<p class="bodytext">Now<n id="1" /> when the Lamb opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been violently killed<n id="2" /> because of the word of God and because of the testimony they had given.

<p class="poetry">But<n id="1" /> they overcame himp> <p class="poetry">by the blood of the Lambp> <p class="poetry">and by the word of their testimony,p> <p class="poetry">and they did not love their lives<n id="2" /> so much that they were afraid to die.p>

They went out and proclaimed everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word through the accompanying signs.]]p>

Both Paul and Barnabas replied courageously,<n id="1" /> &#8220;It was necessary to speak the word of God<n id="2" /> to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy<n id="3" /> of eternal life, we<n id="4" /> are turning to the Gentiles.<n id="5" />

After there had been much debate,<n id="1" /> Peter stood up and said to them, &#8220;Brothers, you know that some time ago<n id="2" /> God chose<n id="3" /> me to preach to the Gentiles so they would hear the message<n id="4" /> of the gospel<n id="5" /> and believe.<n id="6" />

&#8216;I know your deeds. (Look! I have put<n id="1" /> in front of you an open door that no one can shut.)<n id="2" /> I know<n id="3" /> that you have little strength,<n id="4" /> but<n id="5" /> you have obeyed<n id="6" /> my word and have not denied my name.

<p class="bodytext">Then<n id="1" /> I saw thrones and seated on them were those who had been given authority to judge.<n id="2" /> I also saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of the testimony about Jesus and because of the word of God. These<n id="3" /> had not worshiped the beast or his image and had refused to receive his mark on their forehead or hand. They<n id="4" /> came to life<n id="5" /> and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.