The word of God continued to spread, ¹  the number of disciples in Jerusalem ²  increased greatly, and a large group ³  of priests became obedient to the faith.

When they heard this, ¹  they ceased their objections ²  and praised ³  God, saying, “So then, God has granted the repentance ⁴  that leads to life even to the Gentiles.” ⁵ 

because he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith, and a significant number of people ¹  were brought to the Lord.

For this ¹  is what the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have appointed ²  you to be a light ³  for the Gentiles, to bring salvation ⁴  to the ends of the earth.’” ⁵ 

He also came to Derbe ¹  and to Lystra. ²  A disciple ³  named Timothy was there, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, ⁴  but whose father was a Greek. ⁵ 

But when the Jews from Thessalonica ¹  heard that Paul had also proclaimed the word of God ²  in Berea, ³  they came there too, inciting ⁴  and disturbing ⁵  the crowds.

This went on for two years, so that all who lived in the province of Asia, ¹  both Jews and Greeks, heard the word of the Lord. ² 

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is God’s power for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. ¹ 

So what benefit ¹  did you then reap ²  from those things that you are now ashamed of? For the end of those things is death.

¹ Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that had been kept secret for long ages,

He is the reason you have a relationship with Christ Jesus, ¹  who became for us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption,

None of the rulers of this age understood it. If they had known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

So by your knowledge the weak brother or sister, ¹  for whom Christ died, is destroyed. ² 

Now this is what I am saying, brothers and sisters: ¹  Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.

who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a down payment. ¹ 

I do not mean that we rule over your faith, but we are workers with you for your joy, because by faith you stand firm. ¹ 

I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one ¹  who called you by the grace of Christ ²  and are following ³  a different ⁴  gospel –

Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

But she will be delivered through childbearing, ¹  if she ²  continues in faith and love and holiness with self-control.

– whose appearing ¹  the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, will reveal at the right time.