²⁹ “Fellow Israelites,^(A) I can tell you confidently that the patriarch^(B) David died and was buried,^(C) and his tomb is here^(D) to this day. ³⁰ But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne.^{(E) 31} Seeing what was to come, he spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, that he was not abandoned to the realm of the dead, nor did his body see decay.^{(F) 32} God has raised this Jesus to life,^(G) and we are all witnesses^(H) of it. ³³ Exalted^(I) to the right hand of God,^(J) he has received from the Father^(K) the promised Holy Spirit^(L) and has poured out^(M) what you now see and hear. ³⁴ For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said,

³⁶ “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord^(O) and Messiah.”^(P)

³⁷ When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”^(Q)

³⁸ Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized,^(R) every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.^(S) And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.^{(T) 39} The promise is for you and your children^(U) and for all who are far off^(V)—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

⁴⁰ With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.”^{(W) 41} Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number^(X) that day.

The Fellowship of the Believers

⁴² They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching^(Y) and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread^(Z) and to prayer.^{(AA) 43} Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.^{(AB) 44} All the believers were together and had everything in common.^{(AC) 45} They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.^{(AD) 46} Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts.^(AE) They broke bread^(AF) in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, ⁴⁷ praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.^(AG) And the Lord added to their number^(AH) daily those who were being saved.

A Call to Persevere in Faith

¹⁹ Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence^(A) to enter the Most Holy Place^(B) by the blood of Jesus, ²⁰ by a new and living way^(C) opened for us through the curtain,^(D) that is, his body, ²¹ and since we have a great priest^(E) over the house of God,^{(F) 22} let us draw near to God^(G) with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings,^(H) having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience^(I) and having our bodies washed with pure water.^{(J) 23} Let us hold unswervingly to the hope^(K) we profess,^(L) for he who promised is faithful.^{(M) 24} And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,^{(N) 25} not giving up meeting together,^(O) as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another^(P)—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.^(Q)

¹² See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.^{(A) 13} But encourage one another daily,^(B) as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.^(C)

Doing Good to All

6 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit^(A) should restore^(B) that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. ² Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.^(C)