" The Buck Stops Here "
Acts 9 (NASB)
1 Now Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest,2 and asked for letters from him to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, both men and women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.3 As he was traveling, it happened that he was approaching Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him;4 and he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?5 And he said, Who are You, Lord? And He said, I am Jesus whom you are persecuting,6 but get up and enter the city, and it will be told you what you must do.7 The men who traveled with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one.8 Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; and leading him by the hand, they brought him into Damascus.9 And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.10 Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and the Lord said to him in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Here I am, Lord.11 And the Lord said to him, Get up and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying,12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him, so that he might regain his sight.13 But Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he did to Your saints at Jerusalem;14 and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.15 But the Lord said to him, Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel;16 for I will show him how much he must suffer for My names sake.17 So Ananias departed and entered the house, and after laying his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road by which you were coming, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.18 And immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he regained his sight, and he got up and was baptized;19 and he took food and was strengthened.20 and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, He is the Son of God.21 All those hearing him continued to be amazed, and were saying, Is this not he who in Jerusalem destroyed those who called on this name, and who had come here for the purpose of bringing them bound before the chief priests?22 But Saul kept increasing in strength and confounding the Jews who lived at Damascus by proving that this Jesus is the Christ.23 When many days had elapsed, the Jews plotted together to do away with him,24 but their plot became known to Saul. They were also watching the gates day and night so that they might put him to death;25 but his disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a large basket.26 When he came to Jerusalem, he was trying to associate with the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple.27 But Barnabas took hold of him and brought him to the apostles and described to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had talked to him, and how at Damascus he had spoken out boldly in the name of Jesus.28 And he was with them, moving about freely in Jerusalem, speaking out boldly in the name of the Lord.29 And he was talking and arguing with the Hellenistic Jews; but they were attempting to put him to death.30 But when the brethren learned of it, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him away to Tarsus.31 So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria enjoyed peace, being built up; and going on in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it continued to increase.32 Now as Peter was traveling through all those regions, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda.33 There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years, for he was paralyzed.34 Peter said to him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; get up and make your bed. Immediately he got up.35 And all who lived at Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.36 Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which translated in Greek is called Dorcas); this woman was abounding with deeds of kindness and charity which she continually did.37 And it happened at that time that she fell sick and died; and when they had washed her body, they laid it in an upper room.38 Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, having heard that Peter was there, sent two men to him, imploring him, Do not delay in coming to us.39 So Peter arose and went with them. When he arrived, they brought him into the upper room; and all the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing all the tunics and garments that Dorcas used to make while she was with them.40 But Peter sent them all out and knelt down and prayed, and turning to the body, he said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up.41 And he gave her his hand and raised her up; and calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive.42 It became known all over Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.43 And Peter stayed many days in Joppa with a tanner named Simon.
Acts 15 (NASB)
1 Some men came down from Judea and began teaching the brethren, Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.2 And when Paul and Barnabas had great dissension and debate with them, the brethren determined that Paul and Barnabas and some others of them should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders concerning this issue.3 Therefore, being sent on their way by the church, they were passing through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and were bringing great joy to all the brethren.4 When they arrived at Jerusalem, they were received by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they reported all that God had done with them.5 But some of the sect of the Pharisees who had believed stood up, saying, It is necessary to circumcise them and to direct them to observe the Law of Moses.6 The apostles and the elders came together to look into this matter.7 After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, Brethren, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles would hear the word of the gospel and believe.8 And God, who knows the heart, testified to them giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He also did to us;9 and He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith.10 Now therefore why do you put God to the test by placing upon the neck of the disciples a yoke which neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear?11 But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they also are.12 All the people kept silent, and they were listening to Barnabas and Paul as they were relating what signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles.13 After they had