Matthew 5:10

Matthew 5:10 NLT

[10] God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.5.10.NLT

Matthew 5:9

Matthew 5:9 NLT

[9] God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.

https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.5.9.NLT

Matthew 5:8

Matthew 5:8 NLT

[8] God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.

https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.5.8.NLT

The Full Meaning of Worship

Worship is a dominant theme from Genesis to Revelation because the God who created all things and redeemed us in Christ is worthy to receive all honor, praise, service, and respect (e.g., Exodus 15:1 – 18, Revelation 4:11). However, since certain expressions of worship are unacceptable to God (Genesis 4:3 – 5, Revelation 9:20 – 21), it is important for us to know what pleases God and how he wants us to respond to him. What he has revealed in Scripture should control and direct our worship.

Three groups of words throughout the Bible convey aspects of what we commonly call “worship.” New Testament writers use these and related terms in a transformed way to show how Jesus has fulfilled for us the pattern of worship given to Israel.

Worship as Homage or Grateful Submission to God

The most common word for “worship” literally means “bend over” or “bow down.” It describes a gesture of respect or submission to human beings, to God, or to idols (e.g., Genesis 18:2, Exodus 20:4 – 6). Combined with other gesture-words, this term came to be used for the attitude of homage that the gesture represented.

Sometimes people expressed homage to God with prayer or praise (Exodus 34:8 – 9) and sometimes with silent acceptance or submission (Judges 7:15). The book of Psalms contains many different expressions of worship, including lament, repentance, prayers for vindication, songs of thanksgiving, and praise. Bending over before the Lord as a gesture of homage or grateful submission became associated with sacrifice and public praise in Israel. In such contexts it could be a formal way of expressing devotion to or dependence on God (2 Chronicles 7:3 – 4, Nehemiah 8:6). But the gesture was meaningful only if it was motivated by a genuine desire to acknowledge God’s majesty and holiness and to live under his rule.

The New Testament uses this terminology to show that Jesus Christ is worthy of the homage and devotion due to the Lord God of Israel (Matthew 14:33, Revelation 5:8 – 14). “Bending over to the Lord” now means responding with repentance and faith to the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 10:9 – 13). Such worship involves praying to him, calling on his name, and obeying him.

In John 4:20 – 24, a Samaritan woman inquires about the appropriate place to worship God, leading Jesus to speak more fundamentally about the way to worship acceptably. The Father is seeking “true worshipers” who “will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth.” This fulfills the pattern of worship that God gave Israel under the Mosaic law. New covenant worship involves acknowledging Jesus as the one who finally and fully reveals the truth about the Father and his purpose for Israel and the nations (John 14:6). It also involves responding to the Spirit he gives to transform hearts and lives (John 3:5 – 8).

Worship as Service to God

Another group of biblical terms often translated “worship” literally means “serve” or “service.” The people of Israel were saved from slavery in Egypt so that they could serve the Lord (Exodus 8:1). The parallel expressions “offer sacrifices to the Lord”(Exodus 5:3) and “hold a festival” (Exodus 5:1) indicate that some form of ritual service was immediately in view. God later instituted through Moses a complex system of sacrifices and ceremonies so that Israel could serve God as his holy people (Exodus 19:5 – 6).

For example, the Passover was a particular “service” to be observed in remembrance of the Lord’s saving work at the time of the exodus (Exodus 12:25 – 27). The ministry of priests and Levites was a specialized form of service to God. But God required a lifestyle of total allegiance from his people as a whole: service was meant to be expressed in everyday obedience (Deuteronomy 10:12 – 13). God strictly forbade bowing down and serving aspects of the creation or other gods; every temptation to idolatry and unfaithfulness was to be removed (Deuteronomy 5:8 – 9).

The sacrificial system was given to Israel to enable cleansing from sin, consecration to God’s service, and expressions of gratitude to God (Leviticus 1 – 7). The New Testament describes Jesus’ death as “a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood — to be received through faith.” Only by this sacrifice can the wrath of God be averted (Romans 2:5). Christ’s unique sacrifice secures for believers all the blessings of the new covenant and enables them to serve him wholeheartedly with consciences cleansed from sin (Hebrews 10:11 – 22).

