³¹ Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria^(A) enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.^(B)

² So the Twelve gathered all the disciples^(A) together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God^(B) in order to wait on tables. ³ Brothers and sisters,^(C) choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit^(D) and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them^(E)

²³ Paul and Barnabas appointed elders^[a](A) for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting,^(B) committed them to the Lord,^(C) in whom they had put their trust.

¹³ For if you live according to the flesh, you will die;^(A) but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body,^(B) you will live.^(C)

¹⁴ For those who are led by the Spirit of God^(D) are the children of God.^(E)

²⁸ And we know that in all things God works for the good^(A) of those who love him, who^[a] have been called^(B) according to his purpose.^(C)

²² Jews demand signs^(A) and Greeks look for wisdom, ²³ but we preach Christ crucified:^(B) a stumbling block^(C) to Jews and foolishness^(D) to Gentiles, ²⁴ but to those whom God has called,^(E) both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God^(F) and the wisdom of God.^(G)

² You know that when you were pagans,^(A) somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols.^{(B) 3} Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,”^(C) and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,”^(D) except by the Holy Spirit.^(E)

²⁰ We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors,^(A) as though God were making his appeal through us.^(B) We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.^(C)

¹⁴ Guard^(A) the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.^(B)