⁴⁴ The next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord.^{[a] 45} But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy, and blaspheming, they contradicted what was spoken by Paul.^{(A) 46} Then both Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken first to you. Since you reject it and judge yourselves to be unworthy of eternal life, we are now turning to the gentiles.^{(B) 47} For so the Lord has commanded us, saying,

⁴⁸ When the gentiles heard this, they were glad and praised the word of the Lord, and as many as had been destined for eternal life became believers. ⁴⁹ Thus the word of the Lord spread throughout the region. ⁵⁰ But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city and stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas and drove them out of their region. ⁵¹ So they shook the dust off their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium.^{(D) 52} And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.^(E)

¹⁹ Again the Jews were divided because of these words.^{(A) 20} Many of them were saying, “He has a demon and is out of his mind. Why listen to him?”^{(B) 21} Others were saying, “These are not the words of one who has a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”^(C)

Jesus Is Rejected by the Jews

²² At that time the Festival of the Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, ²³ and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon.^{(D) 24} So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah,^[a] tell us plainly.” ²⁵ Jesus answered, “I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name testify to me,^{(E) 26} but you do not believe because you do not belong to my sheep.^{(F) 27} My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me.^{(G) 28} I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand.^{(H) 29} My Father, in regard to what he has given me, is greater than all,^[b] and no one can snatch them out of the Father’s hand.^{(I) 30} The Father and I are one.”