In response to what God has done for us in Christ, we are to present our bodies to him as “a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God” (Romans 12:1). Christ’s obedience makes possible a new obedience for the people of God. Those who have been brought from death to life belong to God as a “living sacrifice.” This is “your true and proper worship” (Romans 12:1), or as an alternate translation, “your understanding service.” Acceptable worship is the service rendered by those who truly understand the gospel and want to live out its implications in every sphere of life (Romans 12:2 – 21).

The service rendered to God in everyday obedience is also the focus of Hebrews 12:28 – 29. The motivation and power for such service is the cleansing that comes from the finished work of Christ and the hope that his work sets before us. Gratitude expressed in service is evidence that people grasp and appreciate the grace of God. However, acceptable worship should also be characterized by “reverence and awe” because of the holiness and righteousness of God.

In particular, Christians are to offer to God through Jesus “a sacrifice of praise — the fruit of lips that openly profess his name” (Hebrews 13:15). This could involve celebrating Christ as Savior and Lord in personal or corporate acts of praise, but the immediate context exhorts believers to acknowledge Christ in the world in the face of opposition and suffering. In its widest sense, this sacrifice of praise will be rendered by those who confess Jesus “outside the camp” (Hebrews 13:13) in various forms of public testimony or evangelism. Allied to this, we are not to forget to do good and to share with others, “for with such sacrifices God is pleased” (Hebrews 13:16).

Worship as Reverence or Respect for God

A third group of terms sometimes describes worship – words meaning fear, reverence, or respect for God indicate the need to keep his commandments, obey his voice, walk in his ways, turn from evil, and serve him (Deuteronomy 6:13, Haggai 1:12, Deuteronomy 8:6, Proverbs 3:7, Deuteronomy 10:20). Sacrifice and other rituals expressed reverence for God, but faithfulness and obedience to the covenant demands of God in every sphere of life also distinguished true from false religion (Psalm 25:14). The New Testament indicates that humanity’s failure to fear God and show him proper respect brings his wrath (Romans 1:18 – 25). Only by being “redeemed . . . with the precious blood of Christ” can we be set free to serve God “in reverent fear” (1 Peter 1:17 – 21).

Worship and Congregational Gatherings

Worship in the Old Testament sometimes had a corporate expression, and this was meant to encourage God’s people to serve him faithfully in their individual lives (Jeremiah 7:1 – 29). The New Testament rarely applies the specific word “worship” to Christian meetings. Nevertheless, prayer, praise, and submission to God’s will were central to congregational gatherings (Acts 2:42 – 47, Colossians 3:16 – 17). Moreover, the link between ministry to others and service to God is clear in the way Paul uses worship terminology in a transformed way (Romans 15:16, 2 Corinthians 9:12 – 13). The New Testament is not prescriptive about the way we conduct our meetings, but it certainly provides guidelines and examples of Christians engaging with God together.

Paul regularly uses the terminology of edification, rather than worship, to indicate the purpose and function of Christian gatherings (1 Corinthians 14:26). This imagery portrays the founding, maintaining, and advancing of the church as God’s “building” or holy “temple” (1 Corinthians 3:10 – 17). While all ministry responds to God’s grace and does not in any sense cultivate his favor, serving others is an aspect of our service or self-giving to God. Moreover, edification is the exalted Christ’s work in our midst through the gifts and ministries that he empowers and directs by his Spirit (Ephesians 2:20 – 22). Our task is to apply the truth of God in love to one another.

It may be best to speak of congregational worship as a particular expression of the total life-response that is the worship described in the new covenant. In the giving and receiving of various ministries, we may encounter God and submit ourselves to him afresh in praise and obedience, repentance, and faith (Hebrews 10:24 – 25). Singing to God is an important aspect of corporate worship, but it is not the supreme or only way of expressing devotion to God. Ministry exercised for the building up of the body of Christ in teaching, exhorting, and praying is a significant way of worshiping and glorifying God.

By David G. Peterson from an article in the NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible.

Israel Is Fulfilling Bible Prophecy!

Events in the Land of Israel have been confounding all the nations of the world for nearly 150 years. While these nations seek to find a solution to the constant conflict, the God of the faithful in Israel continues to carry out His own peace plan — Israel IS fulfilling Bible Prophecy! Learn how Christians and Jews should view these historical events and the prophecies being fulfilled in Israel today.

Israel is Fulfilling Bible Prophecy!  