stopped speaking, James answered, saying, Brethren, listen to me.14 Simeon has related how God first concerned Himself about taking from among the Gentiles a people for His name.15 With this the words of the Prophets agree, just as it is written,16 AFTER THESE THINGS I will return, AND I WILL REBUILD THE TABERNACLE OF DAVID WHICH HAS FALLEN, AND I WILL REBUILD ITS RUINS, AND I WILL RESTORE IT,17 SO THAT THE REST OF MANKIND MAY SEEK THE LORD, AND ALL THE GENTILES WHO ARE CALLED BY MY NAME,18 SAYS THE LORD, WHO MAKES THESE THINGS KNOWN FROM LONG AGO.19 Therefore it is my judgment that we do not trouble those who are turning to God from among the Gentiles,20 but that we write to them that they abstain from things contaminated by idols and from fornication and from what is strangled and from blood.21 For Moses from ancient generations has in every city those who preach him, since he is read in the synagogues every Sabbath.22 Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them to send to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas--Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren,23 and they sent this letter by them, The apostles and the brethren who are elders, to the brethren in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia who are from the Gentiles, greetings.24 Since we have heard that some of our number to whom we gave no instruction have disturbed you with their words, unsettling your souls,25 it seemed good to us, having become of one mind, to select men to send to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,26 men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.27 Therefore we have sent Judas and Silas, who themselves will also report the same things by word of mouth.28 For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than these essentials:29 that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols and from blood and from things strangled and from fornication; if you keep yourselves free from such things, you will do well. Farewell.30 So when they were sent away, they went down to Antioch; and having gathered the congregation together, they delivered the letter.31 When they had read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement.32 Judas and Silas, also being prophets themselves, encouraged and strengthened the brethren with a lengthy message.33 After they had spent time there, they were sent away from the brethren in peace to those who had sent them out.34 [But it seemed good to Silas to remain there.]35 But Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch, teaching and preaching with many others also, the word of the Lord.36 After some days Paul said to Barnabas, Let us return and visit the brethren in every city in which we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.37 Barnabas wanted to take John, called Mark, along with them also.38 But Paul kept insisting that they should not take him along who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work.39 And there occurred such a sharp disagreement that they separated from one another, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus.40 But Paul chose Silas and left, being committed by the brethren to the grace of the Lord.41 And he was traveling through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
2 Timothy 1 (NASB)
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, according to the promise of life in Christ Jesus,2 To Timothy, my beloved son: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.3 I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience the way my forefathers did, as I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day,4 longing to see you, even as I recall your tears, so that I may be filled with joy.5 For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well.6 For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.7 For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God,9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity,10 but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,11 for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle and a teacher.12 For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.13 Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.14 Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you.15 You are aware of the fact that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes.16 The Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains;17 but when he was in Rome, he eagerly searched for me and found me--18 the Lord grant to him to find mercy from the Lord on that day--and you know very well what services he rendered at Ephesus.
John 6 (NASB)
1 After these things Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee (or Tiberias).2 A large crowd followed Him, because they saw the signs which He was performing on those who were sick.3 Then Jesus went up on the mountain, and there He sat down with His disciples.4 Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was near.5 Therefore Jesus, lifting up His eyes and seeing that a large crowd was coming to Him, said to Philip, Where are we to buy bread, so that these may eat?6 This He was saying to test him, for He Himself knew what He was intending to do.7 Philip answered Him, Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, for everyone to receive a little.8 One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peters brother, said to Him,9 There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are these for so many people?10 Jesus said, Have the people sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.11 Jesus then took the loaves, and having given thanks, He distributed to those who were seated; likewise also of the fish as much as they wanted.12 When they were filled, He said to His disciples, Gather up the leftover fragments so that nothing will be lost.13 So they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten.14 Therefore when the people saw the sign which He had performed, they said, This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world.15 So Jesus, perceiving that they were intending to come and take Him by force to make Him king, withdrew again to the mountain by Himself alone.16 Now when evening came, His disciples went down to the sea,17 and after getting into a boat, they started to cross the sea to Capernaum. It had already become dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them.18 The sea began to be stirred up because a strong wind was blowing.19 Then, when they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near to the boat; and they were frightened.20 But He