I testify that, on their own, according to their ability and beyond their ability,

What happened to this blessedness of yours? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me.

For I testify about him that he works hard for you, for those in Laodicea, and for those in Hierapolis.

Then he said, "Come with me and see my zeal for the LORD!" So he let him ride with him in his chariot.

They will ban you from the synagogues. In fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering service to God.

When they heard it, they glorified God and said, "You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are who have believed, and they are all zealous for the law.

shouting, "Men of Israel, help! This is the man who teaches everyone everywhere against our people, our law, and this place. What's more, he also brought Greeks into the temple and has profaned this holy place."

He continued, "I am a Jewish man, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and educated according to the strict view of our patriarchal law. Being zealous for God, just as all of you are today,

They listened to him up to this word. Then they raised their voices, shouting, "Wipe this person off the earth-- it's a disgrace for him to live!"

In fact, I myself supposed it was necessary to do many things in opposition to the name of Jesus the Nazarene.

This I actually did in Jerusalem, and I locked up many of the saints in prison, since I had received authority for that from the chief priests. When they were put to death, I cast my vote against them.

and I advanced in Judaism beyond many contemporaries among my people, because I was extremely zealous for the traditions of my ancestors.

They are enthusiastic about you, but not for any good. Instead, they want to isolate you so you will be enthusiastic about them.

Now it is always good to be enthusiastic about good-- and not just when I am with you.

as to zeal, persecuting the church; as to the righteousness that is in the law, blameless.

Because they disregarded the righteousness from God and attempted to establish their own righteousness, they have not submitted to God's righteousness.

But Israel, pursuing the law for righteousness, has not achieved the law.

Why is that? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone.

Will evildoers never understand? They consume my people as they consume bread; they do not call on the LORD.

Even zeal is not good without knowledge, and the one who acts hastily sins.

On that day the LORD with His harsh, great, and strong sword, will bring judgment on Leviathan, the fleeing serpent-- Leviathan, the twisting serpent. He will slay the monster that is in the sea.

Regarding them: the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

For God, who said, "Light shall shine out of darkness"-- He has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of God's glory in the face of Jesus Christ.

And I pray this: that your love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment,