Noah: A Covenant With Humanity

1 Samuel 1-7: The Call of a Prophet

Still Standing

How God's Goodness Changes Everything

The Urgency of Slowing Down

Let Your Light Shine by Vance K. Jackson

Between Borders

Politics for People Who Hate Politics

House of David

Opening the Road to the Kingdom of God

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 ch15" data-usfm="PRO.15">
         <div class="label">15</div><div class="q1"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PRO.15.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">A gentle answer turns away wrath,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PRO.15.1"><span class="content">but a harsh word stirs up anger.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PRO.15.1"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PRO.15.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PRO.15.2"><span class="content">but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PRO.15.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PRO.15.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">The eyes of the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> are everywhere,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PRO.15.3"><span class="content">keeping watch on the wicked and the good.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PRO.15.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.15.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">The soothing tongue is a tree of life,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.15.4"><span class="content">but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.15.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PRO.15.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">A fool spurns a parent&#8217;s discipline,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PRO.15.5"><span class="content">but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PRO.15.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PRO.15.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">The house of the righteous contains great treasure,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PRO.15.6"><span class="content">but the income of the wicked brings ruin.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PRO.15.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PRO.15.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">The lips of the wise spread knowledge,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PRO.15.7"><span class="content">but the hearts of fools are not upright.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PRO.15.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PRO.15.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">The </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> detests the sacrifice of the wicked,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PRO.15.8"><span class="content">but the prayer of the upright pleases him.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PRO.15.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PRO.15.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">The </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> detests the way of the wicked,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PRO.15.9"><span class="content">but he loves those who pursue righteousness.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PRO.15.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PRO.15.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">Stern discipline awaits anyone who leaves the path;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PRO.15.10"><span class="content">the one who hates correction will die.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PRO.15.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PRO.15.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">Death and Destruction</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">15:11 </span><span class="ft">Hebrew </span><span class="fqa">Abaddon</span></span></span><span class="content"> lie open before the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">&#8212;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PRO.15.11"><span class="content">how much more do human hearts!</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PRO.15.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PRO.15.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">Mockers resent correction,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PRO.15.12"><span class="content">so they avoid the wise.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PRO.15.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PRO.15.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">A happy heart makes the face cheerful,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PRO.15.13"><span class="content">but heartache crushes the spirit.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PRO.15.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PRO.15.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">The discerning heart seeks knowledge,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PRO.15.14"><span class="content">but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PRO.15.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PRO.15.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">All the days of the oppressed are wretched,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PRO.15.15"><span class="content">but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PRO.15.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PRO.15.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">Better a little with the fear of the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PRO.15.16"><span class="content">than great wealth with turmoil.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PRO.15.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PRO.15.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">Better a small serving of vegetables with love</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PRO.15.17"><span class="content">than a fattened calf with hatred.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PRO.15.17"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PRO.15.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PRO.15.18"><span class="content">but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PRO.15.18"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PRO.15.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PRO.15.19"><span class="content">but the path of the upright is a highway.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PRO.15.19"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PRO.15.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">A wise son brings joy to his father,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PRO.15.20"><span class="content">but a foolish man despises his mother.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PRO.15.20"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PRO.15.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">Folly brings joy to one who has no sense,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PRO.15.21"><span class="content">but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PRO.15.21"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PRO.15.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">Plans fail for lack of counsel,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PRO.15.22"><span class="content">but with many advisers they succeed.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PRO.15.22"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="PRO.15.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">A person finds joy in giving an apt reply&#8212;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="PRO.15.23"><span class="content">and how good is a timely word!</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="PRO.15.23"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="PRO.15.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">The path of life leads upward for the prudent</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="PRO.15.24"><span class="content">to keep them from going down to the realm of the dead.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="PRO.15.24"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="PRO.15.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">The </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> tears down the house of the proud,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="PRO.15.25"><span class="content">but he sets the widow&#8217;s boundary stones in place.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="PRO.15.25"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="PRO.15.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">The </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> detests the thoughts of the wicked,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="PRO.15.26"><span class="content">but gracious words are pure in his sight.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="PRO.15.26"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="PRO.15.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">The greedy bring ruin to their households,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="PRO.15.27"><span class="content">but the one who hates bribes will live.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="PRO.15.27"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="PRO.15.