⁷ He said to Judah, “Let us build these cities and surround them with walls and towers, gates and bars; the land is still ours because we have sought the Lord our God; we have sought him, and he has given us rest on every side.” So they built and prospered.

⁶ He built fortified cities in Judah while the land was quiet. He had no war in those years, for the Lord gave him rest.^(A)

¹³ But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” so that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. ¹⁴ For we have become partners of Christ, if only we hold our first confidence firm to the end. ¹⁵ As it is said,

³¹ Meanwhile the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and was built up. Living in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.^(A)

³⁵ Jesus said to them, “The light is in you^[a] for a little longer. Walk while you have the light, so that the darkness may not overtake you. If you walk in the darkness, you do not know where you are going. ³⁶ While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light.”

The Unbelief of the People

After Jesus had said this, he departed and hid from them.^(A)

⁴ We^[a] must work the works of him who sent me^[b] while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work.^(A)

²⁸ “Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.^{(A) 29} Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.^(B)

¹² Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you.^{(A) 13} When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart,^{(B) 14} I will let you find me, says the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, says the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile.^(C)