The FarAboveAll translation of the Robinson-Pierpont Byzantine Textform 2005 edition of the New Testament

This is the FarAboveAll English translation of the Robinson-Pierpont Byzantine Textform 2005 main text only, without notes. Please refer to the Introduction, the Greek source text and the English translation and notes at www.FarAboveAll.com.

The Introduction, the English translation and notes (referred to as "this text" below) Copyright © 2009-2022 by Graham G. Thomason. Anyone is permitted to copy and distribute this text or any portion of this text. It may be incorporated in a larger work, and/or quoted from, stored in a database retrieval system, photocopied, reprinted, or otherwise duplicated by anyone without prior notification, permission, compensation to the holder, or any other restrictions. All rights to this text are released to everyone and no one can reduce these rights at any time. The permitted use or reproduction of the above-mentioned text does not imply doctrinal or theological agreement by the present translator and publisher with whatever views may be maintained or promulgated by other publishers. For the purpose of assigning responsibility, it is requested that the present translator's name and the title associated with this text and its availability at www.FarAboveAll.com as well as this disclaimer be retained in any subsequent reproduction of this material.

Version 0.94.54, 23 October 2023



Matthew

Matthew Chapter 1

1The book of the lineage of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. 2Abraham begot Isaac, and Isaac begot Jacob, and Jacob begot Judah and his brothers, 3and Judah begot Perez and Zarah by Tamar, and Perez begot Hezron, and Hezron begot Ram, 4and Ram begot Amminadab, and Amminadab begot Nahshon, and Nahshon begot Salmon, 5and Salmon begot Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz begot Obed by Ruth, and Obed begot Jesse, 6and Jesse begot David the king, and David the king begot Solomon by Uriah's wife, 7and Solomon begot Rehoboam, and Rehoboam begot Abijah, and Abijah begot Asa, 8and Asa begot Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat begot Jehoram, and Jehoram begot Uzziah, 9and Uzziah begot Jotham, and Jotham begot Ahaz, and Ahaz begot Hezekiah, 10and Hezekiah begot Manasseh, and Manasseh begot Amon, and Amon begot Josiah, 11and Josiah begot Jeconiah and his brothers at the time of the Babylonian deportation. 12And after the Babylonian deportation, Jeconiah begot Shealtiel, and Shealtiel begot Zerubbabel, 13and Zerubbabel begot Abihud, and Abihud begot Eliakim, and Eliakim begot Azzur, 14and Azzur begot Zadok, and Zadok begot Jachin, and Jachin begot Elihud, 15and Elihud begot Eleazar, and Eleazar begot Mattan, and Mattan begot Jacob, 16and Jacob begot Joseph, the husband of Mary, by whom Jesus was conceived, who is called Christ. 17So all the generations from Abraham to David amount to fourteen generations, and from David to the Babylonian deportation there are fourteen generations, and from the Babylonian deportation to Christ there are fourteen generations. 18But the begetting of Jesus Christ was as follows. Now then, when his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found to be with child, by holy spirit. 19But Joseph, her husband-to-be, being righteous, and not wishing to make an example of her, wanted to divorce her secretly. 20But after he had reflected on these things, what should happen but the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary to be your wife, for that which has been conceived in her is so by holy spirit. 21And she shall bear a son, and you will call him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22Now all this took place in order that that which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet should be fulfilled, where he says, 23“Behold, a virgin will be with child and will bear a son, and they will call him Emmanuel, which when translated is ‘God with us.’ ” 24So when Joseph had woken up from the sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife, 25but he did not know her until she had borne her firstborn son, and he called him Jesus.

Reference(s) in Chapter 1: v.23 ↔ Isaiah 7:14.

Matthew Chapter 2

1Now after Jesus had been born in Bethlehem of Judaea, in the days of Herod the king, it so happened that magi from the east came to Jerusalem, 2and they said, “Where is the king of the Jews who has just been born? For we have seen his star in the east, and we have come to worship him.” 3But when Herod the king heard of it, he was disturbed, as was all of Jerusalem with him, 4and when he had gathered all the senior priests and scribes of the people, he inquired from them where Christ was to be born. 5So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judaea. For it has been written as follows by the prophet:

6‘And you, Bethlehem, of the land of Judah,

Are by no means the least among the governmental towns of Judah,

For from you will come a governor

Who will be shepherd to my people Israel.’ ”

7Then Herod called the magi privately and assiduously inquired from them the time when the star appeared, 8and he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and make careful inquiries about the child, and when you find him, report back to me so that I too may go and worship him.” 9So when they had heard the king, they went, and they saw that the star which they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it had arrived, when it remained above the place where the child was. 10Indeed, when they saw the star, they rejoiced with very great joy, 11and when they had come to the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshipped him, and they opened their treasure chests and offered him gifts: gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12Then having been oracularly warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they went back to their country by another route. 13When they had gone back, this happened: the angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph and said, “Get up and take the child and his mother with you, and flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you, for Herod intends to seek the child in order to destroy him.” 14So he got up and took the child and his mother with him by night, and he withdrew to Egypt, 15and he stayed there until the death of Herod, in order that what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet might be fulfilled, when he said, “I have called my son out of Egypt.16Then when Herod saw that he had been fooled by the magi, he became very angry, and he sent troops, and he had all the children in Bethlehem and in all its districts killed, from two years and under, according to the time which he had assiduously inquired about from the magi. 17Then that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled, where he says,

18“A cry was heard in Ramah

– Lamentation and weeping and much mourning –

Rachel weeping for her children,

And she refused to be comforted,

For they were no more.”

19But when Herod had died, this is what happened: the angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt 20and said, “Get up and take the child and his mother with you and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the life of the child have died.” 21So he got up and took the child and his mother with him and went to the land of Israel. 22But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judaea in place of Herod his father, he was afraid to set off back there, but after he had been oracularly informed in a dream, he went back to the regions of Galilee, 23and when he arrived, he settled in a town called Nazareth, in order that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, that he should be called a Nazarene.

Reference(s) in Chapter 2: v.6 ↔ Micah 5:1MT (Micah 5:2AV) ● v.15 ↔ Hosea 11:1 ● v.18 ↔ Jeremiah 31:15 ● v.23 ↔ Isaiah 11:1.

Matthew Chapter 3

1Now in those days John the Baptist appeared on the scene, preaching in the desert of Judaea, 2and he would say, “Repent, for the kingdom of the heavens has drawn near.” 3For this man is the one spoken of by Isaiah the prophet, who said,

The voice of one crying out in the desert,

‘Prepare the way of the Lord.

Make his paths straight.’ ”

4Now John himself wore clothing made from camels' hair and a leather belt around his loins, while his food was locusts and wild honey. 5Then Jerusalem and all of Judaea and all the region around Jordan came out to him, 6and they were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins. 7But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You offspring of vipers, who has intimated to you to flee from the wrath to come? 8So produce fruit worthy of repentance, 9and do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have our father Abraham.’ For I say to you that God can raise children to Abraham from these stones, 10and the axe has already been laid at the root of the trees. For every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and is thrown into fire. 11Now I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than me, whose shoes I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with holy spirit 12he whose winnowing fan is in his hand – and he will thoroughly clean his threshing floor, and he will gather his wheat into his storehouse, but he will burn up the chaff with inextinguishable fire.” 13Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John in order to be baptized by him, 14although John tried to prevent him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, yet do you come to me?” 15But Jesus answered by saying to him, “Allow it right now, for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfil all righteousness.” Then he allowed him. 16Then when Jesus had been baptized, straightaway he came up out of the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the spirit of God descending as a dove and alighting on him. 17And there was a voice from the heavens, which said, “This is my beloved son, with whom I am very pleased.”

Reference(s) in Chapter 3: v.3 ↔ Isaiah 40:3.

Matthew Chapter 4

1Next Jesus was led up to the desert by the spirit to be tempted by the devil, 2and having fasted for forty days and forty nights – after all that – he was hungry. 3Then the tempter came to him and said, “If you are the son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4But he answered and said, “It stands written: ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word issuing through the mouth of God.’ ” 5Then the devil took him along to the holy city, and he set him on the pinnacle of the temple, 6and he said to him, “If you are the son of God, throw yourself down. For it stands written:

‘He will command his angels concerning you,

and,

They will lift you up in their hands

In case at any time

You should strike your foot against a stone.’ ”

7Jesus said to him, “Again, it stands written: ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’ ” 8Again, the devil took him along to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory, 9and he said to him, “I will give you all these if you fall down and worship me.” 10Then Jesus said to him, “Be off behind me, Satan, for it stands written: ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and you shall serve him only.’ ” 11Then the devil left him, and the next thing that happened was that angels came and took care of him. 12Now when Jesus had heard that John had been delivered up, he withdrew to Galilee, 13and having left Nazareth, he came and settled in Capernaum, which is beside the sea in the territories of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14in order that that which was spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled, where he says,

15The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali,

The road to the sea,

Across the Jordan,

Galilee of the Gentiles –

16The people who sat in darkness

Have seen a great light,

And on those who were dwelling in a region and shadow of death

A light has risen.”

17From then on Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of the heavens has drawn near.” 18While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a round net into the sea, for they were fishermen, 19and he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishermen of men.” 20At this they immediately left their nets and followed him. 21Then going on from there, he saw another two brothers, James, the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in a boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them, 22and they immediately left the boat and their father and followed him. 23Then Jesus would go round all of Galilee teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and curing every sickness and every ailment among the people, 24and his fame spread to the whole of Syria, and they brought to him all the sick with various diseases, and those afflicted with torments, and those possessed by a demon, and lunatics, and paralytics, and he cured them. 25And large crowds followed him from Galilee and Decapolis and Jerusalem and Judaea and beyond the Jordan.

Reference(s) in Chapter 4: v.4 ↔ Deuteronomy 8:3 ● v.6 ↔ Psalm 91:11, Psalm 91:12 ● v.7 ↔ Deuteronomy 6:16 ● v.10 ↔ Deuteronomy 6:13 ● v.15 ↔ Isaiah 8:23MT (Isaiah 9:1AV) ● v.16 ↔ Isaiah 9:1MT (Isaiah 9:2AV).

Matthew Chapter 5

1But when he saw the crowds, he went up a mountain, and when he had sat down, his disciples came to him, 2and he opened his mouth and taught them and said,

3“Blessed are the poor in spirit,

For theirs is the kingdom of the heavens.

4Blessed are those who mourn,

For they shall be comforted.

5Blessed are the meek,

For they shall inherit the earth.

6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

For they shall be satisfied.

7Blessed are the merciful,

For they shall be shown mercy.

8Blessed are the pure in heart,

For they shall see God.

9Blessed are the peacemakers,

For they shall be called sons of God.

10Blessed are those who have been persecuted on account of righteousness,

For theirs is the kingdom of the heavens.

11Blessed are you whenever they reproach you and persecute you, and they speak all kinds of offensive words and lie about you on account of me. 12Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in the heavens is great, for it is like this that they persecuted the prophets who were before you. 13You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt becomes insipid, by what can it be salted? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled on by men. 14You are the light of the world. A city cannot be hidden if it is located on a mountain, 15nor does one light a lamp and put it under a bushel of corn, but one puts it on a lampstand, and it gives light to all those in the house. 16Let your light shine like this before men, so that they see your fine works and glorify your father who is in the heavens. 17Do not think that I have come to annul the law or the prophets. I have not come to annul, but to fulfil, 18for truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one jot or one tittle will pass away from the law at all, until all has taken place. 19So whoever breaks any one of the least of these commandments, or who teaches men to do so, will be called the least in the kingdom of the heavens, whereas it is whoever carries out and teaches the commandments who will be called great in the kingdom of the heavens. 20For I say to you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you certainly will not go into the kingdom of the heavens. 21You have heard that it was said by the ancients, ‘You shall not commit murder’, and whoever commits murder shall be liable to judgment, 22but I say to you that everyone who becomes angry with his brother without reason will be liable to judgment, and whoever says to his brother, ‘Raka’ shall be liable to the Sanhedrin council, and whoever says, ‘You fool’ will be liable to fiery Gehenna. 23So if you are bringing your gift to the altar and there you remember that your brother holds something against you, 24leave your gift there in front of the altar and go away, and first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 25Be well-disposed to your opponent quickly while you are on the way with him, in case your opponent delivers you to the judge, and the judge delivers you to the officer, and you are thrown in prison. 26Truly, I say to you, you will certainly not come out of there until you have repaid the last quadrans. 27You have heard that it has been said, ‘You shall not commit adultery’, 28but I say to you that everyone who looks at a married woman intent on lusting after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29And if your right eye ensnares you, pluck it out and throw it away, for it is more profitable to you that one of your organs should perish than that your whole body should be thrown into Gehenna. 30And if your right hand ensnares you, cut it off and throw it away, for it is more profitable to you that one of your limbs should perish than that your whole body should be thrown into Gehenna. 31And it has been said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a deed of divorce’, 32but I say to you that whoever divorces his wife, apart from by reason of fornication, causes her to commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery. 33Again, you have heard that it was said by the ancients, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but you will perform your oaths to the Lord’, 34but I say to you, do not swear at all, neither by heaven, for it is the throne of God, 35nor by the earth, for it is his footstool, nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great king. 36And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black, 37but let your speech be, ‘Yes, yes; no, no’, for any more than these is of evil. 38You have heard that it has been said, ‘An eye for an eye’ and, ‘A tooth for a tooth’, 39but I say to you, do not resist evil, but whoever strikes you on the right cheek – turn also the other cheek to him, 40and as for him who wishes you to be judged and to take your tunic, let him have your coat as well, 41and whoever presses you to go one mile – go with him two. 42Give to him who asks you, and do not turn away from him who wishes to borrow from you. 43You have heard that it has been said, ‘You shall love your neighbour’, and, ‘You shall hate your enemy’, 44but I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who treat you spitefully and persecute you, 45so that you become sons of your father in the heavens, for he makes his sun rise on the wicked and the good, and he sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not the tax collectors also do the same? 47And if you only greet your friends, what do you do that is exceptional? Do not the tax collectors act in this way? 48So be perfect, as your father in the heavens is perfect.

Reference(s) in Chapter 5: v.5 ↔ Psalm 37:11 ● v.21 ↔ Exodus 20:13, Deuteronomy 5:17 ● v.27 ↔ Exodus 20:14, Deuteronomy 5:18 ● v.31 ↔ Deuteronomy 24:1 ● v.33 ↔ Exodus 20:7, Leviticus 19:12, Numbers 30:3MT (Numbers 30:2AV), Deuteronomy 23:22MT (Deuteronomy 23:21AV) ● v.34 ↔ Isaiah 66:1 ● v.35 ↔ Isaiah 66:1 ● v.38 ↔ Exodus 21:24 ● v.43 ↔ Leviticus 19:18, Psalm 139:21, Psalm 139:22.

Matthew Chapter 6

1And take care not to give your alms in the presence of men, so as to be seen by them. Otherwise, you do not have a reward from your father in the heavens. 2So when you give alms, do not blow a trumpet in front of you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, in order to be glorified by men. Truly, I say to you, they have their reward. 3But when you give alms, let your left hand not know what your right hand is doing, 4so that your alms are given in secret, and your father, who sees in secret, will reward you in public. 5And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, in order to be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have their reward. 6But when you pray, go into your private room and shut the door and pray to your father who is hidden, and your father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you in public. 7And when you pray, do not gabble like the Gentiles, for they think that they will be heard in their loquacity. 8So do not be like them. For your father knows what you need before you ask him. 9So then, pray like this:

Our father in the heavens,

May your name be sanctified.

10May your kingdom come;

May your will be done,

As in heaven, so also on the earth.

11Give us our oncoming bread today,

12And cancel our debts,

As we also cancel the debts of our debtors.

13And do not lead us into temptation,

But rescue us from evil,

For yours is the kingdom,

And the power and the glory,

Throughout the ages. Amen.

14For if you forgive men their transgressions, so also will your heavenly father forgive you. 15But if you do not forgive men their transgressions, neither will your father forgive your transgressions. 16Now whenever you fast, do not be like the sullen-looking hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces in order for it to be obvious to men that they are fasting. Truly, I say to you, they have their reward. 17But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18so that it is not obvious to men that you are fasting, but it will be known to your father who is hidden, and your father who sees in secret will reward you. 19Do not save up treasures for yourself on the earth, where the moth and corrosion cause ruin, and where thieves break in and steal, 20but save up for yourselves treasures in heaven where neither moth nor corrosion cause ruin, and where no robbers break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be as well. 22The light of the body is the eye. So if your eye is clear-sighted, the whole of your body will be bright. 23But if your eye is ill-disposed, the whole of your body will be dark. So if the light which is in you is darkness, how great the darkness is! 24No-one can serve two masters, for he will either hate one and love the other, or he will cling to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. 25On account of this I say to you, do not be anxious for your life, about what you will eat and what you will drink, nor for your body, about what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26Look at the birds of the sky, how they do not sow or reap or gather into storehouses, yet your heavenly father feeds them; surely you are worth much more than they are? 27And who of you can by being anxious add one cubit to his stature? 28And why are you anxious about clothing? Observe the wild lilies – how they grow. Yet they neither toil nor spin thread. 29But I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory was clothed like one of these. 30Now if God so clothes the wild vegetation, which exists today, and tomorrow is thrown into a furnace, will he not much more clothe you, you of little faith? 31So do not be anxious, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or, ‘What will we drink?’ or, ‘What will we wear?’ 32For the Gentiles seek all these things. Well then, your heavenly father knows that you need all these things. 33But first seek the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 34So do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious about its own affairs. Sufficient for the day is its own evil.

Matthew Chapter 7

1Do not judge, in order that you may not be judged, 2for you will be judged with the judgment with which you judge, and by whatever measure you measure, it will be measured to you. 3Why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye but do not take notice of the joist in your own eye? 4Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye’, when all along there is a joist in your eye? 5You hypocrite! First take the joist out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye. 6Do not give anything sacred to dogs, and do not cast your pearls before swine, in case they trample them with their feet and turn and tear at you. 7Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8For everyone who asks will receive, and he who seeks will find, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 9Or what man is there among you, who, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? 10And if he asks for fish, surely he will not give him a serpent? 11So if you, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your father in the heavens give good things to those who ask him! 12Whatever you would like men to do to you, do the same to them. For this is the law and the prophets. 13Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way which leads to destruction, and many are those who are entering through it. 14How narrow the gate is and confined the way is which leads to life, and how few they are who find it! 15But beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inside are rapacious wolves. 16By their fruit you will recognize them. Does one really gather a bunch of grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? 17In this way every good tree produces fine fruit, but a rotten tree produces bad fruit. 18A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a rotten tree produce fine fruit. 19Every tree which does not produce fine fruit is cut down and thrown into fire. 20Therefore, by their fruit you will recognize them. 21Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord’ will go into the kingdom of the heavens, but rather, he who does the will of my father in the heavens. 22Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and cast out demons in your name and perform many deeds of power in your name?’ 23And then I will confess to them, ‘I never knew you. Go away from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ 24So everyone who hears these words of mine and does them – I will liken him to a prudent man who built his house on rock, 25and the rain came down and the torrents arrived, and the winds blew and beat against that house, but it did not fall, for it had been founded on rock. 26But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be likened to a foolish man who built his house on sand, 27and the rain came down, and the torrents arrived, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell down, and its fall was great.” 28And it came to pass when Jesus had finished these words, that the crowds were astounded at his teaching, 29for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

Matthew Chapter 8

1Then when he had come down from the mountain, large crowds followed him, 2and it so happened that a leper came and worshipped him and said, “Lord, if you will, you can cleanse me.” 3At this Jesus held out his hand and touched him and said, “I will; be cleansed.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. 4Then Jesus said to him, “See to it that you tell no-one, but go and show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift which Moses commanded, as a witness to them.” 5Subsequently, when he had gone to Capernaum, a centurion approached him, appealing to him, 6and saying, “Lord, my servant has become ill at home paralysed and is tormented terribly.” 7At this Jesus said to him, “I will go and cure him.” 8Then the centurion answered and said, “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but just pronounce with a word and my servant will be cured, 9for I am also a man under a system of authority, having soldiers under me, and I say to this one, ‘Go’, and he goes, and to another, ‘Come’, and he comes, and to my servant, ‘Do this’, and he does it.” 10When Jesus heard that, he was amazed and said to those following, “Truly, I say to you, not even in Israel have I found such great faith. 11But I say to you that many will come from the east and from the west and will recline at table with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of the heavens, 12whereas the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into the outer darkness. There, there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” 13Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go your way, and as you have believed, so be it to you.” And his servant was cured at that hour. 14Then Jesus went to Peter's house, and he saw his mother-in-law lying ill with a fever, 15and he touched her hand, at which the fever left her, and she rose and waited on him. 16Then in the evening, they brought to him many who were possessed by demons, and he cast out the spirits by a word, and he cured all those who were ill, 17in order that that which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet should be fulfilled, where he says,

“He took our ailments

And bore our sicknesses.”

18But when Jesus saw large crowds around him, he ordered them to go further away, 19and a certain scribe came along and said to him, “Master, I will follow you wherever you go.” 20At this Jesus said to him, “The foxes have dens, and the birds of the sky have nests, but the son of man does not have anywhere to lay his head.” 21Then another of his disciples said to him, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” 22But Jesus said to him, “Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead.” 23Then his disciples followed him when he went on board a boat, 24and what happened next was that a great storm arose in the sea, so that the boat was covered by the waves. But he was sleeping. 25Then his disciples came to him, and they woke him up and said, “Lord, save us; we are not going to survive.” 26But he said to them, “Why are you fearful, you of little faith?” Then he arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and a great calm came about. 27But the men were amazed, and they said, “What kind of a man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him?” 28Then when he had gone to the far side, to the region of the Gergesenes, two men possessed by demons met him, as they came out of the tombs. They were very dangerous, so that no-one could pass by that way. 29And in this case they shouted, and they said, “What have you got to do with us, Jesus the son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the due time?” 30Now there was a herd of many pigs feeding at a distance from them, 31so the demons pleaded with him and said, “If you cast us out, allow us to go off to the herd of pigs.” 32And he said to them, “Go.” So they came out and went into the herd of pigs. And at this point the whole herd of pigs rushed headlong down the cliff into the sea, and they died in the waters. 33But the herdsmen fled and went away to the city and reported everything, including the things concerning those possessed by demons. 34Then it ensued that the whole city came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him, they appealed to him to move from their districts.

Reference(s) in Chapter 8: v.17 ↔ Isaiah 53:4.

Matthew Chapter 9

1Next he went on board the boat and crossed over and came to his own city, 2and along they came bringing a paralytic man to him lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic man, “Pluck up courage, my child. You have been forgiven your sins.” 3Then at this, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” 4Then Jesus, who had perceived their thoughts, said, “Why do you have evil thoughts in your hearts? 5For which is easier, to say, ‘You have been forgiven your sins’, or to say, ‘Arise and walk’? 6But in order that you may know that the son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins” – he then spoke to the paralytic man – “Arise, and pick up your bed and go to your home.” 7And he rose and went off to his home. 8And when the crowds saw it, they were amazed, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men. 9Then as Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax desk, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him. 10And it came to pass, as he was reclining in his house, that there were many tax collectors and sinners who had come and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. 11And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to his disciples, “Why does your master eat with the tax collectors and sinners?” 12But Jesus heard it and said to them, “Those who are in sound health have no need of a doctor, but rather those who are ill. 13But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” 14Then John's disciples came to him and said, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples don't fast?” 15And Jesus said to them, “Surely the wedding guests cannot mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast. 16And no-one puts a patch of uncarded flannel on an old garment, for its piece added will pull strands from the garment, and the tear will become worse, 17nor does one put new wine in old wineskins, or else the wineskins tear, and the wine leaks out, and the wineskins will be ruined. But one puts new wine in new wineskins, and both are preserved together.” 18While he was saying these things to them, it so happened that a certain governor came and worshipped him and said, “My daughter has just died, but come and put your hand on her, and she will live.” 19Then Jesus rose and followed him, as did his disciples, 20and at this point a woman who had been suffering from haemorrhage for twelve years approached him from behind and touched the hem of his coat, 21for she said to herself, “If only I can touch his coat, I will be cured.” 22But Jesus turned round and saw her and said, “Be of good courage, my daughter. Your faith has cured you.” And the woman was cured from that hour. 23Then Jesus went to the house of the governor, and seeing the flute-players and the crowd wailing, 24he said to them, “Leave the room. For the girl has not died but is asleep.” But they laughed at him. 25Then when the crowd had been sent out, he went in and held her hand, and the girl arose. 26And the account of this went around in the whole of that district. 27Then as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed him, shouting and saying, “Have mercy on us, son of David.” 28And when he had come to the house, the blind men approached him, and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe I am able to do this?” They said to him, “Yes, Lord.” 29Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith, so let it be to you.” 30And their eyes were opened, but Jesus admonished them sternly, and he said, “See that no-one gets to know of this.” 31But they went out and spread the account of him in all that district. 32However, while they were going out, it so happened that they brought to him a mute man possessed by a demon, 33and when the demon had been cast out, the mute man spoke, and the crowds were amazed and said, “Never before has anything like this been seen in Israel.” 34But the Pharisees said, “He casts out the demons by the ruler of demons.” 35Then Jesus went around all the cities and the villages teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and curing every sickness and every ailment among the people. 36But when he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were distressed and tossed about, like sheep not having a shepherd. 37Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few, 38so entreat the Lord of the harvest that he sends out workers to his harvest.”

Reference(s) in Chapter 9: v.13 ↔ Hosea 6:6.

Matthew Chapter 10

1And when he had called his twelve disciples, he gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out and to cure every sickness and every ailment. 2Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: first Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, 3Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew the tax collector, James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus who is surnamed Thaddaeus, 4Simon the Kananite, and Judas Iscariot who for his part betrayed him. 5Jesus sent these twelve out, and he gave them orders and said, “Do not go off into the way of the Gentiles, and do not go into any city of the Samaritans, 6but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of the heavens has drawn near.’ 8Cure those who are ill, cleanse the lepers; cast out demons. You have received without charge; give without charge. 9Do not get gold or silver or bronze for your belts, 10nor a wallet for the way, nor two tunics, nor shoes, nor staffs, for the workman is worthy of his livelihood. 11And in whatever city or village you enter, make careful inquiries as to who is worthy in it, and stay there until you leave. 12And when you go into the house, greet those of it, 13and if the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14And as for whoever does not receive you or hear your words – come out of that house or city, and shake the dust off your feet. 15Truly, I say to you, it will be more bearable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that city. 16You see, I am sending you as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be prudent like serpents and guileless like doves. 17But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to the Sanhedrin councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues, 18and you will be led to rulers and kings on account of me as a witness to them and the Gentiles. 19But when they deliver you up, do not be anxious about how or what you are to say, because what you will say will be given to you in that hour, 20for it is not you who speak, but the spirit of your father speaking in you. 21Furthermore, brother will deliver up brother to death, and father a child, and children will rise up against parents and will have them put to death, 22and you will be hated by everyone on account of my name, but it is he who endures to the end who will be saved. 23And when they persecute you in this city, flee to another. For truly, I say to you, you will certainly not have completed going round the cities of Israel until the son of man comes. 24A pupil is not above the teacher, nor is a slave above his master. 25It is sufficient for the pupil that he becomes like his teacher, and the servant as his master. If they called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household! 26So do not fear them. For nothing is hidden which will not be revealed, or secret which will not become known. 27What I tell you in darkness, speak in daylight, and what you hear in your ear, proclaim from the rooftops, 28and do not fear those who kill the body, but who cannot kill the soul, but fear rather him who can destroy both the soul and the body in Gehenna. 29Are not two sparrows sold for an assarion? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground without your father's control. 30But even all the hairs of your head are numbered. 31So do not fear. You are worth more than many sparrows. 32So as for everyone who confesses me before men, I for my part will confess him before my father in the heavens. 33But as for whoever denies me before men, I in turn will deny him before my father in the heavens. 34Do not think I have come to bring peace on earth. I have not come to bring peace, but the sword. 35For I have come to set a man apart against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law, 36and the enemies of the man will be those of his household. 37He who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and he who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me, 38and he who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39He who finds his life shall lose it, and he who loses his life for my sake will find it. 40He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives him who sent me. 41He who receives a prophet on the grounds of his being a prophet will receive the reward of a prophet, and he who receives a righteous man on the grounds of his being righteous will receive the reward of a righteous man. 42And whoever gives just a cup of cool water to drink to one of these little ones on the grounds of him being a disciple – truly, I say to you – he certainly will not lose his reward.”

Reference(s) in Chapter 10: v.35 ↔ Micah 7:6 ● v.36 ↔ Micah 7:6.

Matthew Chapter 11

1And it came to pass when Jesus had finished giving instructions to his twelve disciples, that he moved on from there in order to teach and preach in their cities. 2But when John had heard in prison about the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples 3to say to him, “Are you the one who is coming, or are we to expect another?” 4And Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and report to John what you hear and see. 5The blind see again and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, the dead are raised and the poor have the gospel preached to them, 6and blessed is he who does not stumble because of me.” 7Then as these went, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John and said, “What did you go out into the desert to see? A wind-swept reed? 8If not, what then did you go out to see? A man clothed in luxurious garments? Look, those who wear luxurious garments are in royal houses. 9If not, what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and one greater than a prophet. 10For this man is he of whom it stands written:

‘See how I am sending my messenger in front of you,

Who will prepare your way ahead of you.’

11Truly, I say to you, there has not arisen among those born of women anyone greater than John the Baptist. But he who is least in the kingdom of the heavens is greater than he. 12However, from the days of John the Baptist up to now the kingdom of the heavens has been suffering violence, and violent men are seizing it. 13For all the prophets and the law up to John have prophesied, 14and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. 15He who has ears to hear, let him hear. 16But to what shall I liken this generation? It is like children sitting in the market places and calling to their companions, 17and saying,

‘We have played the flute to you,

But you did not dance;

We have lamented to you,

But you did not mourn.’

18For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He is possessed by a demon.’ 19The son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a wine-drinker, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is vindicated by its children.” 20Then he began to reproach the cities in which the majority of his mighty deeds took place, because they did not repent. 21“Woe to you, Chorazin, woe to you, Bethsaida, for if the mighty works which took place in you had taken place in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22However, I say to you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon than for you in the day of judgment. 23And you, Capernaum, you which have been exalted up to heaven, you will be brought down to Hades, for if the mighty deeds which took place in you had taken place in Sodom, it would have remained intact up to this day. 24However, I say to you that it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom than for you.” 25At that time Jesus reacted and said, “I give thanks to you, father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from wise and intelligent men and have revealed them to infants. 26Indeed, father, because it was with good pleasure in your sight that it should be like this. 27Everything has been handed over to me by my father. And no-one knows the son except the father, and neither does anyone know the father except the son and whoever the son wishes to reveal him to. 28Come to me, all you who are toiling and are burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon yourselves, and learn from me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls, 30for my yoke is mild and my burden is light.”

Reference(s) in Chapter 11: v.5 ↔ Isaiah 35:5, Isaiah 35:6, Isaiah 61:1 ● v.10 ↔ Malachi 3:1.

Matthew Chapter 12

1At that time Jesus went through the cornfields on a Sabbath day, and his disciples were hungry, and they began to pluck ears of corn and eat them. 2But when the Pharisees saw it, they said to him, “Look, your disciples are doing something which it is not permitted to do on a Sabbath.” 3However, he said to them, “Have you not read what David did when he and those with him were hungry? 4– how he went into the house of God and ate the showbread loaves, which were not permitted for him or those with him to eat, except for the priests alone? 5Or have you not read in the law that on the Sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath, yet are guiltless? 6But I say to you that there is something greater than the temple here. 7And if you had known what ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice’ means, you would not have condemned the innocent, 8for the son of man is Lord of the Sabbath.” 9Then moving on from there, he came to their synagogue, 10and it so happened that there was a man with a withered hand, and they questioned him and asked, “Is it permitted to heal on a Sabbath?” in order to accuse him. 11But he said to them, “What man is there among you who has a sheep, and if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, he will not get hold of it and lift it out? 12Well then, how much more a man is worth than a sheep! So it is permitted to do good on Sabbaths.” 13Then he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” So he stretched it out, and it was restored as sound as the other one. 14But the Pharisees went away and held a council against him, plotting how they might destroy him. 15However, Jesus, being aware of it, withdrew from there, and large crowds followed him, and he healed them all, 16and he charged them not to make him publicly known, 17in order that that which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, where he says,

18“Behold my servant, whom I have chosen,

My beloved, with whom my being is very pleased.

I will put my spirit on him,

And he will announce judgment to the Gentiles.

19He will not strive or shout,

Nor will anyone in the streets hear his voice.

20He will not break a buckled reed

Nor extinguish a smouldering wick

Until he brings judgment to a victory.

21And the Gentiles will set their hope in his name.”

22Then a blind and mute man possessed by a demon was brought to him, and he healed him, so the blind and mute man could both speak and see, 23and all the crowds were amazed and said, “Isn't this the son of David?” 24But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, “This man does not cast out demons except by Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons.” 25But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said to them, “Every kingdom which is divided against itself is reduced to desolation, and no city or household which is divided against itself will stand. 26And if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? 27And if I cast out the demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your people cast them out? On account of this, they themselves will be judges over you. 28But if I cast the demons out by the spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. 29Or how can anyone go into a strong man's house and plunder his belongings, if he does not first bind the strong man, so that then he can plunder his house? 30He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters. 31On account of this I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but blasphemy against the spirit will not be forgiven men. 32And whoever speaks a word against the son of man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the holy spirit will not be forgiven, either in the present age or in the one to come. 33Either make the tree good, and its fruit good, or make the tree rotten, and its fruit rotten. For by the fruit the tree is known. 34You offspring of vipers, how can you speak good things when you are evil? For the mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart. 35A good man brings out good things from his good treasure, and an evil man brings out evil things from his evil treasure. 36But I say to you that for every idle word which men may speak, they will give an account of it on the day of judgment, 37for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” 38Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered and said, “Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.” 39But he answered and said to them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah the prophet. 40For as Jonah was in the stomach of the whale for three days and three nights, so the son of man will be in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights. 41The Ninevite men will rise in the judgment with this generation and will condemn it, because they repented at Jonah's preaching, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here. 42The queen of the south will rise in the judgment with this generation and will condemn it, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here. 43And whenever an unclean spirit comes out of a man, it passes through arid places seeking rest, but it does not find it. 44Then it says, ‘I will go back to my house, from where I came out.’ And when it has gone back, it finds it unoccupied and swept clean and tidied up. 45Then it goes out and takes seven other spirits more evil than itself with it, and when they have entered, they live there, and the last condition of that man becomes worse than the first. So it will be with this evil generation as well.” 46And while he was still speaking to the crowds, it so happened that his mother and his brothers were standing outside, wanting to speak to him. 47Then someone said to him, “Look, your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.” 48But he answered and said to him who had spoken to him, “Who is my mother and who are my brothers?” 49And stretching out his hand to his disciples, he said, “Behold my mother and my brothers. 50For it is whoever does the will of my father in the heavens who is my brother and sister and mother.”

Reference(s) in Chapter 12: v.7 ↔ Hosea 6:6 ● v.18 ↔ Isaiah 41:8, Isaiah 42:1 ● v.19 ↔ Isaiah 42:2 ● v.20 ↔ Isaiah 42:3 ● v.21 ↔ Isaiah 11:10 ● v.40 ↔ Jonah 2:1MT (Jonah 1:17AV).

Matthew Chapter 13

1And on that day, Jesus went out from the house and sat by the sea, 2and large crowds gathered together around him, so he went on board a boat and sat down, while the whole crowd was standing on the shore. 3And he told them many things in parables, and he said, “A sower once went out to sow, 4and as he was sowing, some seed fell beside the road, and the birds came and ate it up. 5Other seed fell on stony ground, where it did not have much soil, and it quickly sprang up through not having depth of soil, 6but when the sun rose, it was scorched, and because it did not have a root, it withered. 7And other seed fell in the thorn bushes, and the thorn plants came up and smothered it. 8But other seed fell on good ground, and it yielded produce: some a hundredfold return, some a sixtyfold, and some a thirtyfold. 9He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” 10Then the disciples came to him and said to him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” 11He answered and said to them, “To you it is granted to know the secrets of the kingdom of the heavens, but to them it is not granted. 12For whoever has something, to him will be given more, and it will be in abundance, but whoever does not have anything, even that which he has will be taken from him. 13This is why I speak to them in parables, because although seeing, they do not see, and although hearing, they do not hear, nor do they understand. 14And the prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled in them, which says,

‘You will definitely hear

But certainly not understand,

And you will definitely see

But certainly not perceive,

15For the heart of this people has become obtuse,

And with their ears they hear with difficulty,

And they have shut their eyes,

Lest they should see with their eyes,

And hear with their ears,

And understand with their heart,

And repent,

And I would heal them.’

16But blessed are your eyes, because they see, and your ears, because they hear. 17For truly, I say to you that many prophets and righteous men longed to see what you see, but they did not see, and to hear what you hear, but they did not hear. 18So hear the meaning of the parable of the sower. 19When anyone hears the word of the kingdom but does not understand, the evil one comes and seizes what was sown in his heart. This is he who was sown by the wayside. 20But he who was sown on the stony ground is he who, hearing the word immediately receives it with joy, 21but he does not have root in himself, but is for a season, and when tribulation or persecution comes on account of the word, he quickly stumbles. 22And as for him who was sown in the thorn bushes, this is he who hears the word, but for whom the care of this age and the deceit of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. 23But he who was sown on the good ground is the one who hears the word and understands itone who indeed bears fruit – and one produces a hundredfold, while another sixtyfold, and another thirtyfold.” 24He put another parable to them and said, “The kingdom of the heavens is comparable to a man who sows good seed in his field. 25But while the men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went away again, 26and when the grains sprouted and produced fruit, then the tares appeared as well. 27Then when the servants of the master of the house went to him, they said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? From where then is it infested with tares?’ 28So he said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ Then the servants said to him, ‘Do you want us then to go out, and we will gather them up?’ 29But he said, ‘No, don't, in case when gathering the tares you uproot the wheat together with them. 30Leave both to grow up together until the harvest, and at the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, «Gather first the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them up, but gather the wheat into my storehouse.» ’ ” 31He put another parable to them and said, “The kingdom of the heavens is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field, 32which is the smallest of all seeds, but when it grows, it is bigger than other vegetables, and it becomes a tree, so that the birds of the sky come and settle on its branches.” 33He told them another parable: “The kingdom of the heavens is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three sack measures of flour, until it was all leavened.” 34Jesus spoke all these things in parables to the crowds, and he didn't speak to them without a parable, 35in order that that which was spoken through the prophet might be fulfilled, when he said,

“I will open my mouth in parables;

I will utter things hidden

Since the overthrow of the world.”

