the wicked will be destroyed,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PRO.14.11"><span class="content">but the tent of the upright will flourish.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PRO.14.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PRO.14.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">There is a way that appears to be right,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PRO.14.12"><span class="content">but in the end it leads to death.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PRO.14.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PRO.14.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">Even in laughter the heart may ache,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PRO.14.13"><span class="content">and rejoicing may end in grief.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PRO.14.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PRO.14.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PRO.14.14"><span class="content">and the good rewarded for theirs.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PRO.14.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PRO.14.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">The simple believe anything,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PRO.14.15"><span class="content">but the prudent give thought to their steps.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PRO.14.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PRO.14.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">The wise fear the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> and shun evil,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PRO.14.16"><span class="content">but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PRO.14.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PRO.14.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">A quick-tempered person does foolish things,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PRO.14.17"><span class="content">and the one who devises evil schemes is hated.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PRO.14.17"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PRO.14.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">The simple inherit folly,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PRO.14.18"><span class="content">but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PRO.14.18"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PRO.14.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">Evildoers will bow down in the presence of the good,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PRO.14.19"><span class="content">and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PRO.14.19"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PRO.14.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">The poor are shunned even by their neighbors,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PRO.14.20"><span class="content">but the rich have many friends.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PRO.14.20"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PRO.14.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">It is a sin to despise one&#8217;s neighbor,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PRO.14.21"><span class="content">but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PRO.14.21"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PRO.14.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">Do not those who plot evil go astray?</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PRO.14.22"><span class="content">But those who plan what is good find</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">14:22 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">show</span></span></span><span class="content"> love and faithfulness.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PRO.14.22"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="PRO.14.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">All hard work brings a profit,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="PRO.14.23"><span class="content">but mere talk leads only to poverty.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="PRO.14.23"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="PRO.14.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">The wealth of the wise is their crown,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="PRO.14.24"><span class="content">but the folly of fools yields folly.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="PRO.14.24"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="PRO.14.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">A truthful witness saves lives,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="PRO.14.25"><span class="content">but a false witness is deceitful.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="PRO.14.25"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="PRO.14.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">Whoever fears the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> has a secure fortress,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="PRO.14.26"><span class="content">and for their children it will be a refuge.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="PRO.14.26"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="PRO.14.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">The fear of the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> is a fountain of life,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="PRO.14.27"><span class="content">turning a person from the snares of death.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="PRO.14.27"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="PRO.14.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">A large population is a king&#8217;s glory,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="PRO.14.28"><span class="content">but without subjects a prince is ruined.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="PRO.14.28"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="PRO.14.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">Whoever is patient has great understanding,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="PRO.14.29"><span class="content">but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="PRO.14.29"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="PRO.14.30"><span class="label">30</span><span class="content">A heart at peace gives life to the body,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="PRO.14.30"><span class="content">but envy rots the bones.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="PRO.14.30"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="PRO.14.31"><span class="label">31</span><span class="content">Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="PRO.14.31"><span class="content">but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="PRO.14.31"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="PRO.14.32"><span class="label">32</span><span class="content">When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="PRO.14.32"><span class="content">but even in death the righteous seek refuge in God.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="PRO.14.32"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="PRO.14.33"><span class="label">33</span><span class="content">Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="PRO.14.33"><span class="content">and even among fools she lets herself be known.</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">14:33 </span><span class="ft">Hebrew; Septuagint and Syriac </span><span class="fqa">discerning / but in the heart of fools she is not known</span></span></span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="PRO.14.33"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="PRO.14.34"><span class="label">34</span><span class="content">Righteousness exalts a nation,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="PRO.14.34"><span class="content">but sin condemns any people.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="PRO.14.34"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="PRO.14.35"><span class="label">35</span><span class="content">A king delights in a wise servant,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="PRO.14.35"><span class="content">but a shameful servant arouses his fury.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkPSA">
