The Triumphant Messiah (Acts 4:23–31)
1 UDB Why do the leaders of nations rage against Yahweh? Why do people plan to rebel against him, even though it is in vain? BSB BSB: Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?
2 UDB The kings of the nations on earth prepare to revolt; the rulers plot together to fight against Yahweh and against his Anointed One. BSB BSB: The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together, against the LORD and against His Anointed One:
3 UDB They shout, "We should free ourselves from their control; we should not let them rule over us any longer!" BSB BSB: “Let us break Their chains and cast away Their cords.”
4 UDB But the one who sits on his throne in heaven laughs at them; the Lord ridicules those rulers. BSB BSB: The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord taunts them.
5 UDB Then, because he is angry with them, he rebukes them. He causes them to be terrified when they realize that he will furiously punish them. BSB BSB: Then He rebukes them in His anger, and terrifies them in His fury:
6 UDB Yahweh says, "I have put my king on a throne on Zion, my sacred hill in Jerusalem." BSB BSB: “I have installed My King on Zion, upon My holy mountain.”
7 UDB His king says, "I will proclaim what Yahweh has decreed. He said to me, 'You are my son; today I have become your father. BSB BSB: I will proclaim the decree spoken to Me by the LORD: “You are My Son; today I have become Your Father.
8 UDB Request me to give you the nations so that they belong to you permanently, and I will give them to you. Even the most remote nations will be yours. BSB BSB: Ask Me, and I will make the nations Your inheritance, the ends of the earth Your possession.
9 UDB You will strike them down with an iron rod; like the potter crashes his pot into pieces when he throws it on the ground, that is how you will break them up into small pieces. BSB BSB: You will break them with an iron scepter; You will shatter them like pottery.”
10 UDB So then, you kings and other rulers on the earth, act wisely! Listen to what Yahweh is warning you! BSB BSB: Therefore be wise, O kings; be admonished, O judges of the earth.
11 UDB Worship Yahweh; fervently honor him. Rejoice about the things he has done, but tremble before him! BSB BSB: Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
12 UDB Bow down humbly before his son! If you do not do that, he will be angry, and he will suddenly kill you. Do not forget that he can, in one moment, show that he is very angry! But how fortunate are all those who request him to protect them. BSB BSB: Kiss the Son, lest He be angry and you perish in your rebellion, when His wrath ignites in an instant. Blessed are all who take refuge in Him.
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