but if it comes from God, you cannot possibly defeat them. You could find yourselves fighting against God!" The Council followed Gamaliel's advice.

And so the word of God continued to spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem grew larger and larger, and a great number of priests accepted the faith.

The Lord's power was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.

In this powerful way the word of the Lord kept spreading and growing stronger.

People stay in hiding when the wicked come to power. But when they fall from power, the righteous will rule again.

Do not be afraid---I am with you! I am your God---let nothing terrify you! I will make you strong and help you; I will protect you and save you.

and will disappear from the earth.

Justice and right will make you strong. You will be safe from oppression and terror.

"I create the blacksmith, who builds a fire and forges weapons. I also create the soldier, who uses the weapons to kill.

"My word is like the snow and the rain that come down from the sky to water the earth. They make the crops grow and provide seed for planting and food to eat.

So Daniel went to Arioch, whom the king had commanded to execute the royal advisers. He said to him, "Don't put them to death. Take me to the king, and I will tell him what his dream means."

At the time of those rulers the God of heaven will establish a kingdom that will never end. It will never be conquered, but will completely destroy all those empires and then last forever.

And so I tell you, Peter: you are a rock, and on this rock foundation I will build my church, and not even death will ever be able to overcome it.

The gospel keeps bringing blessings and is spreading throughout the world, just as it has among you ever since the day you first heard about the grace of God and came to know it as it really is.

Finally, our friends, pray for us that the Lord's message may continue to spread rapidly and be received with honor, just as it was among you.