      <div class="chapter ch91" data-usfm="PSA.91">
         <div class="label">91</div><div class="cl"><span class="heading">Psalm 91</span></div><div class="q1"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PSA.91.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PSA.91.1"><span class="content">will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">91:1 </span><span class="ft">Hebrew </span><span class="fqa">Shaddai</span></span></span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PSA.91.1"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PSA.91.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">I will say of the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">, &#8220;He is my refuge and my fortress,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PSA.91.2"><span class="content">my God, in whom I trust.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PSA.91.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.91.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">Surely he will save you</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.91.3"><span class="content">from the fowler&#8217;s snare</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.91.3"><span class="content">and from the deadly pestilence.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.91.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PSA.91.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">He will cover you with his feathers,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PSA.91.4"><span class="content">and under his wings you will find refuge;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PSA.91.4"><span class="content">his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PSA.91.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PSA.91.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">You will not fear the terror of night,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PSA.91.5"><span class="content">nor the arrow that flies by day,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PSA.91.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PSA.91.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PSA.91.6"><span class="content">nor the plague that destroys at midday.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PSA.91.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PSA.91.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">A thousand may fall at your side,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PSA.91.7"><span class="content">ten thousand at your right hand,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PSA.91.7"><span class="content">but it will not come near you.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PSA.91.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PSA.91.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">You will only observe with your eyes</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PSA.91.8"><span class="content">and see the punishment of the wicked.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PSA.91.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PSA.91.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">If you say, &#8220;The </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> is my refuge,&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PSA.91.9"><span class="content">and you make the Most High your dwelling,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PSA.91.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PSA.91.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">no harm will overtake you,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PSA.91.10"><span class="content">no disaster will come near your tent.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PSA.91.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PSA.91.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">For he will command his angels concerning you</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PSA.91.11"><span class="content">to guard you in all your ways;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PSA.91.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PSA.91.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">they will lift you up in their hands,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PSA.91.12"><span class="content">so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PSA.91.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PSA.91.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">You will tread on the lion and the cobra;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PSA.91.13"><span class="content">you will trample the great lion and the serpent.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PSA.91.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PSA.91.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">&#8220;Because he</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">91:14 </span><span class="ft">That is, probably the king</span></span></span><span class="content"> loves me,&#8221; says the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">, &#8220;I will rescue him;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PSA.91.14"><span class="content">I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PSA.91.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PSA.91.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">He will call on me, and I will answer him;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PSA.91.15"><span class="content">I will be with him in trouble,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PSA.91.15"><span class="content">I will deliver him and honor him.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PSA.91.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PSA.91.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">With long life I will satisfy him</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PSA.91.16"><span class="content">and show him my salvation.&#8221;</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkREV">
      <div class="chapter ch14" data-usfm="REV.14">
         <div class="label">14</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">The Lamb and the 144,000</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="REV.14.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Then I looked, and there before me was the Lamb, standing on Mount Zion, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father&#8217;s name written on their foreheads. </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="REV.14.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">And I heard a sound from heaven like the roar of rushing waters and like a loud peal of thunder. The sound I heard was like that of harpists playing their harps. </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="REV.14.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn the song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth. </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="REV.14.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">These are those who did not defile themselves with women, for they remained virgins. They follow the Lamb wherever he goes. They were purchased from among mankind and offered as firstfruits to God and the Lamb. </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="REV.14.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">No lie was found in their mouths; they are blameless.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">The Three Angels</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="REV.14.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="REV.14.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth&#8212;to every nation, tribe, language and people. </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="REV.14.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">He said in a loud voice, &#8220;Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="REV.14.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="REV.14.