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

And the saying pleased the whole multitude. 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 joined him and believed, among them Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others with them.

But when some were hardened and did not obey, but spoke evil of the Way before the multitude, he departed from them and separated the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of a certain Tyrannus.

When he came and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord.

strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must enter the kingdom of God through many afflictions.

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

So when they had appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging, to whom he explained and testified of the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning till evening.

Then Jesus said to those Jews who had believed in Him, If you continue to abide in My Word, you are truly 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; for apart from Me there is not a thing you are able to do.

If you abide in Me, and My Words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall happen unto you.

As the Father loves Me, I also love you; continue in My love.

Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; and we are well known to God, and I also hope are well known in your consciences.

We then, as workers together with Him, also beseech you not to receive the grace of God in vain.

Stand firm therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.

Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.

Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand firm in the Lord, beloved.

if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under Heaven, of which I, Paul, was made a minister.

Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man complete in Christ Jesus.

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

For this reason, when I could no longer endure it, I sent to know your faith, lest somehow the tempter had tempted you, and our labor should be in vain.

And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end,

that you do not become slothful, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

watching carefully that no one fall short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and through this many become defiled;

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

You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware also that you not be led away with the error of the wicked, and fall from your own steadfastness.

But grow in the grace and 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, that when He is revealed, we may have confidence and not be distanced from Him in shame at His coming.

Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son.

Then, indeed, they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, Who was bearing witness to the Word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done through their hands.

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

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

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

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

You have become cut off from Christ, you who attempt to be 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 grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men,

Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them.

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