A reading from the Acts of the Apostles.

Wishing to determine the truth about why Paul was being accused by the Jews, the commander

freed him and ordered the chief priest and the whole Sahedron to convene. Then he brought Paul down

and made him stand before them. Paul was aware that some were Sadducees and some were Pharisees.

So he called out before the Sahedron, my brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. I am on trial for hope of the resurrection of the dead.

When he said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the group became

divided. For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, or angels or spirits, while the

Pharisees acknowledge all three. The great uproar

occurred, and some scribes belonging to the Pharisee party stood up and sharply argued,

We find nothing wrong with this man. Suppose a spirit or an angel has spoken to him. The dispute

was so serious that the commander, afraid that

Paul would be torn to pieces by them, ordered his troops to go down and rescue Paul from their

midst and take him into the compound. The following night the Lord stood by him and said,

Take courage. For just as you have borne witness to my cause in Jerusalem, so you must also

bear witness in Rome. The word of the Lord, thanks be to God. Keep me safe, O God, you are my hope.

Keep me safe, O God, you are my hope. Keep me, O God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the Lord, my Lord, are you.

O Lord, my allotted portion in my cup, for it is you who will hold fast my lot. Keep me safe,

O God, you are my hope. I bless the Lord who counsels me. Even in a night my heart exhorts me. I set the Lord ever before me. With him at my right hand, I shall not be disturbed. Keep me safe, O God, you are my hope. Therefore, my heart is glad and my soul rejoices. My body, too, abides in confidence because you will not abandon my soul to the nether

world, nor will you suffer your faithful one to undergo corruption. Keep me safe, O God,

you are my hope. You will show me the path of life, fullness of joys in your presence,

the delights at your right hand forever.

Keep me safe, O God, you are my hope.

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