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">A second angel followed and said, &#8220;&#8198;&#8216;Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great,&#8217;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">14:8 </span><span class="ft">Isaiah 21:9</span></span></span><span class="content"> which made all the nations drink the maddening wine of her adulteries.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="REV.14.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="REV.14.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">A third angel followed them and said in a loud voice: &#8220;If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives its mark on their forehead or on their hand, </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="REV.14.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">they, too, will drink the wine of God&#8217;s fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of his wrath. They will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb. </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="REV.14.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">And the smoke of their torment will rise for ever and ever. There will be no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and its image, or for anyone who receives the mark of its name.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="REV.14.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">This calls for patient endurance on the part of the people of God who keep his commands and remain faithful to Jesus.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="REV.14.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="REV.14.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">Then I heard a voice from heaven say, &#8220;Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="REV.14.13"><span class="content">&#8220;Yes,&#8221; says the Spirit, &#8220;they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Harvesting the Earth and Trampling the Winepress</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="REV.14.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="REV.14.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">I looked, and there before me was a white cloud, and seated on the cloud was one like a son of man</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">14:14 </span><span class="ft">See Daniel 7:13.</span></span></span><span class="content"> with a crown of gold on his head and a sharp sickle in his hand. </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="REV.14.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">Then another angel came out of the temple and called in a loud voice to him who was sitting on the cloud, &#8220;Take your sickle and reap, because the time to reap has come, for the harvest of the earth is ripe.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="REV.14.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">So he who was seated on the cloud swung his sickle over the earth, and the earth was harvested.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="REV.14.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="REV.14.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">Another angel came out of the temple in heaven, and he too had a sharp sickle. </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="REV.14.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">Still another angel, who had charge of the fire, came from the altar and called in a loud voice to him who had the sharp sickle, &#8220;Take your sharp sickle and gather the clusters of grapes from the earth&#8217;s vine, because its grapes are ripe.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="REV.14.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">The angel swung his sickle on the earth, gathered its grapes and threw them into the great winepress of God&#8217;s wrath. </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="REV.14.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">They were trampled in the winepress outside the city, and blood flowed out of the press, rising as high as the horses&#8217; bridles for a distance of 1,600 stadia.</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">14:20 </span><span class="ft">That is, about 180 miles or about 300 kilometers</span></span></span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkACT">
      <div class="chapter ch3" data-usfm="ACT.3">
         <div class="label">3</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Peter Heals a Lame Beggar</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ACT.3.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer&#8212;at three in the afternoon. </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ACT.3.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ACT.3.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ACT.3.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, &#8220;Look at us!&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ACT.3.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ACT.3.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ACT.3.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">Then Peter said, &#8220;Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ACT.3.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man&#8217;s feet and ankles became strong. </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ACT.3.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ACT.3.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">When all the people saw him walking and praising God, </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ACT.3.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Peter Speaks to the Onlookers</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ACT.3.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ACT.3.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">While the man held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon&#8217;s Colonnade. </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ACT.3.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">When Peter saw this, he said to them: &#8220;Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ACT.3.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ACT.3.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ACT.3.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ACT.3.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus&#8217; name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ACT.3.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ACT.3.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">&#8220;Now, fellow Israelites, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ACT.3.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Messiah would suffer. </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ACT.3.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ACT.3.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you&#8212;even Jesus. </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="ACT.3.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">Heaven must receive him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets. </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="ACT.3.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">For Moses said, &#8216;The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you. </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="ACT.3.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from their people.&#8217;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">3:23 </span><span class="ft">Deut. 18:15,18,19</span></span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="ACT.3.23"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="ACT.3.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">&#8220;Indeed, beginning with Samuel, all the prophets who have spoken have foretold these days. </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ACT.3.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers. He said to Abraham, &#8216;Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed.&#8217;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">3:25 </span><span class="ft">Gen. 22:18; 26:4</span></span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ACT.3.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways.&#8221;</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkACT">
      <div class="chapter ch4" data-usfm="ACT.4">