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">The heart of the righteous weighs its answers,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="PRO.15.28"><span class="content">but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="PRO.15.28"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="PRO.15.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">The </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> is far from the wicked,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="PRO.15.29"><span class="content">but he hears the prayer of the righteous.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="PRO.15.29"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="PRO.15.30"><span class="label">30</span><span class="content">Light in a messenger&#8217;s eyes brings joy to the heart,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="PRO.15.30"><span class="content">and good news gives health to the bones.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="PRO.15.30"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="PRO.15.31"><span class="label">31</span><span class="content">Whoever heeds life-giving correction</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="PRO.15.31"><span class="content">will be at home among the wise.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="PRO.15.31"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="PRO.15.32"><span class="label">32</span><span class="content">Those who disregard discipline despise themselves,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="PRO.15.32"><span class="content">but the one who heeds correction gains understanding.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="PRO.15.32"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="PRO.15.33"><span class="label">33</span><span class="content">Wisdom&#8217;s instruction is to fear the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="PRO.15.33"><span class="content">and humility comes before honor.</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 ch15" data-usfm="REV.15">
         <div class="label">15</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Seven Angels With Seven Plagues</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="REV.15.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">I saw in heaven another great and marvelous sign: seven angels with the seven last plagues&#8212;last, because with them God&#8217;s wrath is completed. </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="REV.15.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">And I saw what looked like a sea of glass glowing with fire and, standing beside the sea, those who had been victorious over the beast and its image and over the number of its name. They held harps given them by God </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="REV.15.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">and sang the song of God&#8217;s servant Moses and of the Lamb:</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="REV.15.3"><span class="content">&#8220;Great and marvelous are your deeds,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="REV.15.3"><span class="content">Lord God Almighty.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="REV.15.3"><span class="content">Just and true are your ways,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="REV.15.3"><span class="content">King of the nations.</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">15:3 </span><span class="ft">Some manuscripts </span><span class="fqa">ages</span></span></span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="REV.15.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="REV.15.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">Who will not fear you, Lord,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="REV.15.4"><span class="content">and bring glory to your name?</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="REV.15.4"><span class="content">For you alone are holy.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="REV.15.4"><span class="content">All nations will come</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="REV.15.4"><span class="content">and worship before you,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="REV.15.4"><span class="content">for your righteous acts have been revealed.&#8221;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">15:3,4 </span><span class="ft">Phrases in this song are drawn from Psalm 111:2,3; Deut. 32:4; Jer. 10:7; Psalms 86:9; 98:2.</span></span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="REV.15.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="REV.15.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">After this I looked, and I saw in heaven the temple&#8212;that is, the tabernacle of the covenant law&#8212;and it was opened. </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="REV.15.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">Out of the temple came the seven angels with the seven plagues. They were dressed in clean, shining linen and wore golden sashes around their chests. </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="REV.15.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">Then one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls filled with the wrath of God, who lives for ever and ever. </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="REV.15.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from his power, and no one could enter the temple until the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkACT">
      <div class="chapter ch10" data-usfm="ACT.10">
         <div class="label">10</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Cornelius Calls for Peter</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ACT.10.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ACT.10.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ACT.10.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, &#8220;Cornelius!&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ACT.10.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ACT.10.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">Cornelius stared at him in fear. &#8220;What is it, Lord?&#8221; he asked.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ACT.10.4"><span class="content">The angel answered, &#8220;Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ACT.10.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter. </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ACT.10.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ACT.10.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ACT.10.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">When the angel who spoke to him had gone, Cornelius called two of his servants and a devout soldier who was one of his attendants. </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ACT.10.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">He told them everything that had happened and sent them to Joppa.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Peter&#8217;s Vision</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ACT.10.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ACT.10.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ACT.10.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">He became hungry and wanted something to eat, and while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ACT.10.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">He saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ACT.10.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles and birds. </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ACT.10.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">Then a voice told him, </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.&#8221;</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ACT.10.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ACT.10.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">&#8220;Surely not, Lord!&#8221; Peter replied. &#8220;I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ACT.10.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ACT.10.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">The voice spoke to him a second time, </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.&#8221;</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ACT.10.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ACT.10.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">This happened three times, and immediately the sheet was taken back to heaven.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ACT.10.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ACT.10.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">While Peter was wondering about the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found out where Simon&#8217;s house was and stopped at the gate. </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ACT.10.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">They called out, asking if Simon who was known as Peter was staying there.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ACT.10.18"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ACT.10.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, &#8220;Simon, three</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">10:19 </span><span class="ft">One early manuscript </span><span class="fqa">two</span><span class="ft">; other manuscripts do not have the number.</span></span></span><span class="content"> men are looking for you. </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ACT.10.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ACT.10.20"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="ACT.10.