So the church throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.
and requested letters from him to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any men or women who belonged to the Way, he might bring them as prisoners to Jerusalem.
It will be said about me, “Righteousness and strength are found only in the Lord.” ’ All who are enraged against him will come to him and be put to shame.
While Ezra prayed and confessed, weeping and falling face down before the house of God, an extremely large assembly of Israelite men, women, and children gathered around him. The people also wept bitterly.
Then he distributed a loaf of bread, a date cake, and a raisin cake to each one in the entire Israelite community, both men and women. Then all the people went home.
Both men and women came; all who had willing hearts brought brooches, earrings, rings, necklaces, and all kinds of gold jewellery #– #everyone who presented a presentation offering of gold to the Lord.