And when I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came down on them just as on us at the beginning.

And God, who knows the thoughts of everyone, showed his approval of the Gentiles by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he had to us.

He made no difference between us and them; he forgave their sins because they believed.

Now take your pay and go home. I want to give this man who was hired last as much as I gave you.

Don't I have the right to do as I wish with my own money? Or are you jealous because I am generous?' "

For he said to Moses, "I will have mercy on anyone I wish; I will take pity on anyone I wish."

So then, everything depends, not on what we humans want or do, but only on God's mercy.

And he also wanted to reveal his abundant glory, which was poured out on us who are the objects of his mercy, those of us whom he has prepared to receive his glory.

For we are the people he called, not only from among the Jews but also from among the Gentiles.

As the scripture says, "Who knows the mind of the Lord? Who is able to give him advice?

For all things were created by him, and all things exist through him and for him. To God be the glory forever! Amen.

"These people have received the Holy Spirit, just as we also did. Can anyone, then, stop them from being baptized with water?"

He takes what he wants, and no one can stop him; no one dares ask him, "What are you doing?"

So how can I find words to answer God?

Why do you accuse God of never answering our complaints?

(SEE 40:1)

Are you trying to prove that I am unjust--- to put me in the wrong and yourself in the right?

Are you as strong as I am? Can your voice thunder as loud as mine?

He looks on the people of the earth as nothing; angels in heaven and people on earth are under his control. No one can oppose his will or question what he does.

But who are you, my friend, to talk back to God? A clay pot does not ask the man who made it, "Why did you make me like this?"

And the same is true of what God has done. He wanted to show his anger and to make his power known. But he was very patient in enduring those who were the objects of his anger, who were doomed to destruction.

For we are the people he called, not only from among the Jews but also from among the Gentiles.

And in the very place where they were told, 'You are not my people,' there they will be called the children of the living God."