After threatening them further, they released them. They found no way to punish them because the people were all giving glory to God over what had been done.
When this became known to everyone who lived in Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks, they became afraid, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high esteem.
After this, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus #– #but secretly because of his fear of the Jews #– #asked Pilate that he might remove Jesus’s body. Pilate gave him permission; so he came and took his body away.
Nevertheless, many did believe in him even among the rulers, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, so that they would not be banned from the synagogue.
His parents said these things because they were afraid of the Jews, since the Jews had already agreed that if anyone confessed him as the Messiah, he would be banned from the synagogue.
The sinners in Zion are afraid; trembling seizes the ungodly: ‘Who among us can dwell with a consuming fire? Who among us can dwell with ever-burning flames? ’
We are not boasting beyond measure about other people’s labours. On the contrary, we have the hope that as your faith increases, our area of ministry will be greatly enlarged,