Daily Reading for Personal Growth, 40 Days with God

⁴² As they [Paul and Barnabas] went out [of the synagogue], the people earnestly begged that these things might be told to them [further] the next Sabbath.

⁴³ And when the congregation of the synagogue dispersed, many of the Jews and the devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who talked to them and urged them to continue [to trust themselves to and to stand fast] in the grace (the unmerited favor and blessing) of God.

⁴⁴ The next Sabbath almost the entire city gathered together to hear the Word of God [concerning ^[a]the attainment through Christ of salvation in the kingdom of God].

⁴⁵ But when the Jews saw the crowds, filled with envy and jealousy they contradicted what was said by Paul and talked abusively [reviling and slandering him].

⁴⁶ And Paul and Barnabas spoke out plainly and boldly, saying, It was necessary that God’s message [concerning ^[b]salvation through Christ] should be spoken to you first. But since you thrust it from you, you pass this judgment on yourselves that you are unworthy of eternal life and out of your own mouth you will be judged. [Now] behold, we turn to the Gentiles (the heathen).

⁴⁷ For so the Lord has charged us, saying, I have set you to be a light for the Gentiles (the heathen), that you may bring [eternal] salvation to the uttermost parts of the earth.^(A)

⁴⁸ And when the Gentiles heard this, they rejoiced and glorified (praised and gave thanks for) the Word of God; and as many as were destined (appointed and ordained) to eternal life believed (adhered to, trusted in, and relied on Jesus as the Christ and their Savior).

⁴⁹ And so the Word of the Lord [concerning eternal salvation through Christ] scattered and spread throughout the whole region.

⁵⁰ But the Jews stirred up the devout women of high rank and the outstanding men of the town, and instigated persecution against Paul and Barnabas and drove them out of their boundaries.

⁵¹ But [the apostles] shook off the dust from their feet against them and went to Iconium.

⁵² And the disciples were continually filled [throughout their souls] with joy and the Holy Spirit.