¹⁹ But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him?^(A) You be the judges! ²⁰ As for us, we cannot help speaking^(B) about what we have seen and heard.”^(C)

¹⁷ “Get yourself ready! Stand up and say^(A) to them whatever I command you. Do not be terrified^(B) by them, or I will terrify you before them. ¹⁸ Today I have made you^(C) a fortified city, an iron pillar and a bronze wall to stand against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests and the people of the land. ¹⁹ They will fight against you but will not overcome^(D) you, for I am with you^(E) and will rescue^(F) you,” declares the Lord.

¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid.^(A) I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.

⁵² Was there ever a prophet your ancestors did not persecute?^(A) They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him^(B)— ⁵³ you who have received the law that was given through angels^(C) but have not obeyed it.”

The Stoning of Stephen

⁵⁴ When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious^(D) and gnashed their teeth at him.

In Athens

¹⁶ While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols. ¹⁷ So he reasoned in the synagogue^(A) with both Jews and God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there.

⁵ When Silas^(A) and Timothy^(B) came from Macedonia,^(C) Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah.^(D)

¹⁶ For when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, since I am compelled to preach.^(A) Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! ¹⁷ If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward;^(B) if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me.^(C)

⁴ Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; ⁵ in beatings, imprisonments^(A) and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger;^{(B) 6} in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit^(C) and in sincere love;^{(D) 7} in truthful speech^(E) and in the power of God;^(F) with weapons of righteousness^(G) in the right hand and in the left; ⁸ through glory and dishonor,^(H) bad report^(I) and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors;^{(J) 9} known, yet regarded as unknown; dying,^(K) and yet we live on;^(L) beaten, and yet not killed; ¹⁰ sorrowful, yet always rejoicing;^(M) poor, yet making many rich;^(N) having nothing,^(O) and yet possessing everything.^(P)