         <div class="label">4</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ACT.4.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ACT.4.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ACT.4.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ACT.4.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ACT.4.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ACT.4.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ACT.4.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest&#8217;s family. </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ACT.4.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: &#8220;By what power or what name did you do this?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ACT.4.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ACT.4.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: &#8220;Rulers and elders of the people! </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ACT.4.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ACT.4.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ACT.4.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">Jesus is</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ACT.4.11"><span class="content">&#8220;&#8198;&#8216;the stone you builders rejected,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ACT.4.11"><span class="content">which has become the cornerstone.&#8217;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">4:11 </span><span class="ft">Psalm 118:22</span></span></span></span></div><div class="m"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ACT.4.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ACT.4.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ACT.4.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ACT.4.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ACT.4.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ACT.4.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ACT.4.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">&#8220;What are we going to do with these men?&#8221; they asked. &#8220;Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it. </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ACT.4.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ACT.4.17"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ACT.4.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ACT.4.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">But Peter and John replied, &#8220;Which is right in God&#8217;s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ACT.4.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ACT.4.20"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="ACT.4.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="ACT.4.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">The Believers Pray</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="ACT.4.22"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="ACT.4.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="ACT.4.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. &#8220;Sovereign Lord,&#8221; they said, &#8220;you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ACT.4.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David:</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ACT.4.25"><span class="content">&#8220;&#8198;&#8216;Why do the nations rage</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ACT.4.25"><span class="content">and the peoples plot in vain?</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ACT.4.25"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ACT.4.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">The kings of the earth rise up</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ACT.4.26"><span class="content">and the rulers band together</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ACT.4.26"><span class="content">against the Lord</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ACT.4.26"><span class="content">and against his anointed one.</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">4:26 </span><span class="ft">That is, Messiah or Christ</span></span></span><span class="content">&#8217;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">4:26 </span><span class="ft">Psalm 2:1,2</span></span></span></span></div><div class="m"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ACT.4.26"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="ACT.4.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="ACT.4.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="ACT.4.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. </span></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="ACT.4.30"><span class="label">30</span><span class="content">Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="ACT.4.30"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="ACT.4.31"><span class="label">31</span><span class="content">After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">The Believers Share Their Possessions</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="ACT.4.31"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="ACT.4.32"><span class="label">32</span><span class="content">All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. </span></span><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="ACT.4.33"><span class="label">33</span><span class="content">With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God&#8217;s grace was so powerfully at work in them all </span></span><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="ACT.4.34"><span class="label">34</span><span class="content">that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales </span></span><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="ACT.4.35"><span class="label">35</span><span class="content">and put it at the apostles&#8217; feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="ACT.4.35"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v36" data-usfm="ACT.4.36"><span class="label">36</span><span class="content">Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means &#8220;son of encouragement&#8221;), </span></span><span class="verse v37" data-usfm="ACT.4.37"><span class="label">37</span><span class="content">sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles&#8217; feet.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkACT">
      <div class="chapter ch5" data-usfm="ACT.5">
         <div class="label">5</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Ananias and Sapphira</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ACT.5.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ACT.5.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">With his wife&#8217;s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles&#8217; feet.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ACT.5.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ACT.5.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">Then Peter said, &#8220;Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ACT.5.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">Didn&#8217;t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn&#8217;t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ACT.5.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ACT.5.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ACT.5.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">Then some young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ACT.5.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ACT.5.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ACT.5.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">Peter asked her, &#8220;Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ACT.5.8"><span class="content">&#8220;Yes,&#8221; she said, &#8220;that is the price.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ACT.5.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ACT.5.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">Peter said to her, &#8220;How could you conspire to test the Spirit of the Lord? Listen! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ACT.5.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ACT.5.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband. </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ACT.5.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">The Apostles Heal Many</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ACT.5.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ACT.5.