38. "My brothers, here is what I want you to know. I announce to you that your sins can be forgiven because of what Jesus has done.
39. Through him everyone who believes is made right with God. Moses' law could not make you right in God's eyes.
40. Be careful! Don't let what the prophets spoke about happen to you. They said,
41. " 'Look, you who make fun of the truth! Wonder and die! I am going to do something in your days that you would never believe. You wouldn't believe it even if someone told you.' " (Habakkuk 1:5)
42. Paul and Barnabas started to leave the synagogue. The people invited them to say more about these things on the next Sabbath day.
43. The people were told they could leave the service. Many Jews followed Paul and Barnabas. Many non-Jews who faithfully worshiped the God of the Jews did the same. Paul and Barnabas talked with them. They tried to get them to keep living in God's grace.
44. On the next Sabbath day, almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord.
45. When the Jews saw the crowds, they became very jealous. They said evil things against what Paul was saying.
46. Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly. "We had to speak God's word to you first," they said. "But you don't accept it. You don't think you are good enough for eternal life. So now we are turning to those who aren't Jews.
47. This is what the Lord has commanded us to do. He said, " 'I have made you a light for those who aren't Jews. You will bring salvation to the whole earth.' " (Isaiah 49:6)
48. When the non-Jews heard this, they were glad. They honored the word of the Lord. All who were appointed for eternal life believed.
49. The word of the Lord spread through the whole area.