Mordecai left the king's presence in royal robes of blue and white, wearing a large golden crown and a purple robe made of fine linen; and the city of Susa shouted with joy.

"This is what the LORD of the Heavenly Armies says: "In the future, people will come, including residents of many cities,

So the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria enjoyed peace. As it continued to be built up and to live in the fear of the Lord, it kept increasing in numbers through the encouragement of the Holy Spirit.

Thy way

and said, "You're full of every form of deception and trickery, you son of the Devil, you enemy of all that is right! You'll never stop perverting the straight ways of the Lord, will you?

He had been instructed in the Lord's way, and with spiritual fervor he kept speaking and teaching accurately about Jesus, although he knew only about John's baptism.

I persecuted this Way, even executing people, and kept tying up both men and women and putting them in prison,

Saving

Why are you in despair, my soul? Why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God, because I will praise him once again, since his presence saves me and he is my God. To the Director: An instruction of the Sons of Korah.

Shout praise to God all the earth!

For great is his gracious love toward us, and the LORD's faithfulness is eternal. Hallelujah!

he says: "It is too small a thing for you to be my servant, to raise up the tribes of Israel and bring back those of Jacob I have preserved. I'll also make you as a light to the nations, to be my salvation to the ends of the earth.

Therefore, as you go, disciple people in all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit,

because my eyes have seen your salvation,

Everyone will see the salvation that God has provided.'"

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people.

General references

The whole earth worships you. They sing praise to you. They sing praise to your name. Interlude

Nations will fear the name of the LORD, and all the kings of the earth, your splendor.

Is God the God of the Jews only? Is he not the God of the gentiles, too? Yes, of the gentiles, too,