Awakening the Mighty Wind: Embracing Life, Renewal, and the Spirit’s Global Breath

Defending Our Territory: Understanding Our Weapons of Warfare

When Silence Feels Like Being Ghosted by God

Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho

The Antidote for Anxiety

Five Signs You're Having a Mid-Faith Crisis

When You Start a Fast

Acts 17:1-15 | Leaving the Results to God

When Waiting Is Hard: Practicing Patience From Jesus’ Example

Stand Firm

The Listener’s Bible®: NIV Edition

New International Version™  (Anglicised), Audio Edition

Holy Bible, New International Version™ (Anglicised), South Asian Audio Edition

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkEST">
      <div class="chapter ch1" data-usfm="EST.1">
         <div class="label">1</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Queen Vashti Deposed</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="EST.1.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">This is what happened during the time of Xerxes,</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">1:1 </span><span class="ft">Hebrew </span><span class="fqa">Ahasuerus</span><span class="ft">; here and throughout Esther</span></span></span><span class="content"> the Xerxes who ruled over 127 provinces stretching from India to Cush</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">1:1 </span><span class="ft">That is, the upper Nile region</span></span></span><span class="content">: </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="EST.1.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">At that time King Xerxes reigned from his royal throne in the citadel of Susa, </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="EST.1.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">and in the third year of his reign he gave a banquet for all his nobles and officials. The military leaders of Persia and Media, the princes, and the nobles of the provinces were present.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="EST.1.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="EST.1.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">For a full 180 days he displayed the vast wealth of his kingdom and the splendor and glory of his majesty. </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="EST.1.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">When these days were over, the king gave a banquet, lasting seven days, in the enclosed garden of the king&#8217;s palace, for all the people from the least to the greatest who were in the citadel of Susa. </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="EST.1.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">The garden had hangings of white and blue linen, fastened with cords of white linen and purple material to silver rings on marble pillars. There were couches of gold and silver on a mosaic pavement of porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl and other costly stones. </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="EST.1.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">Wine was served in goblets of gold, each one different from the other, and the royal wine was abundant, in keeping with the king&#8217;s liberality. </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="EST.1.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">By the king&#8217;s command each guest was allowed to drink with no restrictions, for the king instructed all the wine stewards to serve each man what he wished.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="EST.1.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="EST.1.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">Queen Vashti also gave a banquet for the women in the royal palace of King Xerxes.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="EST.1.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="EST.1.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">On the seventh day, when King Xerxes was in high spirits from wine, he commanded the seven eunuchs who served him&#8212;Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar and Karkas&#8212; </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="EST.1.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">to bring before him Queen Vashti, wearing her royal crown, in order to display her beauty to the people and nobles, for she was lovely to look at. </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="EST.1.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">But when the attendants delivered the king&#8217;s command, Queen Vashti refused to come. Then the king became furious and burned with anger.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="EST.1.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="EST.1.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">Since it was customary for the king to consult experts in matters of law and justice, he spoke with the wise men who understood the times </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="EST.1.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">and were closest to the king&#8212;Karshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena and Memukan, the seven nobles of Persia and Media who had special access to the king and were highest in the kingdom.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="EST.1.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="EST.1.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">&#8220;According to law, what must be done to Queen Vashti?&#8221; he asked. &#8220;She has not obeyed the command of King Xerxes that the eunuchs have taken to her.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="EST.1.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="EST.1.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">Then Memukan replied in the presence of the king and the nobles, &#8220;Queen Vashti has done wrong, not only against the king but also against all the nobles and the peoples of all the provinces of King Xerxes. </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="EST.1.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">For the queen&#8217;s conduct will become known to all the women, and so they will despise their husbands and say, &#8216;King Xerxes commanded Queen Vashti to be brought before him, but she would not come.&#8217; </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="EST.1.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">This very day the Persian and Median women of the nobility who have heard about the queen&#8217;s conduct will respond to all the king&#8217;s nobles in the same way. There will be no end of disrespect and discord.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="EST.1.18"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="EST.1.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">&#8220;Therefore, if it pleases the king, let him issue a royal decree and let it be written in the laws of Persia and Media, which cannot be repealed, that Vashti is never again to enter the presence of King Xerxes. Also let the king give her royal position to someone else who is better than she. </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="EST.1.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">Then when the king&#8217;s edict is proclaimed throughout all his vast realm, all the women will respect their husbands, from the least to the greatest.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="EST.1.20"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="EST.1.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">The king and his nobles were pleased with this advice, so the king did as Memukan proposed. </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="EST.1.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">He sent dispatches to all parts of the kingdom, to each province in its own script and to each people in their own language, proclaiming that every man should be ruler over his own household, using his native tongue.</span></span></div>
      </div>
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<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkZEC">
      <div class="chapter ch10" data-usfm="ZEC.10">