said to them, It is I; do not be afraid.21 So they were willing to receive Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.22 The next day the crowd that stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was no other small boat there, except one, and that Jesus had not entered with His disciples into the boat, but that His disciples had gone away alone.23 There came other small boats from Tiberias near to the place where they ate the bread after the Lord had given thanks.24 So when the crowd saw that Jesus was not there, nor His disciples, they themselves got into the small boats, and came to Capernaum seeking Jesus.25 When they found Him on the other side of the sea, they said to Him, Rabbi, when did You get here?26 Jesus answered them and said, Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled.27 Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him the Father, God, has set His seal.28 Therefore they said to Him, What shall we do, so that we may work the works of God?29 Jesus answered and said to them, This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.30 So they said to Him, What then do You do for a sign, so that we may see, and believe You? What work do You perform?31 Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, HE GAVE THEM BREAD OUT OF HEAVEN TO EAT.32 Jesus then said to them, Truly, truly, I say to you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread out of heaven, but it is My Father who gives you the true bread out of heaven.33 For the bread of God is that which comes down out of heaven, and gives life to the world.34 Then they said to Him, Lord, always give us this bread.35 Jesus said to them, I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.36 But I said to you that you have seen Me, and yet do not believe.37 All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out.38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.39 This is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day.40 For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.41 Therefore the Jews were grumbling about Him, because He said, I am the bread that came down out of heaven.42 They were saying, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How does He now say, I have come down out of heaven?43 Jesus answered and said to them, Do not grumble among yourselves.44 No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day.45 It is written in the prophets, AND THEY SHALL ALL BE TAUGHT OF GOD. Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father, comes to Me.46 Not that anyone has seen the Father, except the One who is from God; He has seen the Father.47 Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes has eternal life.48 I am the bread of life.49 Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died.50 This is the bread which comes down out of heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die.51 I am the living bread that came down out of heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread also which I will give for the life of the world is My flesh.52 Then the Jews began to argue with one another, saying, How can this man give us His flesh to eat?53 So Jesus said to them, Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in yourselves.54 He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.55 For My flesh is true food, and My blood is true drink.56 He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him.57 As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who eats Me, he also will live because of Me.58 This is the bread which came down out of heaven; not as the fathers ate and died; he who eats this bread will live forever.59 These things He said in the synagogue as He taught in Capernaum.60 Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this said, This is a difficult statement; who can listen to it?61 But Jesus, conscious that His disciples grumbled at this, said to them, Does this cause you to stumble?62 What then if you see the Son of Man ascending to where He was before?63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life.64 But there are some of you who do not believe. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who it was that would betray Him.65 And He was saying, For this reason I have said to you, that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted him from the Father.66 As a result of this many of His disciples withdrew and were not walking with Him anymore.67 So Jesus said to the twelve, You do not want to go away also, do you?68 Simon Peter answered Him, Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life.69 We have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God.70 Jesus answered them, Did I Myself not choose you, the twelve, and yet one of you is a devil?71 Now He meant Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the twelve, was going to betray Him.
Acts 6 (NASB)
1 Now at this time while the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint arose on the part of the Hellenistic Jews against the native Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving of food.2 So the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables.3 Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task.4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.5 The statement found approval with the whole congregation; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch.6 And these they brought before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them.7 The word of God kept on spreading; and the number of the disciples continued to increase greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were becoming obedient to the faith.8 And Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people.9 But some men from what was called the Synagogue of the Freedmen, including both Cyrenians and Alexandrians, and some from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and argued with Stephen.10 But they were unable to cope with the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking.11 Then they secretly induced men to say, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God.12 And they stirred up the people, the elders and the scribes, and they came up to him and dragged him away and brought him before the Council.13 They put forward false witnesses who said, This man incessantly speaks against this holy place and the Law;14 for we have heard him say that this Nazarene, Jesus, will destroy this place and alter the customs which Moses handed down to us.15 And fixing their gaze on him, all who were sitting in the Council saw his face like the face of an angel.
1 Now Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest,2 and asked for letters from him to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, both men and women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.3 As he was traveling, it happened that he was approaching Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him;4 and he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?5 And he said, Who are You, Lord? And He said, I am Jesus whom you are persecuting,6 but get up and enter the city, and it will be told you what you must do.7 The men who traveled with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one.8 Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; and leading him by the hand, they brought him into Damascus.9 And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.10 Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and the Lord said to him in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Here I am, Lord.11 And the Lord said to him, Get up and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying,12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him, so that he might regain his sight.13 But Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he did to Your saints at Jerusalem;14 and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.15 But the Lord said to him, Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel;16 for I will show him how much he must suffer for My names sake.17 So Ananias departed and entered the house, and after laying his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road by which you were coming, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.18 And immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he regained his sight, and he got up and was baptized;19 and he took food and was strengthened.20 and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, He is the Son of God.21 All those hearing him continued to be amazed, and were saying, Is this not he who in Jerusalem destroyed those who called on this name, and who had come here for the purpose of bringing them bound before the chief priests?22 But Saul kept increasing in strength and confounding the Jews who lived at Damascus by proving that this Jesus is the Christ.23 When many days had elapsed, the Jews plotted together to do away with him,24 but their plot became known to Saul. They were also watching the gates day and night so that they might put him to death;25 but his disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a large basket.26 When he came to Jerusalem, he was trying to associate with the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple.27 But Barnabas took hold of him and brought him to the apostles and described to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had talked to him, and how at Damascus he had spoken out boldly in the name of Jesus.28 And he was with them, moving about freely in Jerusalem, speaking out boldly in the name of the Lord.29 And he was talking and arguing with the Hellenistic Jews; but they were attempting to put him to death.30 But when the brethren learned of it, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him away to Tarsus.31 So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria enjoyed peace, being built up; and going on in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it continued to increase.32 Now as Peter was traveling through all those regions, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda.33 There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years, for he was paralyzed.34 Peter said to him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; get up and make your bed. Immediately he got up.35 And all who lived at Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.36 Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which translated in Greek is called Dorcas); this woman was abounding with deeds of kindness and charity which she continually did.37 And it happened at that time that she fell sick and died; and when they had washed her body, they laid it in an upper room.38 Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, having heard that Peter was there, sent two men to him, imploring him, Do not delay in coming to us.39 So Peter arose and went with them. When he arrived, they brought him into the upper room; and all the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing all the tunics and garments that Dorcas used to make while she was with them.40 But Peter sent them all out and knelt down and prayed, and turning to the body, he said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up.41 And he gave her his hand and raised her up; and calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive.42 It became known all over Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.43 And Peter stayed many days in Joppa with a tanner named Simon.
Acts 15 (NASB)
1 Some men came down from Judea and began teaching the brethren, Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.2 And when Paul and Barnabas had great dissension and debate with them, the brethren determined that Paul and Barnabas and some others of them should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders concerning this issue.3 Therefore, being sent on their way by the church, they were passing through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and were bringing great joy to all the brethren.4 When they arrived at Jerusalem, they were received by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they reported all that God had done with them.5 But some of the sect of the Pharisees who had believed stood up, saying, It is necessary to circumcise them and to direct them to observe the Law of Moses.6 The apostles and the elders came together to look into this matter.7 After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, Brethren, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles would hear the word of the gospel and believe.8 And God, who knows the heart, testified to them giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He also did to us;9 and He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith.10 Now therefore why do you put God to the test by placing upon the neck of the disciples a yoke which neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear?11 But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they also are.12 All the people kept silent, and they were listening to Barnabas and Paul as they were relating what signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles.13 After they had stopped speaking, James