Freedom in Christ

Grace With a Taste of Cinnamon

The Invitation of Christmas

Decide to Be Bold: A 10-Day Brave Coaches Journey

Does the Devil Know Your Name? A 10-Day Brave Coaches Journey

The Advent of HOPE and the Object of Our Faith.

How to Practice Gratitude in the Midst of Waiting by Wycliffe Bible Translators

A Christian Christmas

Light Has Come

Hidden: A Devotional for Teen Girls

The Listener’s Bible®: NIV Edition

New International Version™  (Anglicised), Audio Edition

Holy Bible, New International Version™ (Anglicised), South Asian Audio Edition

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkJDG">
      <div class="chapter ch7" data-usfm="JDG.7">
         <div class="label">7</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Gideon Defeats the Midianites</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="JDG.7.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Early in the morning, Jerub-Baal (that is, Gideon) and all his men camped at the spring of Harod. The camp of Midian was north of them in the valley near the hill of Moreh. </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="JDG.7.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">The </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> said to Gideon, &#8220;You have too many men. I cannot deliver Midian into their hands, or Israel would boast against me, &#8216;My own strength has saved me.&#8217; </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="JDG.7.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">Now announce to the army, &#8216;Anyone who trembles with fear may turn back and leave Mount Gilead.&#8217;&#8198;&#8221; So twenty-two thousand men left, while ten thousand remained.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="JDG.7.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="JDG.7.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">But the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> said to Gideon, &#8220;There are still too many men. Take them down to the water, and I will thin them out for you there. If I say, &#8216;This one shall go with you,&#8217; he shall go; but if I say, &#8216;This one shall not go with you,&#8217; he shall not go.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="JDG.7.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="JDG.7.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">So Gideon took the men down to the water. There the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> told him, &#8220;Separate those who lap the water with their tongues as a dog laps from those who kneel down to drink.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="JDG.7.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">Three hundred of them drank from cupped hands, lapping like dogs. All the rest got down on their knees to drink.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="JDG.7.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="JDG.7.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">The </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> said to Gideon, &#8220;With the three hundred men that lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hands. Let all the others go home.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="JDG.7.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">So Gideon sent the rest of the Israelites home but kept the three hundred, who took over the provisions and trumpets of the others.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="JDG.7.8"><span class="content">Now the camp of Midian lay below him in the valley. </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="JDG.7.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">During that night the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> said to Gideon, &#8220;Get up, go down against the camp, because I am going to give it into your hands. </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="JDG.7.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">If you are afraid to attack, go down to the camp with your servant Purah </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="JDG.7.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">and listen to what they are saying. Afterward, you will be encouraged to attack the camp.&#8221; So he and Purah his servant went down to the outposts of the camp. </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="JDG.7.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">The Midianites, the Amalekites and all the other eastern peoples had settled in the valley, thick as locusts. Their camels could no more be counted than the sand on the seashore.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="JDG.7.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="JDG.7.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">Gideon arrived just as a man was telling a friend his dream. &#8220;I had a dream,&#8221; he was saying. &#8220;A round loaf of barley bread came tumbling into the Midianite camp. It struck the tent with such force that the tent overturned and collapsed.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="JDG.7.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="JDG.7.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">His friend responded, &#8220;This can be nothing other than the sword of Gideon son of Joash, the Israelite. God has given the Midianites and the whole camp into his hands.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="JDG.7.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="JDG.7.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">When Gideon heard the dream and its interpretation, he bowed down and worshiped. He returned to the camp of Israel and called out, &#8220;Get up! The </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> has given the Midianite camp into your hands.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="JDG.7.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">Dividing the three hundred men into three companies, he placed trumpets and empty jars in the hands of all of them, with torches inside.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="JDG.7.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="JDG.7.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">&#8220;Watch me,&#8221; he told them. &#8220;Follow my lead. When I get to the edge of the camp, do exactly as I do. </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="JDG.7.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">When I and all who are with me blow our trumpets, then from all around the camp blow yours and shout, &#8216;For the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> and for Gideon.&#8217;&#8198;&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="JDG.7.18"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="JDG.7.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">Gideon and the hundred men with him reached the edge of the camp at the beginning of the middle watch, just after they had changed the guard. They blew their trumpets and broke the jars that were in their hands. </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="JDG.7.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">The three companies blew the trumpets and smashed the jars. Grasping the torches in their left hands and holding in their right hands the trumpets they were to blow, they shouted, &#8220;A sword for the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> and for Gideon!&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="JDG.7.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">While each man held his position around the camp, all the Midianites ran, crying out as they fled.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="JDG.7.21"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="JDG.7.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">When the three hundred trumpets sounded, the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> caused the men throughout the camp to turn on each other with their swords. The army fled to Beth Shittah toward Zererah as far as the border of Abel Meholah near Tabbath. </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="JDG.7.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">Israelites from Naphtali, Asher and all Manasseh were called out, and they pursued the Midianites. </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="JDG.7.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">Gideon sent messengers throughout the hill country of Ephraim, saying, &#8220;Come down against the Midianites and seize the waters of the Jordan ahead of them as far as Beth Barah.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="JDG.7.24"><span class="content">So all the men of Ephraim were called out and they seized the waters of the Jordan as far as Beth Barah. </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="JDG.7.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">They also captured two of the Midianite leaders, Oreb and Zeeb. They killed Oreb at the rock of Oreb, and Zeeb at the winepress of Zeeb. They pursued the Midianites and brought the heads of Oreb and Zeeb to Gideon, who was by the Jordan.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkLAM">
