For the people who live in Jerusalem and their leaders did not know that he is the Savior, nor did they understand the words of the prophets that are read every Sabbath. Yet they made the prophets' words come true by condemning Jesus.

For the Law of Moses has been read for a very long time in the synagogues every Sabbath, and his words are preached in every town."

Then Jesus went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath he went as usual to the synagogue. He stood up to read the Scriptures

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has chosen me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free the oppressed

Crispus, who was the leader of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, together with all his family; and many other people in Corinth heard the message, believed, and were baptized.

They all grabbed Sosthenes, the leader of the synagogue, and beat him in front of the court. But that did not bother Gallio a bit.

Jairus, an official of the local synagogue, arrived, and when he saw Jesus, he threw himself down at his feet

"My friends," he said, "the scripture had to come true in which the Holy Spirit, speaking through David, made a prediction about Judas, who was the guide for those who arrested Jesus.

"My friends, I must speak to you plainly about our famous ancestor King David. He died and was buried, and his grave is here with us to this very day.

When the people heard this, they were deeply troubled and said to Peter and the other apostles, "What shall we do, brothers?"

Stephen answered, "Brothers and fathers, listen to me! Before our ancestor Abraham had gone to live in Haran, the God of glory appeared to him in Mesopotamia

After a long debate Peter stood up and said, "My friends, you know that a long time ago God chose me from among you to preach the Good News to the Gentiles, so that they could hear and believe.

"My fellow Jews, listen to me as I make my defense before you!"

They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to talk in other languages, as the Spirit enabled them to speak.

He went through those regions and encouraged the people with many messages. Then he came to Achaia,

if it is to encourage others, we should do so. Whoever shares with others should do it generously; whoever has authority should work hard; whoever shows kindness to others should do it cheerfully.

But those who proclaim God's message speak to people and give them help, encouragement, and comfort.

I beg you, my friends, to listen patiently to this message of encouragement; for this letter I have written you is not very long.