²⁰ As for us, we cannot help speaking^(A) about what we have seen and heard.”^(B)

¹⁵ You will be his witness^(A) to all people of what you have seen^(B) and heard.

¹⁶ For when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, since I am compelled to preach.^(A) Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! ¹⁷ If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward;^(B) if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me.^(C)

³² We are witnesses of these things,^(A) and so is the Holy Spirit,^(B) whom God has given to those who obey him.”

¹¹ Go^(A) now to your people in exile and speak to them. Say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says,’^(B) whether they listen or fail to listen.^(C)”

¹⁷ “Get yourself ready! Stand up and say^(A) to them whatever I command you. Do not be terrified^(B) by them, or I will terrify you before them. ¹⁸ Today I have made you^(C) a fortified city, an iron pillar and a bronze wall to stand against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests and the people of the land. ¹⁹ They will fight against you but will not overcome^(D) you, for I am with you^(E) and will rescue^(F) you,” declares the Lord.

The Incarnation of the Word of Life

1 That which was from the beginning,^(A) which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes,^(B) which we have looked at and our hands have touched^(C)—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. ² The life appeared;^(D) we have seen it and testify to it,^(E) and we proclaim to you the eternal life,^(F) which was with the Father and has appeared to us. ³ We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard,^(G) so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.^(H)