Over the past 150 years an amazing evolution of history has taken place in Israel — prophecy being fulfilled before our very eyes! Never before was an ancient nation destroyed, its people dispersed to the ends of the earth, then, for that people to be regathered to its ancient homeland and re-established as a nation after nearly 2,000 years. This is no mistake! The Judaic Bible had foretold Israel's return. The rebirth of the Nation of Israel is an unparalleled miracle of history.

“Behold, the days come saith the LORD, ...when I will bring an end to the captivity of my people, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them. And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall never again, saith the LORD, be pulled up out of the land which I have given them.” Amos 9:14-15

We have seen the remarkable fulfillment of these words of the prophet Amos in detail. The Jewish people have been returning to their Promised Land for 150 years—restoring the fertility of the waste places, building cities, planting vineyards and other crops and reaping their fruitage. How could Amos make such an accurate prophecy over 2,000 years before, unless they were instructed by God? Yes, the Judaic Bible is true.

Gathered from the Ends of the Earth 

The Children of Israel were scattered to the four corners of the earth and Isaiah 43:5-6 accurately predicted that their regathering would be co-extensive. “Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west. I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’ Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth….” —Isaiah 43:5-6 [NIV]

"And I will sow them among the people: and they shall remember me in far countries; and they shall live with their children, and turn again. I will bring them again also out of the land of Egypt, and gather them out of Assyria; and I will bring them into the land of Gilead and Lebanon; and place shall not be found for them." — Zechariah 10:9, 10

God enabled Isaiah to pre-empt history by over 2,500 years! And now, Israel has become like a watered garden, planting forests of trees and exporting fruits, vegetables and flowers around the world!

“And men shall say, ‘That land, once desolate, has become like the Garden of Eden; and the cities once ruined, desolate and ravaged, are now populated and fortified.’ And the nations that are left round about you shall know that I the LORD have rebuilt the ravaged places and replanted the desolate land. I the LORD have spoken and will do it.” — Ezekiel 36:35-36

"The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose." — Isaiah 35:1

The God of Prophecy Has Declared It! 

The Judaic God, the only true God, the Creator and Ruler of the universe, knew His human race would devise gods that were the figment of their own imaginations. (Isaiah 44:8-20) But the God of prophecy challenges the false gods of the various cultures to declare the end from the beginning in Isaiah 46:9-10. “For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like Me, Declaring the end from the beginning And from ancient times which have not been done, Saying, My purpose will be established, And I will accomplish all My good pleasure.” The gods of the other world religions cannot meet this challenge of prophecy. And the machinations of the world’s nations today do not have the power to meet this challenge.

The Judaic Bible contains hundreds of prophecies that have been fulfilled. Indeed, over one-third of the Bible is prophetic. No other purported Bible of the other world religions contains a system of prophecy. Only the Judaic Bible contains this prophetic proof that it is the inspired Word of God. Take heart. Amidst attacks of terror and anti-Semitism, develop the Faith of Father Abraham. God’s Word will not be broken, though it seems to be delayed. His faithfulness in the past guarantees the future of the Jewish people. (Habakkuk 2:3) Yes, prophecy indicates that the schemes of Israel's enemies will collapse.

The wisdom of the Judaic Bible is so all-embracing and so all-compelling that the Hebrew Prophets Isaiah and Micah predict a time yet future when many people will look in desperation and expectation to Jerusalem for instruction from God. “The Law will go forth from Zion and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.” — Isaiah 2:1-3; Micah 4:1-2.

"Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you." — Zechariah 8:23

Blessings Upon Israel Promise Hope for the World! 

If you are a Jew, embrace your Jewish heritage as God’s chosen people — a people for His purpose! “And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son: That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.” — Genesis 22:16-18

If you are a Christian, embrace the everlasting promises to the Nation of Israel through this promise to Abraham, and also learn about the role they will play in blessing all nations of the earth — including their brethren, the Arab nations! The “stars of heaven” — the spiritual seed — along with the “sands of the seashore” — Abraham’s earthly seed — will together bless the world with peace, happiness and life! “And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Galatians 3:29

