² the earth was^[a] a shapeless, chaotic mass, with the Spirit of God brooding over the dark vapors.

⁸ But when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power to testify about me with great effect, to the people in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth, about my death and resurrection.”

³ Then God said, “Let there be light.” And light appeared.

¹² For whatever God says to us is full of living power: it is sharper than the sharpest dagger, cutting swift and deep into our innermost thoughts and desires with all their parts, exposing us for what we really are.

¹⁶ He held seven stars in his right hand and a sharp, double-bladed sword in his mouth,^[a] and his face shone like the power of the sun in unclouded brilliance.