1 Thessalonians 1:5-10 NKJV



1 Thessalonians 1:5-10 For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power; and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.


And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit,


so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe.


For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything.


For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.


and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.


Acts 5:12-42 And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon's Porch.


Yet none of the rest dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly.


And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, 


so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them.


Also a multitude gathered from the the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented  by unclean spirits, and they were healed.


Then the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with indignation,


and laid their hands of the apostles, and put them in the common prison.


But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said,


"Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life."
 
And when they heard that, they entered the temple early in the morning and taught. But the high priest and those with him came and called a council together, with all the elders of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.


But when the officers came and did not find them in the prison, they returned and reported,


saying, "Indeed we found the prison shut securely, and the guards sanding outside befoere the doors, but when we opened them, we found no one inside!"


Now when the high priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief priests heard these things, they wondered what the outcome would be.


So  one came and told them, saying, "Look, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!"


Then the captain went with the officers and brought them without violence, for they feared the people lest they be stoned.


And when they brought them, they set them before the council, And the high preist asked them,


saying, "Did we not strictly command you to not teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man's blood on us!"


But Peter and the other apostles answered and said; "We ought to obey God rather than men.


'The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered, by hanging on a tree.


"Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, tog vie repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins,


"and we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him."


When they heard this, they were furious and plotted to kill them.


Then one in the council stood up, A Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in respect by all the people, and commanded them to put the apostles outside for a little while.


And he said to them, "Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men,


"For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be d, A number of men, about four hundred, joined him, He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and come to nothing.


After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him He also perished, and all  who obeyed him were dispersed.


"and now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this word is of man, it ll come to nothing;


"but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it--lest you even be found to fight against God."


And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.


So they departed from the presence of thew council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.


And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.