testifying to both Jews and Greeks about repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus.

Because he could not be persuaded, we said no more except, “The Lord’s will be done.”

But Paul replied, “I have not lost my mind, most excellent Festus, but am speaking true and rational words.

For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers together until now.

Now I am speaking to you Gentiles. Seeing that I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry,

If it is service, he must serve; if it is teaching, he must teach;

For this reason you also pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants devoted to governing.

For Macedonia and Achaia are pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem.

so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company.

who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a down payment.

And I know that this man (whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, God knows)

and to put on the new man who has been created in God’s image – in righteousness and holiness that comes from truth.

For the things they do in secret are shameful even to mention.

But now, put off all such things as anger, rage, malice, slander, abusive language from your mouth.

because you know that you will receive your inheritance from the Lord as the reward. Serve the Lord Christ.

So in all our distress and affliction, we were reassured about you, brothers and sisters, through your faith.

Are they not all ministering spirits, sent out to serve those who will inherit salvation?

For it is clear that our Lord is descended from Judah, yet Moses said nothing about priests in connection with that tribe.

Now the first covenant, in fact, had regulations for worship and its earthly sanctuary.

But if you do not experience discipline, something all sons have shared in, then you are illegitimate and are not sons.