      <div class="chapter ch4" data-usfm="LAM.4">
         <div class="label">4</div><div class="q1"><span class="content">  </span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="ft">  </span><span class="ft">This chapter is an acrostic poem, the verses of which begin with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet.</span><span class="ft">  </span></span></span><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="LAM.4.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">How the gold has lost its luster,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="LAM.4.1"><span class="content">the fine gold become dull!</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="LAM.4.1"><span class="content">The sacred gems are scattered</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="LAM.4.1"><span class="content">at every street corner.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="LAM.4.1"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="LAM.4.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">How the precious children of Zion,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="LAM.4.2"><span class="content">once worth their weight in gold,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="LAM.4.2"><span class="content">are now considered as pots of clay,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="LAM.4.2"><span class="content">the work of a potter&#8217;s hands!</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="LAM.4.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="LAM.4.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">Even jackals offer their breasts</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="LAM.4.3"><span class="content">to nurse their young,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="LAM.4.3"><span class="content">but my people have become heartless</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="LAM.4.3"><span class="content">like ostriches in the desert.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="LAM.4.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="LAM.4.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">Because of thirst the infant&#8217;s tongue</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="LAM.4.4"><span class="content">sticks to the roof of its mouth;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="LAM.4.4"><span class="content">the children beg for bread,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="LAM.4.4"><span class="content">but no one gives it to them.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="LAM.4.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="LAM.4.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">Those who once ate delicacies</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="LAM.4.5"><span class="content">are destitute in the streets.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="LAM.4.5"><span class="content">Those brought up in royal purple</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="LAM.4.5"><span class="content">now lie on ash heaps.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="LAM.4.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="LAM.4.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">The punishment of my people</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="LAM.4.6"><span class="content">is greater than that of Sodom,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="LAM.4.6"><span class="content">which was overthrown in a moment</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="LAM.4.6"><span class="content">without a hand turned to help her.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="LAM.4.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="LAM.4.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">Their princes were brighter than snow</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="LAM.4.7"><span class="content">and whiter than milk,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="LAM.4.7"><span class="content">their bodies more ruddy than rubies,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="LAM.4.7"><span class="content">their appearance like lapis lazuli.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="LAM.4.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="LAM.4.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">But now they are blacker than soot;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="LAM.4.8"><span class="content">they are not recognized in the streets.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="LAM.4.8"><span class="content">Their skin has shriveled on their bones;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="LAM.4.8"><span class="content">it has become as dry as a stick.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="LAM.4.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="LAM.4.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">Those killed by the sword are better off</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="LAM.4.9"><span class="content">than those who die of famine;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="LAM.4.9"><span class="content">racked with hunger, they waste away</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="LAM.4.9"><span class="content">for lack of food from the field.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="LAM.4.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="LAM.4.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">With their own hands compassionate women</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="LAM.4.10"><span class="content">have cooked their own children,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="LAM.4.10"><span class="content">who became their food</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="LAM.4.10"><span class="content">when my people were destroyed.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="LAM.4.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="LAM.4.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">The </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> has given full vent to his wrath;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="LAM.4.11"><span class="content">he has poured out his fierce anger.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="LAM.4.11"><span class="content">He kindled a fire in Zion</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="LAM.4.11"><span class="content">that consumed her foundations.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="LAM.4.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="LAM.4.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">The kings of the earth did not believe,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="LAM.4.12"><span class="content">nor did any of the peoples of the world,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="LAM.4.12"><span class="content">that enemies and foes could enter</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="LAM.4.12"><span class="content">the gates of Jerusalem.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="LAM.4.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="LAM.4.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">But it happened because of the sins of her prophets</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="LAM.4.13"><span class="content">and the iniquities of her priests,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="LAM.4.13"><span class="content">who shed within her</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="LAM.4.13"><span class="content">the blood of the righteous.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="LAM.4.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="LAM.4.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">Now they grope through the streets</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="LAM.4.14"><span class="content">as if they were blind.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="LAM.4.14"><span class="content">They are so defiled with blood</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="LAM.4.14"><span class="content">that no one dares to touch their garments.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="LAM.4.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="LAM.4.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">&#8220;Go away! You are unclean!&#8221; people cry to them.</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="LAM.4.15"><span class="content">&#8220;Away! Away! Don&#8217;t touch us!&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="LAM.4.15"><span class="content">When they flee and wander about,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="LAM.4.15"><span class="content">people among the nations say,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="LAM.4.15"><span class="content">&#8220;They can stay here no longer.