8 But you will receive power and ability when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be My witnesses [to tell people about Me] both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and Samaria, and even to the ends of the earth."

13 Now when the men of the Sanhedrin (Jewish High Court) saw the confidence and boldness of Peter and John, and grasped the fact that they were *uneducated and untrained [ordinary] men, they were astounded, and began to recognize that they had been with Jesus.

29 Then Peter and the apostles replied, "We must obey God rather than men [we have no other choice].

19 And pray for me, that words may be given to me when I open my mouth, to proclaim boldly the mystery of the good news [of salvation], 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. And pray that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly and courageously, as I should.

16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation [from His wrath and punishment] to everyone who believes [in Christ as Savior], to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

38 For whoever is ashamed [here and now] of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels."

8 So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord or about me His prisoner, but with me take your share of suffering for the gospel [continue to preach regardless of the circumstances], in accordance with the power of God [for His power is invincible],

15 Tell them these things. Encourage and rebuke with full authority. Let no one disregard or despise you [conduct yourself and your teaching so as to command respect].

7 But the Lord said to me,

"Do not say, ‘I am [only] a young man,’

Because everywhere I send you, you shall go,

And whatever I command you, you shall speak.

9 O Zion, herald of good news,

Get up on a high mountain.

O Jerusalem, herald of good news,

Lift up your voice with strength,

Lift it up, do not fear;

Say to the cities of Judah,

"Here is your God!" [Acts 10:36; Rom 10:15]

4 The Lord God has given Me [His *Servant] the tongue of disciples [as One who is taught],

That I may know how to sustain the weary with a word.

He awakens Me morning by morning,

He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple [as One who is taught].

9 I have made your forehead like emery (diamond), harder than flint. Do not be afraid of them or be dismayed before them, though they are a rebellious house." [Is 50:7; Jer 1:18; 15:20; Mic 3:8]

46 I will also speak of Your testimonies before kings

And shall not be ashamed. [Ps 138:1; Matt 10:18, 19; Acts 26:1, 2]

12 Keep your behavior excellent among the [unsaved] Gentiles [conduct yourself honorably, with graciousness and integrity], so that *for whatever reason they may slander you as evildoers, yet by observing your good deeds they may [instead come to] glorify God *in the day of visitation [when He looks upon them with mercy].

25 The fear of man brings a snare,

But whoever trusts in and puts his confidence in the Lord will be exalted and safe.

4 But just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel [that tells the good news of salvation through faith in Christ], so we speak, not as [if we were trying] to please people [to gain power and popularity], but to please God who examines our hearts [expecting our best].

14 "You are the light of [Christ to] the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden;15 nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. [Mark 4:21; Luke 8:16; 11:33] 16 Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good deeds and moral excellence, and [recognize and honor and] glorify your Father who is in heaven.