I preached first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that all must repent of their sins and turn to God— and prove they have changed by the good things they do.

先在大马士革，后在耶路撒冷和犹太全地，以及外邦，劝勉他们应当悔改归向神，行事与悔改的心相称。

我先在大马士革，后在耶路撒冷和犹太全地，以及外邦，劝勉他们应当悔改归向上帝，行事与悔改的心相称。

我先在大马士革，后在耶路撒冷和犹太全地，以及外邦，劝勉他们应当悔改归向神，行事与悔改的心相称。

我先在大马士革，然后到耶路撒冷、犹太全境和外族人当中劝人悔改归向上帝，行事为人要与悔改的心相称。

先向大马士革、耶路撒冷、犹太全地的人宣讲，后向外族人宣讲，叫他们悔改，归向神，行事与悔改的心相称。

我首先在大马士革，然后在耶路撒冷、犹太全地以及外邦人中，告诫人们要悔改，归向神，行事与悔改的心相称。

先在大馬士革，後在耶路撒冷和猶太全地，以及外邦，勸勉他們應當悔改歸向神，行事與悔改的心相稱。

我先在大馬士革，後在耶路撒冷和猶太全地，以及外邦，勸勉他們應當悔改歸向上帝，行事與悔改的心相稱。

我先在大馬士革，後在耶路撒冷和猶太全地，以及外邦，勸勉他們應當悔改歸向神，行事與悔改的心相稱。

我先在大馬士革，然後到耶路撒冷、猶太全境和外族人當中勸人悔改歸向上帝，行事為人要與悔改的心相稱。

先向大馬士革、耶路撒冷、猶太全地的人宣講，後向外族人宣講，叫他們悔改，歸向神，行事與悔改的心相稱。

我乃是先向在大馬色和耶路撒冷的人，然後向猶太全地區以及外國、傳報，叫他們悔改、轉向上帝，行事跟悔改相稱。

我首先在大馬士革，然後在耶路撒冷、猶太全地以及外邦人中，告誡人們要悔改，歸向神，行事與悔改的心相稱。

乃先於大馬色、次於耶路撒冷、舉猶太地、爰及異邦人、告之宜改悔、歸上帝、而行事符於改悔、

乃先於大馬色、次於耶路撒冷、舉猶太地、爰及異邦、我告人悔改、歸上帝、而行事以彰悔改、

乃先於大瑪色、次於耶路撒冷及猶太徧地、後在異邦、勸人當悔改、歸天主、而行事以彰悔改、

先於大馬士革、繼於耶路撒冷及猶太全境、爰及異邦、勸人幡然悔改、歸向天主、且實踐聖道、以稱悔改之心。

First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and then to the Gentiles, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds.

First I preached to people in Damascus. Then I preached in Jerusalem and in all Judea. And then I preached to the Gentiles. I told them to turn away from their sins to God. The way they live must show that they have turned away from their sins.

but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance.

Instead, I preached to those in Damascus first, and to those in Jerusalem and in all the region of Judea, and to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works worthy of repentance.

but continually proclaimed to those in Damascus first, and in Jerusalem, and then all the region of Judea, and even to the Gentiles, that they are to repent and turn to God, performing deeds consistent with repentance.

but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance.

but declared both to them of Damascus first, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the country of Judæa, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, doing works worthy of repentance.

Instead, I preached to those in Damascus first, and to those in Jerusalem and in all the region of Judea, and to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works worthy of repentance.

But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and[ then] to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.

but I declared to those in Damascus first, and then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds consistent with repentance.

but declared first to them of Damascus, at Jerusalem, and throughout all the country of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, doing works worthy of repentance.

Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away.

Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God.

Peter replied,“ Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Then the whole population of Lydda and Sharon saw Aeneas walking around, and they turned to the Lord.

Then he added,“ Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture:‘ I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”

for they keep talking about the wonderful welcome you gave us and how you turned away from idols to serve the living and true God.