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon&#8217;s Colonnade. </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ACT.5.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ACT.5.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ACT.5.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter&#8217;s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ACT.5.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by impure spirits, and all of them were healed.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">The Apostles Persecuted</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ACT.5.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ACT.5.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ACT.5.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ACT.5.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out. </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ACT.5.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">&#8220;Go, stand in the temple courts,&#8221; he said, &#8220;and tell the people all about this new life.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ACT.5.20"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="ACT.5.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">At daybreak they entered the temple courts, as they had been told, and began to teach the people.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="ACT.5.21"><span class="content">When the high priest and his associates arrived, they called together the Sanhedrin&#8212;the full assembly of the elders of Israel&#8212;and sent to the jail for the apostles. </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="ACT.5.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">But on arriving at the jail, the officers did not find them there. So they went back and reported, </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="ACT.5.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">&#8220;We found the jail securely locked, with the guards standing at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="ACT.5.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">On hearing this report, the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests were at a loss, wondering what this might lead to.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="ACT.5.24"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ACT.5.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">Then someone came and said, &#8220;Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the temple courts teaching the people.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ACT.5.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">At that, the captain went with his officers and brought the apostles. They did not use force, because they feared that the people would stone them.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ACT.5.26"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="ACT.5.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">The apostles were brought in and made to appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="ACT.5.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">&#8220;We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,&#8221; he said. &#8220;Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man&#8217;s blood.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="ACT.5.28"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="ACT.5.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">Peter and the other apostles replied: &#8220;We must obey God rather than human beings! </span></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="ACT.5.30"><span class="label">30</span><span class="content">The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead&#8212;whom you killed by hanging him on a cross. </span></span><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="ACT.5.31"><span class="label">31</span><span class="content">God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins. </span></span><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="ACT.5.32"><span class="label">32</span><span class="content">We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="ACT.5.32"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="ACT.5.33"><span class="label">33</span><span class="content">When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death. </span></span><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="ACT.5.34"><span class="label">34</span><span class="content">But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. </span></span><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="ACT.5.35"><span class="label">35</span><span class="content">Then he addressed the Sanhedrin: &#8220;Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. </span></span><span class="verse v36" data-usfm="ACT.5.36"><span class="label">36</span><span class="content">Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. </span></span><span class="verse v37" data-usfm="ACT.5.37"><span class="label">37</span><span class="content">After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. </span></span><span class="verse v38" data-usfm="ACT.5.38"><span class="label">38</span><span class="content">Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. </span></span><span class="verse v39" data-usfm="ACT.5.39"><span class="label">39</span><span class="content">But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v39" data-usfm="ACT.5.39"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v40" data-usfm="ACT.5.40"><span class="label">40</span><span class="content">His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v40" data-usfm="ACT.5.40"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v41" data-usfm="ACT.5.41"><span class="label">41</span><span class="content">The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. </span></span><span class="verse v42" data-usfm="ACT.5.42"><span class="label">42</span><span class="content">Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkACT">
      <div class="chapter ch6" data-usfm="ACT.6">
         <div class="label">6</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">The Choosing of the Seven</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ACT.6.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">6:1 </span><span class="ft">That is, Jews who had adopted the Greek language and culture</span></span></span><span class="content"> among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ACT.6.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, &#8220;It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ACT.6.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ACT.6.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ACT.6.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ACT.6.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ACT.6.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ACT.6.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ACT.6.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Stephen Seized</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ACT.6.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ACT.6.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">Now Stephen, a man full of God&#8217;s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ACT.6.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)&#8212;Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia&#8212;who began to argue with Stephen. </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ACT.6.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">But they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ACT.6.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ACT.6.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">Then they secretly persuaded some men to say, &#8220;We have heard Stephen speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ACT.6.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ACT.6.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">So they stirred up the people and the elders and the teachers of the law. They seized Stephen and brought him before the Sanhedrin. </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ACT.6.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">They produced false witnesses, who testified, &#8220;This fellow never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ACT.6.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ACT.6.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ACT.6.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