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">Peter went down and said to the men, &#8220;I&#8217;m the one you&#8217;re looking for. Why have you come?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="ACT.10.21"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="ACT.10.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">The men replied, &#8220;We have come from Cornelius the centurion. He is a righteous and God-fearing man, who is respected by all the Jewish people. A holy angel told him to ask you to come to his house so that he could hear what you have to say.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="ACT.10.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">Then Peter invited the men into the house to be his guests.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Peter at Cornelius&#8217;s House</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="ACT.10.23"><span class="content">The next day Peter started out with them, and some of the believers from Joppa went along. </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="ACT.10.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">The following day he arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ACT.10.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence. </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ACT.10.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">But Peter made him get up. &#8220;Stand up,&#8221; he said, &#8220;I am only a man myself.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ACT.10.26"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="ACT.10.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">While talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people. </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="ACT.10.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">He said to them: &#8220;You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile. But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean. </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="ACT.10.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="ACT.10.29"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="ACT.10.30"><span class="label">30</span><span class="content">Cornelius answered: &#8220;Three days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, at three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me </span></span><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="ACT.10.31"><span class="label">31</span><span class="content">and said, &#8216;Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor. </span></span><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="ACT.10.32"><span class="label">32</span><span class="content">Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. He is a guest in the home of Simon the tanner, who lives by the sea.&#8217; </span></span><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="ACT.10.33"><span class="label">33</span><span class="content">So I sent for you immediately, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="ACT.10.33"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="ACT.10.34"><span class="label">34</span><span class="content">Then Peter began to speak: &#8220;I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism </span></span><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="ACT.10.35"><span class="label">35</span><span class="content">but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right. </span></span><span class="verse v36" data-usfm="ACT.10.36"><span class="label">36</span><span class="content">You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. </span></span><span class="verse v37" data-usfm="ACT.10.37"><span class="label">37</span><span class="content">You know what has happened throughout the province of Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached&#8212; </span></span><span class="verse v38" data-usfm="ACT.10.38"><span class="label">38</span><span class="content">how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v38" data-usfm="ACT.10.38"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v39" data-usfm="ACT.10.39"><span class="label">39</span><span class="content">&#8220;We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a cross, </span></span><span class="verse v40" data-usfm="ACT.10.40"><span class="label">40</span><span class="content">but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. </span></span><span class="verse v41" data-usfm="ACT.10.41"><span class="label">41</span><span class="content">He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen&#8212;by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. </span></span><span class="verse v42" data-usfm="ACT.10.42"><span class="label">42</span><span class="content">He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. </span></span><span class="verse v43" data-usfm="ACT.10.43"><span class="label">43</span><span class="content">All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v43" data-usfm="ACT.10.43"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v44" data-usfm="ACT.10.44"><span class="label">44</span><span class="content">While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. </span></span><span class="verse v45" data-usfm="ACT.10.45"><span class="label">45</span><span class="content">The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. </span></span><span class="verse v46" data-usfm="ACT.10.46"><span class="label">46</span><span class="content">For they heard them speaking in tongues</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">10:46 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">other languages</span></span></span><span class="content"> and praising God.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v46" data-usfm="ACT.10.46"><span class="content">Then Peter said, </span></span><span class="verse v47" data-usfm="ACT.10.47"><span class="label">47</span><span class="content">&#8220;Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v48" data-usfm="ACT.10.48"><span class="label">48</span><span class="content">So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkACT">
      <div class="chapter ch11" data-usfm="ACT.11">
         <div class="label">11</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Peter Explains His Actions</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ACT.11.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">The apostles and the believers throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ACT.11.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ACT.11.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">and said, &#8220;You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ACT.11.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ACT.11.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">Starting from the beginning, Peter told them the whole story: </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ACT.11.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">&#8220;I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision. I saw something like a large sheet being let down from heaven by its four corners, and it came down to where I was. </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ACT.11.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">I looked into it and saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, reptiles and birds. </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ACT.11.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">Then I heard a voice telling me, </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8216;Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.&#8217;</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ACT.11.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ACT.11.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">&#8220;I replied, &#8216;Surely not, Lord! Nothing impure or unclean has ever entered my mouth.&#8217;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ACT.11.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ACT.11.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">&#8220;The voice spoke from heaven a second time, </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8216;Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.&#8217;</span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ACT.11.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">This happened three times, and then it was all pulled up to heaven again.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ACT.11.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ACT.11.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">&#8220;Right then three men who had been sent to me from Caesarea stopped at the house where I was staying. </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ACT.11.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">The Spirit told me to have no hesitation about going with them. These six brothers also went with me, and we entered the man&#8217;s house. </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ACT.11.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">He told us how he had seen an angel appear in his house and say, &#8216;Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ACT.11.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">He will bring you a message through which you and all your household will be saved.&#8217;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ACT.11.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ACT.11.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">&#8220;As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning. </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ACT.11.