“ Friends, why are you doing this? We are merely human beings— just like you! We have come to bring you the Good News that you should turn from these worthless things and turn to the living God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them.In the past he permitted all the nations to go their own ways,but he never left them without evidence of himself and his goodness. For instance, he sends you rain and good crops and gives you food and joyful hearts.”But even with these words, Paul and Barnabas could scarcely restrain the people from sacrificing to them.Then some Jews arrived from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowds to their side. They stoned Paul and dragged him out of town, thinking he was dead.But as the believers gathered around him, he got up and went back into the town. The next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe.After preaching the Good News in Derbe and making many disciples, Paul and Barnabas returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch of Pisidia,

“ Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.”

So now, come back to your God. Act with love and justice, and always depend on him.

Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do.“ Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise:If you honor your father and mother,“ things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.”Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.Slaves, obey your earthly masters with deep respect and fear. Serve them sincerely as you would serve Christ.Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart.Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free.Masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Don’t threaten them; remember, you both have the same Master in heaven, and he has no favorites.

“ After I returned to Jerusalem, I was praying in the Temple and fell into a trance.I saw a vision of Jesus saying to me,‘ Hurry! Leave Jerusalem, for the people here won’t accept your testimony about me.’“‘ But Lord,’ I argued,‘ they certainly know that in every synagogue I imprisoned and beat those who believed in you.And I was in complete agreement when your witness Stephen was killed. I stood by and kept the coats they took off when they stoned him.’“ But the Lord said to me,‘ Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles!’”The crowd listened until Paul said that word. Then they all began to shout,“ Away with such a fellow! He isn’t fit to live!”

Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth.Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.

So the disciples went out, telling everyone they met to repent of their sins and turn to God.

“ Therefore, I will judge each of you, O people of Israel, according to your actions, says the Sovereign Lord. Repent, and turn from your sins. Don’t let them destroy you!Put all your rebellion behind you, and find yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O people of Israel?I don’t want you to die, says the Sovereign Lord. Turn back and live!

“ God overlooked people’s ignorance about these things in earlier times, but now he commands everyone everywhere to repent of their sins and turn to him.

In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge,and knowledge with self control, and self control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness,and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone.The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused.Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him.They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity.But that isn’t what you learned about Christ.Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him,throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception.Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.Put on your new nature, created to be like God— truly righteous and holy.So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body.And“ don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry,for anger gives a foothold to the devil.If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need.Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people.Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes— these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God.You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him.Don’t participate in the things these people do.For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light!For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.Carefully determine what pleases the Lord.Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them.It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret.But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them,for the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said,“ Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light.”So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise.Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit,singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts.And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.For wives, this means submit to your husbands as to the Lord.For a husband is the head of his wife as Christ is the head of the church. He is the Savior of his body, the church.As the church submits to Christ, so you wives should submit to your husbands in everything.For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her

But the Lord said,“ Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel.

But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.

From then on Jesus began to preach,“ Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.”

and they cursed the God of heaven for their pains and sores. But they did not repent of their evil deeds and turn to God.

No, and I tell you again that unless you repent, you will perish, too.”

“ And so my judgment is that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God.

But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.“ Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.”Dear friends, I warn you as“ temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls.Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world.

I have had one message for Jews and Greeks alike— the necessity of repenting from sin and turning to God, and of having faith in our Lord Jesus.

In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.”

I gave her time to repent, but she does not want to turn away from her immorality.

Afterward he ate some food and regained his strength. Saul stayed with the believers in Damascus for a few days.And immediately he began preaching about Jesus in the synagogues, saying,“ He is indeed the Son of God!”All who heard him were amazed.“ Isn’t this the same man who caused such devastation among Jesus’ followers in Jerusalem?” they asked.“ And didn’t he come here to arrest them and take them in chains to the leading priests?”Saul’s preaching became more and more powerful, and the Jews in Damascus couldn’t refute his proofs that Jesus was indeed the Messiah.After a while some of the Jews plotted together to kill him.They were watching for him day and night at the city gate so they could murder him, but Saul was told about their plot.So during the night, some of the other believers lowered him in a large basket through an opening in the city wall.When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to meet with the believers, but they were all afraid of him. They did not believe he had truly become a believer!Then Barnabas brought him to the apostles and told them how Saul had seen the Lord on the way to Damascus and how the Lord had spoken to Saul. He also told them that Saul had preached boldly in the name of Jesus in Damascus.So Saul stayed with the apostles and went all around Jerusalem with them, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord.He debated with some Greek speaking Jews, but they tried to murder him.

Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?

Teach the older men to exercise self control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely. They must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience.Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good.These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children,to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God.In the same way, encourage the young men to live wisely.And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching.Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticized. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us.Slaves must always obey their masters and do their best to please them. They must not talk backor steal, but must show themselves to be entirely trustworthy and good. Then they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive in every way.For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people.And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God,while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed.

But you must not brag about being grafted in to replace the branches that were broken off. You are just a branch, not the root.“ Well,” you may say,“ those branches were broken off to make room for me.”Yes, but remember— those branches were broken off because they didn’t believe in Christ, and you are there because you do believe. So don’t think highly of yourself, but fear what could happen.

Go back to what you heard and believed at first; hold to it firmly. Repent and turn to me again. If you don’t wake up, I will come to you suddenly, as unexpected as a thief.

Then the father told the other son,‘ You go,’ and he said,‘ Yes, sir, I will.’ But he didn’t go.“ Which of the two obeyed his father?” They replied,“ The first.” Then Jesus explained his meaning:“ I tell you the truth, corrupt tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the Kingdom of God before you do.For John the Baptist came and showed you the right way to live, but you didn’t believe him, while tax collectors and prostitutes did. And even when you saw this happening, you refused to believe him and repent of your sins.

Bring your confessions, and return to the Lord. Say to him,“ Forgive all our sins and graciously receive us, so that we may offer you our praises.

You won’t spend the rest of your lives chasing your own desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God.You have had enough in the past of the evil things that godless people enjoy— their immorality and lust, their feasting and drunkenness and wild parties, and their terrible worship of idols.Of course, your former friends are surprised when you no longer plunge into the flood of wild and destructive things they do. So they slander you.But remember that they will have to face God, who stands ready to judge everyone, both the living and the dead.

In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!

So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then.But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy.For the Scriptures say,“ You must be holy because I am holy.”

Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said,“ I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!”Jesus responded,“ Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham.

Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first. If you don’t repent, I will come and remove your lampstand from its place among the churches.

And he said,“ Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day.It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem:‘ There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’

Not at all! And you will perish, too, unless you repent of your sins and turn to God.

For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death.

And he will turn many Israelites to the Lord their God.

And I will rescue you from both your own people and the Gentiles. Yes, I am sending you to the Gentiles

When the others heard this, they stopped objecting and began praising God. They said,“ We can see that God has also given the Gentiles the privilege of repenting of their sins and receiving eternal life.”

Instead, let us test and examine our ways. Let us turn back to the Lord.

Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously.

The whole earth will acknowledge the Lord and return to him. All the families of the nations will bow down before him.

I turned away from God, but then I was sorry. I kicked myself for my stupidity! I was thoroughly ashamed of all I did in my younger days.’“ Is not Israel still my son, my darling child?” says the Lord.“ I often have to punish him, but I still love him. That’s why I long for him and surely will have mercy on him.

Then Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and declared,“ It was necessary that we first preach the word of God to you Jews. But since you have rejected it and judged yourselves unworthy of eternal life, we will offer it to the Gentiles.For the Lord gave us this command when he said,‘ I have made you a light to the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the farthest corners of the earth.’”When the Gentiles heard this, they were very glad and thanked the Lord for his message; and all who were chosen for eternal life became believers.

Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Don’t just say to each other,‘ We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones.Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.”The crowds asked,“ What should we do?”John replied,“ If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry.”Even corrupt tax collectors came to be baptized and asked,“ Teacher, what should we do?”He replied,“ Collect no more taxes than the government requires.”“ What should we do?” asked some soldiers. John replied,“ Don’t extort money or make false accusations. And be content with your pay.”

When he found him, he brought him back to Antioch. Both of them stayed there with the church for a full year, teaching large crowds of people.( It was at Antioch that the believers were first called Christians.)During this time some prophets traveled from Jerusalem to Antioch.One of them named Agabus stood up in one of the meetings and predicted by the Spirit that a great famine was coming upon the entire Roman world.( This was fulfilled during the reign of Claudius.)So the believers in Antioch decided to send relief to the brothers and sisters in Judea, everyone giving as much as they could.This they did, entrusting their gifts to Barnabas and Saul to take to the elders of the church in Jerusalem.