So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were sharing food with joy and simplicity of heart,

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 these are similarly the [seeds] being sown on stony ground which, whenever they hear the word, immediately they receive it with joy;

and they have no root in themselves, but are shortlived. Afterward, when trials or persecution arise because of the word, immediately they fall away.

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."

Now I praise you, brothers, because you remember me in all things, and you hold fast the traditions just as I handed down to you.

I marvel that you are turning so quickly from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel,

being built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone,

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.

But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you learned them,

But we are not of [those] shrinking back to destruction, but of faith, to the saving of the soul.

This already, beloved, [is] the second letter I write to you, in [both of] which I stir up your pure mind by a reminder,

to remember the words having been previously spoken by the holy prophets, and the commandment of your apostles of the Lord and Savior;

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.

They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us; but [they went out] in order that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us.

And being released, they came to their own, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them.

Now by the hands of the apostles, many signs and wonders took place among the people. And they were all with one mind in Solomon's Porch.

And more than ever, believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women,

that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, in order that you also may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.

But if we are walking in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

Now on the first [day] of the week, the disciples being assembled to break bread, Paul was discussing with them, being about to leave on the next day, and extended his message until midnight.

And going up and breaking bread and eating, and talking for a considerable time, until daybreak, thus he departed.

The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?

Because we, though many, are one bread and one body; for we all partake from the one bread.

You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord's table and of the table of demons.

Therefore when you assemble in the same [place], it is not to eat the Lord's Supper.

What? Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God, and disgrace those who do not have? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you in this? I do not praise you!

and having given thanks, He broke it and said, "Take, eat; this is My body which has been broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me."

For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes.

These were continuing with one mind in prayer and petition, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.

And when they had prayed, the place where they were gathered was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.

But we will faithfully engage in prayer and in the ministry of the word."

rejoicing in hope, enduring in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;

through every prayer and petition, praying in every season in the Spirit, being watchful to this same thing with all perseverance and petition concerning all the saints--

Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving;

not forsaking the assembling of ourselves, just as is the custom for some, but exhorting [one another], and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,