         <div class="label">10</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">The </span><span class="nd"><span class="heading">Lord</span></span><span class="heading"> Will Care for Judah</span></div><div class="q1"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ZEC.10.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Ask the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> for rain in the springtime;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ZEC.10.1"><span class="content">it is the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> who sends the thunderstorms.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ZEC.10.1"><span class="content">He gives showers of rain to all people,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ZEC.10.1"><span class="content">and plants of the field to everyone.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ZEC.10.1"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ZEC.10.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">The idols speak deceitfully,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ZEC.10.2"><span class="content">diviners see visions that lie;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ZEC.10.2"><span class="content">they tell dreams that are false,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ZEC.10.2"><span class="content">they give comfort in vain.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ZEC.10.2"><span class="content">Therefore the people wander like sheep</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ZEC.10.2"><span class="content">oppressed for lack of a shepherd.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ZEC.10.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ZEC.10.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">&#8220;My anger burns against the shepherds,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ZEC.10.3"><span class="content">and I will punish the leaders;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ZEC.10.3"><span class="content">for the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> Almighty will care</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ZEC.10.3"><span class="content">for his flock, the people of Judah,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ZEC.10.3"><span class="content">and make them like a proud horse in battle.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ZEC.10.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ZEC.10.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">From Judah will come the cornerstone,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ZEC.10.4"><span class="content">from him the tent peg,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ZEC.10.4"><span class="content">from him the battle bow,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ZEC.10.4"><span class="content">from him every ruler.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ZEC.10.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ZEC.10.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">Together they</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">10:4,5 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">ruler, all of them together. / </span><span class="fv">5 </span><span class="fqa">They</span></span></span><span class="content"> will be like warriors in battle</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ZEC.10.5"><span class="content">trampling their enemy into the mud of the streets.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ZEC.10.5"><span class="content">They will fight because the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> is with them,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ZEC.10.5"><span class="content">and they will put the enemy horsemen to shame.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ZEC.10.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ZEC.10.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">&#8220;I will strengthen Judah</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ZEC.10.6"><span class="content">and save the tribes of Joseph.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ZEC.10.6"><span class="content">I will restore them</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ZEC.10.6"><span class="content">because I have compassion on them.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ZEC.10.6"><span class="content">They will be as though</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ZEC.10.6"><span class="content">I had not rejected them,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ZEC.10.6"><span class="content">for I am the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> their God</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ZEC.10.6"><span class="content">and I will answer them.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ZEC.10.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ZEC.10.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">The Ephraimites will become like warriors,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ZEC.10.7"><span class="content">and their hearts will be glad as with wine.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ZEC.10.7"><span class="content">Their children will see it and be joyful;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ZEC.10.7"><span class="content">their hearts will rejoice in the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ZEC.10.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ZEC.10.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">I will signal for them</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ZEC.10.8"><span class="content">and gather them in.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ZEC.10.8"><span class="content">Surely I will redeem them;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ZEC.10.8"><span class="content">they will be as numerous as before.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ZEC.10.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ZEC.10.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">Though I scatter them among the peoples,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ZEC.10.9"><span class="content">yet in distant lands they will remember me.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ZEC.10.9"><span class="content">They and their children will survive,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ZEC.10.9"><span class="content">and they will return.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ZEC.10.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ZEC.10.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">I will bring them back from Egypt</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ZEC.10.10"><span class="content">and gather them from Assyria.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ZEC.10.10"><span class="content">I will bring them to Gilead and Lebanon,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ZEC.10.10"><span class="content">and there will not be room enough for them.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ZEC.10.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ZEC.10.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">They will pass through the sea of trouble;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ZEC.10.11"><span class="content">the surging sea will be subdued</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ZEC.10.11"><span class="content">and all the depths of the Nile will dry up.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ZEC.10.11"><span class="content">Assyria&#8217;s pride will be brought down</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ZEC.10.11"><span class="content">and Egypt&#8217;s scepter will pass away.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ZEC.10.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ZEC.10.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">I will strengthen them in the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ZEC.10.12"><span class="content">and in his name they will live securely,&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="q4"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ZEC.10.12"><span class="content">declares the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div>
      </div>
   </div>
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<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkZEC">
      <div class="chapter ch11" data-usfm="ZEC.11">
