This is the disciple who testifies about these things and has written these things, and we know that his testimony is true.

But I will punish the nation they serve as slaves,’ said God, ‘and after these things they will come out of there and worship me in this place.’

While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all those who heard the message.

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.”

‘After this I will return, and I will rebuild the fallen tent of David; I will rebuild its ruins and restore it,

As Paul was saying these things in his defense, Festus exclaimed loudly, “You have lost your mind, Paul! Your great learning is driving you insane!”

This means it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God; rather, the children of promise are counted as descendants.

These things happened to them as examples and were written for our instruction, on whom the ends of the ages have come.

Let nobody deceive you with empty words, for because of these things God’s wrath comes on the sons of disobedience.

And what you learned and received and heard and saw in me, do these things. And the God of peace will be with you.

By pointing out such things to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, having nourished yourself on the words of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed.

Before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, I solemnly charge you to carry out these commands without prejudice or favoritism of any kind.

And entrust what you heard me say in the presence of many others as witnesses to faithful people who will be competent to teach others as well.

They probed into what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating when he testified beforehand about the sufferings appointed for Christ and his subsequent glory.

For if these things are really yours and are continually increasing, they will keep you from becoming ineffective and unproductive in your pursuit of knowing our Lord Jesus Christ more intimately.

But concerning the one who lacks such things – he is blind. That is to say, he is nearsighted, since he has forgotten about the cleansing of his past sins.

Therefore, brothers and sisters, make every effort to be sure of your calling and election. For by doing this you will never stumble into sin.

(My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin.) But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous One,

I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.

Now I heard the angel of the waters saying: “You are just – the one who is and who was, the Holy One – because you have passed these judgments,