answered, saying, Brethren, listen to me.14 Simeon has related how God first concerned Himself about taking from among the Gentiles a people for His name.15 With this the words of the Prophets agree, just as it is written,16 AFTER THESE THINGS I will return, AND I WILL REBUILD THE TABERNACLE OF DAVID WHICH HAS FALLEN, AND I WILL REBUILD ITS RUINS, AND I WILL RESTORE IT,17 SO THAT THE REST OF MANKIND MAY SEEK THE LORD, AND ALL THE GENTILES WHO ARE CALLED BY MY NAME,18 SAYS THE LORD, WHO MAKES THESE THINGS KNOWN FROM LONG AGO.19 Therefore it is my judgment that we do not trouble those who are turning to God from among the Gentiles,20 but that we write to them that they abstain from things contaminated by idols and from fornication and from what is strangled and from blood.21 For Moses from ancient generations has in every city those who preach him, since he is read in the synagogues every Sabbath.22 Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them to send to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas--Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren,23 and they sent this letter by them, The apostles and the brethren who are elders, to the brethren in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia who are from the Gentiles, greetings.24 Since we have heard that some of our number to whom we gave no instruction have disturbed you with their words, unsettling your souls,25 it seemed good to us, having become of one mind, to select men to send to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,26 men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.27 Therefore we have sent Judas and Silas, who themselves will also report the same things by word of mouth.28 For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than these essentials:29 that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols and from blood and from things strangled and from fornication; if you keep yourselves free from such things, you will do well. Farewell.30 So when they were sent away, they went down to Antioch; and having gathered the congregation together, they delivered the letter.31 When they had read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement.32 Judas and Silas, also being prophets themselves, encouraged and strengthened the brethren with a lengthy message.33 After they had spent time there, they were sent away from the brethren in peace to those who had sent them out.34 [But it seemed good to Silas to remain there.]35 But Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch, teaching and preaching with many others also, the word of the Lord.36 After some days Paul said to Barnabas, Let us return and visit the brethren in every city in which we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.37 Barnabas wanted to take John, called Mark, along with them also.38 But Paul kept insisting that they should not take him along who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work.39 And there occurred such a sharp disagreement that they separated from one another, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus.40 But Paul chose Silas and left, being committed by the brethren to the grace of the Lord.41 And he was traveling through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
2 Timothy 1 (NASB)
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, according to the promise of life in Christ Jesus,2 To Timothy, my beloved son: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.3 I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience the way my forefathers did, as I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day,4 longing to see you, even as I recall your tears, so that I may be filled with joy.5 For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well.6 For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.7 For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God,9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity,10 but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,11 for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle and a teacher.12 For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.13 Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.14 Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you.15 You are aware of the fact that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes.16 The Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains;17 but when he was in Rome, he eagerly searched for me and found me--18 the Lord grant to him to find mercy from the Lord on that day--and you know very well what services he rendered at Ephesus.
John 6 (NASB)
1 After these things Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee (or Tiberias).2 A large crowd followed Him, because they saw the signs which He was performing on those who were sick.3 Then Jesus went up on the mountain, and there He sat down with His disciples.4 Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was near.5 Therefore Jesus, lifting up His eyes and seeing that a large crowd was coming to Him, said to Philip, Where are we to buy bread, so that these may eat?6 This He was saying to test him, for He Himself knew what He was intending to do.7 Philip answered Him, Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, for everyone to receive a little.8 One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peters brother, said to Him,9 There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are these for so many people?10 Jesus said, Have the people sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.11 Jesus then took the loaves, and having given thanks, He distributed to those who were seated; likewise also of the fish as much as they wanted.12 When they were filled, He said to His disciples, Gather up the leftover fragments so that nothing will be lost.13 So they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten.14 Therefore when the people saw the sign which He had performed, they said, This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world.15 So Jesus, perceiving that they were intending to come and take Him by force to make Him king, withdrew again to the mountain by Himself alone.16 Now when evening came, His disciples went down to the sea,17 and after getting into a boat, they started to cross the sea to Capernaum. It had already become dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them.18 The sea began to be stirred up because a strong wind was blowing.19 Then, when they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near to the boat; and they were frightened.20 But He said to them, It