36Then Jesus left the crowds and went to the house. And his disciples came to him and said, “Explain the parable of the tares in the field to us.” 37So he answered and said to them, “The sower of the good seed is the son of man. 38The field is the world; the good seed is what represents the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are the sons of the evil one. 39The enemy who sowed them is the devil, the harvest is the consummation of the age; the harvesters are the angels. 40So just as the tares are gathered and burned in a fire, so it will be at the consummation of this age. 41The son of man will send his angels, and they will gather up out of his kingdom all causes of offence, and those who commit iniquity, 42and they will throw them into the fiery furnace. There, there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear. 44Again, the kingdom of the heavens is like a treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid, and for the joy of it went away and sold everything he had and bought that field. 45Again, the kingdom of the heavens is like a merchant seeking good quality pearls, 46who, finding one very expensive pearl, went away and sold everything he had and bought it. 47Again, the kingdom of the heavens is like a dragnet which was cast in the sea and caught all sorts of species, 48which, when it was full, they brought to land on the shore and sat down and gathered the good fish into containers, but they threw the rotten fish out. 49So will it be in the consummation of the age. The angels will go out and separate the evil ones from the midst of the righteous, 50and they will throw them into the fiery furnace. There, there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” 51Jesus said to them, “Did you understand all these things?” And they said to him, “Yes, Lord.” 52But he said to them, “On account of this, every scribe who has been schooled in the kingdom of the heavens is like a master of a house who brings out of his storehouse new things and old.” 53And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished these parables, that he moved on from there, 54and he came to his native district, and he taught them in their synagogue, in consequence of which they were amazed and said, “Where does this man get this wisdom and these powers from? 55Isn't he the carpenter's son? Isn't his mother called Mary, and his brothers, James and Joses, Simon and Judas? 56And are not his sisters all in our company? Where then does this man get all these things from?” 57And they were offended at him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honour except in his native district and in his house”, 58and he did not perform many miracles there, because of their unbelief.

Reference(s) in Chapter 13: v.14 ↔ Isaiah 6:9 ● v.15 ↔ Isaiah 6:10 ● v.35 ↔ Psalm 78:2.

Matthew Chapter 14

1At that time, Herod the tetrarch heard of Jesus's fame, 2and he said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist. He has risen from the dead, which is why there are powers at work in him.” 3For Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison on account of Herodias the wife of Philip his brother, 4because John had kept on saying to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her”, 5and although he wished to kill him, he feared the crowd, because they regarded him as a prophet. 6Then when Herod's birthday was celebrated, Herodias's daughter danced in their presence and pleased Herod, 7with the result that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked for. 8But she, being so induced by her mother, said, “Give me here the head of John the Baptist on a dish.” 9At this the king was grieved, but on account of his oaths and those reclining with him, he ordered it to be given, 10and he sent an executioner and had John beheaded in the prison. 11So his head was brought on a dish, and it was given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother. 12Then his disciples came and took away the body and buried it, and they came and reported it to Jesus. 13But when Jesus heard it, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place privately. Then when the crowds heard about it, they followed him on foot from the cities, 14and when Jesus went out, he saw a large crowd, and he felt compassion for them and cured their infirm. 15When it was evening, his disciples came to him and said, “The place is desolate, and the hour has already passed. Dismiss the crowds, so that they can go back to their villages and buy food for themselves.” 16But Jesus said to them, “They do not need to go away. You give them food to eat.” 17Then they said to him, “We haven't got anything here except five loaves and two fish.” 18But he said, “Bring them here to me.” 19Then he commanded the crowds to recline on the grass, and he took the five loaves and the two fish, and he looked up to heaven and offered a blessing, and he broke the bread and gave it to the disciples, while the disciples gave it to the crowds. 20And they all ate and were filled, and they gathered up the excess pieces – twelve basketsful. 21Now those who ate were about five thousand men, excluding women and children. 22Then straightaway Jesus made his disciples go on board the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23Then when he had dismissed the crowds, he went up a mountain privately to pray. It was evening, and he was there alone. 24But the boat was already in the middle of the sea, being buffeted by waves, for the wind was against them. 25Now then, at the fourth watch of the night, Jesus came to them, walking on the sea, 26and when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were disturbed, saying, “It is a ghost”, and they shouted for fear. 27But Jesus immediately spoke to them and said, “Be of good courage – it is me – do not be afraid.” 28Then Peter replied to him and said, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the waters.” 29And he said, “Come.” So Peter went down from the boat and walked on the water to go to Jesus. 30But when he saw that the wind was strong, he was afraid, and as he was beginning to sink, he called out and said, “Lord, save me.” 31Then Jesus immediately stretched out his hand and held on to him, and he said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32Then when they had gone on board the boat, the wind abated, 33and those in the boat came and worshipped him and said, “Truly, you are the son of God.” 34Then when they had crossed over, they came to the district of Gennesaret, 35and when the men of that place recognized him, they sent word out to the whole of that region, and they brought all those who were unwell to him, 36and they pleaded with him that they might only touch the hem of his coat. And any who touched it recovered.

Matthew Chapter 15

1Then the scribes and Pharisees from Jerusalem came to Jesus and said, 2“Why do your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread.” 3But he replied saying to them, “Why do you for your part transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? 4For God gave commandment, saying, ‘Honour your father and your mother’, and, ‘He who speaks ill of his father or mother must certainly die.’ 5But you say, ‘Whoever says to his father or mother, «That by which you might have been benefitted from me is a dedicatory gift», is acting correctly’, and he does not honour his father or his mother at all. 6So you invalidate the commandment of God by your tradition. 7You hypocrites! Isaiah prophesied well concerning you, saying,

8‘This people approaches me with their mouth,

And with their lips they honour me,

But their heart is far removed from me.

9They worship me vainly,

Teaching as doctrines

The commandments of men.’ ”

10Then he called the crowd and said to them, “Listen to this and understand: 11it is not that which goes into the mouth which defiles a man, but that which comes out of his mouth – that defiles a man.” 12Then his disciples came to him and said to him, “Do you know that the Pharisees take offence when they hear the word?” 13But he answered and said, “Every plant which my heavenly father did not plant will be uprooted. 14Leave them alone. They are blind guides of the blind. And if a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall in a pit.” 15Then Peter responded and said to him, “Explain this parable to us.” 16And Jesus said, “Are you too still lacking in understanding? 17Do you not yet understand that everything that goes into the mouth proceeds into the stomach and is discharged into the latrine? 18But the things which come out of the mouth come out of the heart, and those things defile a man. 19For out of the heart come evil reasonings, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false testimonies, blasphemies. 20These are the things which defile a man. But eating with unwashed hands does not defile a man.” 21Then Jesus went out from there and withdrew to the districts of Tyre and Sidon, 22and it so happened that a Canaanite woman from those territories came out and cried aloud to him saying, “Have mercy on me, Lord, son of David. My daughter is severely possessed by a demon.” 23But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and appealed to him and said, “Send her away, because she is shouting after us.” 24But he answered and said, “I have not been sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” 25But she came and worshipped him and said, “Lord, help me.” 26But he answered and said, “It is not right to take the bread of the children and throw it to the dogs.” 27But she said, “Indeed, Lord. But even the dogs eat from the crumbs which fall from the table of their masters.” 28Then Jesus answered and said to her, “Madam, great is your faith. Let it be to you as you wish.” And her daughter was cured from that hour. 29Then Jesus moved on from there and went beside the sea of Galilee, and he went up the mountain, and he sat there, 30and large crowds came to him, bringing with them the lame, blind, mute, maimed and many others, and they laid them down at the feet of Jesus, and he cured them, 31so that the crowds were amazed, seeing the mute speaking, the maimed restored, the lame walking and the blind seeing, and they glorified the God of Israel. 32Then Jesus called his disciples and said, “I feel compassion for the crowd, because it has been three days already that they have stayed with me and have not had anything to eat. And I do not want to dismiss them fasting, in case they faint on the way.” 33Then the disciples said to him, “Where can we get enough loaves to feed so large a crowd in such a desolate place?” 34At this Jesus said to them, “How many loaves have you got?” Then they said, “Seven, and a few small fish.” 35Then he ordered the crowds to recline on the ground, 36and he took the seven loaves and the fish, and he gave thanks, and he broke the bread and gave it to his disciples, while the disciples gave it to the crowd. 37And they all ate and were filled, and they gathered up the excess pieces – seven hampers full. 38Now those who ate were four thousand men, excluding women and children. 39Then he dismissed the crowds and went on board the boat and went to the regions of Magdala.

Reference(s) in Chapter 15: v.4 ↔ Exodus 20:12, Exodus 21:17, Deuteronomy 5:16 ● v.8 ↔ Isaiah 29:13 ● v.9 ↔ Isaiah 29:13 ● v.31 ↔ Isaiah 35:5, Isaiah 35:6.

Matthew Chapter 16

1Then the Pharisees and Sadducees came, putting him to the test, and they asked him to show them a sign from heaven. 2But he answered and said to them, “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fine weather, for the sky is fiery red’, 3and in the morning, you say, ‘Today there will be a storm, for the sky is fiery red and overcast.’ You hypocrites! You know how to discern the appearance of the sky, but you are not able to discern the signs of the times. 4An evil and adulterous generation seeks a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah the prophet.” Then he left them and went away. 5Then his disciples came to the far side, but they had forgotten to take bread with them. 6However, Jesus said to them, “Watch out and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” 7But they reasoned among themselves and said, “It is because we have not taken any bread with us.” 8But Jesus knew about it and said, “Why do you reason among yourselves, you of little faith, in that you did not take bread with you? 9Do you still not understand or remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many basketsful you picked up? 10Or the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many hampers full you picked up? 11How come you do not understand that it was not about bread that I told you to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees?” 12Then they understood that he had not said to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. 13Now when Jesus went to the districts of Caesarea Philippi, he questioned his disciples and said, “Who do men say that I, the son of man, am?” 14And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15Then he said to them, “But who do you say I am?” 16And Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the son of the living God.” 17Then Jesus replied and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Barjonah, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but my father in the heavens. 18And I say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail over it. 19And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of the heavens, and whatever you bind on the earth will be bound in the heavens, and whatever you loosen on earth will be loosened in the heavens.” 20Then he charged his disciples not to tell anyone he was Jesus the Christ. 21From then Jesus began to show his disciples that he had to go away to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders and senior priests and scribes, and to be killed, and to rise on the third day. 22At this Peter took him aside and began to reprove him saying, “Goodness gracious, Lord! This will certainly not happen to you.” 23But he turned round and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan. You are a snare to me, because you do not set your mind on the affairs of God, but on the affairs of men.” 24Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone wants to follow me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me”, 25for whoever wishes to save his life will lose it. But whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 26For in what way is a man profited if he gains the whole world but suffers the loss of his life? Or what will a man give in exchange for his life? 27For the son of man is going to enter into the glory of his father with his angels, and then he will render to each person according to his deeds. 28Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will certainly not taste death until they see the son of man coming into his kingdom.

Matthew Chapter 17

1Then six days later Jesus took Peter and James and John his brother with him, and he took them up a high mountain privately, 2and he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white like light. 3Then the next thing that happened was that Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with him, 4and Peter reacted and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, let us make three booths here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 5While he was still speaking, behold, a shining cloud overshadowed them, and there was a voice from the cloud, which said, “This is my beloved son, with whom I am very pleased. Hear him.” 6And when the disciples heard it, they fell face down and were very afraid. 7Then Jesus came and touched them, and he said, “Get up and do not be afraid.” 8But when they lifted up their eyes, they did not see anyone except Jesus alone. 9Now as they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them and said, “Do not tell anyone about the vision until the son of man rises from the dead.” 10Then his disciples questioned him and asked, “Why, then, do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” 11And Jesus answered and said to them, “Elijah comes first and will restore all things, 12but I say to you that Elijah has already come, but they did not recognize him but did to him what they wished. In this way the son of man is also going to suffer at their hands.” 13Then the disciples understood that it was about John the Baptist that he spoke to them. 14Then when they went to the crowd, a man came to him kneeling to him, 15and saying, “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is epileptic and is suffering badly. For he often falls into fire, and often into water, 16and I brought him to your disciples, but they could not heal him.” 17Then Jesus answered and said, “O faithless and perverted generation, how long will I be with you? How long will I put up with you? Bring him here to me.” 18And Jesus rebuked it, and the demon came out of him, and the boy was healed from that hour. 19Then the disciples went to Jesus privately and said, “Why couldn't we cast it out?” 20Jesus said to them, “On account of your unbelief. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will be able to say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’, and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you. 21But this kind does not come out except by prayer and fasting.” 22And as they turned back to Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The son of man is going to be delivered into the hands of men, 23and they will kill him, and on the third day, he will be raised.” At this they were greatly grieved. 24Then when they came to Capernaum, those who receive the two drachmas tax came to Peter and said, “Your teacher does not pay the two drachmas.” 25He said, “Indeed.” And when he went into his house, Jesus had got there before him, and he said, “What do you think, Simon? The kings of the earth – from whom do they take tax or registration duty? From their sons or from outsiders?” 26Peter said to him, “From outsiders.” Jesus said to him, “Consequently then, the sons are exempt. 27But in order that we do not cause them offence, go to the sea and cast a fish-hook, and take the first fish which comes up, and open its mouth, and you will find a stater. Take that and give it to them for me and you.”

Matthew Chapter 18

1At that time, the disciples came to Jesus and said, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of the heavens?” 2Then Jesus called a child to himself and placed him at the focus of their attention, 3and he said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you change your ways and become like children, you certainly will not enter into the kingdom of the heavens. 4So it is whoever humbles himself like this child who is the greatest in the kingdom of the heavens, 5and whoever receives one such child in my name receives me. 6But whoever causes offence to one of these little ones who believe in me – it would be more profitable for him for an ass-driven millstone to be hung around his neck and for him to be drowned in the wide open sea. 7Woe to the world because of its snares! For it is necessary that snares come, but woe to that man through whom the snare comes. 8But if your hand or your foot ensnares you, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better for you to enter into life lame or maimed than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into the age-abiding fire. 9And if your eye ensnares you, pluck it out and throw it away. It is better to enter into life with one eye than to have two eyes and to be thrown into fiery Gehenna. 10See that you don't despise one of these little ones. For I say to you that their angels in the heavens continuously see the face of my father in the heavens. 11For the son of man came to save that which was lost. 12What do you think? If a certain man has one hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine and go into the mountains and seek the one which is going astray? 13And if it should happen that he finds it, truly, I say to you that he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine which did not go astray. 14In this way it is not the will of your father in the heavens that one of these little ones should be lost. 15But if your brother sins against you, go and remonstrate with him as a matter between you and him alone. If he heeds you, you have won your brother over. 16But if he does not heed you, take one or two people with you in order that by the attestation of two or three witnesses, every matter may be established. 17And if he refuses to heed them, tell the assembly. And if he refuses to heed the assembly, let him be to you like the Gentile and the tax collector. 18Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loosen on earth will be loosened in heaven. 19Again, truly, I say to you that if two of you agree on earth about any matter which they ask about, it will be done for them by my father in the heavens. 20For where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in their midst.” 21Then Peter came to him and said, “Lord, how many times should I forgive my brother if he sins against me? Up to seven times?” 22Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you up to seven times, but up to seventy times, seven times over. 23This is why the kingdom of the heavens is like a man who was a king, who wished to settle accounts with his servants. 24As he started to settle them, a certain debtor of ten thousand talents was brought to him. 25But as he did not have the means to repay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and everything he had, and for repayment to be made. 26So the servant fell down and prostrated himself before him, and he said, ‘My lord, have patience with me, and I will repay you everything.’ 27At this, that servant's master had compassion on him, and he released him and cancelled his debt. 28But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants, who owed him one hundred denaries, and when he had seized him, he choked him and said, ‘Repay me what you owe.’ 29So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and pleaded with him and said, ‘Be patient with me, and I will repay you.’ 30But he refused and instead went away, and he had him thrown him in prison until he should pay what was owed. 31But when his fellow servants saw what had happened, they were very grieved, and they went and explained to their master everything that had happened. 32Then his master called for him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant, I cancelled all that debt for you, since you appealed to me. 33Should not you too have shown your fellow servant mercy, as I for my part showed you mercy?’ 34And his master became angry and delivered him to the torturers until he should repay everything owed to him. 35In this manner my upper-heavenly father will also deal with you, if you do not all forgive your brother his trespasses from your hearts.”

Reference(s) in Chapter 18: v.16 ↔ Deuteronomy 19:15.

Matthew Chapter 19

1Now it came to pass when Jesus had finished these words that he moved on from Galilee and went to the territories of Judaea beyond the Jordan, 2and large crowds followed him, and he healed them there. 3Then the Pharisees came to him, testing him and saying to him, “Is it permitted for a man to divorce his wife for any reason?” 4But he answered and said to them, “Have you not read that he who made them from the beginning, made them male and female, 5and he said, ‘On account of this a man will leave his father and his mother, and he will cleave to his wife, and the two will be one flesh’? 6Consequently, they are no longer two, but one flesh. What God has paired together, therefore, let no man separate.” 7Then they said to him, “Why, then, did Moses give commandment to give a deed of divorce and to divorce her?” 8He said to them, “Moses, in view of the hardness of your hearts, permitted you to divorce your wives. But from the beginning it was not so, 9and I say to you that whoever divorces his wife, it not being for fornication, and marries another, commits adultery. And he who marries her who is divorced commits adultery.” 10His disciples said to him, “If this is the situation of a man with a woman, it is not expedient to marry.” 11But he said to them, “Not all can accept this saying; only those to whom it is given. 12For there are eunuchs who were born as such from their mother's womb, and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of the heavens. He who can accept it, let him accept it.” 13Then some children were brought to him, in order that he might lay his hands on them and pray. But the disciples rebuked them. 14However, Jesus said, “Leave the children alone and do not prevent them from coming to me. For the kingdom of the heavens consists of such ones.” 15Then he laid his hands on them and moved on from there. 16And the next thing that happened was that a certain person came up and said to him, “Good teacher, what good thing am I to do in order that I may have age-abiding life?” 17And he said to him, “Why do you call me good? No-one is good except one: God. But if you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.” 18He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “I quote, ‘You shall not commit murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not give false testimony. 19Honour your father and your mother’, and, ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ ” 20The young man said to him, “I have observed all these things from my youth. In what respect do I still come short?” 21Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go and sell your belongings and give the proceeds to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven, and come and follow me.” 22But when the young man heard those words, he went away grieving, for he had many possessions. 23Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you that it is with difficulty that a rich man can enter into the kingdom of the heavens. 24And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” 25When his disciples heard this, they were exceedingly amazed, and they said, “Who, then, can be saved?” 26Then Jesus looked straight at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God everything is possible.” 27Then Peter replied and said to him, “Look, we have abandoned everything and followed you. What then will we have?” 28Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you that you who have followed me, in the regeneration, when the son of man sits on his glorious throne, you too will be seated on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel, 29and everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my name's sake will receive a hundredfold and will inherit age-abiding life. 30But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.

Reference(s) in Chapter 19: v.5 ↔ Genesis 2:24 ● v.7 ↔ Deuteronomy 24:1 ● v.18 ↔ Exodus 20:13-16, Deuteronomy 5:17-20 ● v.19 ↔ Exodus 20:12, Deuteronomy 5:16, Leviticus 19:18.

Matthew Chapter 20

1For the kingdom of the heavens is like a man who is a master of a household who went out at dawn to hire workers for his vineyard, 2and after agreeing with the workers a rate of a denary a day, he sent them into his vineyard. 3Then he went out at about the third hour and saw some other men standing idle in the market place, 4and he said to those, ‘You too, go to the vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ 5So they went off. Again he went out, at about the sixth and ninth hour, and he did likewise. 6And at about the eleventh hour he went out and found some more men standing idle, and he said to them, ‘Why have you been standing here the whole day idle?’ 7They said to him, ‘Because no-one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You too, go to the vineyard, and you will receive whatever is right.’ 8Then when evening came, the landlord of the vineyard said to his estate manager, ‘Call the workers and give them their wages, beginning with the last, working towards the first.’ 9And those of the eleventh hour came, and they received a denary each. 10And when those who were first came, they thought they would receive more, but they too received a denary each. 11And when they had received it, they complained to the proprietor, 12saying, ‘These last ones worked for one hour, and you treated them as equal to us who bore the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’ 13But he replied and said to one of them, ‘My friend, I am not doing you any wrong. Did you not agree a denary with me? 14Take what is yours and go. But I wish to give to this last one the same as you. 15Or is it not permitted for me to do what I want with my own money? Are you jealous because I am good?’ 16In this way the last will be first and the first last. For many are called, but few are chosen.” 17Then as Jesus went up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside privately on the way, and he said to them, 18“Look, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the son of man will be delivered to the senior priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death, 19and they will deliver him to the Gentiles to mock and scourge and crucify him, and on the third day he will rise again.” 20Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to him with her sons, worshipping him and asking him for a certain thing. 21So he said to her, “What is it that you want?” She said to him, “Say that these two sons of mine will sit one on your right hand side and one on your left hand side in your kingdom.” 22But Jesus answered and said, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink from the cup which I am about to drink from or be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” They said to him, “We can.” 23Then he said to them, “You can drink from my cup and be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized, but to sit on my right hand side and on my left hand side is not for me to give, but is for those for whom it has been prepared by my father.” 24And when the ten heard it, they were annoyed about the two brothers. 25But Jesus called them to himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the high-ranking people exercise authority over them, 26but it will not be like this among you; rather, whoever among you wishes to be great will be your servant. 27And whoever among you wishes to be first must be your servant, 28just as the son of man did not come to be ministered to, but to minister and give his life as a ransom for many.” 29Then as they left Jericho, a large crowd followed him. 30And they came across two blind men sitting at the side of the road, who having heard that Jesus was passing by, cried out and said, “Have mercy on us, Lord, son of David.” 31But the crowd rebuked them, telling them to be silent, but they cried out all the more, and they said, “Have mercy on us, Lord, son of David.” 32And Jesus stood still and called them and said, “What do you want me to do for you?” 33They said to him, “Lord, that our eyes be opened.” 34And Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes, and immediately their eyes recovered their sight, and they followed him.

Matthew Chapter 21

1Then when they approached Jerusalem and had gone to Bethsphagé, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2and he said to them, “Go to the village opposite you, and straightaway you will find a female donkey bound and a foal with her. Untie them and bring them to me, 3and if anyone says anything to you, say, ‘The Lord needs them’, and straightaway he will despatch them.” 4Now all of this took place in order that what was spoken through the prophet might be fulfilled, where he says, 5“Say to the daughter of Zion,

‘Behold, your king is coming to you,

Meek and riding on a donkey

And a foal,

The young of a beast of burden.’ ”

6Then the disciples went off and did what Jesus had commanded them, 7and they brought the donkey and the foal, and they put their coats on them, and he sat on them. 8And a very large crowd strewed their own clothes in the way, whereas others would cut branches from the trees and strew them in the way. 9And the crowds which went in front and those following kept shouting and saying,

Hosanna to the son of David.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Hosanna in the highest realms!”

10Then when he had entered Jerusalem, the whole city became agitated, saying, “Who is this?” 11And the crowds would say, “This is Jesus the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.” 12Then Jesus went into the temple of God and drove out all those selling and buying in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers, and the chairs of those selling doves, 13and he said to them, “It stands written:

‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,

But you have made it a den of thieves.’ ”

14Then the lame and blind came to him in the temple, and he healed them, 15but when the senior priests and the scribes saw the wonders which he performed, and the children in the temple shouting and saying, “Hosanna to the son of David!”, they were indignant, 16and they said to him, “Do you hear what these people are saying?” Then Jesus said to them, “Yes. Have you never read that

‘Out of the mouth of infants and babies

You have furnished praise’?”

17Then when he had left them, he went out of the city to Bethany and passed the night there, 18and early in the morning as he returned to the city, he was hungry, 19and when he saw a certain fig tree on the way, he went to it, but he did not find anything on it except just leaves. And he said to it, “Let no fruit ever be produced from you any more.” And immediately the fig tree dried up. 20Then when the disciples saw it, they were amazed, and they said, “How quickly the fig tree dried up!” 21But Jesus answered and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will be able to perform not only the feat of the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and deposited into the sea’, it will take place, 22and everything you ask for in prayer, believing, you will receive.” 23Then when he had come to the temple, as he was teaching, the senior priests and elders of the people came to him, and they said, “By what authority do you do these things? And who gave you this authority?” 24But Jesus replied and said to them, “I for my part will ask you one thing, and if you tell me, I in turn will tell you by what authority I do these things. 25From where was the baptism of John? From heaven, or from men?” Then they debated among themselves, and they said, “If we say, ‘From heaven’, he will say to us, ‘Why, then, did you not believe him?’ 26But if we say, ‘From men’, we fear the crowd, for all hold John to be a prophet.” 27So they replied and said to Jesus, “We do not know.” He in turn said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things. 28But what do you think of this? A man had two children, and he went to the first and said, ‘My child, go and work in my vineyard today.’ 29But he replied and said, ‘I refuse.’ But later, he had a change of heart and went. 30Then he went to the second and spoke similarly. Now he replied and said, ‘I will go, sir’, but he did not go there. 31Which of the two did the will of the father?” They said to him, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you that the tax collectors and prostitutes go before you into the kingdom of God. 32For John came to you in the way of righteousness, but you did not believe him. However, the tax collectors and prostitutes believed him. But when you had seen him, you did not repent later so as to believe him. 33Listen to another parable. A certain man was a landlord who planted a vineyard and erected a fence round it, and he dug a wine vat in it and built a tower, and he put it under hired labour with farmers and went abroad. 34But when the time of the fruit-harvest approached, he sent his servants to the farmers to receive its fruit. 35But the farmers took his servants, and they flogged one, and they killed another, and they stoned another. 36Next he sent more servants, more numerous than the first, and they did likewise to them. 37And lastly he sent his son to them, and he said, ‘They will respect my son.’ 38But when the farmers saw the son, they said to themselves, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and seize his inheritance.’ 39And they took him, and they threw him out of the vineyard, and they killed him. 40Now when the landlord of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those farmers?” 41They said to him, “He will put such bad men to a bad kind of death, and he will put the vineyard out under hired labour with other farmers, who will give him the fruits in their seasons.” 42Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the scriptures:

The stone which the builders rejected

Is what has become the keystone.

This came about from the Lord,

And it is wondrous in our eyes’?

43Therefore I say to you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a nation producing its fruits. 44And whoever falls on this stone will be shattered. But on whomever it falls, it will crush to powder.” 45And when the senior priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they knew that he was speaking about them, 46and although they looked for a way to lay hold of him, they feared the crowds, because they held him to be a prophet.

Reference(s) in Chapter 21: v.5 ↔ Zechariah 9:9 ● v.9 ↔ Psalm 118:25, Psalm 118:26 ● v.13 ↔ Isaiah 56:7, Jeremiah 7:11 ● v.15 ↔ Psalm 118:25 ● v.16 ↔ Psalm 8:3MT (Psalm 8:2AV) ● v.42 ↔ Psalm 118:22, Psalm 118:23.

Matthew Chapter 22

1Then Jesus reacted and spoke to them again in parables, and he said, 2“The kingdom of the heavens is like a man who is a king who arranged a wedding reception for his son. 3And he sent out his servants to invite the guests to the wedding, but they would not come. 4Again, he sent out some more servants, and he said, ‘Say to the guests, «Look, I have prepared my banquet-meal. My bulls and fatted cattle have been slaughtered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding.» ’ 5But they did not care for it and went off, one to his own field, another to his merchant business, 6and the remainder seized his servants and dealt with them spitefully, and they killed them. 7And when that king heard it, he became angry, and he sent his army, and he destroyed those murderers and burned their city. 8Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding is ready, but the guests were not worthy. 9So go to the arterial roads and invite whoever you find to the wedding.’ 10So those servants went out to the roads and gathered everyone they found, both bad and good, and the wedding was furnished with diners. 11Then the king came to see the diners and saw there a man not dressed in wedding clothes, 12and he said to him, ‘My friend, how is it that you have come here not having wedding dress?’ And he was speechless. 13Then the king said to the servants, ‘Bind him by the feet and hands and remove him and cast him into the outer darkness. There, there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ 14For many are called, but few are chosen.” 15Then the Pharisees went and took counsel as to how to trap him in his speech, 16and they sent their disciples to him with the Herodians, who said, “Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God in truth, and you do not concern yourself with the opinion of anyone, for you do not regard the status of men. 17So tell us, what do you think? Is it permitted to pay census-tax to Caesar or not?” 18But Jesus, having become aware of their wickedness, said, “Why do you test me, you hypocrites? 19Show me the official coin of the census-tax.” So they brought a denary to him. 20Then he said to them, “Whose is this image and inscription?” 21They said to him, “Caesar's.” Then he said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are of Caesar, and to God the things that are of God.” 22And when they heard this, they were amazed, and they left him and departed. 23On that day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to him and questioned him, 24saying, “Teacher, Moses said, ‘If someone dies, not having children, his brother shall marry his wife in the capacity of the deceased's brother and raise seed to his brother.’ 25Now there were seven brothers in our community. And the first married, and he died, and not having any seed, he left his wife to his brother. 26Likewise also the second, and the third, up to the seventh. 27And last of all, the woman died too. 28In the resurrection then, to whom of the seven will she be wife? For all of them had her.” 29Then Jesus answered and said to them, “You are going astray, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. 30For in the resurrection, they do not marry nor are given in marriage, but they are as the angels of God in heaven. 31And concerning the resurrection of the dead, have you not read that which was spoken to you by God, where he says, 32‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? God is not a God of the dead, but of the living.” 33And when the crowds heard it, they were astounded at his teaching. 34But the Pharisees, having heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, gathered right there together, 35and one of them, a scholar in the law, asked him a question, testing him, and he said, 36“Teacher, which commandment is the greatest in the law?” 37And Jesus said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbour as yourself. 40In these two commandments hang the whole of the law and the prophets.” 41Then when the Pharisees had gathered together, Jesus questioned them, 42and he said, “What do you think about Christ? Whose son is he?” They said to him, “David's.” 43He said to them, “How come then David calls him Lord in the spirit, saying,

44‘The Lord said to my Lord,

«Sit on my right hand side

Until I make your enemies your footstool» ’?

45If, then, David calls him Lord, how is it that he is his son?” 46And no-one was able to answer him a word, nor did anyone dare to question him any longer from that day.

Reference(s) in Chapter 22: v.24 ↔ Deuteronomy 25:5 ● v.32 ↔ Exodus 3:6 ● v.37 ↔ Deuteronomy 6:5 ● v.39 ↔ Leviticus 19:18 ● v.44 ↔ Psalm 110:1.

Matthew Chapter 23

1Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, 2and he said, “The scribes and Pharisees have sat down on Moses' seat, 3so whatever they tell you to keep, you are keeping to and doing, but do not do according to their works, for they say things, but they do not do them. 4For they bind heavy burdens and things hard to bear, and they put them on the shoulders of men, but they are not willing to move them with their finger. 5But they do all their works to be seen by men, and they broaden their phylacteries and lengthen the fringes of their coats, 6and they love the privileged couches at dinners and the prime seats in the synagogues, 7and the greetings in the markets, and to be called by men, ‘Rabbi, rabbi.’ 8But do not you be called ‘rabbi’. For you have one guide: Christ. And you are all brothers. 9And do not call anyone your ‘father’ on earth, for you have one father, who is in the heavens. 10And do not be called ‘guides’. For you have one guide: Christ. 11And the greatest among you will be your servant. 12And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. 13But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you devour widows' houses, and for a pretence you say long prayers. On account of this you will receive greater judgment. 14Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you shut up the kingdom of the heavens in front of men, for you do not go in, nor do you let those who are on the road to going in actually go in. 15Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you go round sea and dry land to make one proselyte, and when it has taken place, you make him a son of Gehenna twofold more than yourselves. 16Woe to you, you blind guides, who say, ‘Whoever swears by the sanctuary, it is nothing, but whoever swears by the gold of the sanctuary is a debtor.’ 17Fools and blind men, for which is greater, the gold, or the sanctuary which sanctifies the gold? 18And: ‘Whoever swears by the altar, it is nothing, but whoever swears by the gift which is on it is a debtor.’ 19Fools and blind men, for which is greater, the gift, or the altar which sanctifies the gift? 20So he who swears by the altar swears by it and everything on it, 21and he who swears by the sanctuary swears by it and by him who dwells in it, 22and he who swears by heaven swears by the throne of God and by him who sits on it. 23Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you pay the tithe of mint and dill and cumin but have omitted the weightier aspects of the law: judgment and mercy and faith. You should have done these things, while not omitting the former things. 24You blind guides, you strain off a gnat, but you swallow a camel. 25Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites, because you clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of plunder and injustice. 26You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and the dish, so that the outside of them may also become clean. 27Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you are like whitewashed sepulchres, which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside are full of bones of the dead and all uncleanness. 28In this way, you for your part appear righteous to men on the outside, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. 29Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you build the tombs of the prophets, and you adorn the sepulchres of the righteous, 30and you say, ‘If we had been around in the days of our fathers, we would not have been party with them to the shed blood of the prophets.’ 31So you witness to yourselves that you are sons of those who killed the prophets. 32You too, fill up the measure of your fathers. 33Serpents, offspring of vipers, how can you flee from the judgment of Gehenna? 34On account of this, look, I send you prophets and wise men and scribes, and some of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will flog in your synagogues and persecute from city to city, 35so that all righteous blood shed on earth should come upon you from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah the son of Berechiah whom you killed between the sanctuary and the altar. 36Truly, I say to you that all this will come upon this generation. 37Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I wished to gather your children in the way a bird gathers her nestlings under her wings, but you have not been willing. 38Behold, your house is being left to you desolate. 39For I say to you, you certainly will not see me from now until you say,

‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’ ”

Reference(s) in Chapter 23: v.39 ↔ Psalm 118:26.

Matthew Chapter 24

1Then Jesus went out and left the temple, and his disciples came to him to point out to him the buildings of the temple. 2But Jesus said to them, “Do you not see all these things? Truly, I say to you, there will not be a stone left on a stone here, which will not be demolished.” 3And as he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately and said, “Tell us when these things will be, and what the sign of your coming is, and of the consummation of the age.” 4Then Jesus replied and said to them, “See that no-one leads you astray, 5for many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ’, and they will lead many astray. 6But you will hear of wars and rumours of wars. Watch out and do not be troubled, for all things must take place, but the end is not yet. 7For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and pestilences and earthquakes in various places. 8But all these things are the beginning of birth pains. 9Then they will deliver you into tribulation and will kill you, and you will be hated by all the nations on account of my name. 10And then many will stumble and will deliver each other up and will hate each other. 11And many false prophets will arise and will lead many astray. 12And on account of lawlessness being increased, the love of many will go cold. 13But it is he who remains until the end who will be saved. 14And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. 15So when you see the abomination of desolation, spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place – may the reader understand – 16then let those in Judaea flee to the mountains. 17Let him who is on the roof not come down to take his belongings out of his house. 18And let him who is in the field not turn back to take his clothes. 19But woe to those with child and to those breastfeeding in those days. 20And pray that your flight may not take place in winter or on a Sabbath, 21for then there will be a great tribulation, the like of which has not taken place since the beginning of the world up until now, nor ever will take place, 22and if those days were not shortened, no flesh would be saved. But for the sake of the chosen, those days will be shortened. 23Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ’, or, ‘There’, do not believe it, 24for false Christs will arise, and false prophets, and they will produce great signs and miracles, so as to lead astray, if it is possible, even those chosen. 25Behold, I have foretold you. 26So if they say to you, ‘Look, he is in the desert’, do not go out, or, ‘Look, he is in the private offices’, do not believe it, 27for as lightning comes out from the east and shines as far as the west, so also shall the coming of the son of man be, 28for wherever the carcase is, there the eagles will be gathered. 29But immediately after the tribulation of those days,

The sun will be darkened,

And the moon will not give its lustre,

And the stars will fall from the sky,

And the powers of the heavens will be shaken.

30And then the sign of the son of man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the son of man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31And he will send his angels, with a loud sound of a trumpet, and they will gather his chosen ones from the four winds, from one end of the skies to the other. 32But learn the parable from the fig tree. When its branches become supple and it produces leaves, know that the harvest is near. 33In this way, you too, when you see all these things, know that it is near, at the doors even. 34Truly, I say to you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things take place. 35Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will certainly not pass away. 36But concerning that day and hour, no-one knows it – not even the angels of the heavens – except my father alone. 37But as the days of Noah were, so also the coming of the son of man will be. 38For as in the days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah went into the ark, 39and they did not know until the flood came and eliminated them all – so the coming of the son of man will be too. 40At that time there will be two men in the field; one will be taken aside and one will be left behind. 41Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken aside and one will be left behind. 42So be watchful, for you do not know at what time your Lord will come. 43But know this, that if the master of a house had known in which watch the thief would come, he would have been on guard and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. 44On account of this, you too, be prepared, because at a time when you do not expect it, the son of man will come. 45Who then is the faithful and prudent servant, whom his master appointed over his domestic staff to give them food at the proper time? 46Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. 47Truly, I say to you that he will appoint him over all his property. 48And if that bad servant should say in his heart, ‘My master is delaying in coming’, 49and he begins to strike his fellow servants and to eat and drink with those who get drunk, 50then that servant's master will come on a day when he does not expect it and at an hour which he is unaware of, 51and he will cut him in two and will consign his portion with the hypocrites. There, there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Reference(s) in Chapter 24: v.7 ↔ Isaiah 19:2 ● v.10 ↔ Isaiah 8:15 ● v.15 ↔ Daniel 9:27, Daniel 11:31, Daniel 12:11 ● v.21 ↔ Daniel 12:1 ● v.29 ↔ Isaiah 13:10, Isaiah 34:4 ● v.30 ↔ Daniel 7:13, Zechariah 12:12 ● v.31 ↔ Deuteronomy 30:4.

