13 On the Sabbath(A) 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. 14 One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira(B) named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart(C) to respond to Paul’s message. 15 When she and the members of her household(D) were baptized,(E) she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us.

Read full chapter

23 After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer(A) was commanded to guard them carefully. 24 When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.(B)

25 About midnight(C) Paul and Silas(D) were praying and singing hymns(E) to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken.(F) At once all the prison doors flew open,(G) and everyone’s chains came loose.(H) 27 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.(I) 28 But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!”

29 The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas.(J) 30 He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”(K)

31 They replied, “Believe(L) in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved(M)—you and your household.”(N) 32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. 33 At that hour of the night(O) the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized.(P)

Read full chapter

Bible Gateway Recommends