“13 You know what I was like when I followed the Jewish religion—how I violently persecuted God’s church. I did my best to destroy it. 14 I was far ahead of my fellow Jews in my zeal for the traditions of my ancestors.
15 But even before I was born, God chose me and called me by his marvelous grace. Then it pleased him 16 to reveal his Son to me[e] so that I would proclaim the Good News about Jesus to the Gentiles.
When this happened, I did not rush out to consult with any human being.[f] 17 Nor did I go up to Jerusalem to consult with those who were apostles before I was. Instead, I went away into Arabia, and later I returned to the city of Damascus.
18 Then three years later I went to Jerusalem to get to know Peter,[g] and I stayed with him for fifteen days. 19 The only other apostle I met at that time was James, the Lord’s brother. 20 I declare before God that what I am writing to you is not a lie.
21 After that visit I went north into the provinces of Syria and Cilicia. 22 And still the churches in Christ that are in Judea didn’t know me personally. 23 All they knew was that people were saying, “The one who used to persecute us is now preaching the very faith he tried to destroy!” 24 And they praised God because of me.”
ENCOURAGEMENT
Psalm 99
“The Lord is king! Let the nations tremble! He sits on his throne between the cherubim. Let the whole earth quake! 2 The Lord sits in majesty in Jerusalem,[a] exalted above all the nations. 3 Let them praise your great and awesome name. Your name is holy! 4 Mighty King, lover of justice, you have established fairness. You have acted with justice and righteousness throughout Israel.[b] 5 Exalt the Lord our God! Bow low before his feet, for he is holy!
6 Moses and Aaron were among his priests; Samuel also called on his name. They cried to the Lord for help, and he answered them. 7 He spoke to Israel from the pillar of cloud, and they followed the laws and decrees he gave them. 8 O Lord our God, you answered them. You were a forgiving God to them, but you punished them when they went wrong.
9 Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at his holy mountain in Jerusalem, for the Lord our God is holy!”
Psalm 100
“A psalm of thanksgiving. Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! 2 Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. 3 Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his.[a] We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. 5 For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.”