If you are a Muslim, it may seem strange, but we would encourage you to “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.” (Psalm 122:6) Abraham, the Father of us all, was given this promise that Israel would be a blesser nation to the entire world — including every kindred, people and tongue. "In that day shall there be a highway out of Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian shall come into Egypt, and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the Egyptians shall serve with the Assyrians. In that day shall Israel be the third with Egypt and with Assyria, even a blessing in the midst of the land: Whom the LORD of hosts shall bless, saying, Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel mine inheritance." Isaiah 19:23-25

For a more detailed portrayal of Israel’s role in prophecy,

please read or download FREE this faith inspiring treatise:

ISRAEL'S LANDRIGHTS:

Biblical Historical, Legal

 

To discover more of the many prophecies of hope for the entire world, visit:

INCREDIBLE HEADLINES OF THE FUTURE

The REAL Good News 

 

For even more inspiring Scriptural insights on Israel's rebirth as a Nation

read the following short subject article:

EZEKIEL'S VISION: The Valley of Dry Bones

Matthew 5:7

Matthew 5:7 NLT

[7] God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.5.7.NLT

Matthew 5:6

Matthew 5:6 NLT

[6] God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied.

https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.5.6.NLT

Matthew 5:5

Matthew 5:5 NLT

[5] God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.

https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.5.5.NLT

Matthew 5:4

Matthew 5:4 NLT

[4] God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.5.4.NLT

Matthew 5:3

Matthew 5:3 NLT

[3] “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.5.3.NLT

1 Peter 5:6

1 Peter 5:6 NLT

[6] So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor.

https://bible.com/bible/116/1pe.5.6.NLT

Psalms 77:11

Psalms 77:11 NLT

[11] But then I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago.

https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.77.11.NLT

Acts Of The Apostles 20:24

Acts Of The Apostles 20:24 NLT

[24] But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.

https://bible.com/bible/116/act.20.24.NLT

1 Corinthians 15:57

1 Corinthians 15:57 NLT

[57] But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.

https://bible.com/bible/116/1co.15.57.NLT

Hebrews 5:7

Hebrews 5:7 NLT

[7] While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue him from death. And God heard his prayers because of his deep reverence for God.

https://bible.com/bible/116/heb.5.7.NLT

2 Corinthians 1:3

2 Corinthians 1:3 NLT

[3] All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort.

https://bible.com/bible/116/2co.1.3.NLT

1 Timothy 4:12

1 Timothy 4:12 NLT

[12] Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. 

https://bible.com/bible/116/1ti.4.12.NLT

Romans 8:28

Romans 8:28 NLT

[28] And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

https://bible.com/bible/116/rom.8.28.NLT

Proverbs 29:25

Proverbs 29:25 NLT

[25] Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety.

https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.29.25.NLT

Colossians 1:13

Colossians 1:13 NLT

[13] For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son,

https://bible.com/bible/116/col.1.13.NLT

Psalms 30:5

Psalms 30:5 NLT

[5] For his anger lasts only a moment,but his favor lasts a lifetime!Weeping may last through the night,but joy comes with the morning.

https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.30.5.NLT

Ephesians 2:10

Ephesians 2:10 NIV

[10] For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

https://bible.com/bible/111/eph.2.10.NIV

The Essential Atlas Of The Bible

Embark on a fascinating journey through the lands where key biblical events unfolded. Visit the places where Jesus preached, Moses journeyed, and Paul spread the word of God - all from the comfort of your home with The Essential Atlas of the Bible.

With nearly 200 visually captivating, multidimensional maps and full-color images, this comprehensive atlas will deepen your understanding of biblical lands, history, and spirituality. Leveraging highly accurate mapping technologies, it provides an up-to-date geographical perspective that makes Scripture study both engaging and impactful.

Discover multifaceted insights through innovative chronological charts covering historical backgrounds, regions, weather, and roads of the Bible's world. This full-color atlas is concise yet comprehensive - perfect for Bible scholars, future pilgrims to the Holy Land, or curious readers seeking greater insight into places frequently mentioned in the Old and New Testaments.

The Essential Atlas of the Bible goes beyond just providing information; it takes you on a pilgrimage across time, enriching every step of your Bible study journey where you will discover a visual experience of the biblical world.

Enhance your understanding and deepen your faith - don't wait, grab your copy of The Essential Atlas of the Bible today.

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Ten Women of the Bible Updated Edition: How God Used Imperfect People to Change the World

Why Did God Choose These Women?

