⁷ Suddenly an angel^(A) of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists.^(B)

⁸ As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, because my flock lacks a shepherd and so has been plundered^(A) and has become food for all the wild animals,^(B) and because my shepherds did not search for my flock but cared for themselves rather than for my flock,^(C)

⁴² Heman and Jeduthun were responsible for the sounding of the trumpets and cymbals and for the playing of the other instruments for sacred song.^(A) The sons of Jeduthun^(B) were stationed at the gate.

²¹ So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.^(A)” And he reassured them and spoke kindly^(B) to them.

¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid.^(A) I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.

¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior^(A) has been born to you; he is the Messiah,^(B) the Lord.^(C)

² He then said to the whole assembly of Israel, “If it seems good to you and if it is the will of the Lord our God, let us send word far and wide to the rest of our people throughout the territories of Israel, and also to the priests and Levites who are with them in their towns and pasturelands, to come and join us.

Favoritism Forbidden

2 My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious^(A) Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.^(B)