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="LAM.4.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="LAM.4.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">The </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> himself has scattered them;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="LAM.4.16"><span class="content">he no longer watches over them.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="LAM.4.16"><span class="content">The priests are shown no honor,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="LAM.4.16"><span class="content">the elders no favor.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="LAM.4.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="LAM.4.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">Moreover, our eyes failed,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="LAM.4.17"><span class="content">looking in vain for help;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="LAM.4.17"><span class="content">from our towers we watched</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="LAM.4.17"><span class="content">for a nation that could not save us.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="LAM.4.17"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="LAM.4.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">People stalked us at every step,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="LAM.4.18"><span class="content">so we could not walk in our streets.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="LAM.4.18"><span class="content">Our end was near, our days were numbered,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="LAM.4.18"><span class="content">for our end had come.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="LAM.4.18"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="LAM.4.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">Our pursuers were swifter</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="LAM.4.19"><span class="content">than eagles in the sky;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="LAM.4.19"><span class="content">they chased us over the mountains</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="LAM.4.19"><span class="content">and lay in wait for us in the desert.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="LAM.4.19"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="LAM.4.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">The </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">&#8217;s anointed, our very life breath,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="LAM.4.20"><span class="content">was caught in their traps.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="LAM.4.20"><span class="content">We thought that under his shadow</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="LAM.4.20"><span class="content">we would live among the nations.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="LAM.4.20"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="LAM.4.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">Rejoice and be glad, Daughter Edom,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="LAM.4.21"><span class="content">you who live in the land of Uz.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="LAM.4.21"><span class="content">But to you also the cup will be passed;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="LAM.4.21"><span class="content">you will be drunk and stripped naked.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="LAM.4.21"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="LAM.4.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">Your punishment will end, Daughter Zion;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="LAM.4.22"><span class="content">he will not prolong your exile.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="LAM.4.22"><span class="content">But he will punish your sin, Daughter Edom,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="LAM.4.22"><span class="content">and expose your wickedness.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="b"></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkACT">
      <div class="chapter ch26" data-usfm="ACT.26">
         <div class="label">26</div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ACT.26.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Then Agrippa said to Paul, &#8220;You have permission to speak for yourself.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ACT.26.1"><span class="content">So Paul motioned with his hand and began his defense: </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ACT.26.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">&#8220;King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you today as I make my defense against all the accusations of the Jews, </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ACT.26.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">and especially so because you are well acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ACT.26.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ACT.26.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">&#8220;The Jewish people all know the way I have lived ever since I was a child, from the beginning of my life in my own country, and also in Jerusalem. </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ACT.26.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">They have known me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that I conformed to the strictest sect of our religion, living as a Pharisee. </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ACT.26.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">And now it is because of my hope in what God has promised our ancestors that I am on trial today. </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ACT.26.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">This is the promise our twelve tribes are hoping to see fulfilled as they earnestly serve God day and night. King Agrippa, it is because of this hope that these Jews are accusing me. </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ACT.26.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ACT.26.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ACT.26.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">&#8220;I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth. </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ACT.26.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">And that is just what I did in Jerusalem. On the authority of the chief priests I put many of the Lord&#8217;s people in prison, and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ACT.26.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">Many a time I went from one synagogue to another to have them punished, and I tried to force them to blaspheme. I was so obsessed with persecuting them that I even hunted them down in foreign cities.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ACT.26.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ACT.26.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">&#8220;On one of these journeys I was going to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ACT.26.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">About noon, King Agrippa, as I was on the road, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, blazing around me and my companions. </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ACT.26.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic,</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">26:14 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">Hebrew</span></span></span><span class="content">  </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8216;Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.&#8217;</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ACT.26.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ACT.26.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">&#8220;Then I asked, &#8216;Who are you, Lord?&#8217;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ACT.26.15"><span class="content">&#8220; </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8216;I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,&#8217;</span></span><span class="content"> the Lord replied. </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ACT.26.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8216;Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen and will see of me.</span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ACT.26.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them</span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ACT.26.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.&#8217;</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ACT.26.18"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ACT.26.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">&#8220;So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven. </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ACT.26.