I replied, ¹  ‘Lord, they themselves know that I imprisoned and beat those in the various synagogues ²  who believed in you.

As you can verify ¹  for yourself, not more than twelve days ago ²  I went up to Jerusalem ³  to worship.

Then Felix, ¹  who understood the facts ²  concerning the Way ³  more accurately, ⁴  adjourned their hearing, ⁵  saying, “When Lysias the commanding officer comes down, I will decide your case.” ⁶ 

Because I was at a loss ¹  how I could investigate these matters, ²  I asked if he were willing to go to Jerusalem and be tried ³  there on these charges. ⁴ 

For the king knows about these things, and I am speaking freely ¹  to him, ²  because I cannot believe ³  that any of these things has escaped his notice, ⁴  for this was not done in a corner. ⁵ 

Or do you not know, brothers and sisters ¹  (for I am speaking to those who know the law), that the law is lord over a person ²  as long as he lives?

For ignoring the righteousness that comes from God, and seeking instead to establish their own righteousness, they did not submit to God’s righteousness.

But I ask, have they ¹  not heard? ²  Yes, they have: ³  Their voice has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world. ⁴ 

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how fathomless his ways!

Now we do speak wisdom among the mature, ¹  but not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are perishing.

Instead we speak the wisdom of God, hidden in a mystery, that God determined before the ages for our glory.

For who among men knows the things of a man except the man’s spirit within him? So too, no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God.

For who has known the mind of the Lord, so as to advise him? ¹  But we have the mind of Christ.

Do you not know that you are God’s temple ¹  and that God’s Spirit lives in you?

But I will come to you soon, if the Lord is willing, and I will find out not only the talk of these arrogant people, but also their power.

You know that when you were pagans you were often led astray by speechless idols, however you were led.

so that there may be no division in the body, but the members may have mutual concern for one another.

Love never ends. But if there are prophecies, they will be set aside; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be set aside.

Now, brothers and sisters, ¹  if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I help you unless I speak to you with a revelation or with knowledge or prophecy or teaching?

It is similar for lifeless things that make a sound, like a flute or harp. Unless they make a distinction in the notes, how can what is played on the flute or harp be understood?