where some people brought to him a paralyzed man, lying on a bed. When Jesus saw how much faith they had, he said to the paralyzed man, "Courage, my son! Your sins are forgiven."

I have told you this so that you will have peace by being united to me. The world will make you suffer. But be brave! I have defeated the world!"

That night the Lord stood by Paul and said, "Don't be afraid! You have given your witness for me here in Jerusalem, and you must also do the same in Rome."

Who was it that made this happen? Who has determined the course of history? I, the LORD, was there at the beginning, and I, the LORD, will be there at the end.

Do not be afraid---I am with you! I am your God---let nothing terrify you! I will make you strong and help you; I will protect you and save you.

The LORD says, "Small and weak as you are, Israel, don't be afraid; I will help you. I, the holy God of Israel, am the one who saves you.

The LORD says, "I am the one who strengthens you. Why should you fear mortals, who are no more enduring than grass?

But he said to them, "Why are you alarmed? Why are these doubts coming up in your minds?

Look at my hands and my feet, and see that it is I myself. Feel me, and you will know, for a ghost doesn't have flesh and bones, as you can see I have."

"Don't be afraid," Jesus told them, "it is I!"

"Do not be worried and upset," Jesus told them. "Believe in God and believe also in me.

And after I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to myself, so that you will be where I am.

When I saw him, I fell down at his feet like a dead man. He placed his right hand on me and said, "Don't be afraid! I am the first and the last.

I am the living one! I was dead, but now I am alive forever and ever. I have authority over death and the world of the dead.