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">Then I remembered what the Lord had said: </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8216;John baptized with</span></span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">11:16 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">in</span></span></span><span class="content">  </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">water, but you will be baptized with</span></span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">11:16 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">in</span></span></span><span class="content">  </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">the Holy Spirit.&#8217;</span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ACT.11.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">So if God gave them the same gift he gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could stand in God&#8217;s way?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ACT.11.17"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ACT.11.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, &#8220;So then, even to Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">The Church in Antioch</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ACT.11.18"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ACT.11.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews. </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ACT.11.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="ACT.11.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">The Lord&#8217;s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="ACT.11.21"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="ACT.11.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="ACT.11.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="ACT.11.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="ACT.11.24"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ACT.11.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ACT.11.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ACT.11.26"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="ACT.11.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">During this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="ACT.11.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world. (This happened during the reign of Claudius.) </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="ACT.11.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">The disciples, as each one was able, decided to provide help for the brothers and sisters living in Judea. </span></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="ACT.11.30"><span class="label">30</span><span class="content">This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkACT">
      <div class="chapter ch12" data-usfm="ACT.12">
         <div class="label">12</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Peter&#8217;s Miraculous Escape From Prison</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ACT.12.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ACT.12.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ACT.12.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">When he saw that this met with approval among the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This happened during the Festival of Unleavened Bread. </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ACT.12.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">After arresting him, he put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ACT.12.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ACT.12.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ACT.12.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ACT.12.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ACT.12.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. &#8220;Quick, get up!&#8221; he said, and the chains fell off Peter&#8217;s wrists.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ACT.12.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ACT.12.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">Then the angel said to him, &#8220;Put on your clothes and sandals.&#8221; And Peter did so. &#8220;Wrap your cloak around you and follow me,&#8221; the angel told him. </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ACT.12.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision. </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ACT.12.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ACT.12.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ACT.12.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">Then Peter came to himself and said, &#8220;Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod&#8217;s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ACT.12.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ACT.12.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">When this had dawned on him, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying. </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ACT.12.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">Peter knocked at the outer entrance, and a servant named Rhoda came to answer the door. </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ACT.12.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">When she recognized Peter&#8217;s voice, she was so overjoyed she ran back without opening it and exclaimed, &#8220;Peter is at the door!&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ACT.12.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ACT.12.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">&#8220;You&#8217;re out of your mind,&#8221; they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, &#8220;It must be his angel.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ACT.12.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ACT.12.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">But Peter kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished. </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ACT.12.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">Peter motioned with his hand for them to be quiet and described how the Lord had brought him out of prison. &#8220;Tell James and the other brothers and sisters about this,&#8221; he said, and then he left for another place.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ACT.12.17"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ACT.12.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">In the morning, there was no small commotion among the soldiers as to what had become of Peter. </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ACT.12.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">After Herod had a thorough search made for him and did not find him, he cross-examined the guards and ordered that they be executed.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Herod&#8217;s Death</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ACT.12.19"><span class="content">Then Herod went from Judea to Caesarea and stayed there. </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ACT.12.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">He had been quarreling with the people of Tyre and Sidon; they now joined together and sought an audience with him. After securing the support of Blastus, a trusted personal servant of the king, they asked for peace, because they depended on the king&#8217;s country for their food supply.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ACT.12.20"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="ACT.12.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">On the appointed day Herod, wearing his royal robes, sat on his throne and delivered a public address to the people. </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="ACT.12.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">They shouted, &#8220;This is the voice of a god, not of a man.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="ACT.12.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="ACT.12.23"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="ACT.12.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">But the word of God continued to spread and flourish.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Barnabas and Saul Sent Off</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="ACT.12.24"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ACT.12.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">When Barnabas and Saul had finished their mission, they returned from</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">12:25 </span><span class="ft">Some manuscripts </span><span class="fqa">to</span></span></span><span class="content"> Jerusalem, taking with them John, also called Mark.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkACT">
      <div class="chapter ch13" data-usfm="ACT.13">