         <div class="label">11</div><div class="q1"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ZEC.11.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Open your doors, Lebanon,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ZEC.11.1"><span class="content">so that fire may devour your cedars!</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ZEC.11.1"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ZEC.11.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">Wail, you juniper, for the cedar has fallen;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ZEC.11.2"><span class="content">the stately trees are ruined!</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ZEC.11.2"><span class="content">Wail, oaks of Bashan;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ZEC.11.2"><span class="content">the dense forest has been cut down!</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ZEC.11.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ZEC.11.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">Listen to the wail of the shepherds;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ZEC.11.3"><span class="content">their rich pastures are destroyed!</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ZEC.11.3"><span class="content">Listen to the roar of the lions;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ZEC.11.3"><span class="content">the lush thicket of the Jordan is ruined!</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Two Shepherds</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ZEC.11.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ZEC.11.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">This is what the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> my God says: &#8220;Shepherd the flock marked for slaughter. </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ZEC.11.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">Their buyers slaughter them and go unpunished. Those who sell them say, &#8216;Praise the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">, I am rich!&#8217; Their own shepherds do not spare them. </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ZEC.11.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">For I will no longer have pity on the people of the land,&#8221; declares the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">. &#8220;I will give everyone into the hands of their neighbors and their king. They will devastate the land, and I will not rescue anyone from their hands.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ZEC.11.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ZEC.11.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">So I shepherded the flock marked for slaughter, particularly the oppressed of the flock. Then I took two staffs and called one Favor and the other Union, and I shepherded the flock. </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ZEC.11.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">In one month I got rid of the three shepherds.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ZEC.11.8"><span class="content">The flock detested me, and I grew weary of them </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ZEC.11.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">and said, &#8220;I will not be your shepherd. Let the dying die, and the perishing perish. Let those who are left eat one another&#8217;s flesh.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ZEC.11.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ZEC.11.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">Then I took my staff called Favor and broke it, revoking the covenant I had made with all the nations. </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ZEC.11.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">It was revoked on that day, and so the oppressed of the flock who were watching me knew it was the word of the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ZEC.11.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ZEC.11.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">I told them, &#8220;If you think it best, give me my pay; but if not, keep it.&#8221; So they paid me thirty pieces of silver.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ZEC.11.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ZEC.11.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">And the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> said to me, &#8220;Throw it to the potter&#8221;&#8212;the handsome price at which they valued me! So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them to the potter at the house of the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ZEC.11.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ZEC.11.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">Then I broke my second staff called Union, breaking the family bond between Judah and Israel.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ZEC.11.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ZEC.11.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">Then the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> said to me, &#8220;Take again the equipment of a foolish shepherd. </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ZEC.11.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">For I am going to raise up a shepherd over the land who will not care for the lost, or seek the young, or heal the injured, or feed the healthy, but will eat the meat of the choice sheep, tearing off their hooves.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ZEC.11.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ZEC.11.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">&#8220;Woe to the worthless shepherd,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ZEC.11.17"><span class="content">who deserts the flock!</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ZEC.11.17"><span class="content">May the sword strike his arm and his right eye!</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ZEC.11.17"><span class="content">May his arm be completely withered,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ZEC.11.17"><span class="content">his right eye totally blinded!&#8221;</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
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<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkACT">
      <div class="chapter ch23" data-usfm="ACT.23">
         <div class="label">23</div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ACT.23.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, &#8220;My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ACT.23.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">At this the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth. </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ACT.23.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">Then Paul said to him, &#8220;God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit there to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck!&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ACT.23.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ACT.23.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">Those who were standing near Paul said, &#8220;How dare you insult God&#8217;s high priest!&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ACT.23.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ACT.23.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">Paul replied, &#8220;Brothers, I did not realize that he was the high priest; for it is written: &#8216;Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.&#8217;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">23:5 </span><span class="ft">Exodus 22:28</span></span></span><span class="content">&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ACT.23.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ACT.23.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, &#8220;My brothers, I am a Pharisee, descended from Pharisees. I stand on trial because of the hope of the resurrection of the dead.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ACT.23.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">When he said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ACT.23.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">(The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, and that there are neither angels nor spirits, but the Pharisees believe all these things.)</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ACT.23.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ACT.23.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">There was a great uproar, and some of the teachers of the law who were Pharisees stood up and argued vigorously. &#8220;We find nothing wrong with this man,&#8221; they said. &#8220;What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ACT.23.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">The dispute became so violent that the commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them. He ordered the troops to go down and take him away from them by force and bring him into the barracks.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ACT.23.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ACT.23.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.&#8221;</span></span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">The Plot to Kill Paul</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ACT.23.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ACT.23.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">The next morning some Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ACT.23.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">More than forty men were involved in this plot. </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ACT.23.