Acts 13:44-52

New Life Version

Paul and Barnabas Go to the People Who Are Not Jews

⁴⁴ Almost all of the people of the town came to hear the Word of God on the next Day of Rest. ⁴⁵ The Jews were filled with jealousy when they saw so many people. They spoke against the things Paul said by saying he was wrong. They also spoke against God. ⁴⁶ Paul and Barnabas said to the people in plain words, “We must preach the Word of God to you first. But because you put it aside, you are not good enough for life that lasts forever. So we will go to the people who are not Jews. ⁴⁷ The Lord gave us a work to do. He said, ‘You are to be a light to the people who are not Jews. You are to preach so that men over all the earth can be saved from the punishment of their sins.’” ^(A)

⁴⁸ The people who were not Jews were glad when they heard this. They were thankful for the Word of God. Those who were chosen for life that lasts forever believed. ⁴⁹ The Word of God was preached over all that land.

⁵⁰ The Jews worked on the feelings of the women who were religious and respected. They worked on the leading men of the city also. They worked against Paul and Barnabas and made them leave their city. ⁵¹ But Paul and Barnabas shook the dust off from their feet against them and went to the city of Iconium. ⁵² The missionaries were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.