Saul Persecutes the Church

Now Saul approved of putting Stephen to death. And on that day a great persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except for the apostles.

For the one who serves Christ in this way is acceptable to God and approved by other people.

Greet Apelles, the approved in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus.

For there also have to be factions among you, so that those who are approved may become evident among you.

For it is not the one who commends himself that is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.

Now we pray to God that you do nothing wrong; not so that we ourselves may appear approved, but that you may do what is right, though we may appear unapproved.

but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not intending to please people, but to please God, who examines our hearts.

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.

Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.