Open Word

FIRST READING

Wisdom 4:7-15

Text not available in the Berean Standard Bible.

PSALM

Psalm 148

Hallelujah! Praise the LORD from the heavens; praise Him in the highest places.

Praise Him, all His angels; praise Him, all His heavenly hosts.

Praise Him, O sun and moon; praise Him, all you shining stars.

Praise Him, O highest heavens, and you waters above the skies.

Let them praise the name of the LORD, for He gave the command and they were created.

He established them forever and ever; He issued a decree that will never pass away.

Praise the LORD from the earth, all great sea creatures and ocean depths,

lightning and hail, snow and clouds, powerful wind fulfilling His word,

mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars,

wild animals and all cattle, crawling creatures and flying birds,

kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the earth,

young men and maidens, old and young together.

Let them praise the name of the LORD, for His name alone is exalted; His splendor is above the earth and the heavens.

He has raised up a horn for His people, the praise of all His saints, of Israel, a people near to Him. Hallelujah!

SECOND READING

Acts 7:59-8:8

Verse 59. While they were stoning him, Stephen appealed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Verse 60. Falling on his knees, he cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep. Verse 1. And Saul was there, giving approval to Stephen’s death. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Verse 2. God-fearing men buried Stephen and mourned deeply over him. Verse 3. But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison. Verse 4. Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. Verse 5. Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Christ to them. Verse 6. The crowds all paid close attention to Philip’s message and to the signs they saw him perform. Verse 7. With loud shrieks, unclean spirits came out of many who were possessed, and many of the paralyzed and lame were healed. Verse 8. So there was great joy in that city.