²⁴ But the word of God^(A) continued to spread and flourish.^(B)

⁷ So the word of God spread.^(A) The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly,^(B) and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

²⁰ In this way the word of the Lord^(A) spread widely and grew in power.^(B)

Request for Prayer

3 As for other matters, brothers and sisters,^(A) pray for us^(B) that the message of the Lord^(C) may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you.^(D)

⁶ that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit^(A) and growing throughout the whole world^(B)—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace.

²¹ The Lord’s hand was with them,^(A) and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.^(B)

³⁹ But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”^(A)

¹⁸ And I tell you that you are Peter,^[a](A) and on this rock I will build my church,^(B) and the gates of Hades^[b] will not overcome it.

⁴⁴ “In the time of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will crush^(A) all those kingdoms^(B) and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever.^(C)