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<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkACT">
      <div class="chapter ch8" data-usfm="ACT.8">
         <div class="label">8</div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ACT.8.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">And Saul approved of their killing him.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">The Church Persecuted and Scattered</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ACT.8.1"><span class="content">On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ACT.8.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ACT.8.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Philip in Samaria</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ACT.8.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ACT.8.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ACT.8.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there. </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ACT.8.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said. </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ACT.8.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">For with shrieks, impure spirits came out of many, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ACT.8.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">So there was great joy in that city.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Simon the Sorcerer</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ACT.8.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ACT.8.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">Now for some time a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He boasted that he was someone great, </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ACT.8.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">and all the people, both high and low, gave him their attention and exclaimed, &#8220;This man is rightly called the Great Power of God.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ACT.8.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">They followed him because he had amazed them for a long time with his sorcery. </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ACT.8.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ACT.8.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ACT.8.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ACT.8.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria. </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ACT.8.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ACT.8.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ACT.8.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ACT.8.17"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ACT.8.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles&#8217; hands, he offered them money </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ACT.8.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">and said, &#8220;Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ACT.8.19"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ACT.8.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">Peter answered: &#8220;May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="ACT.8.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="ACT.8.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="ACT.8.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="ACT.8.23"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="ACT.8.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">Then Simon answered, &#8220;Pray to the Lord for me so that nothing you have said may happen to me.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="ACT.8.24"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ACT.8.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">After they had further proclaimed the word of the Lord and testified about Jesus, Peter and John returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many Samaritan villages.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Philip and the Ethiopian</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ACT.8.25"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ACT.8.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, &#8220;Go south to the road&#8212;the desert road&#8212;that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="ACT.8.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">8:27 </span><span class="ft">That is, from the southern Nile region</span></span></span><span class="content"> eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of the Kandake (which means &#8220;queen of the Ethiopians&#8221;). This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="ACT.8.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the Book of Isaiah the prophet. </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="ACT.8.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">The Spirit told Philip, &#8220;Go to that chariot and stay near it.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="ACT.8.29"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="ACT.8.30"><span class="label">30</span><span class="content">Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. &#8220;Do you understand what you are reading?&#8221; Philip asked.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="ACT.8.30"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="ACT.8.31"><span class="label">31</span><span class="content">&#8220;How can I,&#8221; he said, &#8220;unless someone explains it to me?&#8221; So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="ACT.8.31"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="ACT.8.32"><span class="label">32</span><span class="content">This is the passage of Scripture the eunuch was reading:</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="ACT.8.32"><span class="content">&#8220;He was led like a sheep to the slaughter,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="ACT.8.32"><span class="content">and as a lamb before its shearer is silent,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="ACT.8.32"><span class="content">so he did not open his mouth.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="ACT.8.32"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="ACT.8.33"><span class="label">33</span><span class="content">In his humiliation he was deprived of justice.</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="ACT.8.33"><span class="content">Who can speak of his descendants?</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="ACT.8.33"><span class="content">For his life was taken from the earth.&#8221;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">8:33 </span><span class="ft">Isaiah 53:7,8 (see Septuagint)</span></span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="ACT.8.33"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="ACT.8.34"><span class="label">34</span><span class="content">The eunuch asked Philip, &#8220;Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="ACT.8.35"><span class="label">35</span><span class="content">Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="ACT.8.35"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v36" data-usfm="ACT.8.36"><span class="label">36</span><span class="content">As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, &#8220;Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v37" data-usfm="ACT.8.37"><span class="label">[37]</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">8:37 </span><span class="ft">Some manuscripts include here </span><span class="fqa">Philip said, &#8220;If you believe with all your heart, you may.&#8221; The eunuch answered, &#8220;I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.&#8221;</span></span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v38" data-usfm="ACT.8.38"><span class="label">38</span><span class="content">And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. </span></span><span class="verse v39" data-usfm="ACT.8.39"><span class="label">39</span><span class="content">When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. </span></span><span class="verse v40" data-usfm="ACT.8.40"><span class="label">40</span><span class="content">Philip, however, appeared at Azotus and traveled about, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea.</span></span></div>