         <div class="label">13</div><div class="nb"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ACT.13.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ACT.13.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, &#8220;Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ACT.13.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">On Cyprus</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ACT.13.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ACT.13.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">The two of them, sent on their way by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus. </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ACT.13.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. John was with them as their helper.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ACT.13.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ACT.13.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">They traveled through the whole island until they came to Paphos. There they met a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus, </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ACT.13.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">who was an attendant of the proconsul, Sergius Paulus. The proconsul, an intelligent man, sent for Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the word of God. </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ACT.13.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith. </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ACT.13.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked straight at Elymas and said, </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ACT.13.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">&#8220;You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the right ways of the Lord? </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ACT.13.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">Now the hand of the Lord is against you. You are going to be blind for a time, not even able to see the light of the sun.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ACT.13.11"><span class="content">Immediately mist and darkness came over him, and he groped about, seeking someone to lead him by the hand. </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ACT.13.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, for he was amazed at the teaching about the Lord.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">In Pisidian Antioch</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ACT.13.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ACT.13.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">From Paphos, Paul and his companions sailed to Perga in Pamphylia, where John left them to return to Jerusalem. </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ACT.13.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">From Perga they went on to Pisidian Antioch. On the Sabbath they entered the synagogue and sat down. </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ACT.13.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the leaders of the synagogue sent word to them, saying, &#8220;Brothers, if you have a word of exhortation for the people, please speak.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ACT.13.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ACT.13.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">Standing up, Paul motioned with his hand and said: &#8220;Fellow Israelites and you Gentiles who worship God, listen to me! </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ACT.13.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">The God of the people of Israel chose our ancestors; he made the people prosper during their stay in Egypt; with mighty power he led them out of that country; </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ACT.13.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">for about forty years he endured their conduct</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">13:18 </span><span class="ft">Some manuscripts </span><span class="fqa">he cared for them</span></span></span><span class="content"> in the wilderness; </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ACT.13.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">and he overthrew seven nations in Canaan, giving their land to his people as their inheritance. </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ACT.13.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">All this took about 450 years.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ACT.13.20"><span class="content">&#8220;After this, God gave them judges until the time of Samuel the prophet. </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="ACT.13.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">Then the people asked for a king, and he gave them Saul son of Kish, of the tribe of Benjamin, who ruled forty years. </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="ACT.13.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">After removing Saul, he made David their king. God testified concerning him: &#8216;I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.&#8217;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="ACT.13.22"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="ACT.13.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">&#8220;From this man&#8217;s descendants God has brought to Israel the Savior Jesus, as he promised. </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="ACT.13.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">Before the coming of Jesus, John preached repentance and baptism to all the people of Israel. </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ACT.13.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">As John was completing his work, he said: &#8216;Who do you suppose I am? I am not the one you are looking for. But there is one coming after me whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.&#8217;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ACT.13.25"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ACT.13.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">&#8220;Fellow children of Abraham and you God-fearing Gentiles, it is to us that this message of salvation has been sent. </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="ACT.13.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">The people of Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognize Jesus, yet in condemning him they fulfilled the words of the prophets that are read every Sabbath. </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="ACT.13.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">Though they found no proper ground for a death sentence, they asked Pilate to have him executed. </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="ACT.13.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">When they had carried out all that was written about him, they took him down from the cross and laid him in a tomb. </span></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="ACT.13.30"><span class="label">30</span><span class="content">But God raised him from the dead, </span></span><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="ACT.13.31"><span class="label">31</span><span class="content">and for many days he was seen by those who had traveled with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. They are now his witnesses to our people.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="ACT.13.31"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="ACT.13.32"><span class="label">32</span><span class="content">&#8220;We tell you the good news: What God promised our ancestors </span></span><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="ACT.13.33"><span class="label">33</span><span class="content">he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it is written in the second Psalm:</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="ACT.13.33"><span class="content">&#8220;&#8198;&#8216;You are my son;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="ACT.13.33"><span class="content">today I have become your father.&#8217;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">13:33 </span><span class="ft">Psalm 2:7</span></span></span></span></div><div class="m"><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="ACT.13.33"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="ACT.13.34"><span class="label">34</span><span class="content">God raised him from the dead so that he will never be subject to decay. As God has said,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="ACT.13.34"><span class="content">&#8220;&#8198;&#8216;I will give you the holy and sure blessings promised to David.&#8217;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">13:34 </span><span class="ft">Isaiah 55:3</span></span></span></span></div><div class="m"><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="ACT.13.34"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="ACT.13.35"><span class="label">35</span><span class="content">So it is also stated elsewhere:</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="ACT.13.35"><span class="content">&#8220;&#8198;&#8216;You will not let your holy one see decay.&#8217;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">13:35 </span><span class="ft">Psalm 16:10 (see Septuagint)</span></span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="ACT.13.35"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v36" data-usfm="ACT.13.36"><span class="label">36</span><span class="content">&#8220;Now when David had served God&#8217;s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors and his body decayed. </span></span><span class="verse v37" data-usfm="ACT.13.37"><span class="label">37</span><span class="content">But the one whom God raised from the dead did not see decay.