Matthew Chapter 25

1Then the kingdom of the heavens will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2Now five of them were prudent and five foolish, 3and the foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them, 4but the prudent ones took oil in their flasks with their lamps. 5But when the bridegroom took a long time, they all dozed off and were asleep. 6Then in the middle of the night there was a shout: ‘Look, the bridegroom is coming. Come out and meet him.’ 7Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. 8Then the foolish ones said to the prudent, ‘Give us some of your oil, because our lamps keep going out.’ 9But the prudent ones answered and said, ‘No, in case there is not sufficient for us and you. Go rather to those who sell, and buy some for yourselves.’ 10But while they were going off to make the purchase, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him to the wedding, and the door was closed. 11Then later the other virgins also came and said, ‘Lord, lord, open up to us.’ 12But he answered and said, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ 13So be watchful, because you do not know the day or the hour when the son of man will come. 14For these things are like a man who went abroad and called his personal servants and handed over his property to them, 15and to one he gave five talents, and to another two, and to another one – to each according to his own capacity – and straightaway went off abroad. 16Now the one who had received five talents went and did business with them and made another five talents. 17Similarly, he who had two talents also gained another two. 18But he who had received one went away and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money. 19After a long time the master of those servants came back and settled his accounts with them. 20And the one who had received five talents came and brought another five talents and said, ‘Master, you handed me five talents. Look, I have gained another five talents in addition to them.’ 21And his master said to him, ‘Well done, you good and faithful servant. You were faithful over a little, so I will appoint you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ 22Then the one who had received two talents also came and said, ‘Master, you gave me two talents. Look, I have gained another two in addition to them.’ 23His master said to him, ‘Well done, you good and faithful servant. You were faithful over a little, so I will appoint you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ 24Then the one who had received one talent also came and said, ‘Master, I know that you are a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow and gathering from where you did not scatter. 25And, being afraid, I went away and hid your talent in the ground. Look, here you have what is yours.’ 26But his master answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I did not sow and gather where I did not scatter. 27Therefore you should have placed my money with the bankers so that when I came, I would have received what was mine with interest. 28So take the talent from him and give it to the one who has ten talents. 29For to everyone who has, more will be given, and it will be made to abound, but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken. 30And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There, there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ 31But when the son of man comes in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne, 32and all the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate them from one another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33And he will place the sheep on his right hand side, but the goats on his left hand side. 34Then the king will say to those on his right hand side, ‘Come, my father's blessed ones, inherit the kingdom prepared for you after the overthrow of the world. 35For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you took me in; 36naked, and you clothed me; ill, and you visited me; I was in prison, and you came to me.’ 37Then the righteous will reply to him and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you drink? 38And when did we see you a stranger and take you in? Or naked and clothe you? 39When did we see you ill or in prison and come to you?’ 40And the king will reply and say to them, ‘Truly, I say to you, inasmuch as you have done this to one of the least of these brothers of mine, you have done it to me.’ 41Then he will say in turn to those on the left hand side, ‘Depart from me, you cursed people, to the age-abiding fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42For I was hungry, but you did not give me anything to eat; I was thirsty, but you did not give me anything to drink; 43I was a stranger, but you did not take me in; naked, but you did not clothe me; ill, and in prison, but you did not visit me.’ 44Then they too will reply and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty, or a stranger or naked, or ill or in prison, and did not take care of you?’ 45Then he will answer them and say, ‘Truly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, neither did you do it to me.’ 46And these will go away to age-abiding punishment, but the righteous to age-abiding life.”

Matthew Chapter 26

1And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these words, that he said to his disciples, 2“You know that in two days' time the Passover takes place, and the son of man will be handed over to be crucified.” 3Then the senior priests and the scribes and the elders of the people gathered together in the hall of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas, 4and they took counsel as to how to lay hold of Jesus by trickery and kill him. 5But they said, “Not during the festival, so that no uproar takes place among the people.” 6Now when Jesus was in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, 7a woman came to him with an alabaster box of very costly ointment, and she poured it over his head as he reclined. 8But when the disciples saw it, they were indignant, and they said, “For what purpose is this waste? 9For this ointment could have been sold for much money and the proceeds given to the poor.” 10But Jesus was aware of it, and he said to them, “Why do you give the woman trouble? For she has done me a good deed. 11For you always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me. 12For when she poured this ointment on my body, she did it with my embalming in view. 13Truly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be recounted as a memorial to her.” 14Then one of the twelve, the one called Judas Iscariot, went to the senior priests, 15and he said, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him to you?” And they stipulated thirty pieces of silver for him. 16So from then on he sought a good opportunity to betray him. 17On the first day of the unleavened bread, the disciples came to Jesus and said to him, “Where do you wish us to prepare for you to eat the Passover?” 18And he said, “Go to the city, and to our good friend, and say to him, ‘The teacher says, «My time is near. At your house I will celebrate the Passover with my disciples.» ’ ” 19So the disciples did as Jesus commanded them, and they prepared the Passover. 20By the time evening had come, he was reclining at table with the twelve, 21and while they were eating, he said, “Truly, I say to you that one of you will betray me.” 22Then being very grieved, each one of them went on to say to him, “Surely I am not the one, Lord?” 23And he replied and said, “It is the one who dips his hand with me in the bowl who will betray me. 24The son of man goes as it stands written about him, but woe to that man through whom the son of man is betrayed. It would have been better for him if that man had not been begotten.” 25And Judas, who would betray him, responded and said, “Surely I am not the one, Master?” He said to him, “You have said it.” 26As they ate, Jesus took the bread, and he gave thanks, and he broke it and gave some to the disciples and said, “Take it and eat it. This is my body.” 27And he took a cup and gave thanks and gave it to them, and he said, “Drink from it, all of you, 28for this is my blood of the new covenant which is shed for many, for the forgiveness of sins. 29But I say to you, I will certainly not drink from this produce of the vine from now until that day when I drink it with you anew in the kingdom of my father.” 30Then they sang hymns and went away to the Mount of Olives. 31Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will stumble at me this very night. For it stands written:

‘I will strike the shepherd,

And the sheep of the flock will be scattered’,

32but after I have been raised up, I will go on ahead of you to Galilee.” 33However, Peter answered and said to him, “Even if all stumble at you, nevertheless I will never stumble at you.” 34Jesus said to him, “Truly, I say to you that tonight before the cock crows you will deny me three times.” 35Peter said to him, “Even if I must die with you, I certainly will not deny you.” And all the disciples also spoke likewise. 36Then Jesus went with them to a locality called Gethsemané, and he said to the disciples, “Sit here while I go away and pray over there.” 37And he took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee with him, and he began to be grieved and sorely troubled. 38Then Jesus said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved, even to death. Remain here and be watchful with me.” 39Then when he had come a little nearer, he fell face down and prayed and said, “My father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me. But not as I wish, but as you do.” 40And he went to the disciples and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, “So did you not have strength to be on the watch for one hour with me? 41Be watchful and pray that you do not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 42Again, he went a second time and prayed, and he said, “My father, if this cup cannot pass from me, unless I drink it, your will be done.” 43Then he came back and found them sleeping again, for their eyes were weighed down. 44And he left them and went away again and prayed for a third time, saying the same thing. 45Then he went to his disciples and said to them, “Sleep from now on and have a rest. Behold, the hour has drawn near when the son of man will be delivered into the hands of sinners. 46Get up and let's go. Look, he who will betray me has made his way here.” 47And while he was still speaking, along came Judas, one of the twelve, and with him there was a large crowd with swords and sticks, coming from the senior priests and elders of the people. 48Now he who would betray him had given them a sign and had said, “He whom I kiss is the one. Lay hold of him.” 49And immediately he went to Jesus and said, “Hello, master”, and he kissed him profusely. 50But Jesus said to him, “My friend, what are you here for?” Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him. 51And what happened next was that one of those with Jesus stretched out his hand and unsheathed his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and took off his ear. 52Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back in its holder. For all who take up the sword will die by the sword. 53Or do you think that I could not now call on my father to supply me with more than twelve legions of angels? 54But how then are the scriptures to be fulfilled if that is the way it must come about?” 55At that hour, Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and sticks, to lay hold of me? I used to sit with you every day, teaching in the temple, but you did not seize me.” 56But all this took place so that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples left him and fled. 57But those who had seized Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and elders were gathered. 58However, Peter followed him from a distance, as far as the hall of the high priest, and he went in and sat with the attendants to see how this would end. 59Now the senior priests and elders and the whole of the Sanhedrin council were looking for a false testimony against Jesus so that they might put him to death. 60But they did not find any. Even with many false witnesses coming forward, they did not find any. 61But eventually two false witnesses came forward and said, “He said, ‘I can demolish the sanctuary of God and build it within three days.’ ” 62And the high priest stood up and said to him, “Do you not give any answer? What is it that these men testify against you?” 63But Jesus remained silent. Then the high priest reacted and said to him, “I adjure you by the living God to tell us if you are the Christ, the son of God.” 64Jesus said to him, “It is as you have stated. But I say to you, in the future you will see the son of man sitting on the right hand of power and coming on the clouds of heaven.65Then the high priest tore his coat apart and said, “He has blasphemed. Why do we still need witnesses? Look, you have now heard his blasphemy. 66What do you think?” They answered and said, “He is liable to the death penalty.” 67Then they spat in his face and beat him, and some struck him on the face, 68and they said, “Prophesy to us, O Christ, who is it that struck you?” 69But Peter was sitting outside in the hall, and a certain maidservant came up to him and said, “You too were with Jesus of Galilee.” 70But he denied it in the presence of all of them and said, “I don't know what you are saying.” 71And when he had gone out to the gate, another maidservant saw him and said to those who were there, “This man was also with Jesus the Nazarene.” 72And again he denied it under an oath and said, “I do not know the man.” 73And after a short while, those who were standing around came forward and said to Peter, “Truly, you too are one of them. For even your dialect gives you away.” 74Then he began to curse and swear, saying, “I do not know the man.” And immediately the cock crowed. 75And Peter remembered the words of Jesus, who had said to him: “Before the cock crows, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.

Reference(s) in Chapter 26: v.31 ↔ Zechariah 13:7 ● v.64 ↔ Psalm 110:1, Daniel 7:13.

Matthew Chapter 27

1When it was early morning, all the senior priests and the elders of the people took counsel against Jesus, so as to have him put to death. 2And they bound him and led him away and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor. 3Then Judas, who betrayed him, saw that he had been condemned, and he felt regret, and he returned the thirty pieces of silver to the senior priests and the elders, 4and he said, “I have sinned, betraying innocent blood.” But they said, “What is that to us? You see to it.” 5Then he threw the silver coins into the sanctuary, and he departed and went away and hanged himself. 6But the senior priests took the silver coins and said, “It is not permitted to put them in the temple treasury, because they are the price of blood.” 7So they took counsel and bought the potter's field with them, as a cemetery for foreigners, 8which is why that field is called “The Field of Blood” up to this day. 9Then that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled, where he says, “And they took thirty silver coins, the price of him who was valuedhim from the sons of Israel whom they valued. 10And they gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord commanded me.” 11And Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor questioned him and asked, “Are you the king of the Jews?” And Jesus said to him, “It is as you say.” 12And while he was being accused by the senior priests and elders, he did not answer anything. 13Then Pilate said to him, “Do you not hear how many things they testify against you?” 14But he did not even answer him as much as one word, so that the governor was very surprised. 15Now at each festival the governor had a custom of releasing one prisoner to the crowd, whomever they wished. 16And they had at that time a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. 17So when they were gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release to you, Barabbas or Jesus, who is called Christ?” 18For he knew that it was through envy that they had delivered him up. 19And while he was sitting on the podium, his wife sent word to him, as follows: “Have nothing to do with that just man. For I have suffered a lot today in a dream on account of him.” 20But the senior priests and elders persuaded the crowds that they should ask for Barabbas, whereas they should have Jesus put to death. 21And the governor responded and said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” And they said, “Barabbas.” 22Pilate said to them, “What should I do with Jesus, who is called Christ?” They all said to him, “Have him crucified.” 23However, the governor said, “But what wrong has he done?” But they shouted all the more and said, “Have him crucified.” 24And when Pilate saw that it was to no avail, but rather a tumult was arising, he took some water and washed his hands facing the crowd, and he said, “I am innocent of the blood of this just man. You see to it.” 25And all the people answered and said, “Let his blood be on us and on our children.” 26Then he released Barabbas to them, but he had Jesus flogged and handed him over to be crucified. 27Then the governor's soldiers took Jesus with them to the governor's residence, and they gathered the whole cohort against him, 28and they stripped him and put a scarlet cloak on him, 29and they plaited a crown from thorns and put it on his head, and they put a reed in his right hand, and they knelt before him, and they kept mocking him, saying, “Hail, king of the Jews.” 30And they spat at him, and they took the reed, and they kept striking his head. 31And when they had mocked him, they took the cloak off him and put his clothes on him, and they led him away to crucify him. 32Then as they were going out, they came across a Cyrenian man by name of Simon, and they pressed him into carrying his cross. 33And they went to a place called Golgotha, which means “The Place of the Skull”, 34where they gave him vinegar mixed with gall to drink. But when he had tasted it, he refused to drink it. 35And when they had started the crucifixion, they shared out his clothes,
casting a lot.
36Then they sat down and guarded him there, 37and they put above his head the accusation against him, which read,

“This is Jesus

The king of the Jews.”

38Then two robbers were crucified with him, one on the right and one on the left. 39But those who passed by blasphemed against him, shaking their heads, 40and saying, “You who would destroy the sanctuary and rebuild it in three days, save yourself. If you are the son of God, come down from the cross.” 41And the senior priests mocked him similarly, together with the scribes and elders and Pharisees, and they kept saying, 42“Others he saved, but himself he cannot save. If he is the king of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe in him. 43He trusts in God; let him now rescue him, if he wants him. For he said, ‘I am the son of God.’ ” 44In the same way, the robbers crucified with him kept reproaching him. 45Now from the sixth hour, darkness came about on the whole earth until the ninth hour. 46And at about the ninth hour, Jesus shouted out with a loud voice and said, “Eli, Eli, lima sabachthani?” This means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” 47Some of those standing there who heard it said, “This man is calling Elijah.” 48Then immediately one of them ran and took a sponge and filled it with vinegar and put it on a reed and offered it to him to drink from. 49But the rest said, “Stop doing that; let us see whether Elijah comes to save him.” 50Then Jesus shouted again in a loud voice and gave up the ghost. 51And behold, the veil of the sanctuary split in half from top to bottom, and the earth suffered an earthquake, and the rocks were split, 52and tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints fallen asleep were raised, 53and they came out of the tombs, after his resurrection, and they went to the holy city, and they appeared to many. 54Meanwhile the centurion and those with him guarding Jesus, when they saw the earthquake and the things which had taken place, were very afraid, and they said, “Truly, this was the son of God.” 55Now there were many women there, looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, looking after him, 56among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's sons. 57And when it was late, a rich man came from Arimathea, named Joseph, who also had himself been a disciple of Jesus. 58He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered the body to be handed over, 59and Joseph took the body and wrapped it up in clean fine linen, 60and he put it in his new tomb which he had hewn out in the rock, and he rolled a large stone to the entrance of the tomb and went away. 61And Mary Magdalene was there, as was the other Mary, sitting opposite the tomb. 62And the next day, which was after the Preparation Day, the senior priests and Pharisees held a meeting with Pilate, 63and they said, “Your Excellency, we remember that that deceiver said, when he was still alive, ‘In three days time I will rise again.’ 64So order the tomb to be secured until the third day, so that his disciples cannot go by night and steal him and say to the people, ‘He has risen from the dead’, whereby the latter deception would be worse than the former.” 65Then Pilate said to them, “You have your guard. Go and secure it as you know best.” 66So they went and secured the tomb, and they sealed the stone with the guard present.

Reference(s) in Chapter 27: v.9 ↔ Jeremiah 32:25, Jeremiah 32:44, Zechariah 11:12-13 ● v.10 ↔ Zechariah 11:13 ● v.35 ↔ Psalm 22:19MT (Psalm 22:18AV) ● v.46 ↔ Psalm 22:2MT (Psalm 22:1AV).

Matthew Chapter 28

1Late in the night after the Sabbath, as dawn drew on to the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene came with the other Mary to take a look at the tomb. 2And behold, a severe earthquake took place, for the angel of the Lord had come down from heaven and had come and rolled back the stone from the entrance, and he was sitting on it, 3and his appearance was like lightning, and his clothing was white like snow. 4But those on guard shook with fear of him and became as if dead. 5However, the angel reacted and said to the women, “Don't you fear, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who has been crucified. 6He is not here, for he has risen as he said. Come and see the place where the Lord lay. 7And go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and look, he will go on ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. There you are, I have told you.” 8So they went out from the tomb quickly, with fear and great joy, and they ran to report it to his disciples. 9But as they were going to report it to his disciples, behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings.” And they went up to him and took hold of him by the feet and worshipped him. 10Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to depart for Galilee, and that they will see me there.” 11Now as they went, what happened was that some members of the guard went to the city and reported to the senior priests everything that had happened. 12And they gathered with the elders and held counsel, and they gave the soldiers a good sum of money, 13and they said, “Say, ‘His disciples came at night and stole him while we were sleeping.’ 14And if this should catch the ear of the governor, we will persuade him and ensure you are not in trouble.” 15And they took the money, and they did as they had been instructed. And this account has spread about among the Jews up to the present day. 16Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had commanded them. 17And when they saw him, they worshipped him, but some doubted. 18Then Jesus went up to them, and he spoke to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on the earth is given to me. 19Go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the father, the son, and the holy spirit, 20teaching them to keep everything I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you every day until the consummation of the age.” Amen.

Mark

Mark Chapter 1

1The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the son of God, 2as it stands written in the prophets:

“See how I am sending my messenger in front of you,

Who will prepare your way ahead of you.

3The voice of one crying out in the desert,

‘Prepare the way of the Lord;

Make his paths straight.’ ”

4It was the case that John was baptizing in the desert and preaching the baptism of repentance for forgiveness of sins, 5and all the region of Judaea would go out to him, as would the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and they were all baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 6Now John was clothed in camel hair and a leather girdle around his loins, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7And he would preach and say, “He who is more powerful than me is coming after me, the buckle of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop to loosen. 8I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with holy spirit.” 9And it came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan, 10and immediately as he came up out of the water, he saw the heavens splitting apart and the spirit descending like a dove on him, 11and a voice came out of the heavens: “You are my beloved son, with whom I am very pleased.” 12And immediately the spirit drove him out into the desert. 13And he was there in the desert for forty days, being tempted by Satan, and he was with the wild animals, while the angels would take care of him. 14Then after John had been arrested, Jesus went to Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom of God, 15and saying, “The time has been completed, and the kingdom of God has drawn near. Repent and believe in the gospel.” 16Then as he was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother, Simon's, casting a round net in the sea. After all, they were fishermen. 17And Jesus said to them, “Come and follow me, and I will make you fishermen of men.” 18And they immediately left their nets and followed him. 19Then when he had moved on a little from there, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, while they were in a boat mending their nets, 20and he immediately called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and they went away following him. 21Then they went into Capernaum, and on the Sabbath he immediately went into the synagogue and gave some teaching. 22And they were astonished at his teaching, for he was teaching them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. 23And there was a man with an unclean spirit in their synagogue, and he shouted out, 24and he said, “Hey, what have you to do with us, Jesus the Nazarene? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are: the holy one of God.” 25At this Jesus rebuked it and said, “Be silent and come out of him.” 26Then the unclean spirit convulsed him and shouted in a loud voice and came out of him. 27And they were all astounded, so much so that they debated among themselves and said, “What does this mean? What is this new doctrine, where he even commands the unclean spirits with authority, and they obey him?” 28And his fame immediately spread into the whole country area of Galilee. 29Then immediately when they had come out of the synagogue, they went to the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. 30Now Simon's mother-in-law was laid up ill with a fever, and they told him about her straightaway. 31And he came over and took hold of her by the hand and lifted her up, and the fever left her immediately, and she looked after them. 32When evening had come, when the sun had set, they brought to him all those with ailments and those possessed by a demon, 33and the whole city was congregated at the door, 34and he cured many who were ailing with various diseases, and he cast out many demons, and he did not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. 35Then he got up early, while it was still very much night, and he went out and went to a deserted place, and he prayed there. 36Meanwhile Simon and those with him went after him, 37and when they had found him, they said to him, “Everyone is looking for you.” 38And he said to them, “Let us go to the nearby towns, so that I may preach there too. For I have come out for this very purpose.” 39And he preached in their synagogues in the whole of Galilee, while he also cast out the demons. 40Then a leper came to him pleading with him, and kneeling down to him, and he said to him, “If you are willing, you are able to cleanse me.” 41At this, Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched his hand out and touched him, and he said to him, “I am willing, be cleansed.” 42And as soon as he had spoken, the leprosy went from him, and he was cleansed. 43Then he vehemently admonished him and straightaway dismissed him, 44and he said to him, “See to it that you don't say anything to anyone, but go and show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed, as a testimony to them.” 45But he went out and began to publicize it widely and to blaze the matter abroad, so that he could no longer go openly into a city, but was outside in desolate places. And they kept coming to him from all sides.

Reference(s) in Chapter 1: v.2 ↔ Isaiah 40:3, Malachi 3:1 ● v.3 ↔ Isaiah 40:3.

Mark Chapter 2

1Then some days later he went to Capernaum again, and it was reported that he was at someone's home, 2and immediately many gathered together, to the point that there was no room any more, not even space at the door. And while he was speaking the word to them, 3some people carrying a paralysed man came to him, the man being carried by four people, 4and not being able to approach him on account of the crowd, they opened up the roof where he was. And when they had broken it up, they lowered the stretcher on which the paralysed man was lying. 5Then when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralysed man, “My child, you have been forgiven your sins.” 6Now some of the scribes were sitting there, while reasoning in their hearts as follows: 7“Why does this man speak blasphemies like this? Who can forgive sins but one, that is, God?” 8And immediately Jesus, having perceived in his spirit that they were reasoning inwardly like this, said to them, “Why are you reasoning about these matters in your hearts? 9Which is easier, to say to the paralytic man, ‘You have been forgiven your sins’, or to say ‘Arise, and pick up your stretcher, and walk’? 10But in order that you may know that the son of man has authority to forgive sins on earth ...” – he said to the paralytic man – 11“I say to you, arise, and pick up your stretcher and go to your home.” 12And he arose immediately and picked up his stretcher, and he went out in the presence of all, so that they were all astounded, and they glorified God, saying, “Never have we seen anything like this.” 13Then he went out again, by the sea. And the whole crowd would come to him, and he would teach them. 14And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus, sitting at the tax office, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him. 15And it came to pass as he was reclining at table in his house that many tax collectors and sinners reclined with Jesus and his disciples. For there were many, and they followed him. 16However, when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eating with the tax collectors and sinners, they said to his disciples, “What is this that he eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?” 17At which Jesus, having heard it, said to them, “It is not those who are in sound health who need a doctor, but those who are ailing. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” 18Meanwhile John's disciples, and those of the Pharisees, were fasting, and people came and said to him, “Why do John's disciples and those of the Pharisees fast, whereas your disciples do not fast?” 19And Jesus said to them, “Surely the wedding guests cannot be fasting while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast, 20but the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them, and then, in those days, they will fast. 21And no-one sews a patch of uncarded flannel onto an old garment, or else the piece added to it pulls on it – the new on the old – and the tear becomes worse. 22And no-one puts new wine in old wineskins, or else the new wine tears the wineskins, and the wine leaks out, and the wineskins are ruined. Rather, new wine needs to be put in new wineskins.” 23Then it came to pass that he was passing by on the Sabbath through the cornfields, and his disciples had begun to make a way through, while plucking the ears of corn, 24and the Pharisees said to him, “Look at what they are doing on the Sabbath, which is not permitted”, 25at which he said to them, “Have you never read what David did when he was in need and was hungry, he and those with him? 26– how he went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar the high priest and ate the showbread, which it is not permitted to eat, except for the priests, and how he also gave some to those who were with him?” 27Then he said to them, “The Sabbath came about on account of man, not man on account of the Sabbath. 28Consequently, the son of man is Lord of the Sabbath as well.”

Mark Chapter 3

1Then he went into the synagogue again, and there was a man with a withered hand there. 2Now they watched him closely, to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath, in order to accuse him. 3And he said to the man with the withered hand, “Come up to centre stage.” 4And he said to them, “Is it permitted to do good or evil on the Sabbath? To save a life or to kill?” But they remained silent. 5Then he looked around at them with anger, thoroughly grieved at the hardness of their heart, and he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored, healthy like the other one. 6Then the Pharisees immediately went out with the Herodians and took counsel against him, as to how they might destroy him. 7Meanwhile Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the sea, and a very large number of people followed him, from Galilee and from Judaea, 8and from Jerusalem and from Idumaea and across the Jordan, while those from around Tyre and Sidon – a large community who had heard everything he was doing – came to him. 9So he told his disciples that a small boat should remain at hand for him on account of the crowd, so that they should not press on him, 10for he had healed many people, and as a result they converged on him in order that whoever had infirmities might touch him. 11Also whenever the unclean spirits saw him, they would fall down before him and shout out saying, “You are the son of God”, 12and he would rebuke them sharply so that they should not make him manifest. 13Then he went up into a mountain and called along those whom he himself wanted, and they went off to him, 14and he appointed twelve, for them to be with him, and to send them to preach, 15and to have authority to cure sicknesses and to cast out demons. 16And he gave an additional name to Simon: Peter. 17Furthermore he appointed James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James, and he gave them additional names: Boanerges, which means “sons of thunder”, 18and Andrew and Philip and Bartholomew and Matthew and Thomas and James the son of Alphaeus and Thaddaeus and Simon the Kananite, 19and Judas Iscariot, who for his part betrayed him. Then they went into a house, 20and again a crowd gathered, so that they could not even eat bread. 21And when those close to him heard about it, they went out to take charge of him, for people were saying that he had gone out of his senses. 22Now the scribes who had come down from Jerusalem said that he was possessed by Beelzebul, and that he cast out the demons by the ruler of the demons. 23So he called them to himself and spoke to them in parables: “How can Satan cast out Satan? 24And if a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25And if a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. 26And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but is finished. 27No-one can plunder the goods of a strong man, after entering his house, unless he first binds the strong man, and then he can plunder his house. 28Truly, I say to you that the sons of men will be forgiven all their sins and whatever blasphemies they perpetrate, 29but whoever blasphemes against the holy spirit does not have forgiveness throughout the age, but is liable to age-abiding judgment.” 30He said this because they said, “He is possessed by an unclean spirit.” 31Then his brothers and mother came and stood outside and sent men to him, calling him. 32Meanwhile a crowd was sitting around him, and they said to him, “Excuse us, but your mother and your brothers and your sisters outside are looking for you.” 33Then he replied to them and said, “Who is my mother or my brothers?” 34Then after he had looked around at those sitting around him, he said, “Behold my mother and my brothers. 35For it is whoever does the will of God who is my brother, and my sister, and my mother.”

Mark Chapter 4

1Next he began to teach again by the sea, and a large crowd gathered around him, so that he went on board a boat to sit in on the sea, while the whole crowd was by the sea on land. 2And he taught them many things in parables, and he said to them in the course of his teaching, 3“Listen. A sower once went out to sow seed. 4And it so happened that as he sowed, some seed fell beside the road, and the birds came and ate it up. 5But some fell on stony ground, where it did not have much soil, and it immediately sprang up through not having depth of soil, 6but when the sun rose, it was scorched, and because it did not have a root, it withered. 7And some fell into the thorn bushes, and the thorn plants came up and choked it, and it did not yield any fruit. 8And other seed fell onto good ground, and while it sprang up and grew, it yielded produce, and some produced a thirtyfold return, and some a sixtyfold, and some a hundredfold.” 9And he said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” 10Then when he was alone, those around him with the twelve asked him the meaning of the parable, 11and he said to them, “To you it has been granted to know the mystery of the kingdom of God, but to those outside, everything comes in parables,

12In order that they should definitely see

But not perceive,

And they will definitely hear

But not understand,

Lest they should repent,

And they should be forgiven their sins.”

13And he said to them, “Do you not know the meaning of this parable? How then can you know the meaning of any parable? 14The sower sows the word. 15One group are those alongside the road where the word is sown, but when they hear it, Satan immediately comes and removes the word sown in their hearts. 16And another group are like those sown on the stony ground, who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy, 17but they do not have an inward root, but rather are for a season. Then when affliction or persecution comes on account of the word, they immediately stumble. 18And another group are those sown in the thorn bushes, who hear the word, 19but the cares of this age and the deceit of riches and the desires in regard to other matters, when they come in, choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. 20And another group are those sown on the good ground, who hear the word and receive it and bear fruit, some a thirtyfold return, and some a sixtyfold, and some a hundredfold.” 21Furthermore he said to them, “A lamp isn't brought to be put under a bushel of corn or under a bed, is it? It is to be put on a lampstand, isn't it? 22For there is nothing hidden whatever which will not be made manifest, nor has anything secret taken place but that it will come into the open. 23If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.” 24And he said to them, “Watch out with what you hear. By the same measure by which you measure, it will be meted out to you. And to you who hear, the measure will be increased. 25For to whoever has, more will be given. But from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away.” 26And he said, “So is the kingdom of God, as if a man were casting seed on the ground, 27and should sleep and get up night and day, and the seed should sprout and grow long in a way he is unaware of, 28for the land produces fruit spontaneously: first the blade, then the ear, then the full corn in the ear. 29But when the fruit yields itself, he immediately sends out the sickle, because the harvest is at hand.” 30And he said, “To what should we liken the kingdom of God? Or with what kind of parable should we represent it? 31It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown on the ground is the smallest of all the seeds which are on the earth, 32but when it is sown, it comes up and becomes bigger than all the other vegetables and puts out big branches, so that the birds of the sky can settle in its shade.” 33And he spoke the word to them in many such parables, inasmuch as they were able to give them a hearing. 34Indeed he did not speak to them without using a parable. But he did explain everything privately to his disciples. 35And he said to them on that day when evening had come, “Let's go across to the other side.” 36Then when they had sent the crowd away, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. And there were other small boats with him. 37And a severe windy storm arose, and the waves were breaking over into the boat, so that it was already filling up. 38And he was at the stern, sleeping on a pillow, and they woke him up and said to him, “Teacher, is it not of concern to you that we are in mortal danger?” 39And when he woke up, he rebuked the wind, and he said to the sea, “Be quiet; be silenced.” And the wind abated, and a great calm came. 40Then he said to them, “Why are you fearful like this? How come you do not have faith?” 41And they were very afraid, and they said to each other, “Who can this be then, seeing both the wind and sea obey him?”

Reference(s) in Chapter 4: v.12 ↔ Isaiah 6:9, Isaiah 6:10.

Mark Chapter 5

1Then they came to the other side of the sea, to the district of the Gadarenes, 2and when he had disembarked from the boat, a man from the tombs who was possessed by an unclean spirit immediately went to meet him. 3He had his dwelling in the tombs, and no-one could bind him even with chains, 4because he had often been bound in shackles and chains, but the chains had been torn apart by him and the shackles broken, and no-one was able to tame him. 5And he was always in the mountains and the tombs, night and day, shouting and lacerating himself with stones. 6Then when he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and worshipped him, 7and he cried out in a loud voice and said, “What have I to do with you, Jesus, son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God not to torment me.” 8For he had been saying to him, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit.” 9And he had asked him, “What is your name?” And he had answered and said, “My name is Legion, for we are many.” 10And he pleaded with him earnestly that he should not send them out of the district. 11Now a large herd of pigs was feeding there near the mountain, 12and all the demons pleaded with him and said, “Send us into the pigs, so that we can go into them.” 13At this Jesus immediately permitted them. So the unclean spirits came out and entered into the pigs, at which the herd rushed headlong down the cliff into the sea. There were about two thousand of them, and they drowned in the sea. 14And those tending the pigs fled and reported it in the city and in the fields. Then they went out to see what it was that had happened, 15and they came to Jesus and saw the man possessed by a demon sitting, and clothed, and in his senses – the one who had been possessed by Legion – and they were afraid. 16And those who had seen how it happened to the man possessed by a demon described it to them, and the matter of the pigs. 17Then they went on to ask him to depart from their district. 18But when he had embarked on a boat, the one who had been possessed by a demon asked him if he could stay with him. 19However, Jesus did not permit him but said to him, “Go to your home, to your family, and tell them everything that the Lord has done for you and how he had mercy on you.” 20And he went off, and he began to proclaim in Decapolis everything that Jesus had done for him, and everyone was amazed. 21Meanwhile, when Jesus had again crossed to the other side in the boat, a large crowd gathered around him, and he was by the sea, 22and it so happened that one of the officials of the synagogue came, Jairus by name, and when he saw him, he fell at his feet, 23and he pleaded with him earnestly saying, “My little daughter is at death's door. I ask you to come and lay your hands on her, so that she should be saved and will live.” 24So he went with him, and a large crowd followed him, and they were thronging him, 25when a certain woman who had had a haemorrhage for twelve years 26– and who had suffered much at the hands of many doctors, and who had spent everything she had but had not been benefitted in any way and had rather become worse – 27having heard about Jesus, came in the crowd from behind and touched his cloak, 28for she said, “If I can just touch his clothes, I will be saved.” 29And immediately her issue of blood dried up, and she knew in her body that she had been cured of her infirmity. 30Then Jesus, having become inwardly aware of the power which had gone out of him, immediately turned to the crowd and said, “Who touched my clothes?” 31At this the disciples said to him, “You see the crowd thronging you, yet you say, ‘Who touched me?’ ” 32Then he looked round to see her who had done this. 33And the woman, in fear and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down at him and told him all the truth. 34But he said to her, “My daughter, your faith has cured you. Go off in peace and be free of your infirmity.” 35While he was still speaking, men came from the house of the synagogue official and said, “Your daughter has died. Why are you still troubling the teacher?” 36But when Jesus heard what was said, he immediately said to the synagogue official, “Don't be afraid; just believe.” 37And he did not permit anyone to go along with him except Peter and James and John the brother of James, 38and he came to the house of the synagogue official and saw a tumult of people weeping and lamenting greatly, 39and he went in and said to them, “Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child has not died, but is asleep.” 40And they laughed at him. But he sent them all out and took the father of the child with him, and the mother and those with him, and he went into the room where the child was lying. 41Then he took hold of the child's hand and said to her, “Talitha cumi”, which, being translated, means, “Young girl (I say to you), ‘Arise.’ ” 42And immediately the young girl arose and walked around. Now she was twelve years old. And they were astonished with great astonishment. 43Then he ordered them strictly that no-one should get to know this. He also said that something should be given to her to eat.

Mark Chapter 6

1Then he went out from there and came to his native country, and his disciples followed him. 2Then, when the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue. And many who heard him were astounded, and they said, “Where does this man get these things from? And what is this wisdom which has been given to him, so that such deeds of power take place at his hands? 3Isn't this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James and Joses and Judah and Simon? And aren't his sisters here with us?” And they were offended because of him. 4But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honour except in his native land and among his kinsmen and in his own house.” 5And he could not do any deeds of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few invalids and healed them. 6Indeed he was astonished on account of their unbelief. And he would go round the neighbouring villages teaching. 7Then he called the twelve to himself and began to send them out two at a time, and he gave them authority over the unclean spirits, 8and he commanded them not to take anything for the journey except just a staff: neither a wallet, nor bread, nor bronze money for their money belt, 9but to be shod with sandals, and not to wear two tunics. 10And he said to them, “Wherever you enter into a house, remain there until you go out from that place. 11And as for whoever does not receive you or hear you, when you depart from there, shake off the dust under your feet as a testimony to them. Truly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom or Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that city.” 12Then they went out and preached that one should repent. 13And they cast out many demons, and they anointed many infirm with olive oil and cured them. 14And King Herod heard about it, for his fame had become well-known, and he said, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead, and that is why deeds of power are at work in him.” 15Others said, “He is Elijah”, whereas yet others said, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets.” 16But when Herod heard about it, he said, “John, whom I had beheaded – that's who it is. He has been raised from the dead.” 17For Herod himself had had John arrested and bound him in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of Philip his brother, because he had married her. 18For John had said to Herod, “It is not permitted for you to have the wife of your brother”, 19and Herodias bore him a grudge, and she wanted to kill him, but she could not. 20For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him, and when he had heard him, he would do many things, and he used to listen to him with pleasure. 21But when an opportune day came – when Herod held a dinner on his birthday for his nobles, and the cohort commanders, and the prominent men of Galilee, 22and the daughter of Herodias herself had come and danced, and she had pleased Herod and those reclining at table with him – the king said to the young girl, “Ask me whatever you want, and I will give it to you.” 23And he swore to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom.” 24Then she went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask for?” And she said, “The head of John the Baptist.” 25Then straightaway she came in with haste to the king and made her request, saying, “I want you to give me the head of John the Baptist on a dish at once.” 26Now the king, who had become greatly grieved, because of the oaths and the guests at table, did not want to deny her the request. 27So the king immediately sent an executioner with instruction that his head should be brought in. 28And he went off and beheaded him in the prison and brought his head on a dish and gave it to the young girl, and the young girl gave it to her mother. 29Then when his disciples heard about it, they came and removed his corpse and put it in a tomb. 30And the apostles gathered around Jesus and reported everything to him, both what they had done, and what they had taught. 31And he said to them, “You yourselves come privately to a desolate place, and rest a short while.” For those who came and went were many, and they did not even have an opportunity to eat. 32So they went to a desolate place by boat privately. 33And people saw them departing, and many recognized him, and they were quick to converge there on foot from all the cities, and they arrived before them and gathered round him. 34Then when Jesus went out, he saw a large crowd and felt compassion for them, because they were like sheep which had no shepherd, and he began to teach them many things, 35and with it already being a late hour, his disciples came up to him and said, “The place is desolate and it is already a late hour. 36Send them away so that they can go off into the surrounding country and villages and buy themselves loaves of bread, for they do not have anything to eat.” 37But he answered and said to them, “You give them something to eat.” Then they said to him, “Should we go off and buy bread for two hundred denaries and give it to them to eat?” 38At this he said to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.” Then when they had found out, they said, “Five, and two fish.” 39Then he ordered them to have them all recline in groups on the green grass. 40And they reclined in groups of a hundred, and of fifty. 41Then he took the five loaves and the two fish, and he looked up to heaven and blessed them, and he broke the bread and kept giving it to his disciples to serve to them, and he shared out the two fish for everyone. 42And they all ate and were satisfied. 43Then they picked up twelve basketsful of pieces, and bits of the fish. 44Now those who had eaten the bread amounted to five thousand men. 45Then straightaway he made his disciples board the boat and go on ahead, to the far side, to Bethsaida, while he himself sent the crowd away. 46And having bidden them farewell, he went away to a mountain to pray. 47Then, when evening came, the boat was in the middle of the sea, and he was alone on land. 48And when he saw them being harrowed while rowing (for the wind was against them), he then at about the fourth watch of the night came to them walking on the sea, and he intended to pass by them, 49but when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a phantom, and they shouted out. 50For all of them saw him and were alarmed. Then straightaway he spoke with them and said to them, “Take heart, it is me. Don't be afraid.” 51And he climbed up into the boat with them, and the wind abated, and they were most exceedingly amazed and astounded within themselves. 52For they had not understood about the bread, for their heart was hardened. 53Then when they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret and moored there. 54And when they had disembarked from the boat, they immediately recognized him, 55and they ran round the whole of that neighbouring region and began to bring those who were ill round on stretchers to where they heard that he was. 56And wherever he went – to villages or cities or country places – they placed the sick in the market places, and they pleaded with him to just touch the hem of his cloak. And whoever touched him was cured.

