¹⁵ But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer^(A) to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope^(B) that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, ¹⁶ keeping a clear conscience,^(C) so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.^(D)

Introduction^(A)

1 Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled^[a] among us, ² just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first^(B) were eyewitnesses^(C) and servants of the word.^{(D) 3} With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account^(E) for you, most excellent^(F) Theophilus,^{(G) 4} so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.^(H)

Jesus Taken Up Into Heaven

1 In my former book,^(A) Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach^{(B) 2} until the day he was taken up to heaven,^(C) after giving instructions^(D) through the Holy Spirit to the apostles^(E) he had chosen.^{(F) 3} After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them^(G) over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.^(H)

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^(A) and rise from the dead on the third day,^{(B) 47} and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name^(C) to all nations,^(D) beginning at Jerusalem.^{(E) 48} You are witnesses^(F) of these things. ⁴⁹ I am going to send you what my Father has promised;^(G) but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

⁵ For John baptized with^[a] water,^(A) but in a few days you will be baptized with^[b] the Holy Spirit.”^(B)

⁸ But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you;^(A) and you will be my witnesses^(B) in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria,^(C) and to the ends of the earth.”^(D)