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<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkACT">
      <div class="chapter ch9" data-usfm="ACT.9">
         <div class="label">9</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Saul&#8217;s Conversion</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ACT.9.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord&#8217;s disciples. He went to the high priest </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ACT.9.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ACT.9.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ACT.9.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?&#8221;</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ACT.9.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ACT.9.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">&#8220;Who are you, Lord?&#8221; Saul asked.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ACT.9.5"><span class="content">  </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,&#8221;</span></span><span class="content"> he replied. </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ACT.9.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.&#8221;</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ACT.9.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ACT.9.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ACT.9.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ACT.9.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ACT.9.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ACT.9.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Ananias!&#8221;</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ACT.9.10"><span class="content">&#8220;Yes, Lord,&#8221; he answered.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ACT.9.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ACT.9.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">The Lord told him, </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying.</span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ACT.9.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.&#8221;</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ACT.9.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ACT.9.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">&#8220;Lord,&#8221; Ananias answered, &#8220;I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ACT.9.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ACT.9.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ACT.9.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">But the Lord said to Ananias, </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.</span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ACT.9.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.&#8221;</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ACT.9.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ACT.9.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, &#8220;Brother Saul, the Lord&#8212;Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here&#8212;has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ACT.9.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul&#8217;s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ACT.9.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">and after taking some food, he regained his strength.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Saul in Damascus and Jerusalem</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ACT.9.19"><span class="content">Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ACT.9.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="ACT.9.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">All those who heard him were astonished and asked, &#8220;Isn&#8217;t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn&#8217;t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="ACT.9.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="ACT.9.22"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="ACT.9.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">After many days had gone by, there was a conspiracy among the Jews to kill him, </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="ACT.9.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">but Saul learned of their plan. Day and night they kept close watch on the city gates in order to kill him. </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ACT.9.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">But his followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ACT.9.25"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ACT.9.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="ACT.9.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="ACT.9.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="ACT.9.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">He talked and debated with the Hellenistic Jews,</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">9:29 </span><span class="ft">That is, Jews who had adopted the Greek language and culture</span></span></span><span class="content"> but they tried to kill him. </span></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="ACT.9.30"><span class="label">30</span><span class="content">When the believers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="ACT.9.30"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="ACT.9.31"><span class="label">31</span><span class="content">Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Aeneas and Dorcas</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="ACT.9.31"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="ACT.9.32"><span class="label">32</span><span class="content">As Peter traveled about the country, he went to visit the Lord&#8217;s people who lived in Lydda. </span></span><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="ACT.9.33"><span class="label">33</span><span class="content">There he found a man named Aeneas, who was paralyzed and had been bedridden for eight years. </span></span><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="ACT.9.34"><span class="label">34</span><span class="content">&#8220;Aeneas,&#8221; Peter said to him, &#8220;Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and roll up your mat.&#8221; Immediately Aeneas got up. </span></span><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="ACT.9.35"><span class="label">35</span><span class="content">All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="ACT.9.35"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v36" data-usfm="ACT.9.36"><span class="label">36</span><span class="content">In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. </span></span><span class="verse v37" data-usfm="ACT.9.37"><span class="label">37</span><span class="content">About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. </span></span><span class="verse v38" data-usfm="ACT.9.38"><span class="label">38</span><span class="content">Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, &#8220;Please come at once!&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v38" data-usfm="ACT.9.38"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v39" data-usfm="ACT.9.39"><span class="label">39</span><span class="content">Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v39" data-usfm="ACT.9.39"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v40" data-usfm="ACT.9.40"><span class="label">40</span><span class="content">Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, &#8220;Tabitha, get up.&#8221; She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. </span></span><span class="verse v41" data-usfm="ACT.9.41"><span class="label">41</span><span class="content">He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive. </span></span><span class="verse v42" data-usfm="ACT.9.42"><span class="label">42</span><span class="content">This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. </span></span><span class="verse v43" data-usfm="ACT.9.43"><span class="label">43</span><span class="content">Peter stayed in Joppa for some time with a tanner named Simon.</span></span></div>
      </div>
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