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and then to the Gentiles, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds. </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="ACT.26.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">That is why some Jews seized me in the temple courts and tried to kill me. </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="ACT.26.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">But God has helped me to this very day; so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen&#8212; </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="ACT.26.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">that the Messiah would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would bring the message of light to his own people and to the Gentiles.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="ACT.26.23"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="ACT.26.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">At this point Festus interrupted Paul&#8217;s defense. &#8220;You are out of your mind, Paul!&#8221; he shouted. &#8220;Your great learning is driving you insane.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="ACT.26.24"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ACT.26.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">&#8220;I am not insane, most excellent Festus,&#8221; Paul replied. &#8220;What I am saying is true and reasonable. </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ACT.26.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="ACT.26.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="ACT.26.27"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="ACT.26.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">Then Agrippa said to Paul, &#8220;Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="ACT.26.28"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="ACT.26.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">Paul replied, &#8220;Short time or long&#8212;I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="ACT.26.29"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="ACT.26.30"><span class="label">30</span><span class="content">The king rose, and with him the governor and Bernice and those sitting with them. </span></span><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="ACT.26.31"><span class="label">31</span><span class="content">After they left the room, they began saying to one another, &#8220;This man is not doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="ACT.26.31"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="ACT.26.32"><span class="label">32</span><span class="content">Agrippa said to Festus, &#8220;This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.&#8221;</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bk2JN">
      <div class="chapter ch1" data-usfm="2JN.1">
         <div class="label">1</div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="2JN.1.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">The elder,</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="2JN.1.1"><span class="content">To the lady chosen by God and to her children, whom I love in the truth&#8212;and not I only, but also all who know the truth&#8212; </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="2JN.1.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">because of the truth, which lives in us and will be with us forever:</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="2JN.1.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="2JN.1.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father&#8217;s Son, will be with us in truth and love.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="b"></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="2JN.1.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="2JN.1.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father commanded us. </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="2JN.1.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another. </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="2JN.1.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="2JN.1.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="2JN.1.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">I say this because many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist. </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="2JN.1.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">Watch out that you do not lose what we</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">1:8 </span><span class="ft">Some manuscripts </span><span class="fqa">you</span></span></span><span class="content"> have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully. </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="2JN.1.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="2JN.1.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take them into your house or welcome them. </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="2JN.1.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">Anyone who welcomes them shares in their wicked work.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="2JN.1.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="2JN.1.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="b"></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="2JN.1.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="2JN.1.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">The children of your sister, who is chosen by God, send their greetings.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bk3JN">
      <div class="chapter ch1" data-usfm="3JN.1">
         <div class="label">1</div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="3JN.1.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">The elder,</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="3JN.1.1"><span class="content">To my dear friend Gaius, whom I love in the truth.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="b"></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="3JN.1.1"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="3JN.1.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="3JN.1.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">It gave me great joy when some believers came and testified about your faithfulness to the truth, telling how you continue to walk in it. </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="3JN.1.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="3JN.1.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="3JN.1.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers and sisters,</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">1:5 </span><span class="ft">The Greek word for </span><span class="fq">brothers and sisters </span><span class="ft">(<span class="tl">adelphoi</span>) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God&#8217;s family.</span></span></span><span class="content"> even though they are strangers to you. </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="3JN.1.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">They have told the church about your love. Please send them on their way in a manner that honors God. </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="3JN.1.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="3JN.1.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">We ought therefore to show hospitality to such people so that we may work together for the truth.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="3JN.1.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="3JN.1.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not welcome us. </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="3JN.1.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">So when I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, spreading malicious nonsense about us. Not satisfied with that, he even refuses to welcome other believers. He also stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="3JN.1.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="3JN.1.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God. </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="3JN.1.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">Demetrius is well spoken of by everyone&#8212;and even by the truth itself. We also speak well of him, and you know that our testimony is true.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="3JN.1.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="3JN.1.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">I have much to write you, but I do not want to do so with pen and ink. </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="3JN.1.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="b"></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="3JN.1.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="3JN.1.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">Peace to you. The friends here send their greetings. Greet the friends there by name.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

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