And set out to them an example of the people of the town, when the apostles came to it. 13 When We sent two of them they called them liars; so We sent a third to strengthen them. "We have been sent to you," they said. 14 They said: ye are but human beings like ourselves; the Compassionate hath not sent down aught; ye are only lying. 15 They said, "Our Lord knows that we have been sent to you. 16 but we are not bound to do more than clearly deliver the message [entrusted to us]." 17 They answered: 'We predict evil of you. If you do not desist, we will stone you and a painful punishment from us will befall you' 18 They said: "Your evil omens are with yourselves: (deem ye this an evil omen). If ye are admonished? Nay, but ye are a people transgressing all bounds!" 19 In the meantime a man came running from the far end of the town, saying: “My people, follow the Messengers; 20 Follow those who do not ask for any recompense of you, and are rightly guided. 21 And why should I not worship He who created me and to whom you will be returned? 22 What! Shall I take any deities apart from Him whose intercession will not avail me the least were the Merciful One to bring any adversity upon me, nor will they be able to rescue me? 23 "Then verily, I should be in plain error. 24 Indeed, I have believed in your Lord, so listen to me." 25 (Eventually they killed him and he was told): “Enter Paradise.” The man exclaimed: “Would that my people knew 26 Of how my Lord has forgiven me and placed me among the honored." 27 ۞ And We sent not against his people after him a host from heaven, nor have We been sending down any such. 28 It was no more than a single mighty Blast, and behold! they were (like ashes) quenched and silent. 29 And it was said, “Woe to those bondmen – whenever a Noble Messenger comes to them, they mock at him!” 30 Do they not consider how many of the generations have We destroyed before them, because they do not turn to them? 31 And surely all, every one of them, shall be brought before Us. 32