³⁸ The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying,

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) 14} And he has come here with authority from the chief priests^(C) to arrest all who call on your name.”^(D)

¹⁵ But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument^(E) to proclaim my name to the Gentiles^(F) and their kings^(G) and to the people of Israel. ¹⁶ I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”^(H)

¹⁸ As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. ¹⁹ Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them^(A) how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” ²⁰ So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis^[a](B) how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.

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)

²³ I am torn between the two: I desire to depart^(A) and be with Christ,^(B) which is better by far;

²³ They only heard the report: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith^(A) he once tried to destroy.”^{(B) 24} And they praised God^(C) because of me.

³⁷ Then all the people of the region of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them,^(A) because they were overcome with fear. So he got into the boat and left.

²⁸ When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell at his feet, shouting at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me,^(A) Jesus, Son of the Most High God?^(B) I beg you, don’t torture me!”

Praise and Prayer