1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle^(A) and set apart^(B) for the gospel of God^(C)—

¹⁸ to open their eyes^(A) and turn them from darkness to light,^(B) and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins^(C) and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’^(D)

⁹ for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned^(A) to God from idols^(B) to serve the living and true God,^(C)

¹⁷ Therefore,

¹⁸ When they see the smoke of her burning,^(A) they will exclaim, ‘Was there ever a city like this great city^(B)?’^(C)