The crowd joined the attack against them, and the magistrates tore the clothes off Paul and Silas and ordered them to be beaten with rods.

After they had beaten them severely, they threw them into prison and commanded the jailer to guard them securely.

But Paul said to the police officers, "They had us beaten in public without a proper trial -- even though we are Roman citizens -- and they threw us in prison. And now they want to send us away secretly? Absolutely not! They themselves must come and escort us out!"

When he said this, an argument began between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided.

For there is no distinction between the Jew and the Greek, for the same Lord is Lord of all, who richly blesses all who call on him.

I say this to your shame! Is there no one among you wise enough to settle disputes between fellow Christians?

Do not become partners with those who do not believe, for what partnership is there between righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship does light have with darkness?

Three times I was beaten with a rod. Once I received a stoning. Three times I suffered shipwreck. A night and a day I spent adrift in the open sea.

But from those who were influential (whatever they were makes no difference to me; God shows no favoritism between people) -- those influential leaders added nothing to my message.

I feel torn between the two, because I have a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far,

For there is one God and one intermediary between God and humanity, Christ Jesus, himself human,