And the Word of God was growing, and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem was multiplying exceedingly. Even a great crowd of the priests were obeying the faith!
Only, the priests had become few, and were not able to skin all of the burnt offerings; and their brothers the Levites strengthened them until the work was completed, and until the priests cleansed themselves; for the Levites were more upright of heart to sanctify themselves than the priests.
And Hezekiah the king of Judah had lifted up to the assembly a thousand young bulls, and seven thousand sheep. And the leaders had lifted up to the assembly a thousand young bulls, and ten thousand sheep. And the priests had sanctified themselves in abundance.
And Simeon blessed them and said to His mother Mariam (Mary), Behold, this One is set for the fall and rising up of many in Israel, and for a sign spoken against;
Yet, however, even out of the rulers, many did believe into Him. But because of the Pharisees, they were not confessing, so that they not be put out of the synagogue.
And hearing, they glorified the Lord, and said to him, You see, brother, how many myriads there are of Jews, the ones having believed, and all are zealots of the Law.
But in those days, the disciples having multiplied, a murmuring of the Hellenists toward the Hebrews occurred, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving.
but now has been made plain, and by prophetic Scriptures, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known for obedience of faith to all the nations;
the one coming to you, as also in all the world, and it is bearing fruit even also among you, from the day in which you heard and knew the grace of God in truth;
in flaming fire giving full vengeance to the ones not knowing God, and to the ones not obeying the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, Isa. 66:15; Jer. 10:25
Being called out by faith, Abraham obeyed to go forth to a place which he was going to receive for an inheritance; and he went out not understanding where he goes.
Beloved ones, making all diligence to write to you about the common salvation, I had need to write to you to exhort you to contend earnestly for the faith once given over to the saints.