and said, "Galileans, why are you standing there looking up at the sky? This Jesus, who was taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way that you saw him go to heaven."

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that he will forgive your sins. If you do,

I will give you rulers and advisers like those you had long ago. Then Jerusalem will be called the righteous, faithful city."

He will come to judge like one who refines and purifies silver. As a metalworker refines silver and gold, so the LORD's messenger will purify the priests, so that they will bring to the LORD the right kind of offerings.

Then the offerings which the people of Judah and Jerusalem bring to the LORD will be pleasing to him, as they used to be in the past.

"But before the great and terrible day of the LORD comes, I will send you the prophet Elijah.

He will bring fathers and children together again; otherwise I would have to come and destroy your country."

"Elijah is indeed coming first," answered Jesus, "and he will get everything ready.

But I tell you that Elijah has already come and people did not recognize him, but treated him just as they pleased. In the same way they will also mistreat the Son of Man."

And they asked Jesus, "Why do the teachers of the Law say that Elijah has to come first?"

I tell you, however, that Elijah has already come and that people treated him just as they pleased, as the Scriptures say about him."

All the prophets spoke about him, saying that all who believe in him will have their sins forgiven through the power of his name."

He promised through his holy prophets long ago

For no prophetic message ever came just from the human will, but people were under the control of the Holy Spirit as they spoke the message that came from God.

I want you to remember the words that were spoken long ago by the holy prophets, and the command from the Lord and Savior which was given you by your apostles.

Be glad, heaven, because of her destruction! Be glad, God's people and the apostles and prophets! For God has condemned her for what she did to you!

Then the angel said to me, "These words are true and can be trusted. And the Lord God, who gives his Spirit to the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must happen very soon."