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v37" data-usfm="ACT.13.37"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v38" data-usfm="ACT.13.38"><span class="label">38</span><span class="content">&#8220;Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. </span></span><span class="verse v39" data-usfm="ACT.13.39"><span class="label">39</span><span class="content">Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses. </span></span><span class="verse v40" data-usfm="ACT.13.40"><span class="label">40</span><span class="content">Take care that what the prophets have said does not happen to you:</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v40" data-usfm="ACT.13.40"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v41" data-usfm="ACT.13.41"><span class="label">41</span><span class="content">&#8220;&#8198;&#8216;Look, you scoffers,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v41" data-usfm="ACT.13.41"><span class="content">wonder and perish,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v41" data-usfm="ACT.13.41"><span class="content">for I am going to do something in your days</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v41" data-usfm="ACT.13.41"><span class="content">that you would never believe,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v41" data-usfm="ACT.13.41"><span class="content">even if someone told you.&#8217;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">13:41 </span><span class="ft">Hab. 1:5</span></span></span><span class="content">&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v41" data-usfm="ACT.13.41"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v42" data-usfm="ACT.13.42"><span class="label">42</span><span class="content">As Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue, the people invited them to speak further about these things on the next Sabbath. </span></span><span class="verse v43" data-usfm="ACT.13.43"><span class="label">43</span><span class="content">When the congregation was dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who talked with them and urged them to continue in the grace of God.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v43" data-usfm="ACT.13.43"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v44" data-usfm="ACT.13.44"><span class="label">44</span><span class="content">On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. </span></span><span class="verse v45" data-usfm="ACT.13.45"><span class="label">45</span><span class="content">When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy. They began to contradict what Paul was saying and heaped abuse on him.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v45" data-usfm="ACT.13.45"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v46" data-usfm="ACT.13.46"><span class="label">46</span><span class="content">Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: &#8220;We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. </span></span><span class="verse v47" data-usfm="ACT.13.47"><span class="label">47</span><span class="content">For this is what the Lord has commanded us:</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v47" data-usfm="ACT.13.47"><span class="content">&#8220;&#8198;&#8216;I have made you</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">13:47 </span><span class="ft">The Greek is singular.</span></span></span><span class="content"> a light for the Gentiles,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v47" data-usfm="ACT.13.47"><span class="content">that you</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">13:47 </span><span class="ft">The Greek is singular.</span></span></span><span class="content"> may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.&#8217;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">13:47 </span><span class="ft">Isaiah 49:6</span></span></span><span class="content">&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v47" data-usfm="ACT.13.47"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v48" data-usfm="ACT.13.48"><span class="label">48</span><span class="content">When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v48" data-usfm="ACT.13.48"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v49" data-usfm="ACT.13.49"><span class="label">49</span><span class="content">The word of the Lord spread through the whole region. </span></span><span class="verse v50" data-usfm="ACT.13.50"><span class="label">50</span><span class="content">But the Jewish leaders incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. </span></span><span class="verse v51" data-usfm="ACT.13.51"><span class="label">51</span><span class="content">So they shook the dust off their feet as a warning to them and went to Iconium. </span></span><span class="verse v52" data-usfm="ACT.13.52"><span class="label">52</span><span class="content">And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.</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 ch14" data-usfm="ACT.14">
         <div class="label">14</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">In Iconium</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ACT.14.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">At Iconium Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue. There they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Greeks believed. </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ACT.14.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the other Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ACT.14.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to perform signs and wonders. </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ACT.14.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">The people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews, others with the apostles. </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ACT.14.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">There was a plot afoot among both Gentiles and Jews, together with their leaders, to mistreat them and stone them. </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ACT.14.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">But they found out about it and fled to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe and to the surrounding country, </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ACT.14.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">where they continued to preach the gospel.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">In Lystra and Derbe</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ACT.14.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ACT.14.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">In Lystra there sat a man who was lame. He had been that way from birth and had never walked. </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ACT.14.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ACT.14.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">and called out, &#8220;Stand up on your feet!&#8221; At that, the man jumped up and began to walk.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ACT.14.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ACT.14.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in the Lycaonian language, &#8220;The gods have come down to us in human form!&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ACT.14.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes because he was the chief speaker. </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ACT.14.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates because he and the crowd wanted to offer sacrifices to them.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ACT.14.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ACT.14.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting: </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ACT.14.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">&#8220;Friends, why are you doing this? We too are only human, like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heavens and the earth and the sea and everything in them. </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ACT.14.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">In the past, he let all nations go their own way. </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ACT.14.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ACT.14.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">Even with these words, they had difficulty keeping the crowd from sacrificing to them.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ACT.14.18"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ACT.14.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ACT.14.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">The Return to Antioch in Syria</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ACT.14.20"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="ACT.14.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="ACT.14.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. &#8220;We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,&#8221; they said. </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="ACT.14.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">Paul and Barnabas appointed elders</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">14:23 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">Barnabas ordained elders</span><span class="ft">; or </span><span class="fqa">Barnabas had elders elected</span></span></span><span class="content"> for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="ACT.14.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">After going through Pisidia, they came into Pamphylia, </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ACT.14.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">and when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ACT.14.25"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ACT.14.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">From Attalia they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work they had now completed. </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="ACT.14.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="ACT.14.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">And they stayed there a long time with the disciples.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkACT">
