Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya toward Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes,

And the word was pleasing before all the congregation, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch,

However, some men were joined to him and believed, among whom were also Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others with them.

But when some became hardened and disbelieving, speaking evil against the Way before the multitude, he withdrew from them and separated the disciples, each day debating in the school of a certain Tyrannus.

who, arriving and seeing the grace of God, was glad, and encouraged them all with purpose of heart to continue with the Lord,

strengthening the souls of the disciples, urging [them] to continue in the faith, [saying], "Through many tribulations we must enter into the kingdom of God."

And he entered into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, debating and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.

And having appointed for him a day, many came to him at his house, to whom he was explaining and solemnly testifying to the kingdom of God, and persuading them of the things concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, from morning till evening.

Then Jesus said to those Jews who had believed Him, "If you abide in My word, truly you are My disciples.

And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free."

I am the vine, you [are] the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; because apart from Me you can do nothing.

If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what ever you may desire, and it shall be done for you.

"Just as the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love.

Knowing, therefore, the fear of the Lord, we persuade men; but we have been made known to God. And I also hope to have been made known in your consciences.

And working together [with Him], we also urge that you not receive the grace of God in vain.

Stand fast therefore in the freedom in which Christ has made us free, and do not be loaded down again with a yoke of bondage.

Nevertheless, to what we have attained, let us walk by the same rule, [being] of the same mind.

Therefore, my beloved and longed for brothers, my joy and crown, in this way stand fast in the Lord, beloved.

if indeed you continue in the faith, having been founded and firm and not drifting away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was proclaimed to all creation under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.

whom we proclaim, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus;

that no one should be disturbed by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed unto this.

Because of this, when I could no longer endure [it], I sent to learn about your faith, lest somehow the tempter had tempted you, and our labor be in vain.

But we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until [the] end,

lest you become dull, but [become] imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

looking diligently lest anyone fall from the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness growing up cause trouble, and through this many be defiled;

Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot or blemish;

You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on guard, lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being carried away by the error of the wicked;

but grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.

And now, little children, abide in Him, in order that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed due to Him at His coming.

Everyone who transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ, this [one] has both the Father and the Son.

Therefore they spent a considerable time there, speaking boldly in the Lord, who was bearing witness to the word of His grace, giving signs and wonders to take place by their hands.

being justified freely by His grace through the redemption in Christ Jesus,

through whom also we have had access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

so that just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

And if by grace, [it is] no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if [it is] of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.

You have become estranged from Christ, you who are justified by law; you have fallen from grace.

For by grace you are saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; [it is] the gift of God,

For the saving grace of God has appeared to all men,

Do not be carried away with various and strange doctrines. For it is good [for] the heart to be established by grace, not by foods, by which those having walked were not profited.

By Silvanus the faithful brother, as I consider him, I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying this to be [the] true grace of God in which you stand.