³⁸ This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet:

¹⁶ But not all the Israelites accepted the good news.^(A) For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?”^{[a](B) 17} Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message,^(C) and the message is heard through the word about Christ.^(D)

¹² Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed^(A) in his name,^(B) he gave the right to become children of God^(C)—

Christ Crucified Is God’s Power and Wisdom

¹⁸ For the message of the cross is foolishness^(A) to those who are perishing,^(B) but to us who are being saved^(C) it is the power of God.^(D)

¹⁷ Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood,^(A) but by my Father in heaven.^(B)

¹⁸ I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened^(A) in order that you may know the hope to which he has called^(B) you, the riches^(C) of his glorious inheritance^(D) in his holy people,^{(E) 19} and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power^(F) is the same as the mighty strength^(G)

⁷ He came as a witness to testify^(A) concerning that light, so that through him all might believe.^(B)