Mark Chapter 7

1Then the Pharisees gathered round him, as did some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem, 2and seeing some of his disciples with unclean hands (that is, unwashed) eating bread, they found fault. 3For neither the Pharisees nor any Jews eat unless they have washed their hands with the fist, holding to the tradition of the elders, 4and on return from the market, unless they dip themselves, they do not eat. And there are many other things which they have received to keep to: washings of chalices and pots and copper vessels and beds. 5Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, “Why do your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashed hands?” 6To which he answered and said to them, “Isaiah prophesied well about you, you hypocrites, as it stands written:

‘This people honours me with their lips,

But their heart is far removed from me.

7And they worship me vainly,

Teaching as doctrines

The commandments of men.’

8For having abandoned the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men: washings of pots and chalices, and you do many other similar things.” 9And he said to them, “How finely you set aside the commandment of God so as to keep your own tradition! 10For Moses said, ‘Honour your father and your mother’, and, ‘He who speaks ill of his father or mother must certainly die.’ 11But you approve if a man says to his father or mother, ‘What you might have been benefitted by from me is corban’, which means ‘a gift offering’. 12And you don't permit him to do anything any more for his father or his mother, 13so you invalidate the word of God by your tradition which you have handed down. And you do many similar things.” 14Then when he had called all the crowd to himself, he said to them, “Listen to me, everyone, and understand: 15there is nothing on the outside of man which can defile him, if it goes into him, but it is the things that come out of him – those are the things which defile man. 16If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.” 17Then when he went into a house away from the crowd, his disciples asked him about the parable. 18And he said to them, “Are you also witless in this way? Do you not understand that nothing from outside which goes into a man can defile him? 19Because it does not go into his heart, but into his belly, and it goes out into the latrine, a system which makes all foodstuffs clean.” 20And he said, “Now what comes out of a man – that is what defiles man. 21For from inside, out of the heart of men, come ill-natured disputes, adulteries, fornications, murders, 22thefts, frauds, wicked acts, deceit, licentiousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, arrogance, foolishness. 23All these wicked things come out from the inside and defile man.” 24Then he got up and departed from there to the regions between Tyre and Sidon, and he went into a house, not wanting anyone to know, but he could not escape notice. 25For a woman whose little daughter was possessed by an unclean spirit had heard about him, and she came and fell down at his feet. 26Now the woman was a Greek, a Syro-phoenician by race. And she asked him to cast out the demon from her daughter. 27But Jesus said to her, “Let the children be fed first. For it is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs.” 28Then she answered and said to him, “Yes, Lord. But even the dogs under the table eat from the children's crumbs.” 29Then he said to her, “You may go because of that remark. The demon has gone out of your daughter.” 30And she went off to her house, and she found that the demon had come out and that the daughter had been laid on a bed. 31And again he left the borders of Tyre and Sidon and came to the Sea of Galilee in the middle of the districts of Decapolis. 32And they brought him a man deaf and hardly able to speak, and they pleaded with him to put his hand on him. 33Then he took him away from the crowd privately and put his fingers in his ears and spat and touched his tongue, 34and he looked up to heaven, and he sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha”, which means “be opened.” 35And immediately his sense of hearing was opened and the impediment of his tongue was released, and he spoke properly. 36Then he commanded them not to tell anyone. But the more he commanded them, the more profusely they publicized it. 37And they were astounded in the extreme, and they said, “He has done everything well – he enables both the deaf to hear and the mute to speak.”

Reference(s) in Chapter 7: v.6 ↔ Isaiah 29:13 ● v.7 ↔ Isaiah 29:13 ● v.10 ↔ Exodus 20:12, Exodus 21:17, Deuteronomy 5:16.

Mark Chapter 8

1In those days when there was a very large crowd, and they didn't have anything to eat, Jesus called his disciples to himself and said to them, 2“I feel compassion for the crowd, because they have remained with me for three days now and do not have anything to eat. 3And if I send them off to their home fasting, they will faint on the way, for some of them have come a long way.” 4At this his disciples answered him, “How can anyone feed these people with bread here in the desert?” 5Then he asked them, “How many loaves do you have?” And they said, “Seven.” 6And he instructed the crowd to recline on the ground. Then he took the seven loaves, and he gave thanks, and he broke them and gave them to his disciples to serve, and they served them to the crowd. 7And they had a few small fish, and he blessed them and told them to serve them as well. 8So they ate and were satisfied, and they picked up seven hampers of surplus pieces. 9Now those who ate were about four thousand. And he sent them off. 10Then he immediately boarded a boat with his disciples and went to the regions of Dalmanutha. 11And the Pharisees came out and began to dispute with him, seeking a sign from him from heaven, putting him to the test, 12at which he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, “Why does this generation keenly seek a sign? Truly, I say to you, there certainly will not be a sign given to this generation.” 13Then he left them and again boarded a boat and departed to the other side. 14Now they had forgotten to take bread, and they did not have any with them in the boat except for one loaf, 15and he instructed them and said, “Watch out, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.” 16At this they argued among themselves and said, “It is because we haven't got any bread.” 17But Jesus was aware of that and said to them, “Why are you arguing because you haven't got any bread? Don't you discern or understand yet? Do you still have a hardened heart? 18Do you not see, although you have eyes? And do you not hear, although you have ears? And do you not remember? 19When I broke five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketsful of pieces did you pick up?” They said to him, “Twelve.” 20“And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many hampers full of pieces did you pick up?” And they said, “Seven.” 21And he said to them, “How come you do not understand?” 22Then he came to Bethsaida, and they brought a blind man to him and pleaded with him to touch him. 23Then he took hold of the blind man's hand and led him out of the village, and he spat into his eyes and put his hands on him, and he asked him if he could see anything. 24And he looked up and said, “I can see men, inasmuch as I can see them walking around looking like trees.” 25Then he put his hands on his eyes again and enabled him to see again, and he was restored, and he saw everyone clearly. 26And he sent him off to his house, and he said, “Do not go into the village, nor tell anyone in the village.” 27Then Jesus went out, as did his disciples, to the villages of Caesarea Philippi, and on the way he questioned his disciples and said to them, “Who do men say I am?” 28They replied, “ ‘John the Baptist’, whereas others say, ‘Elijah’, and others, ‘One of the prophets.’ ” 29Then he said to them, “But who do you say I am?” Peter answered and said to him, “You are the Christ.” 30Then he warned them not to tell anyone about himself. 31Next he began to teach them that the son of man had to suffer many things, and to be rejected by the elders and the senior priests and the scribes, and to be killed, and to rise again after three days. 32Indeed, he would make the assertion openly. Then Peter took him aside, and he began to remonstrate with him. 33But he turned around and looked at his disciples, and he remonstrated with Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan. For you are not mindful of the affairs of God, but those of men.” 34Then he called the crowd to himself with his disciples and said to them, “Let whoever wishes to follow me deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 35For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but it is whoever loses his own life for my sake and that of the gospel who will save it. 36For in what way does it benefit a man if he gains the whole world, but forfeits his own life? 37Or what will a man give in exchange for his own life? 38For as for whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the son of man will be in turn ashamed of him when he comes in the glory of his father with the holy angels.”

Reference(s) in Chapter 8: v.18 ↔ Jeremiah 5:21.

Mark Chapter 9

1And he said to them, “Truly, I am telling you that there are some of those standing here who will certainly not taste death until they see the kingdom of God come in power.” 2Then six days later, Jesus took Peter and James and John along and brought them up to a high mountain alone, privately. Then he was transfigured in front of them. 3And his clothes became shining – very white like snow – clothes of a kind which no cloth dresser on earth can make shine like that. 4Moreover Elijah appeared to them with Moses, and they were speaking to Jesus, 5at which Peter responded and said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. So let's make three booths: one for you, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 6For he did not know what he should say, for they were terrified. 7Then a cloud materialized and overshadowed them, and a voice came from the cloud, “This is my beloved son. Hear him.” 8Yet the moment when they looked round, they didn't see anyone any longer, except just Jesus with them. 9Then as they came down from the mountain, he commanded them not to recount the things they had seen to anyone until the son of man had risen from the dead. 10And they kept the matter to themselves, while discussing with each other what rising from the dead meant. 11Then they questioned him and said, “The scribes say that Elijah must come first, don't they?” 12Then he answered and said to them, “Elijah does indeed come and restore everything first, so how come it stands written concerning the son of man that he must suffer many things and be thought nothing of? 13But I say to you that Elijah has also come, and that they did to him whatever they wanted, as it stands written concerning him.” 14Then he went to the disciples and saw a large crowd around them, and scribes discussing with them. 15And immediately, when the whole crowd saw him, they were astounded, and they ran to greet him. 16Then he asked the scribes, “What are you discussing with them?” 17At this one of the crowd answered and said, “Teacher, I have brought you my son who is possessed by a mute spirit. 18And wherever it seizes him, it tears at him, and he foams and gnashes his teeth, and he becomes dehydrated. Moreover, I told your disciples to cast it out, but they couldn't.” 19Then he answered him and said, “O unbelieving generation, how long will I be with you? How long will I bear with you? Bring him to me.” 20So they brought him to him. And when he saw him, the spirit immediately convulsed him, and he fell onto the ground and rolled about, foaming. 21And he asked his father, “How long is it since this happened to him?” And he said, “Since childhood. 22And it has often thrown him in both fire and water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, help us and have compassion on us.” 23Then Jesus, quoting him, said to him, “ ‘If you can’ believe, everything is possible for him who believes.” 24Then the father of the child immediately cried out and said with tears, “I believe, Lord. Help my unbelief.” 25Then when Jesus saw that a crowd was converging, he rebuked the unclean spirit and said to it, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and do not go in to him any more.” 26Then it shouted and convulsed him severely and came out, and he became as though he was dead, so that many said that he had died. 27But Jesus took hold of him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. 28Then when he had gone home, his disciples asked him privately, “Why is it that we could not cast it out?” 29And he said to them, “This kind cannot come out by any means except prayer and fasting.” 30And they departed from there and passed through Galilee, and he did not want anyone to know. 31For he kept teaching his disciples and saying to them, “The son of man will be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him, and after being killed, he will rise on the third day.” 32But they kept failing to understand the statement and were afraid to ask him about it. 33Then he went to Capernaum, and after going into a house, he asked them, “What did you discuss among yourselves on the way?” 34But they remained silent, for on the way they had discussed with each other who was the greatest. 35Then he sat down and addressed the twelve and said to them, “If anyone wants to be the first, he will be the last of all and the servant of all.” 36Next, he took a child and stood him in front of them, and after taking him in his arms, he said to them, 37“Whoever receives one of such children in my name receives me, and whoever receives me doesn't receive me, but him who sent me.” 38Then John answered him and said, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, someone who does not follow us, and we prevented him, because he does not follow us.” 39But Jesus said, “Do not prevent him, for there is no-one who can perform a deed of power in my name and who will quickly be able to speak ill of me. 40For whoever is not against you is for you. 41For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in my name, because you are Christ's – truly, I am telling you – he will certainly not lose his reward. 42And it would be better for anyone who causes one of the little ones who believe in me to stumble, if an upper millstone were put round his neck and he were thrown into the sea. 43So if your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It would be better for you to go into life maimed than to go off into Gehenna, into the inextinguishable fire, with two hands,

44Where their worm does not die,

And the fire is not extinguished.

45And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off. It would be better for you to go off into life lame than to be thrown into Gehenna, into the inextinguishable fire, with two feet,

46Where their worm does not die,

And the fire is not extinguished.

47And if your eye causes you to stumble, cast it out. It would be better for you to go into the kingdom of God with one eye, than to be thrown into fiery Gehenna with two eyes,

48Where their worm does not die,

And the fire is not extinguished.

49For everyone will be salted with fire, and every sacrifice will be salted with salt. 50Salt is good. But if salt becomes bland, with what can you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and live peaceably among yourselves.”

Reference(s) in Chapter 9: v.44 ↔ Isaiah 66:24 ● v.46 ↔ Isaiah 66:24 ● v.48 ↔ Isaiah 66:24.

Mark Chapter 10

1Then he arose from there and went to the districts of Judaea, through the far side of the Jordan, and again crowds flocked to him, and, as was his custom, he taught them again. 2And when some Pharisees arrived, they asked him, “Is it permitted for a husband to divorce his wife?” testing him. 3And he answered and said to them, “What did Moses command you?” 4Then they said, “Moses permitted us to write a deed of divorce and to divorce.” 5At this Jesus replied and said to them, “He wrote this commandment for you in view of your hardness of heart. 6But from the beginning of creation, God made them male and female. 7On account of this, a man will leave his father and his mother, and he will cleave to his wife, 8and the two will be one flesh, so that they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9So let man not separate what God has paired together.” 10Then at home his disciples again asked him about the same thing, 11and he said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her. 12And if a woman divorces her husband and marries someone else, she commits adultery.” 13Then they brought children to him, so that he might touch them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them. 14But when Jesus saw it, he became indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not prevent them. For of such is the kingdom of God. 15Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a child will certainly not go into it.” 16Then he took them in his arms and put his hands on them and blessed them. 17Then as he was setting off on his way, a certain man ran up to him and knelt before him and asked him, “Good teacher, what should I do in order to inherit age-abiding life?” 18At this Jesus said to him, “Why do you say I am good? No-one is good except one, that is, God. 19You know the commandments. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not commit murder. You shall not steal. You shall not give false testimony. You shall not defraud. Honour your father and your mother.” 20And he answered and said to him, “Teacher, I have kept all these things from my youth.” 21Then Jesus looked at him and felt brotherly love for him and said to him, “You lack one thing: go and sell what you have and give it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. And come and follow me and take up the cross.” 22But he became crestfallen at the proposition and went away grieving, for he had many possessions. 23Then Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “With what difficulty those who have money will go into the kingdom of God!” 24Now the disciples were astounded at his words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, “Children, how difficult it is for those trusting in money to go into the kingdom of God!” 25It is easier for a camel to go in through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to go into the kingdom of God. 26Then they were utterly amazed, and they said to themselves, “Who, then, can be saved?” 27So Jesus looked at them and said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God. For everything is possible with God.” 28Peter went on to say to him, “Look, we have left everything and followed you.” 29But Jesus answered and said, “Truly, I say to you, there is no-one who has left home, or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields, for my sake and for the sake of the gospel, 30who will not receive a hundredfold now, in this season – houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and fields, with persecutions, and in the age to come, age-abiding life. 31For many who are first will be last, and who are last will be first.” 32Now they were on their way going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was going in front of them, and they were astounded, and they were afraid as they were following. Then he took the twelve aside again and began to tell them about the things that would happen to him, 33and he said, “Here we are going up to Jerusalem, and the son of man will be delivered up to the senior priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him to the Gentiles. 34And they will mock him and scourge him and spit on him and kill him, and on the third day he will rise again.” 35Then James and John the sons of Zebedee came to him and said, “Teacher, we would like you to do for us whatever we ask.” 36He then said to them, “What would you like me to do for you?” 37They then said to him, “Grant us to sit one on your right and one on your left in your glory.” 38But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup which I drink and be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” 39Then they said to him, “We can.” But Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup which I drink and be baptized with the baptism with which I am being baptized. 40But to sit on my right and my left is not mine to give, but is for those for whom it has been prepared.” 41Then when the ten heard it, they began to become annoyed with James and John. 42But Jesus called them to himself and said to them, “You know that those who are considered fit to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high-ranking people exercise authority over them. 43But it will not be like this among you, but whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, 44and whoever of you wishes to be first must be the servant of all. 45For indeed the son of man did not come to be ministered to, but to minister, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” 46Then they arrived in Jericho, and as he went out of Jericho, as did his disciples and a considerable crowd, the son of Timaeus, Bartimaeus, who was blind, was sitting at the side of the road begging. 47And when he heard that it was Jesus the Nazarene, he began to shout and say, “Son of David, Jesus, have pity on me.” 48At this many rebuked him telling him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me.” 49And Jesus stopped and ordered him to be called. So they called the blind man and said to him, “Take courage, get up; he is calling you.” 50So he took off his coat and got up and went to Jesus. 51Then Jesus answered and said to him, “What would you like me to do for you?” The blind man said to him, “Rabbouni, to see again.” 52Then Jesus said to him, “Off you go; your faith has cured you.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed Jesus on his way.

Reference(s) in Chapter 10: v.4 ↔ Deuteronomy 24:1 ● v.6 ↔ Genesis 1:27 ● v.7 ↔ Genesis 2:24 ● v.8 ↔ Genesis 2:24 ● v.19 ↔ Exodus 20:12-16, Deuteronomy 5:16-20.

Mark Chapter 11

1And when they were approaching Jerusalem, Bethsphagé and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples out, 2and he said to them, “Go off into the village opposite you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find a colt tied up, on which no man has sat. Untie it and bring it. 3And if anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it’, and he will immediately despatch it here.” 4So they went off and found a colt tied to the door outside in the street, and they untied it. 5And some of those standing there said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” 6So they spoke to them as Jesus had commanded, and they left them alone. 7Then they led the colt to Jesus and put their clothes on it, and he sat on it. 8And many spread their clothes in the way, whereas others cut foliage from the trees and spread them in the way. 9Both those who were going in front and those following shouted and said,

“Hosanna;

Blessed is he

Who comes in the name of the Lord.

10Blessed is the kingdom of our father David,

Which comes in the name of the Lord.

Hosanna in the highest realms.”

11Then Jesus went into Jerusalem, and into the temple, and when he had looked around at everything, the time already being evening, he went out to Bethany with the twelve. 12And on the next day, after they had departed from Bethany, he was hungry, 13so when he saw a fig tree from a distance, which had leaves, he went to see if he would find anything on it. But when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves. After all, it was not the fig season. 14And reacting, Jesus said to it, “Let no-one ever eat from you any more.” And the disciples heard him. 15Then they went to Jerusalem, and when Jesus had gone into the temple, he began to throw out those selling and buying in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the chairs of those selling doves, 16and he did not allow anyone to carry a utensil through the temple. 17Then he gave some teaching and said to them, “Does it not stand written that

My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations,

But you have made it a den of thieves?”

18Now the scribes and the senior priests heard it, and they looked for a way to destroy him. For they feared him, because all the crowd were amazed at his teaching. 19And when it had become late, he went out of the city. 20Then early in the morning as they were passing by, they saw the fig tree, withered from its roots, 21and Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look, the fig tree which you cursed has withered.” 22Then Jesus replied and said to them, “Have faith in God. 23For truly, I say to you that whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be uplifted and cast into the sea’ and does not doubt in his heart, but who believes that what he says will come about – then whatever he says will come to pass for him. 24Which is why I say to you, believe that you will receive everything that you ask for when praying, and it will come to pass for you. 25And when you stand praying, be forgiving if you have anything against anyone, in order that your father in the heavens may forgive you your transgressions. 26But if you do not forgive, neither will your father in the heavens forgive your transgressions.” 27Then they went to Jerusalem again, and while he was walking around in the temple, the senior priests and scribes and the elders came to him, 28and they said to him, “By what authority do you do these things? And who gave you this authority to do these things?” 29Then Jesus replied and said to them, “I for my part will ask you one thing, so answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. 30John's baptism – was it from heaven, or from men? Answer me.” 31Then they reasoned among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven’, he will say, ‘Why did you not believe him then?’ 32But should we say, ‘Of men’? ” They feared the people, for everyone held John to really have been a prophet. 33Then they answered and said to Jesus, “We do not know.” To which Jesus answered and said to them, “Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.”

Reference(s) in Chapter 11: v.9 ↔ Psalm 118:25, Psalm 118:26 ● v.10 ↔ Psalm 118:25 ● v.17 ↔ Isaiah 56:7, Jeremiah 7:11.

Mark Chapter 12

1Then he began to speak to them in parables: “A man planted a vineyard and put a fence round it and dug a vat pit and built a tower, and he put it under hired labour with farmers and went abroad. 2And in due course he sent a servant to the farmers, in order to receive some vineyard fruit from the farmers. 3But they took him and flogged him and sent him off empty-handed. 4Then he sent another servant to them. But they stoned that one and beat him on the head and sent him off having been shamefully treated. 5Then he sent another one. But they killed that one, and many others, flogging some and killing others. 6Well then, still having his one son, his beloved, he also sent him last of all to them, and he said, ‘They will respect my son.’ 7But those farmers said to themselves, ‘This is the heir. Come on, let's kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ 8So they took him and killed him and disposed of him outside the vineyard. 9What, then, will the lord of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the farmers and give the vineyard to others. 10And have you not read this scripture:

The stone which the builders rejected

Is what has become the keystone.

11This came about from the Lord,

And it is wonderful in our eyes’?”

12And they looked for a way to seize him, but they feared the crowd. For they knew that he had levelled the parable at them. So they left him and departed. 13Then they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to him to trap him in his speech. 14So they came and said to him, “Teacher, we know that you are true and do not concern yourself about anyone, for you do not regard the outward appearance of men, but teach the way of God in truth. Is it permitted to give census-tax to Caesar or not? 15Are we to give it or not to give it?” But knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, “Why are you putting me to the test? Bring me a denary to see.” 16So they brought one. Then he said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” They said to him, “Caesar's.” 17Then Jesus replied and said to them, “Give the things of Caesar to Caesar and the things of God to God.” And they were amazed at him. 18Then some Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to him and questioned him and said, 19“Teacher, Moses wrote for us, ‘If someone's brother dies, and he leaves a wife, but he does not leave children, that his brother is to take his wife and raise up seed to his brother.’ 20Let's say there were seven brothers. And the first took a wife, and he died and did not leave seed. 21Then the second took her, and he died, and neither did he leave seed. And likewise the third. 22And the seven took her but did not leave seed. Last of all, the woman died too. 23In the resurrection, when they rise, whose wife will she be? For the seven had her as a wife.” 24Then Jesus replied and said to them, “You are in error in this, aren't you, because you don't know the scriptures or the power of God. 25For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but they are like the angels in the heavens. 26And concerning the dead – the fact that they are raised – have you not read in the book of Moses, at the passage about the bush, when God spoke to him and said, ‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? 27He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living. So you are badly in error.” 28Then one of the scribes who had come up and heard them disputing, knowing that he had answered them well, asked him, “What is the first commandment of all?” 29And Jesus answered him, “The first of all the commandments is, ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord.’ 30And, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. 31And the second is similar – this: ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” 32Then the scribe said to him, “Well said, teacher. You have spoken truly in that, ‘He is one and there is no other apart from him.’ 33And, ‘To love him with all your heart and with all your understanding and with all your soul and with all your strength, and to love one's neighbour as oneself is greater than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.’ ” 34Then when Jesus saw that he had answered astutely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” Then no-one dared question him any more. 35And Jesus answered them and said, when teaching in the temple, “How is it that the scribes say that the Christ is the son of David? 36For David himself said by holy spirit,

‘The Lord said to my Lord,

«Sit on my right hand side

Until I make your enemies your footstool.» ’

37David himself, therefore, calls him Lord. So how is he his son?” Now the common people were listening to him with pleasure. 38And he said to them in his teaching, “Beware of the scribes who enjoy walking around in robes, and greetings in the markets, 39and the privileged seats in the synagogues, and the privileged couches at dinners, 40who devour widows' houses and for show say long prayers. These will receive a more serious judgment.” 41Then Jesus sat down opposite the treasury and saw how the crowd put copper money into the treasury. And many rich people were putting in a lot, 42but one poor widow put in two leptons, which is a quadrans. 43Then he called his disciples to himself and said to them, “Truly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than anyone of those who contribute to the treasury. 44For everyone contributed from their surplus, but this woman from her paucity put in everything she had – her whole livelihood.”

Reference(s) in Chapter 12: v.10 ↔ Psalm 118:22 ● v.11 ↔ Psalm 118:23 ● v.19 ↔ Deuteronomy 25:5 ● v.26 ↔ Exodus 3:6 ● v.29 ↔ Deuteronomy 6:4 ● v.30 ↔ Deuteronomy 6:5 ● v.31 ↔ Leviticus 19:18 ● v.32 ↔ Deuteronomy 6:4, 2 Samuel 22:32, Isaiah 45:5, Psalm 18:32MT (Psalm 18:31AV) ● v.33 ↔ Deuteronomy 6:5; Leviticus 19:18, 1 Samuel 15:22, Isaiah 1:11 ● v.36 ↔ Psalm 110:1.

Mark Chapter 13

1Then as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Teacher, see what impressive stones and buildings these are.” 2At this Jesus answered and said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not a stone shall be left on a stone, nor will it escape being reduced to rubble.” 3Subsequently, while he was sitting down on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately and said, 4“Tell us, when will these things take place? And what is the sign when all these things are about to be fulfilled?” 5Then Jesus answered them and went on to say, “Watch out that no-one leads you astray. 6For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the one’, and they will deceive many. 7And when you hear of wars and reports of wars, do not be alarmed. For such things must take place, but that is not yet the end. 8For nation shall rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and disorders. These things are the beginnings of birth pains. 9But you watch out for yourselves. For they will deliver you to the Sanhedrin councils, and you will be flogged in the synagogues, and you will stand before leaders and kings on account of me, as a testimony to them. 10And the gospel must be preached to all the nations first. 11Then when they lead you and deliver you up, do not be worried beforehand about what you are to say, and do not rehearse a script, but say whatever is given to you at that hour. For it is not you who will be speaking, but the holy spirit. 12And brother will betray brother to death, and father child, and children will rise up against their parents and will have them put to death. 13And you will be hated by everyone on account of my name. But it is he who endures to the end who will be saved. 14Then when you see the abomination of desolation which was spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it should not – let him who reads take note – then those in Judaea must flee to the mountains. 15He who is on the roof must not come down into the house nor go in to take anything from his house, 16and he who is in the field must not turn back to take his coat with him. 17But woe to those with child and those who are breastfeeding in those days. 18And pray that your flight should not be in the winter. 19For those days will be a tribulation such as has never taken place since the beginning of creation which God created, up to now, and never will be again, 20and if the Lord were not to shorten those days, no flesh would be saved, but on account of the elect whom he has chosen, he has shortened those days. 21Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ’, or, ‘Look there’, do not believe it. 22For false Christs and false prophets will rise up, and they will give signs and wonders with the intention of deceiving, if possible, even the elect. 23So you watch out. There you are, I have told you everything beforehand. 24But in those days, after that tribulation,

The sun will be darkened,

And the moon will not give its gleam,

25And the stars of heaven will be falling down,

And the powers in the heavens will be shaken.

26And then they will see the son of man coming in clouds with great power and glory. 27And then he will send his angels, and they will gather up his elect from the four winds, from the extremities of the earth to the extremities of heaven. 28Now learn from the parable of the fig tree. When its branch has already become fresh and is producing leaves, know that the summer is near. 29So too you, when you see these things taking place, know that they are near, right at the doors. 30Truly, I say to you that this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things take place. 31Heaven and the earth will pass away, but my words will certainly not pass away. 32But no-one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels who are in heaven, nor the son, except the father. 33Watch out, be vigilant and pray, for you do not know when the time is. 34It will be like a man abroad, who has left his house and has given his servants authority, and to each one his work, and who has instructed the doorkeeper to keep watch. 35So be vigilant. For you do not know when the lord of the house is coming, whether in the evening, or at midnight, or at the cock crowing, or in the morning, 36so that if he comes suddenly, he does not find you sleeping. 37And I am telling everyone what I am telling you: be vigilant.”

Reference(s) in Chapter 13: v.8 ↔ Isaiah 19:2 ● v.12 ↔ Micah 7:6 ● v.14 ↔ Daniel 9:27, Daniel 11:31, Daniel 12:11 ● v.19 ↔ Daniel 12:1 ● v.22 ↔ Deuteronomy 13:2MT (Deuteronomy 13:1AV) ● v.24 ↔ Isaiah 13:10 ● v.25 ↔ Isaiah 13:10, Isaiah 34:4 ● v.26 ↔ Daniel 7:13.

Mark Chapter 14

1Now two days later it was the Passover and the days of the unleavened bread, and the senior priests and the scribes were looking for a way to catch him by deceit and put him to death. 2But they said, “Not at the festival, so that there will not be a popular uproar.” 3Then when he was in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, while he was reclining at table, a woman who had an alabaster box of very expensive genuine spikenard ointment came, and she broke the alabaster box and poured it down onto his head. 4And some were irritated inwardly and said, “Why has this waste of ointment taken place? 5For this could have been sold for more than three hundred denaries and given to the poor.” And they railed at her. 6But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why are you giving her trouble? She has done me a good work. 7For you always have the poor with you, and you can do them good whenever you want, but you do not always have me. 8She has done what she was able to do. She has had the anticipation to anoint my body for my embalming. 9Truly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be spoken about as a memorial to her.” 10Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went away to the senior priests in order to betray him to them. 11And when they heard it, they were delighted and promised to give him money. Then he looked for a convenient way to betray him. 12Then on the first day of the unleavened bread, when they were sacrificing the Passover lamb, his disciples said to him, “Where do you want us to go and prepare for you to eat the Passover lamb?” 13And he sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go off into the city, and a man carrying a pitcher of water will meet you. Follow him, 14and wherever he goes to, say to the master of the house, ‘The teacher asks, «Where is the guest-room where I may eat the Passover lamb with my disciples?» ’ 15Then he will show you a large upper room, laid out and prepared. Prepare for us there.” 16So his disciples went out and came to the city, and they found things as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover lamb. 17Then when it had become late, he came with the twelve. 18And while they were reclining and eating, Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you that one of you will betray me: the one who eats with me.” 19Then they began to grieve and say to him one by one, “Surely not me?” And another would say, “Surely not me?” 20But he answered and said to them, “It is the one of the twelve who dips into the bowl with me. 21Now the son of man goes away according to what stands written concerning him. But woe to that man through whom the son of man is betrayed. It would have been better for him if that man had not been born.” 22Then while they were eating, after Jesus had taken bread and blessed it, he broke it and gave some to them, and he said, “Take this and eat it. This is my body.” 23Then when he had taken the cup and given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it, 24and he said to them, “This is my blood, that of the new covenant, which is poured out on behalf of many. 25Truly, I say to you that I will no longer drink from the produce of the vine at all until that day when I drink it anew in the kingdom of God.” 26Then they went out to the Mount of Olives, singing hymns. 27Then Jesus said to them, “You will all take offence at me this night, in that it stands written:

‘I will strike the shepherd,

And the sheep will be scattered’,

28but after I have risen, I will go ahead of you to Galilee.” 29Then Peter said to him, “Even if all take offence, still, I will not.” 30Then Jesus said to him, “Truly, I say to you that you today, this night, before the cock crows twice, will deny me three times.” 31But he all the more insistently kept saying, “Even if I need to die with you, I will definitely not deny you.” They all spoke similarly too. 32Then they came to a place, the name of which was Gethsemané, and he said to his disciples, “Sit down here while I pray.” 33Then he took Peter and James and John with him, and he began to be struck with astonishment and to be sorely troubled. 34And he said to them, “My soul is extremely sorrowful to the point of death. Remain here and be watchful.” 35Then he approached a little and fell to the ground and prayed that, if it was possible, the hour should pass away from him, 36and he said, “Abba, father, everything is possible with you. Remove this cup from me, but not what I want, but what you want.” 37Then he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you sleeping? Could you not be watchful for one hour? 38Be watchful and pray, so that you do not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 39Then he went away again and prayed, and he said the same thing. 40Then he returned and found them sleeping again, for their eyes were weighed down, and they did not know what to answer him. 41Then he came for the third time and said to them, “Sleep from now on and rest. It has passed away. The hour has come. Behold, the son of man is about to be betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42Get up, let's go. Look, he who will betray me has drawn near.” 43And immediately, while he was still talking, Judas, being one of the twelve, arrived, as did a large crowd with him, with swords and sticks, from the senior priests and the scribes and the elders. 44Now he who was betraying him had pre-arranged a signal with them, and he had said, “He whom I kiss, that is him. Seize him and lead him away securely.” 45So he went off, and straightaway he went up to him and said to him, “Rabbi, rabbi”, and he kissed him profusely. 46Then they laid their hands on him and seized him. 47But a certain one of those standing around drew his sword and struck the high priest's servant and cut off his ear. 48But Jesus responded and said to them, “Have you come out as you would against a robber, with swords and sticks to arrest me? 49I was with you every day teaching in the temple, but you did not seize me. But let the scriptures be fulfilled.” 50Then they all left him and fled. 51However, a certain young man followed him, wearing fine linen over his naked body, and the young men seized him, 52but he abandoned the fine linen and fled from them naked. 53Then they led Jesus away to the high priest, and all the senior priests and the elders and the scribes went with him. 54Meanwhile Peter followed him from a distance up to inside the courtyard of the high priest, and he was sitting with the attendants and was warming himself at the fire. 55Now the senior priests and all the Sanhedrin council were looking for a testimony against Jesus, so as to put him to death, but they could not find one, 56for many were giving false witness against him, but the testimonies were not in agreement. 57Then some stood up and gave false witness against him and said, 58“We have heard him say, ‘I will destroy this sanctuary which is made by hands and within three days I will build another not made by hands.’ ” 59But their testimonies were not in agreement in this either. 60Then the high priest stood up in full view and questioned Jesus and asked, “Do you not answer anything? What are these people testifying against you?” 61But he remained silent and did not answer anything. Again the high priest asked him and said to him, “Are you the Christ, the son of the blessed?” 62Then Jesus said, “I am. And you will see the son of man sitting on the right hand of power and coming with the clouds of heaven.” 63At this the high priest tore his tunics and said, “Why do we still need witnesses? 64You have heard the blasphemy. How does it look to you?” Then they all condemned him to be punishable by death. 65Then some began to spit at him, and to blindfold his face, and to buffet him and to say to him, “Prophesy.” Then the attendants would give him sharp slaps on the face. 66Then while Peter was in the courtyard below, one of the high priest's maidservants came, 67and when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked straight at him and said, “You were also with Jesus the Nazarene.” 68But he denied it and said, “I do not know or even understand what you are saying.” Then he went out into the forecourt, and the cock crowed. 69Then when the maidservant saw him again, she began to say to those standing around, “This man is one of them.” 70And he kept on denying it again. And after a short while, those standing around said to Peter again, “You certainly are one of them, and indeed you are a Galilean, and your dialect is similar.” 71But he began to curse and swear, saying, “I do not know this man whom you are speaking about.” 72Then the cock crowed a second time. At this Peter remembered the saying that Jesus had spoken to him, “Before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times.” Then he took it to heart and wept.

Reference(s) in Chapter 14: v.27 ↔ Zechariah 13:7.

Mark Chapter 15

1Then straightaway in the morning the senior priests with the elders and scribes and all the Sanhedrin held a council, and they bound Jesus and carried him away and handed him over to Pilate. 2And Pilate questioned him and asked, “Are you the king of the Jews?” He then answered and said to him, “As you say.” 3And the senior priests accused him of many things. 4Then Pilate questioned him again and asked, “Do you not answer anything? See how many things they testify against you.” 5But Jesus no longer answered anything, with the result that Pilate was amazed. 6Now at the festival, he would release to them one prisoner, whomever they asked for. 7And a man called Barabbas was held bound among the insurgents who had committed murder in the insurrection. 8And the crowd shouted out and began to make their request for him to do as he always did for them, 9at which Pilate answered them and said, “Do you want me to release the king of the Jews to you?” 10For he knew that the senior priests had delivered him up through envy. 11But the senior priests had stirred up the crowd so that he should rather release Barabbas to them. 12Then Pilate replied again and said to them, “What then do you want me to do to him whom you call the king of the Jews.” 13Then they shouted again, “Crucify him!” 14Then Pilate said to them, “Well what has he done wrong?” But they shouted all the more profusely, “Crucify him!” 15Then Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas to them, and when he had had Jesus flogged, he handed him over to be crucified. 16Next the soldiers led him into the courtyard, which is the governmental compound, and they convened the whole cohort. 17And they clothed him in purple and put a crown of thorns on him which they had plaited. 18And they went on to greet him, saying, “Hail, O king of the Jews.” 19And they kept striking his head with a reed, and spitting on him, and kneeling and paying homage to him, 20and when they had made fun of him, they took off the purple clothing, and they put his own clothes on him, and they led him out in order to crucify him. 21And they pressed a certain passer-by, Simon the Cyrene, who was coming from a field, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross. 22Then they brought him to the place called Golgotha, which in translation is “The Place of the Skull.” 23And they gave him wine mixed with myrrh to drink, but he did not take it. 24Then when they had started to crucify him, they shared out his clothes among themselves and cast lots for them as to who would take what. 25Now it was the third hour when they crucified him. 26And the inscription of his indictment was inscribed:

“The king of the Jews.”

