And put forward to them a similitude; the (story of the) dwellers of the town, [It is said that the town was Antioch (Antakiya)], when there came Messengers to them. 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, “You are nothing but mortals like us; the Most Gracious has not sent down anything – you are nothing but liars.” 15 They said: our Lord knoweth that we are surely unto you the sent ones. 16 but we are not bound to do more than clearly deliver the message [entrusted to us]." 17 The people said, "We have ill omens about you. If you will not desist, we shall stone you and make you suffer a painful torment". 18 [The apostles] replied: "Your destiny, good or evil, is [bound up] with yourselves! [Does it seem evil to you] if you are told to take [the truth] to heart? Nay, but you are people who have wasted their own selves!" 19 Then there came running, from the farthest part of the City, a man, saying, "O my people! Obey the messengers: 20 Follow those who do not ask you for any reward and who are rightly guided. 21 For what cause should I not serve Him Who hath created me, and unto Whom ye will be brought back? 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 truly I should be in error manifest. 24 Messengers, listen to me. I believe in your Lord." 25 We said to him, "Enter paradise," and he exclaimed: "Would that my people knew 26 Of how my Lord has forgiven me and placed me among the honored." 27 ۞ After him We did not send down against his people a host from heaven, nor do We send down such hosts: 28 It was naught but a single cry, and lo! they were still. 29 And it was said, “Woe to those bondmen – whenever a Noble Messenger comes to them, they mock at him!” 30 Are they not aware of how many a generation We have destroyed before their time, [and] that those [that have perished] will never return to them, 31 And all of them shall surely be brought before Us. 32