Thanksgiving and Prayer

¹⁵ For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus^(A) and your love for all God’s people,^{(B) 16} I have not stopped giving thanks for you,^(C) remembering you in my prayers.^{(D) 17} I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father,^(E) may give you the Spirit^[a] of wisdom^(F) and revelation, so that you may know him better. ¹⁸ I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened^(G) in order that you may know the hope to which he has called^(H) you, the riches^(I) of his glorious inheritance^(J) in his holy people,^{(K) 19} and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power^(L) is the same as the mighty strength^{(M) 20} he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead^(N) and seated him at his right hand^(O) in the heavenly realms,^{(P) 21} far above all rule and authority, power and dominion,^(Q) and every name^(R) that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.^{(S) 22} And God placed all things under his feet^(T) and appointed him to be head^(U) over everything for the church, ²³ which is his body,^(V) the fullness of him^(W) who fills everything in every way.^(X)

⁴⁴ He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you:^(A) Everything must be fulfilled^(B) that is written about me in the Law of Moses,^(C) the Prophets^(D) and the Psalms.”^(E)

⁴⁵ Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. ⁴⁶ He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer^(F) and rise from the dead on the third day,^{(G) 47} and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name^(H) to all nations,^(I) beginning at Jerusalem.^{(J) 48} You are witnesses^(K) of these things. ⁴⁹ I am going to send you what my Father has promised;^(L) but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

The Ascension of Jesus

⁵⁰ When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany,^(M) he lifted up his hands and blessed them. ⁵¹ While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven.^{(N) 52} Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. ⁵³ And they stayed continually at the temple,^(O) praising God.