27Moreover they crucified two robbers with him, one on his right and one on his left. 28So the scripture was fulfilled which says, “And he was reckoned with lawless ones.” 29And those passing by blasphemed him, shaking their heads and saying, “Ah, you who would demolish the sanctuary and build it again in three days, 30save yourself and come down from the cross.” 31And the senior priests also similarly mocked among themselves along with the scribes and said, “He saved others. He cannot save himself. 32Let Christ, the king of Israel, come down now from the cross, so that we may see and believe him.” And those crucified with him kept reproaching him. 33Then, at the sixth hour, darkness descended on the whole earth until the ninth hour. 34And at the ninth hour, Jesus shouted in a loud voice and said, “Eloi Eloi, lima sabachthani”, which in translation is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” 35At which some bystanders, when they heard it, said, “Look, he is calling on Elijah.” 36Then a certain person ran and filled a sponge with vinegar and put it on a reed and offered it him to drink, and he said, “All right. Let's see if Elijah comes to take him down.” 37Then Jesus uttered a loud noise and expired. 38At this point the veil of the sanctuary was split in two from the top to the bottom. 39When the centurion who was standing by opposite him saw that he had shouted and expired in this way, he said, “Truly, this man was the son of God.” 40There were also some women looking on from a distance, among whom were also Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James junior and Joses, and Salome, 41who had also followed him and served him when he was in Galilee, and there were many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem. 42Then with it being late by this time, since it was the Preparation Day, which is the day before the Sabbath, 43Joseph of Arimathea, an honourable councillor, who himself was awaiting the kingdom of God, came and ventured to go up to Pilate and asked for Jesus's body. 44Now Pilate was surprised that he had already died, and he called for the centurion and asked him if he died a while ago. 45Then having ascertained the fact from the centurion, he granted the body to Joseph. 46And having bought fine linen, he took him down and wrapped him in the fine linen and deposited him in a sepulchre which had been hewn out of a rock, and he rolled a stone against the entrance to the sepulchre, 47while Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses observed where he was being put.

Reference(s) in Chapter 15: v.28 ↔ Isaiah 53:12 ● v.34 ↔ Psalm 22:2MT (Psalm 22:1AV).

Mark Chapter 16

1Then when the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices with which to come and anoint him. 2And very early on the first day of the week they came to the sepulchre, with the sun having risen, 3and they were saying to each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance to the sepulchre for us?” 4Then they looked up and saw that the stone had been rolled away. Now it was very large. 5Then they went into the sepulchre and saw a young man sitting on the right, clothed in a white robe, and they were astonished. 6But he said to them, “Do not be astonished. You are seeking Jesus the Nazarene who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they put him. 7But go off and tell his disciples, including Peter, that he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there, as he told you.” 8At this they went out and ran away from the sepulchre, and trembling and bewilderment possessed them, and they didn't say anything to anyone, for they were afraid. 9Then after he had risen early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven demons. 10She departed and told those who had been in company with him, who were mourning and weeping. 11And when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe it. 12And after this, he was manifested in another form to two of them who were walking around, as they were going to a field. 13At this they went off and told the rest. But those did not believe them either. 14Later, he was manifested to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at table, and he reproached their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who had seen him risen. 15And he said to them, “Go into the whole world and preach the gospel to the whole of creation. 16He who has believed and has been baptized will be saved, but he who has not believed will be condemned. 17And these signs will closely follow those who have believed. They will cast out demons in my name; they will speak in new tongues; 18they will take up serpents; even if they drink anything deadly, it will not harm them at all; they will lay hands on the infirm, and they will get better.” 19So then, after speaking to them, the Lord was taken up into heaven, and he sat down at the right hand of God. 20And they went out and preached everywhere, with the Lord working with them, confirming the word through signs following. Amen.

Luke

Luke Chapter 1

1Seeing that many have undertaken to draw up an account concerning the proceedings fully carried through among us, 2just as those who from the beginning were eye-witnesses to, and had become servants of, the word – just as they handed those things down to us – 3so it seemed right to me too, who has followed everything accurately from the beginning, to write to you in an orderly way, Your Excellency Theophilus, 4in order that you might come to know the certainty of the matters about which you have been taught orally. 5In the days of Herod the king of Judaea, there was a certain priest by the name of Zacharias, from the division of Abijah, whose wife was descended from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6They were both righteous in the sight of God, walking in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord blamelessly. 7Now they did not have a child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were elderly, 8and it came to pass while he was holding the office of priest in the appointed order of his division before God, 9in accordance with the custom of the priestly office, that he received the lot of burning incense as he went into the Lord's sanctuary. 10And while the whole gathering of the people was praying outside at the hour of the incense, 11an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right hand side of the incense altar. 12And Zacharias was alarmed when he saw him, and fear fell on him, 13but the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your supplication has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will call him John, 14and you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, 15for he will be great in the Lord's sight, and he will not drink any wine or liquor at all, and he will be filled with holy spirit even from his mother's womb, 16and he will turn many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God. 17And he will go ahead of him in the spirit and power of Elijah, in order to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the prudence of the righteous, to prepare a people equipped for the Lord.” 18Then Zacharias said to the angel, “By what means will I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is elderly.” 19Then the angel replied and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you, and to bring you the good tidings of these things. 20Now look, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day when these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their due time.” 21Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zacharias, and they were surprised at him taking so much time in the sanctuary, 22and when he came out, he was not able to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. So he kept making signs to them, and he remained mute. 23And it came to pass when the days of his officiating service were completed that he went off to his home, 24and after those days, his wife Elizabeth conceived, and she hid herself away for five months, and she said, 25“This is how the Lord has acted for me in the days when he condescended to remove my reproach among men.” 26Then in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee, the name of which was Nazareth, 27to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David, and the name of the virgin was Mary, 28and when the angel had come to her, he said, “Greetings, you who have been shown grace. The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women.” 29Now when she saw this, she was deeply disturbed at his words, and she pondered on what kind of greeting this might be, 30but the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found grace with God. 31And look, you will conceive in the womb and bear a son, and you will give him the name Jesus. 32He will be great, and he will be called the son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, 33and he shall reign over the house of Jacob throughout the ages, and there will be no end to his kingdom.” 34Then Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, seeing I do not know a man?” 35At this the angel answered and said to her, “Holy spirit will come upon you, and power of the Most High will overshadow you, and on account of this the holy child who will be born will be called the son of God. 36And look, Elizabeth your kinswoman has herself also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren, 37for nothing will prove impossible with God.” 38Then Mary said, “Here am I, the maidservant of the Lord. May it come to pass for me according to your words.” And the angel departed from her. 39Then in those days Mary got up and went with haste into the mountainous region, to a town of Judah, 40and she went into Zacharias's house and greeted Elizabeth. 41Then it came to pass, when Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, that the baby in her womb leapt, and Elizabeth was filled with holy spirit, 42and she called out in a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. 43And from where is this privilege of mine that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44Because, you see, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby leapt for joy in my womb. 45And blessed is she who has believed that an accomplishment of the things spoken to her by the Lord will take place.” 46Then Mary said,

“My being magnifies the Lord,

47And my spirit has rejoiced in God my saviour,

48Because he has looked favourably on the lowly status of his maidservant.

For it will be seen that from now on

All generations will pronounce me blessed,

49Because he who is mighty

Has done great deeds for me,

And holy is his name,

50And his mercy is on those who fear him,

From generation to generation.

51He has acted in strength with his arm;

He has scattered those who are arrogant

In the thoughts of their heart.

52He has removed powerful men from their thrones

And exalted the lowly;

53He has filled the hungry with good things

And sent the rich away empty.

54He has helped Israel his servant,

Remembering mercy –

55As he said to our fathers,

To Abraham and to his seed

– Throughout the age.”

56Then Mary remained with her for about three months, and then returned to her house. 57Meanwhile Elizabeth's time for her to give birth became due, and she bore a son. 58And her neighbours and relatives heard how the Lord had magnified his mercy with her, and they rejoiced with her. 59And it came to pass on the eighth day that they came to circumcise the child, and they called him after the name of his father Zacharias, 60but his mother replied and said, “No; instead, he will be called John.” 61Then they said to her, “There is no-one in your family who is called by that name.” 62So they made signs to his father as to what he wished him to be called. 63At this he asked for a writing-tablet and wrote as follows: “His name is John.” And they were all amazed. 64Then his mouth was immediately opened, as was his tongue, and he spoke blessing God. 65Then fear came upon all those who lived around them, and in the entire mountainous region of Judaea all these matters were talked about, 66and all those who heard it laid it to heart and said, “What then will this child turn out to be?” And the hand of the Lord was with him. 67Then Zacharias his father was filled with holy spirit, and he prophesied and said,

68“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,

Because he has visited and accomplished redemption

For his people,

69And he has raised a horn of salvation for us

In the house of David his servant,

70As he spoke by the mouth of the holy ones

– His prophets of old time –

71Bringing about salvation from our enemies

And from the hand of all those who hate us,

72In showing mercy to our fathers,

And in remembering his holy covenant,

73The oath which he swore to Abraham our father –

To grant to us,

74That we,

After being delivered from the hand of our enemies,

Might serve him fearlessly,

75In sanctity and righteousness in his sight,

All the days of our life.

76And you, child,

Will be called a prophet of the Most High,

For you will go ahead of the Lord

To prepare his ways,

77To impart knowledge of salvation to his people,

By forgiveness of their sins,

78By means of the compassionate mercy of our God,

By which one who has sprung up

Has visited us from on high,

79In appearing to those living in darkness

And the shadow of death,

To direct our feet onto the way of peace.”

80So the child grew up and became strong in spirit, and he was in the desert places until the day of his being presented to Israel.

Reference(s) in Chapter 1: v.17 ↔ Malachi 3:1, Malachi 3:23MT (Malachi 4:5AV), Malachi 3:24MT (Malachi 4:6AV).

Luke Chapter 2

1Now it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole Roman world should be registered. 2This first registration took place when Cyrenius was governor of Syria. 3So everyone went to be registered – each one to his own town. 4And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judaea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and the paternal lineage of David, 5to have himself registered with Mary, the woman betrothed to him, who was expecting a child. 6And it came to pass when they were there, that the days for her to give birth became due, 7and she gave birth to her firstborn son, and she wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and she laid him in a feeding-trough, because there was no room for them in the inn. 8Now there were shepherds in the same region spending the nights in the open and keeping guard over their flock at night, 9and behold, the angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were very much afraid. 10Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for look, I bring you tidings of great joy, which will be to the whole of the people, 11for today a saviour, who is Christ the Lord, was born to you in the city of David. 12And this is the sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a feeding-trough.” 13Then suddenly along with the angel came a numerous heavenly company, praising God, and they said,

14“Glory in the highest realms to God,

And peace on earth;

Goodwill among men.”

15And it came to pass, when the angels had departed from them for heaven, that the shepherds said to each other, “Let us without fail cross over to Bethlehem and see this episode which has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16So they went, going quickly, and they discovered both Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the feeding-trough. 17Then when they had seen it, they publicized the account which had been told them concerning this child. 18And all who heard it were astounded at what was told them by the shepherds, 19but Mary guarded all these things closely, pondering them in her heart. 20Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for everything that they had heard and seen, according to what they were told. 21Subsequently, when eight days had passed for the circumcising of him, he was given the name Jesus, which had been given by the angel before he had been conceived in the womb. 22Then when the days of their purification were completed, according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, 23as it stands written in the law of the Lord: “Every male who opens the womb will be called holy to the Lord”, 24and to offer a sacrifice according to what has been spoken in the law of the Lord: “A pair of turtle-doves or two fledgling pigeons.” 25Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and holy spirit was on him, 26and it had been oracularly communicated to him by the holy spirit that he would not see death before he saw the Lord's Christ, 27and he went under the impulse of the spirit to the temple. And when the parents brought the child Jesus in for them to do what was the custom of the law concerning him, 28he took him in his arms and blessed God and said,

29“Now, Lord,

You can let your servant go,

According to your word,

In peace,

30Because my eyes have seen your salvation,

31Which you prepared in front of all peoples:

32A light for revelation to the Gentiles

And for the glory of your people Israel.”

33Joseph and his mother were amazed at the things said concerning him, 34but Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary his mother, “Behold, he is destined to be an occasion of falling and rising of many in Israel, and a sign spoken against. 35And a sword will cut through your own soul also, in order that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” 36Also, there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher – she was very elderly and had lived with her husband for seven years after her marriage – 37and she was an eighty-four year old widow, who had not left the temple, serving with fastings and supplications night and day, 38and she stood by at that very hour and gave thanks to the Lord, and she spoke of him to all those who were awaiting redemption in Jerusalem. 39Then when they had completed all the things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town, Nazareth. 40So the child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him. 41And his parents went to Jerusalem every year for the festival of the Passover. 42Then when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the festival, 43and when they had spent the days there, as they returned, the boy Jesus remained in Jerusalem, but neither Joseph nor his mother knew it, 44but they supposed he was in the group of travellers, and they went a day's journey and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances, 45and when they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem looking for him. 46And it was after three days that they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and questioning them, 47and all those listening to him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48Then when they saw him, they were astounded, and his mother said to him, “My child, why have you acted this way to us? You can see that your father and I have been very worried looking for you.” 49Then he said to them, “How come you were looking for me? Did you not know that I need to be immersed in my father's affairs?” 50But they did not understand the remark which he made to them. 51Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was subject to them. But his mother kept all these remarks in her heart. 52Meanwhile Jesus progressed in wisdom and stature, and in grace with God and men.

Reference(s) in Chapter 2: v.11 ↔ Isaiah 9:5MT (Isaiah 9:6AV) ● v.23 ↔ Exodus 13:2 ● v.24 ↔ Leviticus 12:6 ● v.32 ↔ Isaiah 42:6, Isaiah 49:6.

Luke Chapter 3

1Now in the fifteenth year of the government of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judaea, and Herod was tetrarch of Galilee, and Philip his brother was tetrarch of Ituraea and the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias was tetrarch of Abilene, 2at the time when Annas and Caiaphas were high priest, the word of God came to John the son of Zacharias in the desert, 3and he went to the whole area around the Jordan, proclaiming the baptism of repentance for forgiveness of sins, 4as it stands written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, where he says,

The voice of one crying out in the desert,

‘Prepare the way of the Lord;

Make his paths straight.

5Every ravine will be filled in,

And every mountain and hill will be made level,

And the crooked places will be made straight,

And the rough tracks will be made smooth roads.

6And all flesh will see the salvation of God.’ ”

7Then he said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You offspring of adders, who has intimated to you to flee from the coming wrath? 8Well then, produce fruit worthy of repentance, and do not start saying to yourselves, ‘We have our father Abraham.’ For I tell you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones, 9and the axe also already lies at the root of the trees. For every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” 10Then the crowds questioned him and said, “What shall we do, then?” 11At this he replied and said to them, “Let him who has two tunics share with him who does not have any, and let him who has food do likewise.” 12Then some tax collectors also came to be baptized, and they said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” 13And he said to them, “Do not exact any more than you have been authorized.” 14Then some men on military service also questioned him, and they said, “And as for us, what shall we do?” At that he said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone or falsely accuse anyone, and be satisfied with your pay.” 15Moreover, since the people were in expectation and everyone was considering John in their hearts, as to whether he might be the Christ, 16John reacted and said to them all, “I baptize you with water. But he who is mightier than me is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not fit to unloose. He will baptize you with holy spirit and fire, 17and his winnowing fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly cleanse his threshing floor and gather the wheat into his store, but he will burn up the chaff with inextinguishable fire.” 18Then in many other respects he comforted and brought good tidings to the people. 19But Herod the tetrarch, because he was being rebuked by him concerning Herodias the wife of his brother, and concerning all the wicked things Herod had done, 20added this as well to everything and shut John up in prison. 21Then it came to pass, when all the people had been baptized, and Jesus had been baptized and was praying, that heaven was opened, 22and the holy spirit descended in a bodily form like a dove on him, and a voice from heaven came and said, “You are my beloved son; I am very pleased with you.” 23Now Jesus himself was about thirty years old, beginning his ministry, being, as was reckoned by law, the son-in-law of Joseph, who was the son-in-law of Heli, 24who was the son of Mattath, who was the son of Levi, who was the son of Melchi, who was the son of Janna, who was the son of Joseph, 25who was the son of Mattathiah, who was the son of Amos, who was the son of Naum, who was the son of Esli, who was the son of Naggai, 26who was the son of Maath, who was the son of Mattathiah, who was the son of Semei, who was the son of Joseph, who was the son of Judah, 27who was the son of Johanan, who was the son of Resha, who was the son of Zerubbabel, who was the son of Shealtiel, who was the son of Neri, 28who was the son of Melchi, who was the son of Addi, who was the son of Cosam, who was the son of Elmodam, who was the son of Er, 29who was the son of Jose, who was the son of Eliezer, who was the son of Jorim, who was the son of Mattath, who was the son of Levi, 30who was the son of Simeon who was the son of Judah, who was the son of Joseph, who was the son of Jonah, who was the son of Eliakim, 31who was the son of Melea, who was the son of Menan, who was the son of Mattattah, who was the son of Nathan, who was the son of David, 32who was the son of Jesse, who was the son of Obed, who was the son of Boaz, who was the son of Salmon, who was the son of Nahshon, 33who was the son of Amminadab, who was the son of Ram, who was the son of Hezron, who was the son of Perez, who was the son of Judah, 34who was the son of Jacob, who was the son of Isaac, who was the son of Abraham, who was the son of Terah, who was the son of Nahor, 35who was the son of Serug, who was the son of Reu, who was the son of Peleg, who was the son of Eber, who was the son of Salah, 36who was the son of Cainan, who was the son of Arphaxad, who was the son of Shem, who was the son of Noah, who was the son of Lamech, 37who was the son of Methuselah, who was the son of Enoch, who was the son of Jared, who was the son of Mahalaleel, who was the son of Cainan, 38who was the son of Enos, who was the son of Seth, who was the son of Adam, who was the son of God.

Reference(s) in Chapter 3: v.4 ↔ Isaiah 40:3 ● v.5 ↔ Isaiah 40:4 ● v.6 ↔ Isaiah 40:5.

Luke Chapter 4

1Then Jesus, who was full of holy spirit, returned from the Jordan, and he was led by the spirit into the desert, 2and he was tempted by the devil for forty days, and he did not eat anything in those days. Then when they were completed – after all this – he was hungry. 3The devil said to him, “If you are the son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” 4At this Jesus answered him and said, “It stands written: ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.’ ” 5Then the devil led him up to a high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time, 6and the devil said to him, “I will give you all this authority, and their glory, because it has been given to me, and I give it to whomever I wish, 7so if you worship me, all that will be yours.” 8Then Jesus answered him and said, “Off with you behind me, Satan. It stands written: ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and you shall serve him only.’ ” 9Next he led him to Jerusalem, and he stood him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the son of God, throw yourself down from here, 10for it stands written:

‘He will command his angels concerning you

To protect you’,

11and,

‘They will bear you on their hands

So that you don't strike your foot against a stone.’ ”

12At this Jesus responded and said to him, “It has been spoken: ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’ ” 13Then having finished each temptation, the devil withdrew from him for a while, 14and Jesus returned in the power of the spirit to Galilee. Then a report about him spread throughout the entire surrounding region, 15and he himself taught in their synagogues, and he was glorified by all. 16Then he went to Nazareth where he had been brought up, and in accordance with his custom, he went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read. 17Now the book of the prophet Isaiah was handed over to him, and he unrolled the book, and he found the place where it was written:

18The spirit of the Lord is on me,

On account of which he has anointed me

To bring good tidings to the poor.

He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted,

To proclaim release to captives,

And recovery of sight to the blind,

To send the wounded off discharged,

19To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”

20Then he rolled the book up and returned it to the attendant, and he sat down. Now the eyes of everyone in the synagogue were looking at him intently, 21but he went on to say to them, “Today, this scripture has been fulfilled in your ears.” 22So they all bore witness to him, and they were astounded at the words of grace coming from his mouth, and they said, “Isn't this the son of Joseph?” 23At this he said to them, “You will no doubt tell me this adage: ‘Doctor, cure yourself. All the things we have heard which took place in Capernaum, do also here in your native country.’ ” 24And he said, “Truly, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his native country, 25and I say to you truthfully, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when heaven had been closed for three years and six months, when there was a severe famine in all the land, 26and Elijah was not sent to any of them except to Sarepta in Sidon, to a widowed woman. 27Also, there were many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian.” 28Then they were all filled with anger in the synagogue on hearing these things, 29and they rose up and threw him out of the town, and they led him to the brow of the mountain on which their town had been built, intending to throw him off a precipice, 30but he slipped through the thick of them and went his way. 31Then he came down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and he would teach them on the Sabbath days, 32and they were astonished at his teaching, because his word was with authority. 33Now there was a man in the synagogue possessed by a spirit of an unclean demon, and he shouted out in a loud voice, 34and he said, “Hey, what have you got to do with us, Jesus the Nazarene? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are – the holy one of God.” 35Then Jesus rebuked it and said, “Be silent and come out of him.” At this the demon threw him right in among them, and it came out of him, not having harmed him in any way. 36And astonishment came upon them all, and they spoke to each other and said, “What kind of speech is this, where he commands the unclean spirits with authority and power, and they come out?” 37Consequently, rumours about him spread to every place in the surrounding area. 38Then he left the synagogue and went to Simon's house. Now Simon's mother-in-law was in the grip of a severe fever, and they appealed to him concerning her. 39So he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her, and immediately she got up and waited on them. 40Then when the sun was setting, all those who had folk sick with various diseases brought them to him, and he laid his hands on each one of them and cured them. 41Demons also came out of many of them, shouting and saying, “You are the Christ the son of God”, but he rebuked them and did not allow them to speak, because they knew he was the Christ. 42Then when it was day, he departed and went to a desolate place, but the crowds looked for him and came up to him and tried to stop him moving on from them. 43So he said to them, “I must also announce good tidings of the kingdom of God to the other towns, because this is what I have been sent for.” 44Then he would proclaim it in the synagogues of Galilee.

Reference(s) in Chapter 4: v.4 ↔ Deuteronomy 8:3 ● v.8 ↔ Deuteronomy 6:13, Deuteronomy 10:20 ● v.10 ↔ Psalm 91:11 ● v.11 ↔ Psalm 91:12 ● v.12 ↔ Deuteronomy 6:16 ● v.18 ↔ Isaiah 61:1, Isaiah 58:6, Isaiah 35:5 ● v.19 ↔ Isaiah 61:2 ● v.26 ↔ 1 Kings 17:9.

Luke Chapter 5

1Then it came to pass, when the crowd were pressing him so as to hear the word of God, and he himself was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, 2that he saw two boats standing by the lake. The fishermen had disembarked from them and had washed out their nets. 3So he went on board one of the boats, which was Simon's, and he asked him to put out to sea away from the land a little. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. 4Then when he had stopped speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out to the deep water and lower your nets for a catch.” 5At this Simon answered and said to him, “Master, we have toiled all night long but caught nothing. But at your word I will lower the net.” 6Then they did this, and they enclosed a very large number of fish, but their net was beginning to tear, 7so they beckoned to their colleagues, who were in the other boat, to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats, so much so that they were on the point of sinking. 8Then when Simon Peter saw it, he fell at Jesus's knees and said, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, Lord.” 9For astonishment had gripped him, and all those with him, at the catch of the fish which they had taken. 10So too had astonishment gripped James and John, Zebedee's sons, who were companions of Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will be catching men.” 11Then they brought the boats in to land, and they left everything and followed him. 12And it came to pass when he was in one of the towns that there was a man infected with leprosy, and when he saw Jesus, he fell face down and pleaded with him, and he said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can cleanse me.” 13At this he stretched out his hand and touched him, and he said, “I am willing; be cleansed.” And immediately the leprosy departed from him. 14Then he instructed him not to tell anyone, but, he said, “Go off and show yourself to the priest and make an offering for your cleansing, as Moses prescribed, as a testimony to them.” 15But the report about him spread all the more, and many crowds would gather to hear him and to be cured of their infirmities by him. 16However, he would withdraw to the desolate places and pray. 17Then it came to pass, on one of those days, that he was teaching, and there were Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting there, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judaea, and from Jerusalem, and the power of the Lord was present to cure them. 18And there were men bringing a man who was paralysed, on a bed, and they kept trying to bring him in and set him before him, 19but not finding a way by which they might bring him in, on account of the crowd, they went up onto the roof and lowered him, bed and all, through the tiles in among them in front of Jesus. 20And seeing their faith, he said to him, “Sir, you have been forgiven your sins.” 21Then the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, and they said, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 22But having discerned their reasonings, Jesus replied and said to them, “Why are you reasoning in your hearts? 23Which is easier, to say, ‘You have been forgiven your sins’, or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? 24But in order that you may know that the son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins” – he said to the paralysed man – “I say to you, get up, and pick up your bed and go to your home.” 25And immediately he got up in their presence, and he picked up what he had been lying on, and he went away to his home, glorifying God. 26At this, amazement gripped them all, and they glorified God, and they were filled with fear, and they said, “We have seen wonders today.” 27Then after these things he went away and saw a tax collector by name of Levi, sitting at the tax collection point, and he said to him, “Follow me.” 28And he left everything and got up and followed him. 29Then Levi organized a big reception in his house for him, and there was a large crowd of tax collectors and others who were sitting with them. 30However, the Pharisees and their scribes complained to his disciples and said, “Why do you eat and drink with the tax collectors and sinners?” 31So Jesus answered and said to them, “It is not those who are in good health who need a doctor, but those who are ill. 32I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” 33Then they said to him, “Why do John's disciples fast frequently and make supplications, as those of the Pharisees do for their part, whereas yours eat and drink?” 34He then said to them, “Surely you can't make the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? 35But such days will come, and when the bridegroom is taken away from them, then – in those days – they will fast.” 36And he told them a parable: “No-one puts a patch of new cloth on an old garment, otherwise the new one will tear, and that of the new material will not be compatible with the old. 37And no-one puts new wine in old wineskins, or else the new wine will tear the wineskins and will itself be spilt, and the wineskins will be ruined. 38But new wine needs to be put in new wineskins, so both are preserved together. 39And no-one who has drunk old wine immediately wants new. For he says, ‘The old is more palatable.’ ”

Luke Chapter 6

1Now it came to pass on a high day Sabbath that he was crossing through the cornfields, and his disciples were plucking ears of corn and eating them, rubbing them with their hands. 2And some of the Pharisees said to them, “Why are you doing what it is not permitted to do on the Sabbath days?” 3So Jesus replied to them and said, “Have you not read this – what David did when he was hungry – he and those with him – 4when he went into the house of God and took the showbread loaves and ate from them, and gave some to those who were with him as well, loaves which it is not permitted to eat, except for the priests alone?” 5So he said to them, “The son of man is the Lord of the Sabbath as well.” 6And it also came to pass on another Sabbath that he went into the synagogue and gave teaching, and there was a man there whose right hand was withered. 7The scribes and the Pharisees, however, watched carefully to see whether he would heal on the Sabbath, in order to find an accusation against him. 8But he knew their reasonings, and he said to the man who had a withered hand, “Get up and stand in full view.” And he got up and stood there. 9So Jesus said to them, “I will ask you something. Is it permitted to do good or bad – to save life or to kill – on the Sabbath days?” 10Then he looked round at them all and said to him, “Stretch out your hand.” So he did that, and his hand was restored as sound as the other one. 11But they were filled with senselessness, and they discussed with each other what they might do to Jesus. 12And it came to pass in those days that he went out to the mountain to pray, and he passed the night in prayer to God. 13Then when day came, he called his disciples and chose twelve of them, whom he also named apostles: 14Simon, whom he also named Peter, and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, 15Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon who was called the Zealot, 16Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who for his part became a traitor. 17Then he went down with them, and he stood in a place on the plain, and there was a crowd of his disciples, and a very large number of the people from the whole of Judaea and Jerusalem and the coastal area of Tyre and Sidon, who had come to hear him and to be cured of their diseases. 18There were also those troubled by unclean spirits, and they were healed. 19And the whole crowd kept trying to touch him, because power would go out from him and cure everyone. 20Then he lifted up his eyes to his disciples and said,

“Blessed are you poor,

Because yours is the kingdom of God.

21Blessed are you who are hungry now,

For you will be satisfied.

Blessed are you who weep now,

Because you will laugh.

22Blessed are you when men hate you,

And when they ostracize you

And reproach you

And reject your name as evil,

On account of the son of man.

23Rejoice on that day and leap for joy,

For you will see that your reward is great in heaven.

After all, their fathers acted along those lines towards the prophets.

24But woe to you who are rich,

Because you have your due consolation.

25Woe to you who have been filled,

For you will be hungry.

Woe to you who are laughing now,

For you will mourn and weep.

26Woe when men speak well of you.

After all, their fathers acted along those lines towards the false prophets.

27But I say to you who are listening, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28bless those who curse you; pray for those who deal spitefully with you. 29To him who hits you on the cheek, offer the other one also, and from him who takes your coat, do not withhold your tunic either. 30And give to everyone who asks you, and do not ask for anything back from him who takes your goods. 31And as you would want men to do to you, do the same to them yourselves for your part. 32And if you love those who love you, what kind of graciousness is that to you? For even the sinners love those who love them. 33And if you do good to those who do good to you, what kind of graciousness is that to you? For even the sinners do the same. 34And if you lend things to those from whom you hope to get them back, what kind of graciousness is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners on terms that they get the same things back. 35But love your enemies, and do good, and lend not hoping for anything back, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the unthankful and wicked. 36So be compassionate, as your father is compassionate for his part. 37And do not judge, and you will not be judged at all. Do not condemn, so that you will not be condemned at all. Acquit others, and you will be acquitted. 38Give, and you will be given. They will give you a good measure, compacted and shaken and overflowing in your bosom. For with the same measure with which you measure, it will be measured to you in turn.” 39Then he told them a parable. “Surely a blind man cannot guide a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? 40The disciple is not above his teacher, but each will be equipped like his teacher. 41And why do you look at the splinter in your brother's eye, but not notice the joist in your own eye? 42Or how can you say to your brother, ‘My brother, let me extract the splinter in your eye’, not seeing the joist in your own eye yourself? You hypocrite! First extract the joist from your eye, and then you will see clearly to extract the splinter in your brother's eye. 43For there is no good tree which produces rotten fruit, nor is there a rotten tree which produces good fruit. 44For each tree is known by its own fruit. For one does not gather figs from thorn plants, nor does one harvest a bunch of grapes from a bramble bush. 45A good man produces what is good from the good store of his heart, whereas the wicked man produces wickedness from the wicked store of his heart. For his mouth speaks from the overflow of his heart. 46Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord’, but do not do what I say? 47I will show you what everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them is like. 48He is like a man who built a house, who dug and went deep and laid a foundation on rock. Then when a flood came, the river beat against that house, but it was not strong enough to shake it, for it had been founded on rock. 49But he who hears but does not do accordingly is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation, against which the river beat, so that it immediately collapsed, and the devastation of that house was severe.”

Luke Chapter 7

1Then when he had finished all his words in the hearing of the people, he went to Capernaum. 2Now the servant of a certain centurion, who was highly valued by him, was ill and on the point of dying, 3and having heard about Jesus, he sent Jewish elders to him requesting him to come and save his servant. 4Then when they had come to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, and they said that he to whom he would grant this was worthy of it, 5and they said, “For he loves our nation, and he himself built the synagogue for us.” 6So Jesus went with them, and by the time he was not far away from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, who said to him, “Lord, do not put yourself to trouble, for I am not worthy that you should come in under my roof, 7which is why I have not considered myself worthy to come to you either. But just say the word and my servant will be cured. 8For indeed I am a man appointed under a system of authority, having soldiers under me, and I say to one, ‘Go’, and he goes, and to another, ‘Come’, and he comes, and to my servant, ‘Do this’, and he does it.” 9When Jesus heard these things, he was astonished at him, and he turned and said to the crowd who were following him, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found so much faith.” 10Then those who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant who had been ailing in good health. 11And it came to pass soon afterwards that he went to a town called Nain, and a considerable number of his disciples went with him, and also a large crowd, 12and when he approached the gate of the town, it transpired that a dead youth was being carried out – the only-begotten son of his mother – and she was a widow, and a considerable crowd from the town was with her. 13Then when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, “Don't cry.” 14And he went up and touched the coffin, and the bearers stood still, and he said, “Young man, I say to you, get up.” 15At this the dead youth sat up and began to speak. Then he gave him to his mother. 16Then fear gripped everyone, and they glorified God, and they said, “A great prophet has arisen among us”, and, “God has visited his people.” 17And this report about him spread in the whole of Judaea and in all the neighbouring area. 18Moreover, John's disciples reported back to him concerning all these things, 19at which John called for a certain two of his disciples and sent them to Jesus to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” 20Then when the men had come to him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to you asking, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?’ ” 21Now in that very hour he cured many of their diseases and infirmities and evil spirits, and he granted many blind their sight. 22And Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and report back to John what you have seen and heard: that the blind recover their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear again, the dead are raised; good tidings are preached to the poor. 23And blessed is whoever does not stumble at me.” 24Then when John's messengers had departed, he began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out in the desert to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 25Well then, what did you go out to see? A man clothed in delicate clothes? You know that people in elegant clothing and living in luxury are to be found in royal palaces. 26So what then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and one more eminent than a prophet. 27This man is he about whom it stands written:

‘See how I am sending my messenger in front of you,

And he will prepare your way ahead of you.’

28For I say to you, no-one among those born from women is a greater prophet than John the Baptist, but he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” 29Then when all the people had heard it, including the tax collectors, they pronounced God righteous, having been baptized with John's baptism. 30But the Pharisees and scholars in the law rejected God's counsel to them and were not baptized by him. 31“To whom then shall I liken the men of this generation, and to what are they similar? 32They are like children sitting in the market place and calling to each other, and saying,

‘We have played the flute to you,

But you have not danced.

We have sung you a dirge,

But you have not wept.’

33For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He is possessed by a demon.’ 34The son of man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look, a gluttonous and wine-drinking man, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ 35But wisdom is justified by all her children.” 36Then one of the Pharisees asked him to dine with him. So he went into the Pharisee's house and reclined. 37Now there was a woman in the town, who was a sinner, who had found out that he was reclining in the Pharisee's house, and she brought an alabaster box of ointment, 38and she stood at his feet weeping behind him, and she began to wet his feet with the tears and wipe them off with the hairs of her head, and she kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. 39But when the Pharisee who had invited him saw it, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who, and what kind of woman, it is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.” 40At this Jesus reacted and said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” Then he said, “Teacher, say it.” 41“There were two debtors to a certain money-lender. One owed five hundred denaries, the other fifty. 42Since they did not have the means to repay, he waived the debt for both of them. Which of them, then”, he said, “will love him more?” 43Simon answered and said, “I suppose the one for whom he waived the greater debt.” Then he said to him, “You have judged correctly.” 44Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house, but you did not put water on my feet. But she wet my feet with tears and wiped them off with the hairs of her head. 45You did not give me a kiss. But from the time I came in, she did not stop kissing my feet. 46You did not anoint my head with oil, but she anointed my feet with ointment. 47For this reason I say to you, her many sins have been forgiven, so that she loved me a lot. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.” 48And he said to her, “Your sins have been forgiven.” 49Then those reclining at table with him began to say to themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” 50But he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”

Reference(s) in Chapter 7: v.27 ↔ Malachi 3:1.

Luke Chapter 8

1Then it came to pass shortly afterwards that he travelled from city to city and village to village preaching and bringing good tidings of the kingdom of God, the twelve being with him also, 2as also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and illnesses: Mary who is called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had come out, 3and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod's administrator, and Susanna and many others, and they attended to them with their own resources. 4Then when a large crowd had assembled and people of various towns had come to him, he spoke using a parable: 5“A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed it, some fell beside the road and was trodden on, and the birds of the sky ate it up. 6And some fell on rock, where, after growing, it dried up, because it did not have moisture. 7And some fell amid the thorn bushes, and when the thorn plants had grown up with it, they smothered it. 8And other seed fell onto good ground, and it grew up, and it produced a hundredfold yield.” While he was saying these things, he would call out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” 9But his disciples questioned him and said, “What does this parable mean?” 10Then he said, “To you it is granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest they are described in parables,

In order that they might see

But not have an eye to them,

And hear

But not understand.

11Now this is the meaning of the parable. The seed is the word of God. 12Those beside the road are they who hear, but then the devil comes and removes the word from their hearts, in order that they might not believe and be saved. 13Those on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy, but these do not have root, and they believe for a while, but in a time of testing they fall away. 14That which fell into the thorn bushes is those who hear but are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life as they go, and they do not go on to produce fruit. 15But that on the good ground is those with a noble and good heart who hear the word and hold on to it and bear fruit with patience. 16No-one who has lit a lamp hides it with a container or puts it under a bed, but rather puts it on a lampstand so that those who come in can see the light. 17For there is nothing hidden that will not become manifest, nor anything secret that will not become known and come into the open. 18So watch out how you hear. For whoever has something, more will be given to him, but whoever does not have anything, even that which he thinks he has will be taken from him.” 19Then his mother and brothers came to him, but they were unable to reach him on account of the crowd. 20And it was reported to him by people saying, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.” 21But he replied and said to them, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.” 22Then it came to pass in one of those days that he went on board a boat, as did his disciples, and he said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side of the lake.” So they set sail. 23Now as they were sailing, he fell asleep. Then a squall descended on the lake, and they were filling up with water, and they were in danger. 24So they went to him, and they woke him up and said, “Master, master, we are in mortal danger.” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and the dashing of the water, and they stopped, and it became calm. 25Then he said to them, “Where is your faith?” But they were afraid and astonished, and they said to each other, “Who is this then, in that he even commands the winds and water, and they obey him?” 26Then they put in at the region of the Gadarenes, which is on the opposite side to Galilee. 27And when he had disembarked onto land, a certain man from the town met him, a man who had been possessed by demons for a considerable time, and who was not wearing any outer clothing, and who did not stay at home, but among the tombs. 28And when he saw Jesus, he shouted out and fell down at him and said in a loud voice, “What have I to do with you, Jesus, son of the Most High God? I implore you, do not torment me.” 29For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man, for it had held him in its grip for a long time, and he was kept under guard bound with chains and fetters, but he would break the bonds and be driven by the demon into desolate places. 30Then Jesus questioned him and said, “What is your name?” And he said, “Legion”, for many demons had entered him. 31And he pleaded with him not to command them to go away into the abyss. 32Now there was a herd there of a considerable number of pigs feeding on the mountain, and they pleaded with him to allow them to go into them. At this he allowed them. 33Then when the demons had come out of the man, they went into the pigs, whereupon the herd rushed headlong down the cliff into the lake and drowned. 34Then when the herdsmen saw what had happened, they fled and reported it in the city and in the fields. 35So they came out to see what had happened, and they came to Jesus, and they found the man out of whom the demons had come sitting down, clothed, and in his senses, at the feet of Jesus, and they were afraid. 36Then those who had actually seen it related to them how he who had been possessed by demons had been cured. 37However, the whole populace of the surrounding area of the Gadarenes asked him to depart from them, because they were gripped by a great fear. So he went on board a boat and returned. 38But the man out of whom the demons had come implored him to stay with him. However, Jesus sent him away, saying, 39“Return to your home, and tell them about what God has done for you.” At this he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city what Jesus had done for him. 40Then it came to pass when Jesus returned that the crowd welcomed him, for they were all awaiting him, 41and the next thing that happened was that a man, whose name was Jairus, who was president of the synagogue, came and fell at Jesus's feet and implored him to come into his house, 42because he had an only-begotten daughter, twelve years old, and she was dying. And as he went off, the crowds pressed him, 43and a woman who had been suffering from a haemorrhage for twelve years, who had spent all her life-savings on doctors, but who had not been able to be cured by anyone, 44came up from behind and touched the hem of his coat, and immediately her haemorrhage stopped. 45At this Jesus said, “Who is it who touched me?” Since everyone denied it, Peter and those with him said, “Master, the crowds are pressing you and thronging you, yet you ask, ‘Who is it who touched me?’ ” 46But Jesus said, “Someone touched me, for I am aware that power has gone out from me.” 47Then when the woman saw that she had not gone unnoticed, she came trembling and fell down at him and explained to him in the presence of all the people the reason why she had touched him, and how she had been cured immediately. 48He then said to her, “Be of good courage, my daughter, your faith has cured you. Go in peace.” 49While he was still speaking, someone came from the entourage of the president of the synagogue saying to him, “Your daughter has died; do not trouble the teacher.” 50But when Jesus heard it, he replied to him and said, “Do not fear; just believe, and she will be saved.” 51Then when he had come to the house, he did not permit anyone to go in, except Peter and John and James and the father of the child, and the mother. 52Everyone was weeping, and mourning her. But he said, “Do not weep; she has not died, but is sleeping.” 53They then ridiculed him, since they knew that she had died. 54But he sent them all out and held her hand and called out and said, “Child, get up”, 55at which her spirit returned, and she immediately stood up. Then he ordered her to be given something to eat. 56And her parents were astonished, but he instructed them not to tell anyone what had taken place.

