But Peter and John replied, “Whether it is right before God to obey you rather than God, you decide,

‘I am the God of your forefathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.’ Moses began to tremble and did not dare to look more closely.

But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked intently toward heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.

He was a devout, God-fearing man, as was all his household; he did many acts of charity for the people and prayed to God regularly.

When they heard this, they ceased their objections and praised God, saying, “So then, God has granted the repentance that leads to life even to the Gentiles.”

To all those loved by God in Rome, called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!

For although they knew God, they did not glorify him as God or give him thanks, but they became futile in their thoughts and their senseless hearts were darkened.

And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what should not be done.

But if our unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of God, what shall we say? The God who inflicts wrath is not unrighteous, is he? (I am speaking in human terms.)

He did not waver in unbelief about the promise of God but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God.

because the outlook of the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to the law of God, nor is it able to do so.

And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose,

For ignoring the righteousness that comes from God, and seeking instead to establish their own righteousness, they did not submit to God’s righteousness.

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except by God’s appointment, and the authorities that exist have been instituted by God.

For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

Instead we speak the wisdom of God, hidden in a mystery, that God determined before the ages for our glory.

God has revealed these to us by the Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.

Now we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things that are freely given to us by God.

If after all there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many gods and many lords),

Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,