¹⁸ Today I have made you^(A) 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^(B) you, for I am with you^(C) and will rescue^(D) you,” declares the Lord.

⁹ I will make your forehead^(A) like the hardest stone, harder than flint.^(B) Do not be afraid of them or terrified by them, though they are a rebellious people.^(C)”

Psalm 124

A song of ascents. Of David.

¹⁶ At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them.^{(A) 17} But the Lord stood at my side^(B) and gave me strength,^(C) so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it.^(D) And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth.^(E)

⁸ Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit,^(A) said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people!^{(B) 9} If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame^(C) and are being asked how he was healed, ¹⁰ then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,^(D) whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead,^(E) that this man stands before you healed. ¹¹ Jesus is

¹² Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”^(G)

¹³ When they saw the courage of Peter and John^(H) and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men,^(I) they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.^(J)

⁸ Do not be afraid^(A) of them, for I am with you^(B) and will rescue^(C) you,” declares the Lord.^(D)