But when a stronger man attacks and conquers him, he takes away the first man’s armor on which the man relied and divides up his plunder.

He replied to him, ‘If they do not respond to Moses and the prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’”

Jesus also told this parable to some who were confident that they were righteous and looked down on everyone else.

But if we say, ‘From people,’ all the people will stone us, because they are convinced that John was a prophet.”

and they summoned the apostles and had them beaten. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus and released them.

But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and after winning the crowds over, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, presuming him to be dead.

So Paul entered the synagogue and spoke out fearlessly for three months, addressing and convincing them about the kingdom of God.

I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean in itself; still, it is unclean to the one who considers it unclean.

Therefore, because we know the fear of the Lord, we try to persuade people, but we are well known to God, and I hope we are well known to your consciences too.

You are looking at outward appearances. If anyone is confident that he belongs to Christ, he should reflect on this again: Just as he himself belongs to Christ, so too do we.

Am I now trying to gain the approval of people, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a slave of Christ!

I am confident in the Lord that you will accept no other view. But the one who is confusing you will pay the penalty, whoever he may be.

and most of the brothers and sisters, having confidence in the Lord because of my imprisonment, now more than ever dare to speak the word fearlessly.

And since I am sure of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for the sake of your progress and joy in the faith,

For we are the circumcision, the ones who worship by the Spirit of God, exult in Christ Jesus, and do not rely on human credentials

Again he says, “I will be confident in him,” and again, “Here I am, with the children God has given me.”

And if we put bits into the mouths of horses to get them to obey us, then we guide their entire bodies.

For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men joined him. He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and nothing came of it.

After him Judas the Galilean arose in the days of the census, and incited people to follow him in revolt. He too was killed, and all who followed him were scattered.

Now Herod was having an angry quarrel with the people of Tyre and Sidon. So they joined together and presented themselves before him. And after convincing Blastus, the king’s personal assistant, to help them, they asked for peace, because their country’s food supply was provided by the king’s country.