³³ With great power the apostles continued to testify^(A) to the resurrection^(B) of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace^(C) was so powerfully at work in them all

Stephen Seized

⁸ Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs^(A) among the people.

¹⁵ But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man,^(A) how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ,^(B) overflow to the many! ¹⁶ Nor can the gift of God be compared with the result of one man’s sin: The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification. ¹⁷ For if, by the trespass of the one man, death^(C) reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life^(D) through the one man, Jesus Christ!

Paul’s Change of Plans

¹² Now this is our boast: Our conscience^(A) testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, with integrity^[a](B) and godly sincerity.^(C) We have done so, relying not on worldly wisdom^(D) but on God’s grace.

6 As God’s co-workers^(A) we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain.^(B)

¹⁶ Let us then approach^(A) God’s throne of grace with confidence,^(B) so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.