      <div class="chapter ch15" data-usfm="ACT.15">
         <div class="label">15</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">The Council at Jerusalem</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ACT.15.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Certain people came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the believers: &#8220;Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ACT.15.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them. So Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question. </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ACT.15.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">The church sent them on their way, and as they traveled through Phoenicia and Samaria, they told how the Gentiles had been converted. This news made all the believers very glad. </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ACT.15.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and elders, to whom they reported everything God had done through them.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ACT.15.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ACT.15.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">Then some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, &#8220;The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to keep the law of Moses.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ACT.15.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ACT.15.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">The apostles and elders met to consider this question. </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ACT.15.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">After much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them: &#8220;Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe. </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ACT.15.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ACT.15.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">He did not discriminate between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith. </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ACT.15.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of Gentiles a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors have been able to bear? </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ACT.15.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ACT.15.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ACT.15.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">The whole assembly became silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul telling about the signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them. </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ACT.15.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">When they finished, James spoke up. &#8220;Brothers,&#8221; he said, &#8220;listen to me. </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ACT.15.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">Simon</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">15:14 </span><span class="ft">Greek </span><span class="fqa">Simeon</span><span class="ft">, a variant of </span><span class="fq">Simon</span><span class="ft">; that is, Peter</span></span></span><span class="content"> has described to us how God first intervened to choose a people for his name from the Gentiles. </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ACT.15.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">The words of the prophets are in agreement with this, as it is written:</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ACT.15.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ACT.15.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">&#8220;&#8198;&#8216;After this I will return</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ACT.15.16"><span class="content">and rebuild David&#8217;s fallen tent.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ACT.15.16"><span class="content">Its ruins I will rebuild,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ACT.15.16"><span class="content">and I will restore it,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ACT.15.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ACT.15.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ACT.15.17"><span class="content">even all the Gentiles who bear my name,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ACT.15.17"><span class="content">says the Lord, who does these things&#8217;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">15:17 </span><span class="ft">Amos 9:11,12 (see Septuagint)</span></span></span><span class="content">&#8212;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ACT.15.17"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ACT.15.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">things known from long ago.</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">15:17,18 </span><span class="ft">Some manuscripts </span><span class="fqa">things&#8217;&#8212; / </span><span class="fv">18 </span><span class="fqa">the Lord&#8217;s work is known to him from long ago</span></span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ACT.15.18"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ACT.15.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">&#8220;It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ACT.15.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">Instead we should write to them, telling them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals and from blood. </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="ACT.15.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">For the law of Moses has been preached in every city from the earliest times and is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">The Council&#8217;s Letter to Gentile Believers</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="ACT.15.21"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="ACT.15.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">Then the apostles and elders, with the whole church, decided to choose some of their own men and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They chose Judas (called Barsabbas) and Silas, men who were leaders among the believers. </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="ACT.15.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">With them they sent the following letter:</span></span></div><div class="pmo"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="ACT.15.23"><span class="content">The apostles and elders, your brothers,</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="pmo"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="ACT.15.23"><span class="content">To the Gentile believers in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia:</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="pmo"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="ACT.15.23"><span class="content">Greetings.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="pm"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="ACT.15.23"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="ACT.15.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">We have heard that some went out from us without our authorization and disturbed you, troubling your minds by what they said. </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ACT.15.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">So we all agreed to choose some men and send them to you with our dear friends Barnabas and Paul&#8212; </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ACT.15.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="ACT.15.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">Therefore we are sending Judas and Silas to confirm by word of mouth what we are writing. </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="ACT.15.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements: </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="ACT.15.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things.</span></span></div><div class="pmc"><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="ACT.15.29"><span class="content">Farewell.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="ACT.15.29"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="ACT.15.30"><span class="label">30</span><span class="content">So the men were sent off and went down to Antioch, where they gathered the church together and delivered the letter. </span></span><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="ACT.15.31"><span class="label">31</span><span class="content">The people read it and were glad for its encouraging message. </span></span><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="ACT.15.32"><span class="label">32</span><span class="content">Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the believers. </span></span><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="ACT.15.33"><span class="label">33</span><span class="content">After spending some time there, they were sent off by the believers with the blessing of peace to return to those who had sent them. </span></span><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="ACT.15.34"><span class="label">[34]</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">15:34 </span><span class="ft">Some manuscripts include here </span><span class="fqa">But Silas decided to remain there.