After all this had happened, Paul decided to go over to Macedonia and Achaia and then on to Jerusalem. “And after I’ve been there,” he said, “I must also visit Rome.”
But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so I was able to preach the message completely, and all the Gentiles heard it. I was saved from the lion’s mouth.
Some men brought him one of their friends who couldn’t walk and was lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, “Don’t be discouraged, son. Your sins are forgiven.”
I saw the Lord speaking to me. ‘Quick!’ he said. ‘Leave Jerusalem right now, because the people here aren’t going to accept what you tell them about me.’
“I’ve told you these things so that you can have peace because of me. In this world you’re going to have trouble. But be encouraged! I’ve already defeated the world.”