] But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

-20] And the crowd began pleading with Jesus to go away and leave them alone. [18] As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon possessed begged to go with him. [19] But Jesus said, “No, go home to your family, and tell them everything the Lord has done for you and how merciful he has been.” [20] So the man started off to visit the Ten Towns of that region and began to proclaim the great things Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed at what he told them.

-37] Jesus left Tyre and went up to Sidon before going back to the Sea of Galilee and the region of the Ten Towns. [32] A deaf man with a speech impediment was brought to him, and the people begged Jesus to lay his hands on the man to heal him. [33] Jesus led him away from the crowd so they could be alone. He put his fingers into the man’s ears. Then, spitting on his own fingers, he touched the man’s tongue. [34] Looking up to heaven, he sighed and said, “Ephphatha,” which means, “Be opened!” [35] Instantly the man could hear perfectly, and his tongue was freed so he could speak plainly! [36] Jesus told the crowd not to tell anyone, but the more he told them not to, the more they spread the news. [37] They were completely amazed and said again and again, “Everything he does is wonderful. He even makes the deaf to hear and gives speech to those who cannot speak.”

] And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

-8] For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. [8] So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me, either, even though I’m in prison for him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News.