²³ They only heard the report: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith^(A) he once tried to destroy.”^(B)

⁸ and last of all he appeared to me also,^(A) as to one abnormally born.

⁹ For I am the least of the apostles^(B) and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted^(C) the church of God.^{(D) 10} But by the grace^(E) of God I am what I am, and his grace to me^(F) was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them^(G)—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.^(H)

¹³ “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people^(A) in Jerusalem.^(B)

¹³ Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor^(A) and a violent man, I was shown mercy^(B) because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.^{(C) 14} The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly,^(D) along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.^(E)

¹⁵ Here is a trustworthy saying^(F) that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners^(G)—of whom I am the worst. ¹⁶ But for that very reason I was shown mercy^(H) so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience^(I) as an example for those who would believe^(J) in him and receive eternal life.^(K)

²⁰ At once he began to preach in the synagogues^(A) that Jesus is the Son of God.^(B)

²⁶ When he came to Jerusalem,^(A) he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple.

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.