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">They went to the chief priests and the elders and said, &#8220;We have taken a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul. </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ACT.23.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">Now then, you and the Sanhedrin petition the commander to bring him before you on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about his case. We are ready to kill him before he gets here.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ACT.23.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ACT.23.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">But when the son of Paul&#8217;s sister heard of this plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ACT.23.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ACT.23.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">Then Paul called one of the centurions and said, &#8220;Take this young man to the commander; he has something to tell him.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ACT.23.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">So he took him to the commander.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ACT.23.18"><span class="content">The centurion said, &#8220;Paul, the prisoner, sent for me and asked me to bring this young man to you because he has something to tell you.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ACT.23.18"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ACT.23.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">The commander took the young man by the hand, drew him aside and asked, &#8220;What is it you want to tell me?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ACT.23.19"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ACT.23.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">He said: &#8220;Some Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul before the Sanhedrin tomorrow on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about him. </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="ACT.23.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">Don&#8217;t give in to them, because more than forty of them are waiting in ambush for him. They have taken an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him. They are ready now, waiting for your consent to their request.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="ACT.23.21"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="ACT.23.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">The commander dismissed the young man with this warning: &#8220;Don&#8217;t tell anyone that you have reported this to me.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Paul Transferred to Caesarea</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="ACT.23.22"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="ACT.23.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">Then he called two of his centurions and ordered them, &#8220;Get ready a detachment of two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">23:23 </span><span class="ft">The meaning of the Greek for this word is uncertain.</span></span></span><span class="content"> to go to Caesarea at nine tonight. </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="ACT.23.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">Provide horses for Paul so that he may be taken safely to Governor Felix.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="ACT.23.24"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ACT.23.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">He wrote a letter as follows:</span></span></div><div class="pmo"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ACT.23.25"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ACT.23.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">Claudius Lysias,</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="pmo"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ACT.23.26"><span class="content">To His Excellency, Governor Felix:</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="pmo"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ACT.23.26"><span class="content">Greetings.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="pm"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ACT.23.26"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="ACT.23.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">This man was seized by the Jews and they were about to kill him, but I came with my troops and rescued him, for I had learned that he is a Roman citizen. </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="ACT.23.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">I wanted to know why they were accusing him, so I brought him to their Sanhedrin. </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="ACT.23.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">I found that the accusation had to do with questions about their law, but there was no charge against him that deserved death or imprisonment. </span></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="ACT.23.30"><span class="label">30</span><span class="content">When I was informed of a plot to be carried out against the man, I sent him to you at once. I also ordered his accusers to present to you their case against him.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="ACT.23.30"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="ACT.23.31"><span class="label">31</span><span class="content">So the soldiers, carrying out their orders, took Paul with them during the night and brought him as far as Antipatris. </span></span><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="ACT.23.32"><span class="label">32</span><span class="content">The next day they let the cavalry go on with him, while they returned to the barracks. </span></span><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="ACT.23.33"><span class="label">33</span><span class="content">When the cavalry arrived in Caesarea, they delivered the letter to the governor and handed Paul over to him. </span></span><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="ACT.23.34"><span class="label">34</span><span class="content">The governor read the letter and asked what province he was from. Learning that he was from Cilicia, </span></span><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="ACT.23.35"><span class="label">35</span><span class="content">he said, &#8220;I will hear your case when your accusers get here.&#8221; Then he ordered that Paul be kept under guard in Herod&#8217;s palace.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
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<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bk1JN">
      <div class="chapter ch4" data-usfm="1JN.4">
         <div class="label">4</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">On Denying the Incarnation</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="1JN.4.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="1JN.4.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="1JN.4.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="1JN.4.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="1JN.4.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="1JN.4.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="1JN.4.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">4:6 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">spirit</span></span></span><span class="content"> of truth and the spirit of falsehood.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">God&#8217;s Love and Ours</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="1JN.4.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="1JN.4.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="1JN.4.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="1JN.4.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="1JN.4.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="1JN.4.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="1JN.4.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="1JN.4.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="1JN.4.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="1JN.4.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="1JN.4.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="1JN.4.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="1JN.4.16"><span class="content">God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="1JN.4.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="1JN.4.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="1JN.4.18"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="1JN.4.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">We love because he first loved us. </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="1JN.4.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="1JN.4.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
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