²¹ He replied, “My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.”^(A)

²⁸ He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God^(A) and obey it.”^(B)

⁷ So the word of God spread.^(A) The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly,^(B) and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

⁵ When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God^(A) in the Jewish synagogues.^(B) John^(C) was with them as their helper.

⁶ They traveled through the whole island until they came to Paphos. There they met a Jewish sorcerer^(D) and false prophet^(E) named Bar-Jesus, ⁷ who was an attendant of the proconsul,^(F) Sergius Paulus. The proconsul, an intelligent man, sent for Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the word of God.

¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation^(A) and the sword of the Spirit,^(B) which is the word of God.^(C)

¹² For the word of God^(A) is alive^(B) and active.^(C) Sharper than any double-edged sword,^(D) it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.^(E)

⁷ Remember your leaders,^(A) who spoke the word of God^(B) to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate^(C) their faith.

²³ For you have been born again,^(A) not of perishable seed, but of imperishable,^(B) through the living and enduring word of God.^(C)

² who testifies to everything he saw—that is, the word of God^(A) and the testimony of Jesus Christ.^(B)