And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem; and a large number of the priests were obedient to the faith.
But the priests were too few, so that they could not skin all the burnt offerings: therefore their kindred the Levites helped them, till the work was ended, and until the other priests had sanctified themselves: for the Levites were more upright in heart to sanctify themselves than the priests.
For Hezekiah king of Judah gave to the congregation a thousand bullocks and seven thousand sheep; and the princes gave to the congregation a thousand bullocks and ten thousand sheep: and a great number of priests sanctified themselves.
And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother, Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed in him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue:
Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said to him, You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are who believe; and they are all zealous for the law:
And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.
But now is clearly revealed, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:
Which has come to you, as it is in all the world; and brings forth fruit, as it does also in you, since the day you heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:
By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should later receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing where he went.
Beloved, when I applied myself to write to you of the common salvation, I felt it necessary to write to you and urge you that you should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered to the saints.