We don't know all their names. Some are referred to in Scripture only by their nationality. Some are known only by where they lived. Some became queens; others lived on the fringes of society. One gave birth to a nation; another gave birth to the Messiah. Their culture often overlooked or discounted the contributions of women, yet the writers of Scripture found these women and the role they played remarkable to the telling of God's story.

As we study the lives of the women in the Bible, we find important truths that God wants us to grasp. They lived in a different world than our own, but we find ourselves facing the same issues they faced. Yet even more, these women show us there is a God who sees us where we are and loves us for who we are. He is the one who hovers over all the pages of the Bible, shaping lives, rescuing hearts, healing sicknesses, raising what was dead to life, and assigning high callings to those who choose to follow him and have faith in him.

In this ten-lesson workbook, Max Lucado recounts some of his favorite stories of these ten women—Sarah, Abigail, Esther, the Samaritan Woman, Mary Magdalene, and others—and describes what set them all apart.

EACH LESSON INCLUDES:

Five daily in-depth Bible studies to help you navigate the stories of Scripture

Summary points to help you remember the key takeaways from each lesson

Daily prayers to help you focus your thoughts and move into your quiet time

Weekly memory verses to help you hide God's Word in your heart

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5 Ways The Psalms Help Us Worship God In Everyday Life

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5 Ways the Psalms Help Us Worship God in Everyday Life

5 Ways the Psalms Help Us Worship God in Everyday Life

Worship is more than a Sunday morning tradition; it’s a posture of the heart. In this post, we will explore five powerful truths from the book of Psalms that teach us what it means to worship God with our whole lives.

1. Worship Through Trust

“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.”– Psalm 23:1

True worship begins with trust. When we trust God, we acknowledge His goodness and care for us, even when life is overwhelming. Psalm 23 reminds us that God is our Good Shepherd. He provides, protects, and leads us. Trusting Him means we believe He is more than enough. The more we know Him, the easier it becomes to surrender and rely on Him in every season. Worshipping through trust means we cling to Him in our need and declare that He is sufficient.

2. Worship Through Beholding

“One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.” – Psalm 27:4

Worship isn’t confined to a church building. Psalm 27 invites us to behold God in everyday life. Beholding means keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus while we work, care for our families, or even run errands. It’s a lifestyle of awareness and adoration, turning mundane moments into opportunities to see and respond to God’s beauty. Whether we’re folding laundry or walking through a grocery aisle, we can behold Him and turn our hearts toward praise.

3.Worship Through Repentance

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” – Psalm 51:10

Repentance is one of the most honest and humble ways to worship. It acknowledges our need for God and invites Him to transform us. Psalm 51 shows how confession and surrender can draw us closer to His heart. We will stumble, but worship calls us to be quick to repent, allowing God to purify our hearts daily. It’s in this space of brokenness and longing for holiness that worship becomes deeply personal and transformational.

4.Worship Through Reverence

“Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.” – Psalm 95:6

Worship includes awe and reverence for who God is. He is Creator, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. Reverence isn’t just a feeling; it’s a response. True worship recognizes that God is holy and calls us to live in submission to His ways. Reverence can be expressed physically through bowing and kneeling, but it’s also shown through obedience, humility, and surrender in our daily decisions.

5. Worship Through Thanksgiving And Joy

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” – Psalm 100:4

Gratitude turns our attention away from what’s lacking in our lives and toward the abundant goodness of God. Worship through thanksgiving is about recognizing everything we have comes from Him. When we cultivate joy and gratitude, even in difficult circumstances, we reflect a heart of worship. Whether we are thanking Him for a small provision or simply for who He is, praise unlocks deeper intimacy with God.

In all these ways and more, the Psalms remind us that worship is not a once-a-week event but a way of life. Whether through trust, beholding, repentance, reverence, or thanksgiving, worship is how we respond to God’s goodness, beauty, and love. May these Psalms help you live a life of worship that honors God every moment of every day!

By Keely McCartney, Contracted Writer for Biblica

Revelation 21:4

Revelation 21:4 NIV

[4] ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

https://bible.com/bible/111/rev.21.4.NIV

Mtongori Juma

Luke 18:14

Luke 18:14 NIV

[14] “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

https://bible.com/bible/111/luk.18.14.NIV

Acts 4:31

Acts 4:31 NIV

[31] After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

https://bible.com/bible/111/act.4.31.NIV