But Saul became more and more capable, ¹  and was causing consternation ²  among the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving ³  that Jesus ⁴  is the Christ. ⁵ 

explaining and demonstrating ¹  that the Christ ²  had to suffer and to rise from the dead, ³  saying, ⁴  “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Christ.” ⁵ 

trying to learn ¹  what is pleasing to the Lord.

for he refuted the Jews vigorously ¹  in public debate, ²  demonstrating from the scriptures that the Christ ³  was Jesus. ⁴ 

Then I myself will acknowledge ¹  to you that your own right hand can save you. ² 

Now what is sought in stewards is that one be found faithful.

because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance.

And do not lord it over ¹  those entrusted to you, ²  but be examples to the flock.

For the one who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by people. ¹ 

For whenever someone says, “I am with Paul,” or “I am with Apollos,” are you not merely human? ¹ 

You have eaten no bread and drunk no wine or beer – all so that you might know that I ¹  am the Lord your God!

Now I was paying you close attention, ¹  yet ²  there was no one proving Job wrong, ³  not one of you was answering his statements!

who frustrates the omens of the empty talkers ¹  and humiliates ²  the omen readers, who overturns the counsel of the wise men ³  and makes their advice ⁴  seem foolish,

Then some of the experts in the law ¹  along with some Pharisees ²  answered him, ³  “Teacher, we want to see a sign ⁴  from you.”

I am not saying this as a command, but I am testing the genuineness of your love by comparison with the eagerness of others. ¹ 

This is what the Lord says: “Where is your mother’s divorce certificate by which I divorced her? Or to which of my creditors did I sell you? ¹  Look, you were sold because of your sins; ²  because of your rebellious acts I divorced your mother. ³ 

But bring your youngest brother back to me so I will know ¹  that you are honest men and not spies. ²  Then I will give your brother back to you and you may move about freely in the land.’” ³ 

They were left to test Israel, so the Lord would know if his people would obey the commands he gave their ancestors through Moses. ¹ 

Such trials show the proven character of your faith, ¹  which is much more valuable than gold – gold that is tested by fire, even though it is passing away ²  – and will bring praise ³  and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. ⁴ 

I will pass through ¹  the land of Egypt in the same ²  night, and I will attack ³  all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both of humans and of animals, ⁴  and on all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment. ⁵  I am the Lord.