(though the father did not do any of them). He eats pagan sacrifices on the mountains, defiles his neighbor’s wife,

I know Ephraim all too well; the evil of Israel is not hidden from me. For you have engaged in prostitution, O Ephraim; Israel has defiled itself.

Ephraim will be oppressed, crushed under judgment, because he was determined to pursue worthless idols.

That idol was made by a workman – it is not God! The calf idol of Samaria will be broken to bits.

So what will you do on the festival day, on the festival days of the Lord?

The men feared the Lord greatly, and earnestly vowed to offer lavish sacrifices to the Lord.

I will uproot your images of Asherah from your midst, and destroy your idols.

and those who turn their backs on the Lord and do not want the Lord’s help or guidance.”

When the whole crowd saw him, they were amazed and ran at once and greeted him.

that we, being rescued from the hand of our enemies, may serve him without fear,

And then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’

and here he has authority from the chief priests to imprison all who call on your name!”

but in every nation the person who fears him and does what is right is welcomed before him.

So Paul stood up, gestured with his hand and said, “Men of Israel, and you Gentiles who fear God, listen:

And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized, and have your sins washed away, calling on his name.’

Look at the people of Israel. Are not those who eat the sacrifices partners in the altar?

If anyone intends to quarrel about this, we have no other practice, nor do the churches of God.

You know that when you were pagans you were often led astray by speechless idols, however you were led.

but with good deeds, as is proper for women who profess reverence for God.

saying, “I will proclaim your name to my brothers; in the midst of the assembly I will praise you.”