</span></span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="ACT.15.35"><span class="label">35</span><span class="content">But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, where they and many others taught and preached the word of the Lord.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Disagreement Between Paul and Barnabas</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="ACT.15.35"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v36" data-usfm="ACT.15.36"><span class="label">36</span><span class="content">Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, &#8220;Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v37" data-usfm="ACT.15.37"><span class="label">37</span><span class="content">Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, </span></span><span class="verse v38" data-usfm="ACT.15.38"><span class="label">38</span><span class="content">but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. </span></span><span class="verse v39" data-usfm="ACT.15.39"><span class="label">39</span><span class="content">They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, </span></span><span class="verse v40" data-usfm="ACT.15.40"><span class="label">40</span><span class="content">but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord. </span></span><span class="verse v41" data-usfm="ACT.15.41"><span class="label">41</span><span class="content">He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkACT">
      <div class="chapter ch16" data-usfm="ACT.16">
         <div class="label">16</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Timothy Joins Paul and Silas</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ACT.16.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was Jewish and a believer but whose father was a Greek. </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ACT.16.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">The believers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him. </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ACT.16.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">Paul wanted to take him along on the journey, so he circumcised him because of the Jews who lived in that area, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ACT.16.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">As they traveled from town to town, they delivered the decisions reached by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for the people to obey. </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ACT.16.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Paul&#8217;s Vision of the Man of Macedonia</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ACT.16.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ACT.16.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ACT.16.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ACT.16.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ACT.16.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, &#8220;Come over to Macedonia and help us.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ACT.16.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Lydia&#8217;s Conversion in Philippi</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ACT.16.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ACT.16.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, and the next day we went on to Neapolis. </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ACT.16.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">16:12 </span><span class="ft">The text and meaning of the Greek for </span><span class="fqa">the leading city of that district </span><span class="ft">are uncertain.</span></span></span><span class="content"> of Macedonia. And we stayed there several days.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ACT.16.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ACT.16.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ACT.16.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul&#8217;s message. </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ACT.16.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. &#8220;If you consider me a believer in the Lord,&#8221; she said, &#8220;come and stay at my house.&#8221; And she persuaded us.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Paul and Silas in Prison</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ACT.16.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ACT.16.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a female slave who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ACT.16.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, &#8220;These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ACT.16.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, &#8220;In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!&#8221; At that moment the spirit left her.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ACT.16.18"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ACT.16.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">When her owners realized that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to face the authorities. </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ACT.16.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">They brought them before the magistrates and said, &#8220;These men are Jews, and are throwing our city into an uproar </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="ACT.16.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">by advocating customs unlawful for us Romans to accept or practice.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="ACT.16.21"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="ACT.16.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten with rods. </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="ACT.16.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="ACT.16.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="ACT.16.24"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ACT.16.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ACT.16.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone&#8217;s chains came loose. </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="ACT.16.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="ACT.16.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">But Paul shouted, &#8220;Don&#8217;t harm yourself! We are all here!&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="ACT.16.28"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="ACT.16.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. </span></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="ACT.16.30"><span class="label">30</span><span class="content">He then brought them out and asked, &#8220;Sirs, what must I do to be saved?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="ACT.16.30"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="ACT.16.31"><span class="label">31</span><span class="content">They replied, &#8220;Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved&#8212;you and your household.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="ACT.16.32"><span class="label">32</span><span class="content">Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. </span></span><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="ACT.16.33"><span class="label">33</span><span class="content">At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized. </span></span><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="ACT.16.34"><span class="label">34</span><span class="content">The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God&#8212;he and his whole household.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="ACT.16.34"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="ACT.16.35"><span class="label">35</span><span class="content">When it was daylight, the magistrates sent their officers to the jailer with the order: &#8220;Release those men.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v36" data-usfm="ACT.16.36"><span class="label">36</span><span class="content">The jailer told Paul, &#8220;The magistrates have ordered that you and Silas be released. Now you can leave. Go in peace.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v36" data-usfm="ACT.16.36"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v37" data-usfm="ACT.16.37"><span class="label">37</span><span class="content">But Paul said to the officers: &#8220;They beat us publicly without a trial, even though we are Roman citizens, and threw us into prison. And now do they want to get rid of us quietly? No! Let them come themselves and escort us out.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v37" data-usfm="ACT.16.37"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v38" data-usfm="ACT.16.38"><span class="label">38</span><span class="content">The officers reported this to the magistrates, and when they heard that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens, they were alarmed. </span></span><span class="verse v39" data-usfm="ACT.16.39"><span class="label">39</span><span class="content">They came to appease them and escorted them from the prison, requesting them to leave the city. </span></span><span class="verse v40" data-usfm="ACT.16.40"><span class="label">40</span><span class="content">After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia&#8217;s house, where they met with the brothers and sisters and encouraged them. Then they left.</span></span></div>
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