¹⁷ But the Lord stood at my side^(A) and gave me strength,^(B) so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it.^(C) And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth.^(D)

⁸ Be alert and of sober mind.^(A) Your enemy the devil prowls around^(B) like a roaring lion^(C) looking for someone to devour.

³⁷ The Lord who rescued^(A) me from the paw of the lion^(B) and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.”

Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with^(C) you.”

Paul’s Chains Advance the Gospel

¹² Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters,^[a] that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. ¹³ As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard^[b] and to everyone else that I am in chains^(A) for Christ. ¹⁴ And because of my chains,^(B) most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.^(C)

¹⁵ But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument^(A) to proclaim my name to the Gentiles^(B) and their kings^(C) and to the people of Israel.

²² My God sent his angel,^(A) and he shut the mouths of the lions.^(B) They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight.^(C) Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.”

³³ who through faith conquered kingdoms,^(A) administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions,^(B)

⁹ One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision:^(A) “Do not be afraid;^(B) keep on speaking, do not be silent. ¹⁰ For I am with you,^(C) and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.”