Reference(s) in Chapter 8: v.10 ↔ Isaiah 6:9, Isaiah 6:10.

Luke Chapter 9

1Next he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all the demons, and to cure diseases, 2and he sent them away to proclaim the kingdom of God and to cure those who were ill. 3And he said to them, “Do not take anything for the journey, neither staffs nor wallet, nor bread, nor money, nor have two coats each, 4and stay in whatever house you go into, and go out from there. 5But as for whoever does not receive you, go out of that city and shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them.” 6So they departed and passed through from village to village bringing good tidings and healing people everywhere. 7Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all the things being done by him, and he was quite put out, with it being said by some that John had been raised from the dead, 8and by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the ancient prophets had risen. 9Then Herod said, “I had John beheaded. So who is this about whom I hear such things?” And he looked for a way to see him. 10Meanwhile the apostles returned and described to him the things which they had done, at which he took them along and withdrew privately to a deserted place in the city called Bethsaida, 11but the crowds, having come to know about it, followed him. Nevertheless, he received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and he cured those who needed curing. 12Then the day began to decline, and the twelve came up and said to him, “Send the crowd away, so that they can go off to the surrounding villages and fields to lodge and find provisions, because here we are in a desolate place.” 13But he said to them, “You give them something to eat.” They then said, “We do not have more than five loaves and two fish, unless we go to buy food for all these people.” 14After all, there were about five thousand men there. Then he said to his disciples, “Seat them in groups of fifty.” 15So they did this, and they had them all recline. 16Then he took the five loaves and the two fish, and he looked up to heaven and blessed them, and he broke them and gave them to the disciples to serve to the crowd. 17And they all ate and were filled, and the fragments they left over were picked up: twelve basketsful. 18Subsequently, it came to pass when he was praying on his own, that his disciples were with him, and he questioned them and asked, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” 19They answered and said, “John the Baptist, while others say Elijah, and others that one of the ancient prophets has risen.” 20Then he said to them, “But who do you say I am?” Peter then answered and said, “The Christ of God.” 21At this he warned them and forbade them to tell anyone this, 22and he said, “The son of man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and senior priests and scribes, and be killed, and rise on the third day.” 23Then he said to everyone, “If anyone wishes to follow me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 24For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but it is whoever loses his life for my sake who will save it. 25For how is man benefitted if he has gained the whole world but has lost or suffered damage to his very self? 26For whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the son of man will be ashamed of him when he enters into his glory and that of the father and that of the holy angels. 27And I say to you, truly, there are some of those standing here who will certainly not taste death until they see the kingdom of God.” 28Then it came to pass about eight days after these words that he took Peter and John and James along with him and went up the mountain to pray. 29And as he was praying, the appearance of his face became different, and his clothing became white as it flashed like lightning. 30Then two men, who were Moses and Elijah, became visible and were talking with him, 31and they appeared in glory, and they were speaking of his departure from this life, which he was about to fulfil in Jerusalem. 32Then Peter and those with him were weighed down with sleep, but on waking up they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. 33And it came to pass as they moved away from him that Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here, so let us make three booths, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah”, not knowing what he was saying. 34But as he was saying these things, a cloud materialized and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as the two aforementioned went into the cloud. 35Then a voice came out of the cloud and said, “This is my beloved son. Hear him.” 36And when the voice had passed, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silence and did not disclose to anyone in those days anything of what they had seen. 37Then it came to pass on the next day when they had come down from the mountain that a large crowd met him. 38And it so happened that a man from the crowd shouted out and said, “Teacher, I implore you to have an eye to my son, for he is my only-begotten child, 39and what happens is that a spirit gets possession of him, and he suddenly shouts out, and it convulses him with foaming, and it hardly recedes from him as it crushes him. 40And I pleaded with your disciples to cast it out, but they couldn't.” 41At this, Jesus replied and said, “O faithless and wayward generation, how long will I be with you and endure you? Bring your son here.” 42Even as he was coming, the demon tore at him and convulsed him. Jesus, however, rebuked the unclean spirit and healed the child and gave him back to his father. 43And they were all astonished at the majesty of God. And while they all marvelled at everything Jesus did, he said to his disciples, 44“Lay these words to your ears. For the son of man is going to be delivered into the hands of men.” 45But they failed to understand this remark, and it was veiled from them, so that they did not understand it, and they were afraid to ask him about this remark. 46Then a dispute arose among them as to who might be the greatest of them. 47But Jesus, having seen the disputing of their heart, took hold of a child and stood him next to himself, 48and he said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For it is he who is least among you all who will be great.” 49Then John responded and said, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we prevented him, because he does not follow with us.” 50But Jesus said to him, “Do not prevent him, for he who is not against us is for us.” 51Now it came to pass, towards the completion of the days to him being taken up, that he resolutely disposed himself to go to Jerusalem. 52And he sent messengers ahead of him, who departed and went into a village of the Samaritans, to make preparations for him. 53But they did not receive him, because he was heading for Jerusalem. 54Then when his disciples James and John saw him, they said, “Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and destroy them, as Elijah did for his part?” 55But he turned round and rebuked them and said, “You do not know what kind of spirit you are. 56For the son of man did not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them.” Then they went to another village. 57Then it came to pass as they were going on the way that someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go, Lord.” 58But Jesus said to him, “The foxes have dens, and the birds of the sky have nests, but the son of man does not have anywhere to lay his head.” 59He also said to someone else, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, allow me to go off and bury my father first.” 60However, Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead. But you go off and proclaim the kingdom of God.” 61Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord. But first allow me to bid farewell to those in my house.” 62But Jesus said to him, “No-one, having put his hand to the plough, but looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”

Luke Chapter 10

1Then after these things the Lord appointed another seventy in addition, and he sent them in twos ahead of him into every town and place where he was going to go himself. 2Then he said to them, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So entreat the Lord of the harvest to send out workers to his harvest. 3Off you go. Mark this, I am sending you as lambs in the midst of wolves. 4Do not carry a purse or wallet, or footwear, and do not greet anyone on the way. 5In whatever house you go into, first say, ‘Peace to this household.’ 6And if there is a man of peace there, your peace will rest on him. But if not, it will turn back on you. 7And remain in that house eating and drinking what they provide, for the worker is worthy of his wages. Do not move from house to house. 8So in whatever town you go into and they receive you, eat what is served to you, 9and cure the sick in it, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has drawn close to you.’ 10But as for whatever town you go into and they don't receive you, go out into its streets and say, 11‘We are wiping away even the dust from your town which has stuck to us, so testifying against you. But know this, that the kingdom of God has drawn close to you.’ 12And I say to you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on that day than for that town. 13Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the deeds of power which have taken place in you had taken place in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented sitting in sackcloth and ashes a long time ago. 14However, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon than for you towns in the judgment. 15And you, Capernaum, which have been elevated to heaven, will be brought down to Hades. 16He who hears you hears me, and he who rejects you rejects me, and he who rejects me rejects him who sent me.” 17Subsequently, the seventy returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name.” 18He then said to them, “I watched Satan fall from heaven like lightning. 19Here you are, I give you the authority to tread on serpents and scorpions and over every power of the enemy, and nothing at all will harm you. 20But do not rejoice at this, in that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice in that your names have been written in the heavens.” 21At that hour, Jesus rejoiced in the spirit and said, “I give thanks to you, father, Lord of heaven and the earth, in that you have hidden these things from the wise and clever and have revealed them to infants. Indeed, father, because this met with your approval”. 22Then he turned to his disciples and said, “Everything has been handed over to me by my father. And no-one knows who the son is except the father, and who the father is except the son, and whoever the son wishes to reveal it to.” 23Then he turned to the disciples and said privately, “Blessed are the eyes which see what you see. 24For I say to you that many prophets and kings have wanted to see the things which you see but did not see them, and to hear the things which you hear but did not hear them.” 25Then what happened was that a certain scholar in the law stood up, testing him, and he said, “Teacher, by doing what will I inherit age-abiding life?” 26At this, he said to him, “What stands written in the law? How do you read it?” 27He then replied and said, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbour as yourself.” 28Then he said to him, “You have answered correctly. Do this and you shall live.” 29But wishing to justify himself, he said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbour?” 30Jesus then rejoined and said, “A certain man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers who for their part stripped him and gave him a beating and went off leaving him, as his fate would have it, half dead. 31And by chance a certain priest was going down by that road, and when he saw him, he passed by opposite. 32And likewise also a Levite, who had come down to the place, came and saw him, and he passed by opposite. 33But a certain Samaritan on a journey came down to him and saw him, and he had compassion on him, 34and he went to him and bound up his wounds, and he poured oil and wine on them, and he mounted him on his own beast, and he brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35Then on the next day when he departed, he produced two denaries, and he gave them to the inn-keeper and said to him, ‘Take care of him, and whatever you spend in addition I will repay you when I return.’ 36Which, then, of these three do you consider to have emerged as the neighbour of him who fell among the robbers?” 37He then said, “He who showed him compassion.” So Jesus said to him, “You go too, and do likewise.” 38Then it came to pass as they were on the move that he went into a certain village, and a certain woman by name of Martha received him into her house. 39Now this woman had a sister called Mary, who had sat down beside Jesus's feet and was listening to his words. 40But Martha was distracted with a lot of serving. Then she came up and said, “Lord, are you not concerned that my sister has left me alone to do the serving? So tell her to assist me.” 41But Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and agitated about many things. 42But one thing is needed. And Mary has chosen the good part, which will not be taken away from her.”

Reference(s) in Chapter 10: v.27 ↔ Leviticus 19:18, Deuteronomy 6:5.

Luke Chapter 11

1And it came to pass when he was praying in a certain place, when he stopped, that one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John for his part taught his disciples.” 2So he said to them, “When you pray, say,

‘Our father in the heavens,

May your name be sanctified.

May your kingdom come.

May your will be done,

As in heaven,

So on the earth.

3Give us our oncoming bread daily,

4And forgive us our sins,

For indeed we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us.

And do not lead us into temptation,

But save us from evil.’ ”

5Then he said to them, “Who among you has a friend, and would go to him in the middle of the night and say to him, ‘My friend, lend me three loaves, 6because a friend has arrived at my house from a journey, and I do not have anything to serve him’? 7Then from indoors he would reply and say, ‘Do not give me trouble. The door has already been shut and my children are with me in bed. I can't get up and give you any.’ 8I tell you, even if he will not get up and give him something because he is his friend, he will get up anyway and give him what he needs because of his shameless behaviour. 9And I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 10For everyone who asks, receives; and he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, it will be opened. 11Which of you, as the father, if your son were to ask for bread, would give him a stone? Or also if he were to ask for a fish, instead of a fish would give him a serpent? 12Or also if he were to ask for an egg, would give him a scorpion? 13So if you, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your father from heaven give holy spirit to those who ask him!” 14Subsequently, he was casting out a demon, and it was mute. And it came to pass that when the demon had come out, the mute man spoke, and the crowds were amazed. 15But some of them said, “He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons”, 16whereas others, testing him, wanted a sign from heaven from him. 17But he, knowing their cogitations, said to them, “Every kingdom which is divided against itself is made desolate, and a house divided against a house falls. 18So then, if Satan is divided against himself, how can his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out the demons by Beelzebul. 19And if I cast out the demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your people cast them out? By this logic, they themselves will be judges over you. 20But if I cast out the demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. 21As long as a strong man, fully armed, guards his estate, his possessions are in peace, 22but as soon as one stronger than he arrives and overcomes him, he will take his weaponry, in which he trusted, and he will divide his spoils. 23He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters. 24Whenever an unclean spirit comes out of a man, it traverses arid places seeking a resting place, and if it does not find it, it says, ‘I will return to my house from where I came out’, 25and when it has arrived there, it finds it swept clean and tidied up. 26Then it goes and takes seven other spirits more wicked than itself along with it, and they go and dwell there, and the latter state of that man becomes worse than the first.” 27And it came to pass as he was saying these things that a certain woman from the crowd raised her voice and said to him, “Blessed is the womb which carried you and the breasts which you sucked.” 28But he said, “Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it.” 29As the crowds continued to accumulate, he went on to say, “This generation is wicked. It is looking for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah the prophet, 30for as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so the son of man will also be to this generation. 31The queen of the south will rise in the judgment with the men of this generation and will condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here. 32The men of Nineveh will rise in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here. 33And no-one lights a lamp and puts it in a vault, or under a bushel of corn, but on a lampstand, so that those coming in can see its glow. 34The light of the body is the eye. So when your eye is clear-sighted then the whole of your body will be bright, but if it is ill-disposed then your body is dark. 35So watch out that the light in you is not actually darkness. 36Therefore, if the whole of your body is bright, not having any dark part, it will be bright all over, as when a lamp lights you up with its brilliance.” 37Now while he was speaking, a certain Pharisee asked him to dine with him, and he went and reclined at table. 38And the Pharisee, when he saw it, was astounded that he did not first perform ablutions before the meal. 39Then the Lord said to him, “Well now, you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but your inside is full of greed and wickedness. 40You fools, did not he who made the outside also make the inside? 41But give as alms inward things, and you will find that everything is clean for you. 42But woe to you, you Pharisees, because you give tithes of mint and rue, and every herb, but you pass by the judgment and love of God. You ought to have done these things, while not neglecting the former things. 43Woe to you Pharisees, for you love the privileged seating in the synagogues and the greetings in the market places. 44Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you are like the inconspicuous tombs, and the men walking around above them are unaware of them.” 45Then one of the scholars in the law answered and said to him, “Teacher, by saying these things, you are insulting us as well.” 46But he said, “Woe to you scholars in the law too, for you burden men with burdens which are hard to bear, but you yourselves do not feel what the burdens are like with a single one of your fingers. 47Woe to you, because you build the sepulchres of the prophets, but your fathers killed them. 48Consequently, you bear witness and approve of the works of your fathers, because they themselves killed them, whereas you build their sepulchres. 49On account of this the wisdom of God also said, ‘I will send prophets and apostles to them’, but they will kill some of them and persecute them, 50so that an account is required from this generation of the blood of all the prophets which has been shed since the overthrow of the world, 51from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah who perished between the altar and the house. Yes, I say to you, an account will be required from this generation. 52Woe to you scholars of the law, because you have taken away the key of knowledge. You yourselves did not go in, and you have prevented those who were going in.” 53Now while he was saying these things to them, the scribes and Pharisees began to harbour an intense grudge and to draw him out on very many matters, 54ensnaring him, looking for a way to catch something out of his mouth, in order to accuse him.

Luke Chapter 12

1Meanwhile as myriads of the crowd gathered together to the point of treading on each other, he went on to say to his disciples first, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 2There is nothing well-veiled that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not become known, 3because whatever you have said in darkness will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken to the ear in closed rooms will be proclaimed on the rooftops. 4But I say to you friends of mine, do not fear those who can kill the body but after that are unable to do anything more. 5And I will show you whom to fear. Fear him who after killing has authority to throw into Gehenna. Yes, I say to you, fear him. 6Are not five sparrows sold for two assaria? Yet not one of them is forgotten before God. 7But even the hairs on your head have all been counted. So do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows. 8And I say to you, as regards everyone who acknowledges me in the presence of men – the son of man will in turn acknowledge him before the angels of God. 9But he who denies me in the presence of men will be denied in the presence of the angels of God. 10Now as for anyone who speaks a word against the son of man, it will be forgiven him, but it will not be forgiven him who blasphemes against the holy spirit. 11And when they haul you to the synagogues and magistrates and authorities, do not be concerned about how or what you should answer in defence, or what you should say, 12for the holy spirit will teach you at that hour what it is necessary to say.” 13Then someone said to him from the crowd, “Teacher, tell my brother to share the inheritance with me.” 14But he said to him, “Sir, who appointed me as a judge or an apportioner over you?” 15And he said to them, “Watch out and guard yourselves against greed. For it is not the abundance of a person's possessions which makes up his life.” 16Then he told them a parable and said, “The estate of a certain rich man gave a good yield. 17And he thought things over and said, ‘What should I do? For I do not have anywhere to gather up my fruits into.’ 18And he said, ‘This is what I will do – I will demolish my storehouses and build bigger ones, and I will gather up there all my produce and my goods. 19And I will say to myself, «Self, you have many goods laid up for many years. Have a rest, eat, drink and be merry.» ’ 20But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night they demand your life from you. Then who will have what you have prepared?’ 21Such is he who treasures things up to himself, but who does not become rich towards God.” 22Then he said to his disciples, “This is why I say to you, do not be concerned about yourself, as to what you will eat, or about your body, as to what you will wear. 23Your life is more than food, and your body is more than its clothing. 24Observe the ravens, how they do not sow or reap, which have neither store nor barn, yet God feeds them. How much more you are worth than the birds! 25And who among you can add one cubit to his height by being anxious? 26So if you cannot do even a very small thing, why are you anxious about the remaining things? 27Observe the lilies – how they grow. Yet they neither toil nor spin thread. But I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory was clothed like one of these. 28And if God so clothes the vegetation in the field which is in existence today, but which is thrown into a furnace tomorrow, how much more will he clothe you, you of little faith! 29So don't you concentrate on what you will eat or what you will drink, and do not be in suspense about it, 30for the nations of the world concentrate on all these things, but your father knows that you need these things. 31Rather, seek the kingdom of God, and all these things will be added to you. 32Do not fear, you little flock. For it pleased your father to give you the kingdom. 33Sell your belongings and give alms. Make yourselves purses which do not wear out – an unfailing treasure in the heavens where no thief comes near, nor does a moth cause ruin. 34For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 35Let your loins be girded and your lamps be burning, 36and you yourselves be like men awaiting their master when he returns from the wedding reception, so that when he comes and knocks, they open to him immediately. 37Blessed are those servants whom the master finds on the alert when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will gird himself and have them recline at table, and he will come up to them and serve them. 38And if he should come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them like this, blessed are those servants. 39And know this: if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief would come, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. 40So you also be prepared, because at an hour when you don't expect it, the son of man will come.” 41Then Peter said to him, “Lord, are you saying this parable to us or to everyone else as well?” 42And the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and sensible steward whom the master will appoint over his body of servants to give them their ration of wheat at the proper time? 43Blessed is that servant whom his master will find acting this way when he comes. 44Truly, I say to you that he will appoint him over all his possessions. 45But if that servant says in his heart, ‘My master is taking a long time coming’, and he starts beating the menservants and maidservants, and eating and drinking, and becoming drunk, 46that servant's master will come on a day when he does not expect it, and at an hour which he does not know, and he will cut him in two and assign his lot with the unfaithful. 47And that servant, who knew his master's will but did not make preparations nor act in accordance with his will, will be flogged with many lashes. 48But he who did not know, and who acted in a way worthy of beating, will be flogged with few lashes. From everyone to whom much is given, much will be required, and from him to whom they have entrusted much, they will ask all the more. 49I came to cast fire on the earth, so what do I wish for if it has already been set alight? 50And I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how I am pressed until it is completed! 51Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather discord. 52For from now on there will be five in one house at odds with each other, three against two and two against three. 53A father will be at variance with his son, and a son with his father; a mother with her daughter and a daughter with her mother; a mother-in-law will be against her daughter-in-law, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.” 54Then he said to the crowds as well, “Whenever you see a cloud arising from the west, you immediately say, ‘A downpour is coming.’ And so it comes to pass. 55And when you see a south wind blowing, you say, ‘There will be a scorching heat.’ And so it comes to pass. 56You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the condition of the earth and the sky, but how come you cannot interpret this period of time? 57And why can you not determine by yourselves what is right? 58For when you go before a magistrate with your opponent, make an effort to settle with him on the way, so that he does not drag you to the judge, and the judge hands you over to the executive officer, and the executive officer throws you in prison. 59I say to you, you will certainly not come out from there until you have paid the very last lepton.”

Reference(s) in Chapter 12: v.53 ↔ Micah 7:6.

Luke Chapter 13

1Now there were some people present at that very time reporting to him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 2To this Jesus reacted and said to them, “Do you think that these Galileans were more sinful than all the other Galileans, because they have suffered such things? 3No, I say to you, but unless you repent, you will all perish in the same way. 4Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them – do you suppose these were more at fault than all the other men who live in Jerusalem? 5No, I tell you, but unless you repent, you will all perish in the same way.” 6Then he related this parable. “A certain man had a fig tree which had been planted in his vineyard, and he came looking for fruit on it, but he did not find any, 7and he said to his vinedresser, ‘That's three years that I have been coming looking for fruit on this fig tree, but not finding any. Cut it down. Why should it for its part occupy the ground pointlessly?’ 8But he answered and said to him, ‘Master, leave it this year too, until I have dug around it and applied manure. 9And if it bears fruit, well and good. But if not, you can cut it down in the coming year.’ ” 10Now he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath, 11and there was a woman who had been possessed by a spirit of illness for eighteen years, and who was bent double and was not able to straighten up at all. 12Then when Jesus saw her, he called to her and said to her, “Madam, you have been made free of your illness.” 13And he laid his hands on her, and immediately she was made straight again, and she glorified God. 14But the president of the synagogue, who was annoyed that Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, responded and said to the congregation, “There are six days on which one must do work. So come on these days and be healed, and not on the Sabbath day.” 15Therefore the Lord answered him and said, “You hypocrites! Does not each of you untie his ox or his donkey from the stall on the Sabbath and lead it away to give it drink? 16Should this woman, who is a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound all these eighteen years, not be freed from this bond on the Sabbath day?” 17And with him saying these things, all those who opposed him were put to shame, and all the congregation rejoiced at all the illustrious things which were done by him. 18Then he said, “To what is the kingdom of God similar, and with what shall I compare it? 19It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took and threw in his own garden, and it grew and became a big tree, and the birds of the sky nestled in its branches.” 20He spoke again: “To what shall I liken the kingdom of God? 21It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three satums of flour, until it was all leavened.” 22Then he crossed around from town to town and village to village, teaching and making his way to Jerusalem. 23And someone said to him, “Lord, is it only a few who are saved?” He then said to them, 24“Exert yourselves to go in through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, are trying to go in, but they will not be able. 25Once the master of the house has got up and closed the door, when you make a move and stand outside and knock on the door and say, ‘Lord, lord, open up to us’, he will then answer and say to you, ‘I don't know where you are from.’ 26Then you will go on to say, ‘We have eaten and drunk in your company, and you taught us in our streets.’ 27Then he will say, ‘I say to you, I do not know where you are from. Keep away from me, all you perpetrators of iniquity.’ 28There, there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but you yourselves cast out. 29And they will come from the east and the west and the north and the south, and they will recline at table in the kingdom of God. 30And you will see that there are some last who will be first, and that there are some first who will be last.” 31On that day, some Pharisees came over and said to him, “Get out and go away from here, for Herod wishes to kill you.” 32At this he said to them, “Go and say to that fox, ‘Look, I cast out demons and accomplish healings today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will come to an end.’ 33But it is necessary for me to make my journey today and tomorrow and the day after, because it is not admissible for a prophet to perish outside Jerusalem. 34Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I wished to gather your children in the way a bird gathers its own brood under its wings, but you were not willing! 35See how your house is left to you desolate. And I say to you that you will not see me at all until the time comes when you say,

‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’ ”

Reference(s) in Chapter 13: v.27 ↔ Psalm 6:9MT (Psalm 6:8AV) ● v.35 ↔ Psalm 118:26.

Luke Chapter 14

1Now it came to pass, when he had gone into the home of one of the senior members of the Pharisees on a Sabbath to eat bread, that they were watching him closely, 2and it was the case that there was in front of him a certain man with oedema, 3at which Jesus reacted and addressed the scholars in the law and the Pharisees and said, “Is it permitted to heal on the Sabbath?” 4But they kept quiet. Then he took hold of him and cured him and let him go. 5Then he replied to them and said, “Who among you whose son or ox falls into a well would not immediately draw it up on the Sabbath day?” 6And they could not argue against those matters with him. 7Then he told the guests a parable as he noticed how they chose the prime seats, and he said to them, 8“When you have been invited to a wedding by someone, do not recline at a prime seat, in case someone more honourable than you is invited by him, 9and the one who invited you and him should come and say to you, ‘Give your place to this man’, and then you will have to move on with shame to occupy the last choice place. 10But when you are invited, go and recline in the last choice place so that when your host comes, he says to you, ‘My friend, come up higher.’ Then you will have honour in the sight of those reclining with you. 11For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” 12Then he said to him who had invited him, “When you give a lunch or dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relations or rich neighbours, in case they also invite you in return, and you have a repayment.” 13But when you give a reception, invite the poor, the disabled, the lame, the blind, 14and you will be blessed, because they don't have the means to repay you. For it will be repaid to you in the resurrection of the righteous. 15Then when one of those reclining with him at table heard these things, he said to him, “Blessed is he who will eat lunch in the kingdom of God.” 16At this he said to him, “A certain man gave a grand dinner and invited many people. 17And he sent his servant at the hour of the dinner to say to the guests, ‘Come along, for everything is already prepared.’ 18But they all one after the other set about excusing themselves. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a field, and I need to go out and see to it. I ask you to accept my apologies.’ 19And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to try them out. I ask you to accept my apologies.’ 20And another said, ‘I have married a woman, which is why I can't come.’ 21So that servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house became angry and said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the town and bring in the poor and the disabled and the lame and the blind here.’ 22In due course the servant said, ‘Master, it has been done as you ordered, but there is still place.’ 23At this the master said to the servant, ‘Go out into the roads and paths and compel them to come in, so that my house is filled. 24For I say to you, no-one of those men who were invited will have a taste of the dinner of mine.’ For many are called, but few chosen.” 25Moreover large crowds were going with him, and he turned and said to them, 26“If anyone comes to me but does not hate his father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be a disciple of mine. 27And whoever does not bear his cross and follow me cannot be a disciple of mine. 28For who among you, wishing to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the expense, to see whether he has enough money for its completion, 29in case after he has laid the foundation, he does not have the means to complete it, and everyone who sees it starts mocking him, 30saying, ‘This man started building, but he was not able to complete it’? 31Or what king, making a move to engage another king in war, does not first sit down and take counsel as to whether he is powerful enough with ten thousand soldiers to confront him with twenty thousand soldiers coming against him? 32If not, while he is still far off, he will send a delegation and ask for terms of peace. 33So in this way, every one of you who does not bid farewell to all his own possessions cannot be a disciple of mine. 34Salt is good, but if salt becomes insipid, with what can it be seasoned? 35It is not fit for either land or manure; it is thrown away outside. Let him who has ears to hear, hear.”

Luke Chapter 15

1Now all the tax collectors and the sinners would approach him to hear him, 2at which the Pharisees and scribes would mutter among themselves, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” 3So he spoke this parable to them and said, 4“What man among you who has one hundred sheep and has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the desert and go after the lost one until he finds it? 5Then when he has found it, he puts it on his shoulders, rejoicing, 6and he comes to his house and calls his friends and neighbours together and says to them, ‘Rejoice with me, because I have found my lost sheep.’ 7I say to you that there will be more joy like this in heaven at one sinner who repents, than at ninety-nine righteous, who have no need of repentance. 8Or what woman who has ten drachmas, if she loses one drachma, will not light a lamp and sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? 9And when she has found it, she will call her friends and neighbours together and say, ‘Rejoice with me, because I have found the drachma which I had lost.’ 10In this way, I tell you, there is joy in the sight of the angels of God at one sinner who repents.” 11Then he said, “A certain man had two sons, 12and the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the portion of the property which falls to me.’ So he distributed his estate between them. 13Then not many days later the younger son gathered everything and moved to a distant country and squandered his substance there by living extravagantly. 14But when he had spent everything, a severe famine set in throughout that country, and he began to be in need. 15And he went and attached himself to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to tend pigs. 16However, he would long to fill his belly with the carob-pods which the pigs ate, but no-one gave him any. 17Then he came to himself and said, ‘How many hired servants of my father have bread in abundance, whereas I am perishing from famine! 18I will get up and go to my father and say to him, «Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. 19And I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me one of your hired servants.» ’ 20So he got up and went to his father. Now while he was still far off, his father saw him, and he was moved to compassion, and he ran and fell around his neck and kissed him. 21Then the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22But his father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. 23And bring the fatted calf and slaughter it, and let us eat it and rejoice, 24because this son of mine was dead, but he has come back to life, and he was lost, but he has been found.’ So they began to rejoice. 25But his elder son was in the field, and as he came back and approached the house, he heard music and dancing, 26so he called one of the servants and inquired as to what this was. 27And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come back, and your father has slaughtered the fatted calf, because he has got him back in good health.’ 28But he became angry and refused to come in. So his father went out and tried to console him. 29But he replied and said to his father, ‘Look, I have been serving you for all these years, and I have never disobeyed any commandment of yours, but you have never given me a kid for me to enjoy with my friends. 30But when this son of yours came, who has dissipated your wealth with harlots, you slaughtered the fatted calf for him.’ 31At this he said to him, ‘My child, you are always with me, and everything of mine is yours. 32But it was befitting to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead, but he has come back to life, and he was lost, but he has been found.’ ”

Luke Chapter 16

1Then he also said to his disciples, “A certain man was rich, and he had a steward, and this man was accused by him of squandering his possessions. 2So he called him and said to him, ‘What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your stewardship, for you will not be able to hold the office of steward any longer.’ 3Then the steward said to himself, ‘What should I do, for my master is taking my stewardship away from me. I am not strong enough to dig, and I am ashamed to beg. 4I know what I will do, so that when I have been dismissed from my stewardship, they will receive me into their homes.’ 5And he called for each one of his master's debtors, and he said to the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ 6So he said, ‘A hundred baths of oil.’ Then he said to him, ‘Take your agreement and sit down quickly and write fifty.’ 7Then he said to another, ‘And how much do you owe?’ This one said, ‘One hundred cors of grain.’ Then he said to him, ‘Take your agreement and write eighty.’ 8Then the master commended the dishonest steward, because he had acted prudently. For the sons of this age are more prudent than the sons of light towards their own generation. 9And I say to you, make yourselves friends of dishonest mammon, so that when you fail, they will receive you in age-abiding dwellings. 10He who is trustworthy in the least thing is also faithful in a greater matter, and he who is dishonest in the least thing is also dishonest in a greater matter. 11So if you have not been trustworthy with dishonest mammon, who will entrust you with that which is true? 12And if you have not been trustworthy with another person's property, who will give you something of your own? 13No domestic servant can serve two masters. For he will either hate one and love the other, or be attached to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” 14Now the Pharisees also heard all these things, and, being avaricious, they mocked him. 15Then he said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For that which is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in God's sight. 16The law and the prophets were the order of the day until John. From then on the kingdom of God has been preached, but everyone is using force against it. 17However, it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one tittle of the law to drop out. 18Everyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery, and everyone who marries a woman divorced from her husband commits adultery. 19Now there was a certain rich man, and he used to wear purple and fine linen, and he feasted luxuriously every day. 20And there was a certain poor man by the name of Lazarus, who had been placed at his gate, covered in sores, 21and he longed to be fed from the crumbs which fell from the table of the rich man; not only that, but the dogs would also come and lick his sores clean. 22Then it came to pass that the poor man died, and he was carried away by angels to Abraham's bosom. Then the rich man also died and was buried. 23And when in Hades he lifted up his eyes, where he was in torments, he saw Abraham from a distance, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24Then he called and said, ‘Father Abraham, have compassion on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am suffering pain in this flame.’ 25But Abraham said, ‘My child, remember that you received the good things you had in your life, whereas Lazarus likewise bad things. But now he is comforted here, whereas you suffer pain. 26And besides all these things, a great chasm between us and you has been established, so that those wishing to cross from here to you cannot do it, nor can anyone cross from your side to us.’ 27Then he said, ‘In that case, I ask you, father, to send him to my father's house, 28for I have five brothers, to testify solemnly to them, so that they do not also come to this place of torment.’ 29Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets. Let them heed them.’ 30Then he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if one of the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ 31But he said to him, ‘If they will not hear Moses and the prophets, even if someone were to rise from the dead, they would not be persuaded.’ ”

Luke Chapter 17

1Then he said to the disciples, “It is impossible for offences not to come, but woe to him through whom they come. 2It would be better for him if an ass-driven millstone were hung around his neck and he had been thrown in the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. 3Beware. Now if your brother sins against you, rebuke him. Then if he repents, forgive him. 4And if he sins against you seven times a day, and he turns back seven times a day and says, ‘I repent’, you must forgive him.” 5Then the apostles said to the Lord, “Give us more faith.” 6To which the Lord said, “If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and be planted in the sea’, and it would have obeyed you. 7But who is there among you who has a servant ploughing or tending sheep, who will straightaway say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come along and recline at table’? 8But will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare something for me to eat for dinner, and gird yourself and serve me while I eat and drink, and after that you can eat and drink.’ 9Surely he won't be grateful to that servant because he did the things ordered? I don't think so. 10Likewise, you too, when you have done everything you were ordered, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants, for we have only done what we had to do.’ ” 11Subsequently, it came to pass when he was going to Jerusalem that he crossed through the middle of Samaria and Galilee, 12and as he was going into a certain village, ten leprous men met him, and they stood at a distance, 13and they raised their voice and said, “Jesus, master, have mercy on us.” 14Then when he saw them, he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And it came to pass as they were going off that they were cleansed. 15And one of them, when he saw that he had been cured, turned back glorifying God with a loud voice. 16And he fell face down at his feet thanking him. Now he was a Samaritan. 17Then Jesus replied and said, “Were not ten cured? Where are the other nine? 18Were there not any to be found coming back to give glory to God except this foreigner?” 19And he said to him, “Get up and go your way; your faith has cured you.” 20Then when he was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God was coming, he replied to them and said, “The kingdom of God does not come with close watching. 21Nor when they say, ‘Look, here it is’, or, ‘Look, there it is.’ After all, look, the kingdom of God is in you.” 22Then he said to the disciples, “The days will come when you will long to see one of the days of the son of man but will not see him. 23And they will say to you, ‘Look, here he is’ or, ‘Look, there he is.’ Do not go along with or follow them. 24For just as flashing lightning gives illumination from one place under the sky to another place under the sky, so will the son of man be in his day. 25But first he must undergo much suffering and be rejected by this generation. 26And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will also be in the days of the son of man. 27They were eating, drinking, marrying and being given in marriage, until the day when Noah went into the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. 28And similarly with what happened in the days of Lot: they were eating, drinking, buying, selling, planting and building, 29but on the day when Lot departed from Sodom, it rained fire and sulphur from heaven and destroyed them all. 30It will be like this on the day when the son of man is revealed. 31On that day, let him who is on the roof and whose goods are in the house not come down to pick them up, and likewise let him who is in the field not turn back. 32Remember Lot's wife. 33Whoever tries to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses it will preserve it. 34I say to you, on that night, there will be two in one bed, and one will be taken away and the other will be left. 35There will be two grinding in the same place, and one will be taken away and the other will be left.” 36 37Then they answered and said to him, “Lord, where?” And he said to them, “It is where the body is that the eagles will be gathered together.”