is I; do not be afraid.21 So they were willing to receive Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.22 The next day the crowd that stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was no other small boat there, except one, and that Jesus had not entered with His disciples into the boat, but that His disciples had gone away alone.23 There came other small boats from Tiberias near to the place where they ate the bread after the Lord had given thanks.24 So when the crowd saw that Jesus was not there, nor His disciples, they themselves got into the small boats, and came to Capernaum seeking Jesus.25 When they found Him on the other side of the sea, they said to Him, Rabbi, when did You get here?26 Jesus answered them and said, Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled.27 Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him the Father, God, has set His seal.28 Therefore they said to Him, What shall we do, so that we may work the works of God?29 Jesus answered and said to them, This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.30 So they said to Him, What then do You do for a sign, so that we may see, and believe You? What work do You perform?31 Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, HE GAVE THEM BREAD OUT OF HEAVEN TO EAT.32 Jesus then said to them, Truly, truly, I say to you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread out of heaven, but it is My Father who gives you the true bread out of heaven.33 For the bread of God is that which comes down out of heaven, and gives life to the world.34 Then they said to Him, Lord, always give us this bread.35 Jesus said to them, I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.36 But I said to you that you have seen Me, and yet do not believe.37 All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out.38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.39 This is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day.40 For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.41 Therefore the Jews were grumbling about Him, because He said, I am the bread that came down out of heaven.42 They were saying, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How does He now say, I have come down out of heaven?43 Jesus answered and said to them, Do not grumble among yourselves.44 No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day.45 It is written in the prophets, AND THEY SHALL ALL BE TAUGHT OF GOD. Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father, comes to Me.46 Not that anyone has seen the Father, except the One who is from God; He has seen the Father.47 Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes has eternal life.48 I am the bread of life.49 Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died.50 This is the bread which comes down out of heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die.51 I am the living bread that came down out of heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread also which I will give for the life of the world is My flesh.52 Then the Jews began to argue with one another, saying, How can this man give us His flesh to eat?53 So Jesus said to them, Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in yourselves.54 He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.55 For My flesh is true food, and My blood is true drink.56 He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him.57 As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who eats Me, he also will live because of Me.58 This is the bread which came down out of heaven; not as the fathers ate and died; he who eats this bread will live forever.59 These things He said in the synagogue as He taught in Capernaum.60 Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this said, This is a difficult statement; who can listen to it?61 But Jesus, conscious that His disciples grumbled at this, said to them, Does this cause you to stumble?62 What then if you see the Son of Man ascending to where He was before?63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life.64 But there are some of you who do not believe. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who it was that would betray Him.65 And He was saying, For this reason I have said to you, that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted him from the Father.66 As a result of this many of His disciples withdrew and were not walking with Him anymore.67 So Jesus said to the twelve, You do not want to go away also, do you?68 Simon Peter answered Him, Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life.69 We have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God.70 Jesus answered them, Did I Myself not choose you, the twelve, and yet one of you is a devil?71 Now He meant Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the twelve, was going to betray Him.
Acts 6 (NASB)
1 Now at this time while the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint arose on the part of the Hellenistic Jews against the native Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving of food.2 So the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables.3 Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task.4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.5 The statement found approval with the whole congregation; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch.6 And these they brought before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them.7 The word of God kept on spreading; and the number of the disciples continued to increase greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were becoming obedient to the faith.8 And Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people.9 But some men from what was called the Synagogue of the Freedmen, including both Cyrenians and Alexandrians, and some from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and argued with Stephen.10 But they were unable to cope with the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking.11 Then they secretly induced men to say, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God.12 And they stirred up the people, the elders and the scribes, and they came up to him and dragged him away and brought him before the Council.13 They put forward false witnesses who said, This man incessantly speaks against this holy place and the Law;14 for we have heard him say that this Nazarene, Jesus, will destroy this place and alter the customs which Moses handed down to us.15 And fixing their gaze on him, all who were sitting in the Council saw his face like the face of an angel.