¹⁷ But ^(A)the Lord stood by me and ^(B)strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and ^(C)all the Gentiles might hear it. So ^(D)I was rescued ^(E)from the lion's mouth.

^8 (A)Be sober-minded; ^(B)be watchful. Your ^(C)adversary the devil ^(D)prowls around ^(E)like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

³⁷ And David said, ^(A)“The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” And Saul said to David, “Go, ^(B)and the Lord be with you!”

The Advance of the Gospel

¹² I want you to know, brothers,^[a] that what has happened to me has really ^(A)served to advance the gospel, ¹³ so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard^[b] and ^(B)to all the rest that ^(C)my imprisonment is for Christ. ¹⁴ And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold ^(D)to speak the word^[c] without fear.

¹⁵ But the Lord said to him, “Go, for ^(A)he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name ^(B)before the Gentiles and ^(C)kings and the children of Israel.

²² My God ^(A)sent his angel ^(B)and shut the lions' mouths, and they have not harmed me, because I was found blameless ^(C)before him; ^(D)and also before you, O king, I have done no harm.”

³³ who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, ^(A)stopped the mouths of lions,

⁹ And the Lord said to Paul ^(A)one night in ^(B)a vision, ^(C)“Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, ^10 (D)for I am with you, and ^(E)no one will attack you to harm you, for ^(F)I have many in this city who are my people.”