Luke Chapter 18

1He also told them a parable on the need always to pray and not to flag, 2and he said, “There was a certain judge in a certain city who did not fear God, nor did he respect man. 3And there was a widow in that city, and she kept coming to him, saying, ‘Vindicate me from my opponent.’ 4But for a long time he refused. But at length he said to himself, ‘Even though I do not fear God or respect man, 5nevertheless because this widow gives me trouble, I will get her vindicated, so that she does not endlessly come and grind me down.’ ” 6Then the Lord said, “Hear what the dishonest judge says. 7Will God not provide the vindication due to his chosen ones who cry out to him day and night, and be longsuffering over them? 8I tell you he will provide the vindication due to them swiftly. But when the son of man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” 9And he spoke this parable to certain people who trusted in themselves – that they were righteous – and despised the others: 10“Two men went up to the temple to pray. One was a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11The Pharisee stood up and prayed to himself as follows: ‘O God, I thank you that I am not like other men, the grasping, the unjust, the adulterers – nor like this tax collector either. 12I fast twice a week. I tithe everything I acquire.’ 13Then the tax collector stood at a distance and was not even willing to lift his eyes up to heaven, but he beat his breast and said, ‘O God, be propitious to me, a sinner.’ 14I say to you, the latter went down to his house justified rather than the former. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.” 15Then they also brought some infants to him for him to touch, and when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. 16But Jesus called them along, and he said, “Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them. For the kingdom of God is constituted of such. 17Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will definitely not enter into it.” 18Then a certain governor inquired with him and asked, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit age-abiding life?” 19Jesus then said to him, “Why do you call me good? No-one is good except one: God. 20You know the commandments. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not commit murder. You shall not steal. You shall not give false testimony. Honour your father and your mother.21Then he said, “I have kept all these things from my youth.” 22Then when Jesus heard this, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have got and distribute the proceeds to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven, and come and follow me.” 23But when he heard this, he became very sad, for he was very rich. 24Then when Jesus saw that he had become very sad, he said, “How it is with difficulty that those who are affluent will go into the kingdom of God. 25For it is easier for a camel to go in through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to go into the kingdom of God.” 26Then those listening said, “Well who can be saved, then?” 27He then said, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.” 28Then Peter said, “In our case, we have left everything behind and followed you.” 29At which he said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there is no-one who has left house or parents or brothers or wife or children for the sake of the kingdom of God, 30who will not certainly receive in return many times over in this epoch, and in the age to come – age-abiding life.” 31And taking the twelve along, he said to them, “Here we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything written through the prophets will be accomplished by the son of man.” 32For he will be delivered to the Gentiles and be mocked and insulted and spat on. 33And they will flog him and kill him, then on the third day he will rise again. 34But they did not understand any of these things, and this remark was hidden from them, and they did not discern the import of the things spoken. 35Then it came to pass as he approached Jericho that a certain blind man was sitting beside the road, begging, 36and when he heard a crowd passing through, he inquired what this was all about. 37So they informed him that Jesus the Nazarene was passing by. 38At this he shouted and said, “Jesus, son of David, have compassion on me.” 39But those going in front rebuked him, telling him to be quiet. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have compassion on me.” 40Then Jesus stopped and ordered him to be brought to him, and when he had come near, he questioned him, 41and he asked, “What would you like me to do for you?” He then said, “Lord, for me to see again.” 42Then Jesus said to him, “See again. Your faith has cured you.” 43And immediately he recovered his sight, and he followed him, glorifying God. And all the people saw it and gave praise to God.

Reference(s) in Chapter 18: v.20 ↔ Exodus 20:12-16, Deuteronomy 5:16-20,.

Luke Chapter 19

1Then he entered Jericho and went through it. 2And there was a man by the name of Zacchaeus, and he was a senior tax collector, and this man was rich, 3and he was trying to see who Jesus was, but he could not for the crowd because he was short in stature. 4So he ran on ahead and climbed up a fig-mulberry tree in order to see him, because it was by that way that he was going to cross through. 5And when he came to the place, Jesus looked up and saw him and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry up and come down, for today I must stay in your house.” 6So he came down hastily, and he received him in his house, rejoicing, 7but when they all saw it, they muttered among themselves, and they said, “He has gone in to lodge with a sinful man.” 8Meanwhile Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Look, I am giving half my possessions to the poor, Lord, and if I have extorted anything from anyone, I will repay it four times over.” 9Then Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, for he also is a son of Abraham. 10For the son of man came to seek and save what has got lost.” 11As they heard these things, he again told a parable, because of him being close to Jerusalem, and of them thinking that the kingdom of God was immediately going to manifest itself prominently. 12So he said, “A certain nobleman went to a distant land to receive a kingdom for himself and to return. 13And he called ten of his own servants and gave them ten minas and said to them, ‘Do business until I come.’ 14But his citizens hated him, and they sent a delegation after him, who said, ‘We do not want this man to reign over us.’ 15And it came to pass when he returned, having received the kingdom, that he ordered these servants to whom he had given the money to be called to him, in order to find out who had gained what in doing business. 16So the first came and said, ‘Master, your mina has made a profit of ten minas.’ 17At this he said to him, ‘Well done, you good servant, for you were faithful in a very small matter. Have authority over ten cities.’ 18Then the second came and said, ‘Master, your mina has made five minas.’ 19And he said to this one likewise, ‘You too be in charge of five cities.’ 20Then the other one came and said, ‘Master, here is your mina, which I kept hidden in a sweat-band. 21For I was afraid of you, for you are a harsh man. You take what you did not put there, and you reap what you did not sow.’ 22So he said to him, ‘I will judge you from your own mouth, you bad servant. You knew that I was a harsh man, taking what I did not put there, and reaping what I did not sow. 23So why did you not invest my money at a bank, so that when I came, I would have availed myself of it with interest?’ 24Furthermore he said to those standing around, ‘Take the mina from him, and give it to the one who has ten minas.’ 25(But they said to him, ‘Master, he has ten minas.’) 26‘For I say to you that to everyone who has something, more will be given, but from him who does not have anything, even what he has will be taken away from him. 27However, bring those enemies of mine here – those who did not want me to reign over them – and execute them before me.’ ” 28Then when he had spoken these things, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 29And it came to pass as he approached Bethsphagé and Bethany at the mount called the Mount of Olives, that he sent off two of his disciples, 30and he said, “Go off to the village opposite, in which as you go in, you will find a tethered foal, on which no man has ever sat. Untie it and bring it. 31And if anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you will say the following to him: ‘The Lord needs it.’ ” 32Then those who had been sent off went off and found it as he had told them. 33And as they untied the foal, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the foal?” 34At this they said, “The Lord needs it.” 35So they led it to Jesus, and they slung their own clothes onto the foal and mounted Jesus on it. 36As he rode, they strewed their clothes in the way. 37And as he was by now approaching the descent down the Mount of Olives, the whole company of the disciples started rejoicing and praising God in a loud voice for all the deeds of power which they had seen, 38saying,

“Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord.

Peace in heaven and glory in the highest realms.”

39Then some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” 40But he answered and said to them, “I tell you that if these go quiet, the stones will cry out.” 41And as he approached and saw the city, he wept over it, 42and he said, “If only you had known, and of all times on this day of yours, the things pertaining to your peace. But as it is, they are hidden from your eyes, 43because the days will come upon you when your enemies will throw up a rampart round you, and they will surround you and enclose you from all sides. 44And they will dash you and your children in you to the ground, and they will not leave stone on stone in you, because you did not know the occasion of your visitation.” 45Then when he had gone into the temple, he went on to throw out those who sold things in it, and those who bought them, 46saying to them, “It stands written:

‘My house is a house of prayer,

But you have made it a den of thieves.’ ”

47And he taught in the temple each day, but the senior priests and the scribes were looking for a way to dispose of him, as were the leading men of the people, 48but they did not find anything they could do, for all the people were completely enraptured listening to him.

Reference(s) in Chapter 19: v.38 ↔ Psalm 118:26 ● v.46 ↔ Isaiah 56:7, Jeremiah 7:11.

Luke Chapter 20

1Now it came to pass on one of those days as he was teaching the people in the temple, and preaching the gospel, that the priests and scribes came up to him, as did the elders, 2and they spoke to him and said, “Tell us by what authority you do these things, or who it is who has given you this authority.” 3So he answered and said to them, “I will for my part ask you one question, so you tell me, 4John's baptism – was it from heaven or from men?” 5They then debated among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven’, he will say, ‘Why did you not believe him?’ 6But if we say, ‘From men’, all the people will stone us, for they have been persuaded that John is a prophet.” 7And they answered that they did not know where it was from. 8So Jesus said to them, “Then neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.” 9He then went on to speak this parable to the people: “A man planted a vineyard, and he put it under hired labour with farmers and went abroad for a considerable time. 10And in due course, he sent a servant to the farmers for them to give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. But the farmers flogged him and sent him away empty-handed. 11Then he sent another servant. But they also flogged that one and treated him with indignity and sent him away empty-handed. 12Then he sent again – a third one. But they also wounded this one and threw him out. 13Then the landlord of the vineyard said, ‘What should I do? I will send my beloved son. Maybe when they see him, they will respect him.’ 14But when the farmers saw him, they talked it through among themselves, saying, ‘This is the heir. Come on, let's kill him, so that the inheritance will become ours.’ 15So they drove him out to a place outside the vineyard and killed him. What, then, will the landlord of the vineyard do to them? 16He will come and destroy those farmers and give the vineyard to others.” And when they had heard it, they said, “May it not take place.” 17But he looked straight at them and said, “What does this scripture mean:

The stone which the builders rejected

Is what has become the keystone?

18Everyone who falls on that stone will be shattered, and on whomever it falls, it will crush to powder.” 19Then the senior priests and the scribes looked for a way to lay hands on him at that very time, but they were afraid, for they knew that he had levelled that parable against them. 20And they watched him closely, and they sent infiltrators pretending to be sincere in order to seize on his remarks, with a view to informing on him to the administration and authority of the governor. 21And they questioned him and asked, “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach rightly, and do not show partiality, but teach the way of God in truth. 22Is it permissible for us to pay tax to Caesar, or not?” 23At this, having perceived their trickery, he said to them, “Why are you testing me? 24Show me a denary. Whose image and inscription does it have?” They answered and said, “Caesar's.” 25Then he said to them, “Well then, render to Caesar the things due to Caesar, and to God the things due to God.” 26So they were not able to seize on his remark in the presence of the people, and they were amazed at his answer, and they fell silent. 27Then some of the Sadducees, who deny that there is a resurrection, came over and questioned him, 28and they said, “Teacher, Moses wrote to us, ‘If someone's brother dies, having a wife, and he dies without children, that his brother is to take the wife and raise up seed to his brother.’ 29Now suppose there were seven brothers, and the first took a wife and died without children. 30Then the second took the wife, and this one died without children. 31Then the third took her likewise, and like this indeed the seven of them. They did not leave any children, and they died. 32Then last of all the woman died as well. 33So in the resurrection, of which of them will she be the wife? For the seven had her as a wife.” 34Then Jesus replied and said to them, “Those who belong to this age marry and are given in marriage, 35but those who have been considered worthy of attaining to that age and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage. 36Nor can they die any more, for they are like angels, and they are sons of God, being members of the resurrection. 37Now that the dead are raised, even Moses disclosed, at the passage about the bush, where he says, ‘The Lord the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.’ 38So he is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for all live to him.” 39Then some of the scribes answered and said, “Teacher, you have spoken well.” 40And they did not dare question him on anything any more. 41Then he said to them, “How do they say that the Christ can be the son of David, 42when David himself says in the book of the Psalms,

‘The Lord said to my Lord,

«Sit on my right hand side

43Until I make your enemies your footstool» ’?

44So David calls him Lord. So how is it that he is his son?” 45Then with all the people hearing, he said to his disciples, 46“Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in robes and love greetings in the market places and the privileged seats in the synagogues and the privileged couches at dinners, 47who devour widows' houses, and for show pray at length. These will receive judgment to a greater degree.”

Reference(s) in Chapter 20: v.17 ↔ Psalm 118:22 ● v.28 ↔ Deuteronomy 25:5 ● v.37 ↔ Exodus 3:6 ● v.42 ↔ Psalm 110:1 ● v.43 ↔ Psalm 110:1.

Luke Chapter 21

1Then he looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts in the treasury, 2and he saw someone, in fact a needy widow, putting two leptons in there. 3And he said, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the others. 4For these all contributed towards gifts for God from the surplus they have, but this woman contributed all the livelihood she had from her penury.” 5And while some were speaking of the temple, how it had been adorned with fine stones and votive offerings, he said, 6As for these things which you are looking at, the days will come in which no stone will be left on stone or escape demolition.” 7Then they questioned him and said, “Teacher, when, then, will these things take place, and what is the sign when these things are about to happen?” 8He then said, “Watch out that you are not led astray, for many will come in my name saying, ‘I am the one’ and, ‘The time has drawn near.’ So do not go after them. 9And when you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be scared, for these things must take place first, but the end is not immediate.” 10Then he said to them, “Nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, 11and there will be severe earthquakes in various places, and famines and plagues, and there will be fearful things and great signs from heaven. 12But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to synagogues and prisons, as you are brought before kings and governors for my name's sake, 13and it will result in an occasion of a testimony for you. 14So lay it to your hearts not to premeditate how to speak in defence, 15for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, by which none of those opposing you will be able to contradict or resist. 16And you will also be betrayed by parents and relations and friends and brothers, and they will put some of you to death. 17And you will be hated by everyone on account of my name. 18But not a hair of your head will in any way be lost. 19Hold on to your lives in your endurance. 20And when you see Jerusalem surrounded by encampments, then know that its desolation has drawn near. 21Then let those in Judaea flee into the mountains, and let those in its midst move out, and let those in the country areas not go into it. 22For these are the days of vengeance, in order for all the things that stand written to be fulfilled. 23And alas for those who are with child and those who are breastfeeding in those days, for there will be great anxiety on the earth and wrath among this people. 24And they will fall by the blade of the sword and will be taken captive to all the Gentiles, and Jerusalem will be trampled on by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. 25And there will be signs in the sun and moon and stars, and on earth anguish among the nations in bewilderment, while the sea roars, as does its swell, 26as men faint from fear and expectation of the things befalling the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27And then they will see the son of man coming in a cloud with power and much glory. 28But when these things start taking place, look up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” 29Then he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. 30When they are already putting out shoots, you see for yourselves and know that the harvest is already near. 31In this way, you too, when you see these things taking place, know that the kingdom of God is near. 32Truly, I say to you that this generation will certainly not pass away until everything takes place. 33Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will certainly not pass away. 34And watch out for yourselves that your hearts do not become stupefied with intoxication or drunkenness or everyday cares, and don't let that day come on you suddenly, 35for it will come like a snare upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth. 36So be watchful, entreating on every occasion to be considered worthy to escape all the things about to take place and to stand in the presence of the son of man.” 37And by day he would teach in the temple, whereas at night he would go out to spend the night on the mount called the Mount of Olives. 38And all the people would rise early to go to him, so as to hear him in the temple.

Reference(s) in Chapter 21: v.10 ↔ Isaiah 19:2 ● v.22 ↔ Isaiah 61:2, Isaiah 63:4, Hosea 9:7.

Luke Chapter 22

1Now the festival of unleavened bread, which is called the Passover, was approaching, 2and the senior priests and the scribes were looking for a way to eliminate him, for they were afraid of the people. 3Meanwhile Satan entered into Judas, surnamed Iscariot, who was one of the twelve in number. 4And he went away and spoke with the senior priests and chief magistrates on how he could deliver him to them, 5at which they were delighted, and they agreed to give him money. 6So he fully complied and looked for an opportunity to deliver him to them in the absence of a crowd. 7Then the day of the unleavened bread came, on which it was necessary for the Passover lamb to be sacrificed. 8And he sent Peter and John off, and he said, “Go and prepare the Passover lamb for us so that we can eat it.” 9Then they said to him, “Where do you want us to prepare it?” 10He then said to them, “As you go into the city, you will see that a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him to the house where he goes in. 11And say to the master of the house, ‘The teacher asks you, «Where is the lodging where I can eat the Passover lamb with my disciples?» ’ 12And that man will show you a large upper room ready set up. Prepare it there.” 13Then they went off and found it as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover lamb. 14And when the hour had come, he reclined at table, as did the twelve apostles with him. 15And he said to them, “I have really longed to eat this Passover meal with you before my suffering. 16For I say to you, I will no longer partake of it at all until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” 17Then he received the cup, and he gave thanks and said, “Take this and share it among yourselves. 18For I say to you, I will not be drinking any of the produce of the vine at all until the kingdom of God comes.” 19And he took bread and gave thanks and broke it and gave some to them, and he said, “This is my body which is being given on behalf of you; do this as a memorial to me.” 20Then similarly, he took the cup after dining and said, “This cup is the new covenant by my blood, which is shed for you. 21But mark this, the hand of him with me who will betray me is on the table. 22So the son of man proceeds according to what has been determined, but woe to that man through whom he is betrayed.” 23Then they began to inquire among themselves as to which of them was the one about to do this. 24Moreover a rivalry arose among them as to which of them was considered the greatest. 25So he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles have dominion over them, and those who have authority over them are called benefactors. 26But don't you be like that; rather, let the greatest among you become like the youngest, and the leader like the servant. 27For who is greater, he who reclines at table, or he who serves? Surely he who reclines? Yet I am in your midst as the servant. 28But you are the ones who have remained with me throughout in my trials. 29And I assign a kingdom to you in accordance with how my father has assigned it to me, 30so that you may eat and drink at my table, and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” 31And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon, see how Satan has made a claim on you all, so as to sift you like grain. 32But I have pleaded for you, that your faith might not fail, so once you have come to yourself, strengthen your brothers.” 33Then he said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go both to prison and to death with you.” 34But he said, “I say to you, Peter, the cock definitely will not crow today before you have denied three times that you know me.” 35Furthermore, he said to them, “When I sent you out without wallet or purse or footwear, did you lack anything?” They then said, “No, nothing.” 36However, he said to them, “But now, he who has a wallet must take it, and likewise also a purse. And he who does not have one must sell his cloak and buy a sword. 37For I say to you that this scripture must still be fulfilled in me: the passage, ‘And he was reckoned among the lawless.’ And indeed, the things concerning me are coming to completion.” 38Then they said, “Lord, look, here are two swords.” But he said to them, “It is enough.” 39And he went out, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples also followed him. 40When he arrived at the place, he said to them, “Pray that you do not enter into temptation.” 41Then he withdrew about a stone's throw from them, and he knelt down and prayed. 42And he said, “Father, if you are willing to remove this cup from me ... – but not my will, but yours be done.” 43Then an angel from heaven appeared to him, strengthening him, 44but being in agony, he prayed all the more intensely. Furthermore his sweat had become like clots of blood falling to the ground. 45Then he arose from prayer and went to the disciples and found them lying asleep from sorrow. 46So he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you do not enter into temptation.” 47Now while he was still speaking, a crowd happened to come, and the one called Judas, one of the twelve, was going in front of them, and he approached Jesus to kiss him. 48But Jesus said to him, “Judas, are you betraying the son of man with a kiss?” 49Then when those around him had seen what was about to happen, they said to him, “Lord, should we strike them with the sword?” 50Then a certain one of them struck the high priest's servant and took off his right ear. 51But Jesus replied and said, “Leave it at that.” Then he touched his ear and healed him. 52Then Jesus said to the senior priests and chief magistrates of the temple and elders who had come against him, “Have you come out with swords and sticks as if against a thief? 53When I was with you in the temple each day, you did not stretch out your hands against me. But this is your hour, and the authority of darkness.” 54But they seized him and led him away, and they brought him into the house of the high priest. Meanwhile, Peter was following at a distance. 55As they had lit a fire in the middle of the courtyard and were sitting together, Peter went there and sat in among them. 56But when a certain maidservant saw him sitting in the fire-light, she looked at him intently and said, “This man was also with him.” 57But he denied him and said, “Madam, I don't know him.” 58And after a short time, another person saw him and said, “You are also of their company.” But Peter said, “No, I am not, sir.” 59Then after about one hour had passed, a certain other person made positive assertions and said, “This man was truly with him as well, and indeed he is a Galilean.” 60But Peter said, “Sir, I don't know what you are talking about.” And immediately, while he was still talking, the cock crowed. 61Then the Lord turned round and looked straight at Peter. And Peter remembered the Lord's words when he said to him, “Before the cock crows, you will deny me three times.” 62Then Peter went outside and wept bitterly. 63Next, the men who were holding Jesus mocked him, flogging him, 64and they blindfolded him and struck him on the face and then questioned him, saying, “Prophesy, who is it who struck you?” 65And they kept speaking many other blasphemies against him. 66Then when day had come, the council of the elders of the people met, consisting of senior priests and scribes, and they led him up to their Sanhedrin council and said, 67“Are you the Christ? Tell us.” He then said to them, “If I tell you, you will not believe it at all. 68And if I question you, you certainly won't answer me or release me. 69From now on, the son of man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” 70Then they all said, “So you are the son of God, then?” And he said to them, “You say I am.” 71Then they said, “Why do we still need a testimony? For we have heard it ourselves from his mouth.”

Reference(s) in Chapter 22: v.37 ↔ Isaiah 53:12 ● v.70 ↔ Exodus 3:14.

Luke Chapter 23

1Then the whole of their assembly rose and led him to Pilate. 2And they began to accuse him, and they said, “We found this man misleading the nation and forbidding them to pay taxes to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ, a king.” 3Then Pilate questioned him and asked, “Are you the king of the Jews?” He then answered him and said, “As you say.” 4Pilate then said to the senior priests and the crowds, “I find nothing incriminating in this man.” 5But they persisted and said, “He stirs up the people as he teaches throughout all Judaea, starting from Galilee and reaching here.” 6Now when Pilate heard “Galilean”, he inquired whether the man was a Galilean. 7And having ascertained that he was under Herod's jurisdiction, he referred him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem in those days. 8Then when Herod saw Jesus, he rejoiced greatly, for he had been wanting to see him for some time, because he had heard many things about him, and he hoped to see some sign performed by him. 9So he questioned him at considerable length. But he did not answer him anything. 10Moreover the senior priests and the scribes were standing by, vigorously accusing him. 11Then after Herod, with his troops, had treated him contemptuously and mocked him, he put resplendent clothes on him and sent him back to Pilate. 12So Pilate and Herod became friends with each other on that very day, for they had previously been at enmity with each other. 13Pilate then called the senior priests and the rulers and the people together, 14and he said to them, “Bring me this man who is supposedly perverting the people, and be aware that I have examined him in your presence and found nothing in this man incriminating him of the things which you accuse him of. 15Indeed nor Herod. For I referred your case to him and the result is that nothing worthy of death has been committed by him. 16So I will chasten him and release him.” 17After all, he had an obligation to release one person to them at each festival. 18But they shouted out with the whole crowd, and they said, “Take this man away, but release Barabbas to us” 19someone who had been put in prison on account of a certain sedition which had taken place in the city, and for murder. 20So Pilate addressed them again, as he wished to release Jesus. 21But they shouted it down and said, “Crucify him, crucify him.” 22Then he spoke to them a third time, “But what wrong has this man done? I have not found anything culpable by death in him. So I will chastise him and release him.” 23But they insisted in a loud voice and demanded that he be crucified, and their voices and those of the senior priests kept gaining strength. 24So Pilate decided that their demand should be met. 25And he released him who had been put in prison on account of sedition and murder, the one whom they demanded, whereas he delivered Jesus to their will. 26Then as they led him away, they took hold of a certain Simon, a Cyrenian, as he was coming back from the field, and they forced him to carry the cross behind Jesus. 27And a large number of the people followed him, including women, who both mourned for him and lamented him. 28But Jesus turned to them and said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. 29For be aware of this, the days are coming on which they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren and the wombs which did not give birth, and the breasts which never breastfed.’ 30Then they will go on

To say to the mountains,

‘Fall on us’,

And to the hills,

‘Hide us.’

31For if they do these things in the case of moist wood, what is to happen in the case of the dry?” 32Then two others, who were criminals, were also brought, to be executed with him. 33And when they arrived at the place called The Skull, they crucified him there with the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left. 34Jesus, though, said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Then in sharing out his clothes, they cast a lot. 35Meanwhile the people stood watching, and the rulers also sneered with them and said, “He saved others; let him save himself, if this is the Christ, the chosen one of God.” 36And the soldiers also mocked him, as they came up and offered him vinegar, 37and they said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.” 38Indeed there was an inscription written over him in Greek and Latin and Hebrew letters:

“This is the king of the Jews.”

39Then one of the criminals who were hung there blasphemed him and said, “If you are the Christ, save yourself and us.” 40But the other responded and rebuked him and said, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same sentence? 41And we rightly so, for we are receiving what is deserved for what we have done, but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42Then he said to Jesus, “Remember me, Lord, when you go into your kingdom.” 43At which Jesus said to him, “Truly, I say to you this day, you will be with me in paradise.” 44Now it was about the sixth hour, and a darkness came over all the land until the ninth hour. 45And the sun became darkened, and the veil of the sanctuary was split down the middle. 46And Jesus called out in a loud voice and said, “Father, into your hands I will commit my spirit.” And when he had said these things, he breathed his last. 47And when the centurion saw what had taken place, he glorified God and said, “This man really was righteous.” 48Then when all the crowds who had converged on that spectacle had seen the things that took place, they beat their breasts and went back, 49while all his acquaintances stood at a distance, as did the women who had followed him from Galilee, watching these things. 50And there was a man by name of Joseph, who was a councillor, a good and righteous man, 51and he was not in agreement with their verdict or action. He was from Arimathea, a Jewish city, and moreover he himself was also awaiting the kingdom of God. 52He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 53And he took it down and wrapped it up in fine linen and put it in a hewn-out tomb where no-one had ever yet lain. 54Now the day was the Preparation Day; the twilight of the Sabbath was drawing on. 55And some women who had come with him from Galilee followed and looked at the tomb and how his body had been laid. 56Then they returned and prepared fragrances and ointment. And on the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.

Reference(s) in Chapter 23: v.30 ↔ Hosea 10:8 ● v.43 ↔ Deuteronomy 4:26, Deuteronomy 8:19.

Luke Chapter 24

1Then on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they went to the tomb carrying the fragrances which they had prepared, and some others went with them, 2and they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3and when they went in, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4And it came to pass as they were at a loss on this matter, that – to their surprise – two men in dazzling clothes came up to them. 5Then, as they had become frightened and were bowing face down to the ground, they said to them, “Why are you seeking among the dead him who is alive? 6He is not here, but he has risen. Remember how he told you when he was still in Galilee, 7when he said that the son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and rise on the third day.” 8At this they remembered his words, 9and they returned from the tomb and reported all these things to the eleven and to all the others. 10So it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James and the others with them, who told the apostles these things. 11But their words appeared in their opinion to be nonsense, and they disbelieved them. 12Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb, and he stooped and saw the linen strips lying on their own, and he went off home, astonished at what had taken place. 13Then, as it happened, two of them were walking on that day to a village which was sixty stades distant from Jerusalem, which had the name Emmaus. 14And they were talking to each other about all these things that had taken place, 15and it came to pass while they were talking and assessing things, that Jesus himself approached and walked along with them, 16but their eyes were held back from recognizing him. 17Then he said to them, “What are these words which you are exchanging with one another as you walk and are sullen?” 18So one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered and said to him, “Are you the only one staying in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened in it in recent days?” 19Then he said to them, “What things?” They then said to him, “The things concerning Jesus the Nazarene, a man who was a prophet, powerful in deed and word in the presence of God and all the people, 20and how the senior priests and our rulers delivered him up to a sentence of death and had him crucified, 21whereas we were hoping that he was the one who would liberate Israel. But as it is, with all these things, he has passed through this third day today since these things took place without doing so. 22Not only this, but some of our women astonished us after they had gone to the tomb early in the morning, 23and when they did not find his body, they came also telling us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive, 24at which some of those with us went off to the tomb, and they found it just as the women had said, but they did not see him.” 25Then he said to them, “O witless men and slow in heart to believe all the things the prophets have spoken. 26Did not Christ have to suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27Then, starting from Moses and from all the prophets, he gave them an exposition of all the scriptures concerning himself. 28Then they came near to the village to which they were going, and he made as if to go further, 29but they urged him not to, and they said, “Stay with us, for it is towards evening and the day has declined. So he went in to stay with them.” 30Subsequently, it came to pass while he was reclining at table with them that he took the bread and gave blessing, and he broke it and handed some to them, 31and their eyes were opened wide, and they recognized him. Then he became invisible to them. 32Then they said to each other, “Was not our heart burning inside us while he was speaking to us on the way and when he expounded the scriptures to us?” 33Then they got up at that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and they found the eleven, and those associated with them, assembled, 34just as they were saying, “The Lord really has risen and has appeared to Simon.” 35Then they related in detail the things on the way, and how he became known to them at the time of the breaking of the bread. 36And while they were saying these things, Jesus himself stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace to you.” 37But being terrified and fearful, they thought they were seeing a spirit. 38Then he said to them, “Why are you disturbed, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39See my hands and my feet, and that it is me myself. Feel me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” 40Then when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. 41And while they still disbelieved for joy and were amazed, he said to them, “Have you got any food here?” 42They then handed him a piece of grilled fish and some honeycomb, 43which he took in their presence and ate. 44And he said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you when I was still with you, that everything written in the law of Moses and the prophets and the psalms concerning me needs to be fulfilled.” 45Then he opened up their mind to understand the scriptures. 46And he said to them, “So it stands written and so the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47and for repentance and forgiveness of sins to be preached in his name to all the nations, starting from Jerusalem. 48And you are witnesses of these things. 49And mark this, I am sending my father's promise over you. So stay in the city of Jerusalem until you are invested with power from on high.” 50Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and he lifted up his hands and blessed them, 51and it came to pass while he was blessing them that he became separated from them and was carried up to heaven. 52At this they worshipped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53and they were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.

John

John Chapter 1

1In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was God. 2This word was with God in the beginning. 3Everything came into being through it, and not one single thing that has come into being came into being apart from it. 4In it was life, and the life was the light of men, 5and the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overpowered it. 6There was a man sent from God, and his name was John. 7He came with a view to a testimony, in order to testify about the light, in order that everyone should believe through him. 8That man was not the light, but he came in order to testify about the light. 9It was the true light, which lights up every man who comes into the world. 10He was in the world, and the world came into existence through him, but the world did not know him. 11He came to his own property, but his own people did not receive him. 12But as for those who did receive him, he gave them authority to become children of God, that is, to those who believe in his name, 13who were begotten not by blood, nor by the will of the flesh, nor by the will of man, but by God. 14And the word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, glory as of the only-begotten from the father, full of grace and truth. 15John testified concerning him and cried out, saying, “This is he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me had existence before me, because he was prior to me.’ ” 16And we have all received some of his fulness, and grace for grace. 17For the law was given through Moses, then grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18No-one has seen God at any time. It is the only-begotten son, who is in the bosom of the father, who has expounded him. 19And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” 20And he confessed and did not deny who he really was, and he confessed, “I am not the Christ.” 21Then they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” And he said, “No, I am not.” – “Are you the prophet?” And he answered, “No.” 22So they said to him, “Who are you? Tell us, so that we can give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” 23He said, “I am

The voice of one crying in the desert,

‘Make straight the way of the Lord’,

as Isaiah the prophet said.” 24Now those who had been sent were from the Pharisees, 25and they questioned him and asked him, “So why do you baptize, if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?” 26John replied to them and said, “I baptize with water. But in your midst stands he whom you do not know. 27He is the one who comes after me, who had existence before me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to loosen.” 28These things took place in Bethania beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing. 29The next day, he saw Jesus coming to him, and he said, “Behold the lamb of God, which takes away the sin of the world. 30This is he about whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who had existence before me, because he was prior to me.’ 31And I did not know him, except that he should be manifested to Israel – that is why I came baptizing with water.” 32And John testified, saying, “I have seen the spirit descending like a dove from heaven, and it remained on him. 33And I did not know him, except that he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘On whom you see the spirit descending and remaining, that is the one who baptizes with holy spirit.’ 34And I have seen it, and I have testified that this is the son of God.” 35On the next day, John was again standing, as were two of his disciples, 36and looking at Jesus walking around, he said, “Behold the lamb of God.” 37And the two disciples heard him speaking, and they followed Jesus. 38Jesus then turned round and saw them following, and he said to them, “What are you looking for?” And they said to him, “Rabbi” – which, translated, is “teacher” – “where are you staying?” 39He said to them, “Come and see.” So they went and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. Now it was about the tenth hour. 40Andrew the brother of Simon Peter was one of the two who heard from John and followed him. 41He found his own brother Simon first, and he said to him, “We have found the Messiah” – which, translated, is the “Christ” – 42and he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of Jonah. You will be called Cephas, which, translated, is ‘Peter.’ ” 43The next day, he wished to set out for Galilee, and he found Philip, and Jesus said to him, “Follow me.” 44Now Philip was from Bethsaida, from the city of Andrew and Peter. 45Philip found Nathanael, and he said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, wrote, namely Jesus, the son of Joseph, who is from Nazareth.” 46And Nathanael said to him, “Can there be anything good from Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” 47Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him and said concerning him, “Look, an Israelite, truly, in whom there is no guile.” 48Nathanael said to him, “From where do you know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.” 49Nathanael replied and said to him, “Rabbi, you are the son of God. You are the king of Israel.” 50Jesus replied and said to him, “Do you believe because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree’? You will see greater things than these.” 51And he said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you people, from now on you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the son of man.”

Reference(s) in Chapter 1: v.21 ↔ Deuteronomy 18:15, Deuteronomy 18:18 ● v.23 ↔ Isaiah 40:3.

John Chapter 2

1Then on the third day a wedding took place in Cana in Galilee, and Jesus's mother was there. 2And both Jesus and his disciples were invited to the wedding. 3Then when the wine ran out, Jesus's mother said to him, “They haven't got any more wine.” 4Jesus said to her, “Madam, what does that matter to me or you? My hour has not yet come.” 5His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he says to you.” 6Now there were six stone water-jars there, standing according to the cleansing of the Jews, each holding two or three metretes. 7Jesus said to them, “Fill the water-jars with water.” So they filled them up to the brim. 8Then he said to them, “Draw some off now and bring it to the catering steward.” So they brought it. 9But when the catering steward had tasted the water, which had become wine – and he did not know where it was from, but the servants who had drawn off the water knew – the catering steward called the bridegroom, 10and he said to him, “Every man first puts out the good wine, and when they have become drunk, then the inferior. But you have kept the good wine until now.” 11Jesus performed this first of the signs in Cana in Galilee and manifested his glory, and his disciples believed in him. 12After this, he went down to Capernaum, he and his mother and his brothers and his disciples, and they remained there for a few days. 13And the Jews' Passover was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14And he found in the temple those who sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the money-changers sitting down, 15and he made a whip from cords, and he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep and the oxen, and he poured out the small change of the money-changers, and he turned the tables upside down. 16And he said to those who were selling doves, “Take these things away from here. Do not make my father's house a house of commerce.” 17His disciples then remembered that it stands written: “The zeal of your house will consume me.” 18So the Jews responded and said to him, “What sign do you show us, seeing that you do these things?” 19Jesus answered and said to them, “Break up this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” 20So the Jews said, “This temple was built in forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days?” 21But he was speaking about the temple of his body. 22So when he had risen from the dead, his disciples remembered him saying this, and they believed the scripture and the words which Jesus had spoken. 23Then when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover, at the festival, many believed in his name when they saw his signs which he performed. 24But Jesus himself did not entrust himself to them, because he knew everyone, 25and because he did not need anyone to testify about man, for he knew what was in man.

Reference(s) in Chapter 2: v.17 ↔ Psalm 69:10MT (Psalm 69:9AV).

John Chapter 3

1Now there was a man of the Pharisees, whose name was Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. 2This man came to him by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you have come from God as a teacher, for no-one can do these signs which you do unless God is with him.” 3Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a person is begotten from above, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Surely he cannot go into his mother's womb a second time and be born again?” 5Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a person is begotten from water and from spirit, he cannot go into the kingdom of God. 6That which is begotten from flesh is flesh, and that which is begotten from spirit is spirit. 7Do not be amazed because I said to you, ‘You must be begotten from above.’ 8The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it is going. So is everyone who has been begotten from the spirit.” 9Nicodemus replied and said to him, “How can these things be?” 10Jesus replied and said to him, “Are you a teacher of Israel, and don't you know these things? 11Truly, truly, I say to you that we speak what we know, and we testify what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony. 12If I told you of earthly things, and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you of upper-heavenly things? 13And no-one has ascended to heaven except him who came down from heaven, the son of man who is in heaven. 14And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the son of man be lifted up, 15so that everyone who believes in him should not be lost, but have age-abiding life. 16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten son, so that everyone who believes in him should not be lost, but have age-abiding life. 17For God did not send his son into the world to judge the world, but so that the world might be saved through him. 18He who believes in him is not judged, but he who does not believe has already been judged, because he has not believed in the name of the only-begotten son of God. 19And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, but men loved darkness more than the light, for their works were evil. 20For everyone who does base things hates the light, and he does not come to the light, so that his works are not shown up. 21But he who works the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be made manifest, for they have been carried out in God.” 22After these things, Jesus and his disciples went to the Judaean region, and he spent time there with them, and he had some baptizing done. 23Now John was also baptizing in the Ainon near Salim, because there was a lot of water there, and people would come and be baptized. 24For John had not yet been thrown in prison. 25Then a dispute arose between some of John's disciples and a Jew concerning cleansing. 26And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, he who was with you on the other side of the Jordan – of whom you have testified – see how he is having people baptized, and all are coming to him.” 27John answered and said, “Man cannot accept anything unless it has been given him from heaven. 28You yourselves testify that I said, ‘I am not the Christ’, but said, ‘I have been sent ahead of him.’ 29He who has the bride is the bridegroom, but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly on account of the bridegroom's voice. So this joy of mine has been fulfilled. 30He must increase, but I must decrease. 31He who comes from above is above all. He who is of the earth is of the earth and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all. 32And what he has seen and heard, that is what he testifies of, but no-one accepts his testimony. 33He who has accepted his testimony has attested that God is true. 34For he whom God has sent speaks the words of God. For God does not give the spirit by measure to him. 35The father loves the son and has put everything in his hand. 36He who believes in the son has age-abiding life, but he who does not believe in the son will not see life, but God's anger remains on him.”

Reference(s) in Chapter 3: v.14 ↔ Numbers 21:9.

