Then certain Epicurean and Stoic philosophers encountered him. And some said, What does this empty talker want to say? And others, He seems to be a proclaimer of foreign demons, because he preached to them Jesus and the resurrection.

Others mocking said, They are full of sweet wine.

Behold, you despisers, marvel and perish. For I work a work in your days, a work which you will by no means believe, though one were to declare it to you.

but had some questions against him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who had died, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.

Why should it be thought incredible by you if God raises the dead?

Now as he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, you are beside yourself! Much learning is driving you mad!

But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak the words of truth and sobriety.

And Lot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law, who had married his daughters, and said, Get up, get out of this place; for Jehovah is destroying this city! But to his sons- in-law he seemed to be joking.

For if you return to Jehovah, your brethren and your children shall find compassion before those holding them captive, to come back to this land; for Jehovah your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn His face from you if you return to Him.

Nevertheless some from Asher, Manasseh, and Zebulun humbled themselves and came to Jerusalem.

But they mocked the messengers of God, despised His words, and scoffed at His prophets, to make the wrath of Jehovah swell up against His people, till there was no healing.

Now the men who held Jesus mocked Him and beat Him.

Then Herod, with his men of war, treated Him with contempt and mocked Him, arrayed Him in a gorgeous robe, and sent Him back to Pilate.

The soldiers also mocked Him, coming and offering Him vinegar,

but we preach Christ crucified, truly to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness,

We are foolish because of Christ, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are distinguished, but we are dishonored.

Still others had trial of mockings and floggings, yes, and of bonds and imprisonment.

Therefore let us go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach.

Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix became afraid and answered, Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.

But they all with one accord began to decline. The first said to him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must go and see it. I ask you to have me excused.

For He says: In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you. Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: Today, if you will hear His voice,

do not harden your hearts as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness,