15. After the reading from the Law of Moses and from the writings of the prophets, the officials of the synagogue sent them a message: “Brothers and sisters, we want you to speak to the people if you have a message of encouragement for them.”
16. Paul stood up, motioned with his hand, and began to speak:“Fellow-Israelites and all Gentiles here who worship God: hear me!
17. The God of the people of Israel chose our ancestors and made the people a great nation during the time they lived as foreigners in Egypt. God brought them out of Egypt by his great power,
18. and for forty years he endured them in the desert.
19. He destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan and made his people the owners of the land.