⁵ So the churches were strengthened^(A) in the faith and grew daily in numbers.^(B)

³¹ Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria^(A) enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.^(B)

⁴⁷ praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.^(A) And the Lord added to their number^(B) daily those who were being saved.

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.

⁴¹ He went through Syria^(A) and Cilicia,^(B) strengthening the churches.^(C)

¹⁰ And the God of all grace, who called you^(A) to his eternal glory^(B) in Christ, after you have suffered a little while,^(C) will himself restore you and make you strong,^(D) firm and steadfast.

Benediction and Final Greetings

²⁰ Now may the God of peace,^(A) who through the blood of the eternal covenant^(B) brought back from the dead^(C) our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep,^{(D) 21} equip you with everything good for doing his will,^(E) and may he work in us^(F) what is pleasing to him,^(G) through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.^(H)

⁹ Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings.^(A) It is good for our hearts to be strengthened^(B) by grace, not by eating ceremonial foods,^(C) which is of no benefit to those who do so.^(D)

¹⁶ May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father,^(A) who loved us^(B) and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope,