⁴⁴ The next Sabbath almost the entire city gathered together to hear the Word of God [concerning ^[a]the attainment through Christ of salvation in the kingdom of God].

⁴⁵ But when the Jews saw the crowds, filled with envy and jealousy they contradicted what was said by Paul and talked abusively [reviling and slandering him].

⁴⁶ And Paul and Barnabas spoke out plainly and boldly, saying, It was necessary that God’s message [concerning ^[b]salvation through Christ] should be spoken to you first. But since you thrust it from you, you pass this judgment on yourselves that you are unworthy of eternal life and out of your own mouth you will be judged. [Now] behold, we turn to the Gentiles (the heathen).