John Chapter 4

1Now when the Lord came to know that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making more disciples, and having them baptized, than John 2– and yet Jesus himself did not baptize, but his disciples did – 3he left Judaea and went off to Galilee, 4and he had to cross through Samaria, 5so he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the parcel of land which Jacob gave to Joseph his son. 6Now Jacob's well was there. So Jesus, being tired from the journey, was just sitting at the well. It was about the sixth hour. 7A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” 8After all, his disciples had gone off into the town to buy food. 9So the Samaritan woman said to him, “How come you, being a Jew, are asking me, a Samaritan woman, for a drink?” For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans. 10Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it was saying to you, ‘Give me a drink’, you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” 11The woman said to him, “Sir, you do not have a bucket, and the well is deep. Where do you get the living water from then? 12Surely you are not greater than our father Jacob who gave us the well, and who drank from it himself, as did his sons, and his cattle.” 13Jesus answered and said to her, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again. 14Whoever drinks the water which I give him will certainly never thirst, but the water which I give him will become a well of water in him, springing up to age-abiding life.” 15The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I don't thirst or have to come here to draw water.” 16Jesus said to her, “Go and call your husband, and come back here.” 17The woman answered and said, “I do not have a husband.” Jesus said to her, “You are right in saying, ‘I do not have a husband.’ 18For you have had five husbands, and he whom you now have is not your husband. You have spoken the truth about this.” 19The woman said to him, “Sir, I see that you are a prophet. 20Our fathers worshipped on this mountain, and you say that the place where one should worship is in Jerusalem.” 21Jesus said to her, “Madam, believe me, the hour is coming when you will worship the father neither in this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22You worship that which you do not know, but we worship that which we know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23But the hour is coming, and is now, when true worshippers will worship the father in spirit and truth. For indeed the father seeks such people to worship him.” 24God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth. 25The woman said to him, “I know that the Messiah is coming, who is called Christ. When he comes, he will clarify everything for us.” 26Jesus said to her, “I am the one, I who am speaking to you.” 27Then at this point his disciples came, and they were amazed that he was speaking with a woman. However, no-one said, “What are you looking for?” or, “Why are you speaking with her?” 28The woman then left her water-jar and went away to the town, and she said to the men, 29“Come and see a man who has told me everything I have done. Could this be the Christ?” 30They left the town and came to him. 31Meanwhile, the disciples prevailed on him, saying, “Rabbi, eat something.” 32But he said to them, “I have food to eat which you do not know of.” 33Then the disciples said to each other, “No-one has brought him anything to eat, have they?” 34Jesus said to them, “My food is that I should do the will of him who sent me, and complete his work. 35You say, do you not, ‘It is still four months for the harvest to come’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the farmlands – they are already white, ready for the harvest. 36And the reaper receives wages and gathers fruit for age-abiding life, so that the sower and the reaper rejoice together. 37For in this matter the saying is true, that the sower is one and the reaper another. 38I have sent you to reap that which you did not toil over. Others have toiled, but you have entered into their toil.” 39Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him, on account of the words of the woman who gave this testimony: “He told me everything I have done.” 40So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, and he remained there for two days, 41and many more believed on account of his words. 42And they said to the woman, “It is no longer on account of your story that we believe, for we have heard him ourselves, and we know that this is truly the saviour of the world, the Christ.” 43Then two days later, he went away from there and departed for Galilee. 44For Jesus himself testified that a prophet does not have honour in his own native land. 45So when he came to Galilee, the Galileans received him, having seen everything that he had done in Jerusalem at the festival, for they also went to the festival. 46Then Jesus went to Cana in Galilee again, where he had turned the water into wine. And there was a certain royal official whose son was ill in Capernaum. 47When he heard that Jesus had come from Judaea to Galilee, he went off to him and asked him to come down and heal his son, for he was on the point of dying. 48Then Jesus said to him, “Unless you see signs and miracles, you won't believe at all.” 49The royal official said to him, “Lord, come down before my child dies.” 50Jesus said to him, “Go your way – your son will live.” And the man believed the words which Jesus had said to him, and he went his way. 51And while he was still going down, his servants met him and gave him a report and said, “Your child is alive.” 52So he inquired from them the hour when he became better. And they said to him, “Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.” 53So the father knew that it was at the very hour at which Jesus said to him, “Your son will live”, and he and his whole house believed. 54Jesus performed this second sign as he departed from Judaea for Galilee.

Reference(s) in Chapter 4: v.26 ↔ Exodus 3:14.

John Chapter 5

1After these things, it was the Jews' festival, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2Now there is a pool in Jerusalem at the Sheep Gate, which is called in Hebraic Bethesda, and it has five colonnades. 3In these a very large number of people who were ill were lying down: the blind, the lame, the wizened, awaiting the movement of the water, 4for an angel would come down into the pool at a certain time and disturb the water. Then the first to go in after the disturbance of the water would be cured of whatever disease he was suffering from. 5There was a certain man there who had been in an infirm condition for thirty-eight years. 6When Jesus saw him lying down, knowing that he had been like that for a long time now, he said to him, “Do you want to be cured?” 7The infirm man replied to him, “Sir, I do not have anyone to put me in the pool when the water is disturbed. By the time I go, someone else goes down in before me.” 8Jesus said to him, “Get up, pick up your stretcher, and walk.” 9And immediately the man was cured, and he picked up his stretcher and walked. However, it was the Sabbath on that day. 10So the Jews said to him who had been healed, “It is the Sabbath. It is not permitted for you to pick up the stretcher.” 11He replied to them, “He who restored my health – he said to me, ‘Pick up your stretcher and walk.’ ” 12So they asked him, “Who is the man who said to you, ‘Pick up your stretcher and walk’?” 13But he who had been cured did not know who it was, for Jesus had moved aside, as there was a crowd in the place. 14After these things, Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, “Look, you have been cured. Don't sin any more, in case something worse happens to you.” 15The man departed and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had restored his health. 16And for this reason the Jews kept persecuting Jesus and looking for an opportunity to kill him, because he did these things on the Sabbath. 17But Jesus answered them, “My father has been working up to now, and I have been working as well.” 18Then on account of this, the Jews looked all the more for an opportunity to kill him, because not only would he break the Sabbath, but he would also say that God was his own father, making himself equal to God. 19So Jesus answered and said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the son can do nothing on his own initiative – only if he sees the father doing something. For whatever he does, so the son does in the same manner. 20For the father loves the son and shows him everything that he himself does, and he will show him works greater than these, so that you may be amazed. 21For as the father raises up the dead and makes them alive, so the son for his part makes alive those whom he wishes to, 22because the father does not even judge anyone but has given all judgment to the son, 23in order that everyone should honour the son, as they honour the father. He who does not honour the son does not honour the father who sent him. 24Truly, truly, I say to you that he who hears my word and believes in him who sent me has age-abiding life and will not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. 25Truly, truly, I say to you that the hour is coming, and is now, when the dead will hear the voice of the son of God, and those who hear it will live. 26For as the father has life in himself, so he has granted that the son may also have life in himself, 27and he has given him authority also to execute judgment, because he is the son of man. 28Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming when all those in tombs will hear his voice, 29and those who have done good things will go out into the resurrection of life, but those who have done base things to the resurrection of judgment. 30I cannot do anything on my own initiative. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is righteous, for I do not seek my will, but the will of the father who sent me. 31If I testify concerning myself, my testimony is not true. 32There is another who testifies concerning me, and I know that the testimony which he testifies concerning me is true. 33You have sent inquirers to John, and he has testified to the truth. 34Now I do not accept testimony from men, but I say these things so that you may be saved. 35He was the lamp burning and shining, and you were pleased to rejoice in his light for a while. 36But I have a testimony greater than that of John. For the works which the father gave me to complete, those very works which I do, witness concerning me that the father has sent me. 37And the father who sent me has himself testified concerning me. You have never heard his voice nor seen his appearance, 38and you did not have his word remaining in you, for you don't believe in him whom he sent. 39You examine the scriptures because you think you have age-abiding life in them. Now they are what testify concerning me, 40yet you are not willing to come to me to have life. 41I do not accept glory from men, 42but I know you – I know that you do not have the love of God in yourselves. 43I have come in the name of my father, and you do not receive me. If another comes in his own name, you will receive him. 44How can you believe, receiving glory from one another, while you do not seek the glory which is from the only God? 45Do not think that I will accuse you to the father. Moses is the one who is accusing you, in whom you have put your hope. 46For if you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me. 47But if you do not believe his writings, how can you believe my words?”

John Chapter 6

1After these things, Jesus went away across the sea of Galilee, of Tiberias, 2and a large crowd followed him, because they had seen his signs which he performed on the infirm. 3Then Jesus went up into the mountain, and he sat there with his disciples. 4Incidentally, the Passover was near, the Jews' festival. 5Then Jesus lifted up his eyes and saw that a large crowd was coming to him, and he said to Philip, “From where can we buy loaves of bread so that these may eat?” 6But he said this to test him, for he himself knew what he was going to do. 7Philip answered him, “Two hundred denaries' worth of bread would not suffice for them, so that each of them could take a little.” 8One of his disciples, Andrew the brother of Simon Peter, said to him, 9“There is one little boy here who has five barley loaves and two cooked fish, but what is that for so many?” 10But Jesus said, “Have the men recline.” Now there was a lot of grass in the place. So the men reclined, about five thousand in number. 11And Jesus took the loaves and gave thanks, and he distributed them to the disciples, and the disciples distributed them to those reclining. And they did the same with the cooked fish – as much as they wanted. 12And when they were full, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces which are left over so that nothing goes to waste.” 13So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets of pieces from the five barley loaves which those who had eaten had left over. 14Then when the men had seen the sign which Jesus had performed, they said, “This is truly the prophet who was to come into the world.” 15So Jesus, who knew that they would come and seize him to make him king, withdrew to the mountain alone. 16Then when evening had come, his disciples went down to the sea, 17and they went on board a boat and were going across the sea to Capernaum. Now dark had already fallen, and Jesus had not come to them, 18and the sea was being stirred up, with a strong wind blowing. 19Then when they had rowed about twenty-five or thirty stades, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near to the boat, and they were afraid. 20But he said to them, “I am; do not be afraid.” 21Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat came to the place which they were heading for. 22The next day, the crowd who were standing on the other side of the sea saw that there had been no other boat there, except the one which his disciples had boarded, and that Jesus had not gone with his disciples into the boat, but that his disciples had departed alone, 23but that boats had come from Tiberias near to the place where they had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. 24So when the crowd saw that Jesus was not there, nor his disciples, they themselves went into the boats and went to Capernaum, looking for Jesus. 25And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you arrive here?” 26Jesus replied to them and said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate the bread and had your fill. 27Work not for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures, leading to age-abiding life, which the son of man will give you. For the father, God, has sealed him.” 28Then they said to him, “What should we do to do the works of God?” 29Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you should believe in him whom he has sent.” 30Then they said to him, “What sign will you perform then for us to see and believe you? What will you perform? 31Our fathers ate manna in the desert, as it stands written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’ ” 32Then Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, it is not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is my father who gives you the true bread from heaven. 33For the bread of God is he who descends from heaven and gives life to the world.” 34Then they said to him, “Lord, always give us this bread.” 35And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will not hunger at all, and he who believes in me will not ever thirst at all. 36But I said to you, ‘Although you have seen me, you still don't believe.’ 37Everything that the father gives me will come to me, and I will certainly not cast out him who comes to me. 38For I have come down from heaven, not to do my will, but the will of him who sent me. 39And this is the will of the father who sent me, that I should not lose any part of anything that he has given me, but that I should raise it up on the last day. 40And this is the will of him who sent me, that everyone who sees the son and believes in him should have age-abiding life, and that I should raise him up on the last day.” 41Then the Jews murmured about him, because he had said, “I am the bread which has come down from heaven.” 42And they said, “Is not this Jesus the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How come, then, he says, ‘I have come down from heaven’?” 43So Jesus answered and said to them, “Do not murmur among yourselves. 44No-one can come to me, unless the father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up on the last day. 45It stands written in the prophets: ‘And they will all be taught by God.’ So everyone who hears from the father and has learnt comes to me. 46Not that anyone has seen the father, except him who is from God – he has seen the father. 47Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in me has age-abiding life. 48I am the bread of life. 49Your fathers ate manna in the desert and died. 50This is the bread which comes down from heaven, so that a person should eat it and not die. 51I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If a person eats this bread, he will live throughout the age. And moreover, the bread which I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” 52Then the Jews contended with each other, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” 53So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, if you do not eat the flesh of the son of man and drink his blood, you do not have life in you. 54He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has age-abiding life, and I will raise him up on the last day. 55For my flesh is truly food, and my blood is truly drink. 56He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him. 57As the living father sent me, so I live because of the father. And as for him who eats me, he will also live because of me. 58This is the bread which has come down from heaven, not comparable to how your fathers ate the manna and died. He who eats this bread will live throughout the age.” 59He said these things in the synagogue while teaching in Capernaum. 60Then many of his disciples who had heard him said, “This speech is hard. Who can listen to him?” 61But Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples were murmuring about this, said to them, “Does this offend you? 62What, then, if you should see the son of man ascending to where he was before? 63It is the spirit which makes alive; the flesh is of no benefit. The words which I am speaking to you are spirit and are life. 64But there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the beginning who those were who did not believe and who it was who would betray him. 65And he said, “This is why I have said to you that no-one can come to me, unless it has been granted to him by my father.” 66At this many of his disciples went back and no longer walked with him. 67Then Jesus said to the twelve, “You don't also wish to go away, do you?” 68Then Simon Peter replied to him, “Lord, to whom could we go? You have the words of age-abiding life, 69and we have believed, and know, that you are the Christ, the son of the living God.” 70Jesus replied to them, “Did I not choose you twelve? Yet one of you is a devil.” 71He was speaking here of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. For this man was going to betray him, being one of the twelve.

Reference(s) in Chapter 6: v.20 ↔ Exodus 3:14 ● v.31 ↔ Psalm 78:24 ● v.45 ↔ Isaiah 54:13, Jeremiah 31:33-34.

John Chapter 7

1And after that Jesus walked around in Galilee, for he did not wish to walk around in Judaea, because the Jews were looking for a way to kill him. 2Now the festival of the Jews, Tabernacles, was near. 3Then his brothers said to him, “Move on from here and go to Judaea, so that your disciples also may see your works which you do, 4for no-one does a thing in secret when he is trying to be known in public himself. If you are doing these things, manifest yourself to the world.” 5For not even his brothers believed in him. 6So Jesus said to them, “My time has not yet come. But your time is always at hand. 7The world cannot hate you, but it hates me, because I testify about it that its works are evil. 8You go up to this festival. I am not yet going up to this festival, for my time has not yet been fulfilled.” 9Then when he had said these things to them, he remained in Galilee. 10But when his brothers went up, then he went up to the festival as well – not openly, but as it were in secret. 11Then the Jews looked for him at the festival and said, “Where is that man?” 12And there was a lot of murmuring about him among the crowds. Some said, “He is good.” Others said, “No. Rather, he is misleading the crowd.” 13However, no-one spoke freely concerning him for fear of the Jews. 14Then when the festival was already half way through, Jesus went up to the temple and gave some teaching. 15And the Jews were amazed, and they said, “How come this man knows literature, not having studied it?” 16So Jesus replied to them and said, “My teaching is not mine, but of him who sent me. 17If anyone wishes to do his will, he will know about the teaching – whether it is from God or whether I speak on my own initiative. 18He who speaks on his own initiative seeks his own glory, but it is he who seeks the glory of him who sent him who is true, and there is no unrighteousness in him. 19Did not Moses give you the law? Yet not one of you keeps the law. Why are you looking for a way to kill me?” 20The crowd answered and said, “You are possessed by a demon. Who is looking for a way to kill you?” 21Jesus answered and said to them, “I have performed one work, and you are all amazed. 22For this reason Moses gave you circumcision – not that it was from Moses' time, but from the fathers' time – and you circumcise a man on a Sabbath. 23If a man receives circumcision on a Sabbath, in order that the law of Moses should not be broken, why are you angry at me because I cured a man in his entirety on the Sabbath? 24Do not judge by appearance, but judge with a just judgment.” 25Then some of the inhabitants of Jerusalem said, “Isn't this the one whom they are trying to kill? 26And look, he is speaking openly, and they aren't saying anything to him. The leaders really have not established, have they, that this really is the Christ? 27But we know where this man is from. However, when the Christ comes, no-one will know where he is from.” 28So Jesus shouted out, while teaching in the temple, and he said, “You both know me, and you know where I am from. And yet I have not come on my own initiative, but he who sent me is true, whom you do not know. 29I know him, because I am from him, and he sent me.” 30Then they looked for a way to seize him, yet no-one laid a hand on him, because his hour had not yet come. 31But many of the crowd believed in him and said, “When the Christ comes, surely he will not do more signs than these which this man has done?” 32The Pharisees heard the crowd murmuring these things about him, and the Pharisees and senior priests sent officers to seize him. 33Then Jesus said, “I will only be a little while with you still, and then I will go away to him who sent me. 34You will look for me, but you will not find me. And where I am, you cannot go.” 35Then the Jews said to themselves, “Where is he going to go, such that we won't find him? Is he going to go to the Diaspora among the Greeks and teach the Greeks? 36What does this remark which he said mean, ‘You will look for me, but you will not find me’, and, ‘Where I am, you cannot go’?” 37Now on the last – the great – day of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted, saying, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. 38As regards him who believes in me, as the scripture says, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his inside.’ ” 39He said this referring to the spirit which those who believed in him were about to receive, for there was not yet any holy spirit, because Jesus had not yet been glorified. 40Then many of the crowd who heard the statement said, “This man is truly the prophet.” 41Others said, “This is the Christ.” Yet others said, “No, for surely the Christ does not come from Galilee? 42Does not the scripture say that the Christ comes from the seed of David, and from Bethlehem, the village where David was?43So a division arose in the crowd on account of him. 44And some of them wanted to seize him, but no-one laid hands on him. 45Then the officers went to the senior priests and Pharisees, and those said to them, “Why did you not bring him here?” 46The officers replied, “Never did a man speak in such a way as this man did.” 47Then the Pharisees answered them, “You haven't gone astray too, have you? 48None of the rulers or of the Pharisees have believed him, have they? 49But this crowd who do not know the law are strongly cursed.” 50Nicodemus, who had come to him by night, who was one of them, said to them, 51“Surely our law does not judge a man if it has not first heard from him and knows what he is doing?” 52They answered and said to him, “You aren't from Galilee too, are you? Investigate and see: no prophet has arisen from Galilee.” 53Then each went to his house.

Reference(s) in Chapter 7: v.38 ↔ Isaiah 12:3, Isaiah 55:1, Isaiah 58:11; Ezekiel 47:1; Joel 4:18MT (Joel 3:18AV), Zechariah 13:1, Zechariah 14:8. ● v.42 ↔ Psalm 89:30MT-37MT (Psalm 89:29AV-36AV), Psalm 132:11, Isaiah 11:1, Isaiah 11:10, Jeremiah 23:5, Jeremiah 33:15, Micah 5:1MT (Micah 5:2AV).

John Chapter 8

1But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2Then at dawn he presented himself at the temple again. And all the people came, and he sat down and was teaching them, 3when the scribes and Pharisees brought to him a woman who had been caught in adultery, and they placed her at the focus of attention, 4and they said to him, testing him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of committing adultery, 5and in the law, Moses commanded us that such people are to be stoned. So what do you say?” 6But they said this testing him, so that they might have something to accuse him with. But Jesus stooped and wrote on the ground with his finger, not acting in pretence. 7And when they persisted in asking him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you cast a stone at her first.” 8Then stooping again, he wrote on the ground. 9And having heard it, and being convicted by their conscience, they went out one by one, beginning with the elders. Then Jesus was left there alone with the woman at the focal point. 10Then Jesus straightened himself up, and not seeing anyone except the woman, he said to her, “Where are those accusers of yours? Didn't anyone condemn you?” 11And she said, “No-one, Lord.” Jesus then said, “Neither do I judge you. Go and do not sin any more.” 12Then Jesus spoke to them again and said, “I am the light of the world. He who follows me will certainly not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” 13Then the Pharisees said to him, “You are testifying about yourself; your testimony is not true.” 14Jesus answered and said to them, “Even if I testify about myself, my testimony is true, because I know where I came from and where I am going. But you do not know where I come from or where I am going. 15You judge according to the flesh, but I do not judge anyone. 16And if I do judge, my judgment is true, because I am not alone, but it is a case of me and the father who sent me. 17And in your law it stands written that the testimony of two men is true. 18I am the one testifying about myself, and the father who sent me testifies about me too.” 19Then they said to him, “Where is your father?” Jesus answered, “You neither know me nor my father. If you knew me, you would know my father too.” 20Jesus spoke these words in the treasury, while teaching in the temple, but no-one seized him, because his hour had not yet come. 21Then Jesus said to them again, “I am going away, and you will seek me, but you will die in your sin. Where I am going, you cannot go.” 22Then the Jews said, “Is he going to kill himself, in that he said, ‘Where I am going, you cannot go’?” 23And he said to them, “You are of the things below, but I am of the things above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. 24So I said to you, ‘You will die in your sins.’ For if you do not believe that I am, you will die in your sins.” 25Then they said to him, “Who are you?” And Jesus said to them, “I tell you: the beginning, which I have been telling you all along. 26I have many things concerning you to say and to judge, but he who sent me is true, and what I hear from him, that I say to the world.” 27They did not know that he was speaking to them of the father. 28So Jesus said to them, “When you lift up the son of man, then you will know that I am, and that on my own initiative I do not do anything, but as my father has taught me, so I speak. 29And he who sent me is with me. The father has not left me alone, because I always do the things which are pleasing to him.” 30As he said these things many believed in him. 31Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you remain in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” 33They replied to him, “We are the seed of Abraham, and we have never been slaves to anyone. How come you say, ‘You will be free’?” 34Jesus replied to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you that everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. 35But the slave does not remain in the house forever. The son remains throughout the age. 36So if the son makes you free, you will be free indeed. 37I know that you are the seed of Abraham, but you are looking for a way to kill me, because my word does not find room in you. 38I speak of what I have seen with my father. And you consequently do what you have seen with your father.” 39They answered and said to him, “Our father is Abraham.” Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham's children, you would be doing Abraham's works. 40But now, you are looking for a way to kill me, a man who has spoken to you the truth which I heard from God. Abraham did not do this. 41You do the works of your father.” Then they said to him, “We were not born from fornication. We have one father: God.” 42Then Jesus said to them, “If God were your father, you would love me, since I came out from God and have come here, for I did not come on my own initiative, but he sent me. 43Why do you not understand my discourse? Because you are not able to hear my words. 44You stem from your father the devil, and you have a will to carry out the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and he does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks the lie, he speaks from his own mind, because he is a liar and is the father of it. 45But because I speak the truth, you do not believe me. 46Who among you can convict me of sin? But if I speak the truth, why do you not believe me? 47He who is from God hears the words of God. That is why you do not hear them, because you are not from God.” 48Then the Jews replied and said to him, “Were we not right in saying, ‘You are a Samaritan, and you are possessed by a demon’?” 49Jesus replied, “I am not possessed by a demon, but I honour my father, whereas you dishonour me. 50And I do not seek my glory. There is the one who seeks and judges. 51Truly, truly, I say to you, if a person keeps my word, he will by no means see death throughout the age.” 52The Jews said to him, “Now we know you are possessed by a demon. Abraham and the prophets died, but you say, ‘If a person keeps my word, he will by no means taste death throughout the age.’ 53Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? The prophets also died. Whom do you make yourself out to be?” 54Jesus replied, “If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my father who glorifies me, whom you say is our God. 55But you have not come to know him. But I know him. And if I were to say that I do not know him, I would be like you – a liar. But I do know him, and I keep his word. 56Abraham your father was glad to see my day, and he saw it, and he rejoiced.” 57Then the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” 58Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham came into being, I am.” 59Then they took up stones to cast at him. But Jesus hid himself, and he went out of the temple and crossed through the thick of them, and so he passed them by.

Reference(s) in Chapter 8: v.5 ↔ Deuteronomy 22:24 ● v.6 ↔ Numbers 5:23 ● v.17 ↔ Deuteronomy 19:15.

John Chapter 9

1And as he passed by, he saw a man who had been blind from his birth. 2And the disciples questioned him and asked, “Rabbi, who sinned, he or his parents, that he should be born blind?” 3Jesus replied, “Neither he nor his parents sinned, but it happened in order that the works of God should be manifested in him. 4I must carry out the works of him who sent me while it is day. Night is coming, when no-one can do any work. 5As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” 6When he had said these things, he spat on the ground and made clay from the spittle and smeared the clay on the eyes of the blind man, 7and he said to him, “Go and wash yourself in the Pool of Siloam”, which, translated, is “Sent.” So he went away and washed himself, and he came back sighted. 8Then the neighbours and those who had previously seen that he had been blind, said, “Is this not the one who sits and begs?” 9Some said, “This is him.” But others said, “He is like him.” He himself said, “I am he.” 10Then they said to him, “How were your eyes opened?” 11He replied and said, “A man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes, and he said to me, ‘Go off to the Pool of Siloam and wash yourself.’ So I went off, and when I washed myself, I recovered my sight.” 12Then they said to him, “Where is he?” He said, “I don't know.” 13They brought him who had been blind in the past to the Pharisees. 14Now it was the Sabbath when Jesus made the clay and opened his eyes. 15Then the Pharisees also asked him on the same ground how he had recovered his sight. He then said to them, “He placed clay on my eyes, then I washed myself, and now I can see.” 16Then some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, since he does not keep the Sabbath.” Others said, “How can a sinful man perform such signs?” So there was a division among them. 17They asked the blind man again, “What have you got to say about him, in that he opened your eyes?” And he said, “He is a prophet.” 18In fact the Jews did not believe concerning him that he had been blind and had recovered his sight until they had called the parents of him who had recovered his sight. 19And they questioned them and asked, “Is this your son, whom you say was born blind? How come that he can now see?” 20Then his parents answered them and said, “We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind. 21But as to how he can now see, we don't know, nor do we know who opened his eyes. He is of age; ask him. He will speak for himself.” 22His parents said these things because they feared the Jews. For the Jews had already decided that if anyone professed that that man was the Christ, he would be excommunicated from the synagogue. 23That is why his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.” 24So they called the man who had been blind a second time, and they said to him, “Give glory to God. We know that this man is a sinner.” 25At which he answered and said, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don't know. One thing I do know, that although I was blind, I can now see.” 26Then they asked him again, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?” 27He replied to them, “I have told you already, but you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? You don't want to become his disciples too, do you?” 28They reviled him and said, “You are a disciple of his. But we are disciples of Moses. 29We know that God spoke to Moses. But we do not know where this man is from.” 30The man answered and said to them, “Well, in this matter it is astounding that you do not know where he is from, yet he opened my eyes. 31Now we know that God does not hear sinners, but if anyone is godly and does his will, he hears him. 32Never has it been heard of that anyone opened the eyes of one born blind. 33If this man were not from God, he could not do anything.” 34They replied and said to him, “You were wholly born in sins, and are you teaching us?” And they cast him out. 35Jesus heard that they had cast him out, and he found him, and he asked him, “Do you believe in the son of God?” 36He answered and said, “So who is that, Lord, so that I may believe in him?” 37Jesus then said to him, “You have seen him, and also he who is talking to you is the one.” 38Then he said, “I believe, Lord.” And he worshipped him. 39Then Jesus said, “I have come into this world with a view to judgment – that those who do not see should see, and those who see should become blind.” 40Now some of the Pharisees who were with him heard these things, and they said to him, “Surely we are not blind too?” 41Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would not have sin. But as it is, you say, ‘We see.’ So your sin remains.”

John Chapter 10

1“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not come into the sheepfold through the door, but climbs up from somewhere else, is a thief and a robber. 2But he who enters through the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes in front of them, and the sheep follow him, because they know his voice. 5However, they certainly will not follow a stranger but will flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers.” 6Jesus spoke this proverb to them, but they did not know what the things that he was saying to them meant. 7Then Jesus spoke to them again and said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door for the sheep. 8All who have gone are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9I am the door. If anyone goes in through me, he will be saved, and he will go in and out and will find pasture. 10The thief does not come except to steal and slaughter and destroy. I came in order that they might have life and have it abundantly. 11I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12But the hired man, so who is not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees. Then the wolf seizes them and scatters the sheep. 13The hired man, then, flees, because he is a hired man, and he is not concerned about the sheep. 14I am the good shepherd, and I know my own, and I am known by my own. 15As the father knows me, I also know the father, and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16I have other sheep too, which are not of this fold, and I must lead those too, and they will hear my voice, and there will be this: one flock, one shepherd. 17Here is why the father loves me: because I lay down my life, so that I may take it up again. 18No-one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own free will. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. I received this commandment from my father.” 19Then a division arose again among the Jews on account of these words. 20And many of them said, “He is possessed by a demon and is mad. Why do you listen to him?” 21Others said, “These words are not those of one possessed by a demon. A demon cannot open the eyes of the blind, can it?” 22Now it was the festival of the Dedication in Jerusalem, and it was winter, 23and Jesus was walking around in the temple in Solomon's Colonnade. 24Then the Jews gathered round him and said to him, “How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” 25Jesus replied to them, “I have told you, and you do not believe. It is the works which I do in the name of my father which testify concerning me. 26But you do not believe, for you are not my sheep, as I told you. 27My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28And I give them age-abiding life, and they will certainly not be lost throughout the age, and no-one will snatch them out of my hand. 29My father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no-one can snatch them from my father's hand. 30I and the father are one.” 31Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him. 32Jesus replied to them, “I have shown you many good works from my father. On account of which of those works do you stone me?” 33The Jews answered him and said, “We are not stoning you for a good work, but for blasphemy, and in that you, being a man, make yourself God.” 34Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your law: ‘I have said, «You are gods» ’? 35If he called those people to whom the word of God came ‘gods’ – and the scripture cannot be broken – 36do you say of him whom the father sanctified and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming’ because I said, ‘I am the son of God’? 37If I do not do the works of my father, do not believe me, 38but if I do do them, and if you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may know and believe that the father is in me and I in him.” 39Then they again looked for a way to seize him, but he slipped away, out of their reach. 40And he departed again, across the Jordan, to the place where John was first baptizing, and he remained there. 41And many came to him and said that John did not perform any sign, but that everything John had said about this man had been true. 42And many there believed in him.

Reference(s) in Chapter 10: v.34 ↔ Psalm 82:6; Isaiah 41:23.

John Chapter 11

1Now there was a certain man who was ill: Lazarus from Bethany, from the village of Mary and Martha her sister. 2Mary, incidentally, was the one who had anointed the Lord with ointment and had wiped his feet dry with her hair, and whose brother Lazarus was ill. 3So the sisters sent word to him, and they said, “Lord, look, he whom you love is ill.” 4Then when Jesus heard it, he said, “This illness is not with death in view, but is for the sake of the glory of God, so that the son of God may be glorified through it.” 5Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister, and Lazarus, 6so when he heard that he was ill, he then remained in the place where he was for two days. 7Then after that he said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judaea again.” 8The disciples said to him, “Rabbi, the Jews were only recently looking for a way to stone you, yet are you going there again?” 9Jesus replied, “Are there not twelve hours in a day? If a person goes around in the daytime, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. 10But if a person goes around at night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.” 11He said these things, and after this he said to them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep. But I am going along to awaken him.” 12Then his disciples said, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover.” 13However, Jesus had spoken about his death, but they thought he was speaking about falling asleep in the sense of natural sleep. 14So Jesus then spoke to them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. 15And I rejoice on your account, so that you may believe, because I was not there. But let us go to him.” 16Then Thomas, who is called Didymus, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us go too, so that we may die with him.” 17Then when Jesus had arrived, he found that he had already been in the tomb for four days. 18Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, about fifteen stades away. 19And many of the Jews had gone to the women connected with Martha and Mary to console them about their brother. 20Then when she heard that Jesus was coming, Martha went to meet him. But Mary was sitting down in the house. 21Then Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22But even now I know that whatever you ask God for, God will give you it.” 23Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise in the resurrection on the last day.” 25Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me, even if he dies, he will live. 26And everyone who lives and believes in me will certainly not die throughout the age. Do you believe this?” 27She said to him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Christ, the son of God, who should come into the world.” 28And when she had said these things, she went away and called Mary her sister in secret and said, “The teacher is present and is calling for you.” 29When she heard that, she got up quickly and went to him. 30However, Jesus had not yet come to the village, but was in the place where Martha had met him. 31So when the Jews who were with her in the house comforting her saw that Mary had quickly got up and gone out, they followed her, and they said, “She is going off to the tomb to weep there.” 32Then when Mary came to where Jesus was, when she saw him, she fell down at his feet and said to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” 33Then when he saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her weeping, Jesus was exasperated in spirit and was disquieted, 34and he said, “Where have you put him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” 35Jesus wept. 36Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him.” 37But some of them said, “Could not this man, who opened the eyes of the blind man, have also acted so that this man should not die?” 38Then, again inwardly exasperated, Jesus went to the tomb. There was a cave, and a stone lay on it. 39Jesus said, “Remove the stone.” Martha, the sister of the deceased man, said to him, “Lord, by now he will stink, for he has been dead for four days.” 40Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” 41So they removed the stone where the deceased was lying. Jesus lifted his eyes upwards and said, “Father, I give thanks to you because you have heard me. 42But I knew that you would always hear me. But on account of the crowd standing round, I spoke, so that they might believe that you sent me.” 43And when he had said these things, he called out in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.” 44And he who had died came out, bound at the legs and the hands with swathing. Also, his face had been wrapped with a sweat-band. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him and let him go.” 45Then many of the Jews who had come to Mary and had seen what Jesus had done believed in him. 46But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. 47Then the senior priests and the Pharisees convened the Sanhedrin council and said, “What are we doing, seeing that this man is performing many signs? 48If we leave him like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” 49But a certain one of them, Caiaphas, who was the high priest in that year, said to them, “You do not know anything. 50Nor do you consider that it is expedient for us that one man should die for the people so that the whole nation should not perish.” 51Now he did not say this on his own initiative, but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation, 52and not only for the nation, but also so that he should gather into one the children of God who are scattered. 53Then from that day, they deliberated on how to kill him. 54So Jesus no longer went around openly among the Jews, but went away from there to a region near the desert, to a town called Ephraim, and he spent time there with his disciples. 55Now the Jews' Passover was near, and many went up to Jerusalem from the region before the Passover to purify themselves. 56Then they looked for Jesus and spoke with each other as they stood in the temple, and they said, “What do you think? Will he definitely not come to the festival?” 57The senior priests and Pharisees on this score had issued a commandment that if anyone knew where he was, he must inform them so that they might seize him.

John Chapter 12

1So six days before the Passover, Jesus went to Bethany, where Lazarus was, who had died, whom he had raised from the dead. 2Then they made a meal for him there, and Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining at table with him. 3Then Mary took a litra of very costly genuine ointment of spikenard, and she anointed Jesus's feet and wiped his feet dry with her hair. And the house was filled with the scent of the ointment. 4Then one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, who was going to betray him, said, 5“Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denaries and the proceeds given to the poor?” 6But he said this, not because he was concerned for the poor, but because he was a thief, and he had the money-bag and carried the funds. 7Then Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She has kept this with a view to the day of my embalming. 8After all, you always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.” 9Then a large crowd of the Jews found out that he was there, and they came not on account of Jesus only, but also to see Lazarus whom he had raised from the dead. 10But the senior priests had resolved to kill Lazarus as well, 11because many of the Jews were withdrawing on account of him and were believing in Jesus. 12The next day, a large crowd who had come to the festival heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, 13and they took branches of palm trees, and they went out to meet him, and they shouted,

“Hosanna;

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord,

The king of Israel.”

14Jesus then found a donkey, and he sat on it, as it stands written:

15“Do not fear, daughter of Zion;

Behold, your king is coming,

Sitting on the foal of a donkey.”

16But his disciples did not know these things at first, but when Jesus had been glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written about him, and that they had done these things for him. 17Then the crowd who were with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead gave a testimony, 18which is why the former crowd also went to meet him, because they had heard that he had performed this sign. 19Then the Pharisees said to each other, “You see that you aren't making any headway. Look, the world has gone after him.” 20Now there were some Greeks among those going up to worship at the festival. 21These then went to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and they appealed to him and said, “Sir, we want to see Jesus.” 22Philip came and told Andrew, and Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus. 23But Jesus answered them and said, “The hour has come for the son of man to be glorified. 24Truly, truly, I say to you, if the grain of wheat does not fall to the ground and die, only it remains. But if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it, saved up for age-abiding life. 26If anyone serves me, let him follow me, and where I am, there my servant will be. And if anyone serves me, the father will honour him. 27My soul is troubled now. Well what should I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But it is for this that I came, for this hour. 28Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven and said, “I both have glorified it and will glorify it again.” 29Then the crowd who were standing by, and had heard it, said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” 30Jesus answered and said, “This voice did not come on my account, but on your account. 31Now the judgment of this world is here. Now the ruler of this world will be cast out. 32And as for me, when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all men to myself.” 33Now he said this indicating what kind of death he was going to die. 34The crowd replied to him, “We have heard from the law that Christ remains throughout the age, so how can you say, ‘The son of man must be lifted up’? Who is this son of man?” 35Then Jesus said to them, “The light is with you for just a little while yet. Walk while you have the light, so that darkness does not overtake you. For he who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. 36While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become sons of the light.” Jesus said these things, then he went away and was hidden from them. 37Although he had performed so many signs in their presence, they did not believe in him, 38so that the word of Isaiah the prophet, which he spoke, might be fulfilled:

“Lord, who has believed our account?

And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?”

39For this reason, they were not able to believe, because Isaiah again says,

40“He has blinded their eyes

And hardened their heart,

In order that they should not see with their eyes,

And understand with their heart,

And repent,

And I should heal them.”

41Isaiah said these things when he saw his glory, and he spoke concerning him. 42Nevertheless, however, even many of the rulers believed in him, but they did not confess it on account of the Pharisees, so as not to become excommunicated from the synagogue, 43for they loved the glory of men more than the glory of God. 44Then Jesus shouted out and said, “He who believes in me does not believe in me, but in him who sent me. 45And he who sees me sees him who sent me. 46I have come to the world as a light, so that no-one who believes in me should remain in darkness. 47And if anyone hears my words but does not believe, I do not judge him. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. 48He who dismisses me and does not accept my words has one judging him: it is the word which I have spoken which will judge him on the last day. 49For I have not spoken on my own initiative, but it is the father who sent me who gave me a commandment as to what I should say and what I should speak. 50And I know that his commandment means age-abiding life. So as for the things I say, as my father has spoken to me, so I speak.”

Reference(s) in Chapter 12: v.13 ↔ Psalm 118:25, Psalm 118:26 ● v.15 ↔ Zechariah 9:9 ● v.34 ↔ Psalm 89:37MT (Psalm 89:36AV) ● v.38 ↔ Isaiah 53:1 ● v.40 ↔ Isaiah 6:9, Isaiah 6:10.

John Chapter 13

1Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come for him to move out of this world to the father, after he had loved his own who were in the world. He loved them to the end. 2And when supper had taken place, and the devil had already laid it on the heart of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, to betray him, 3Jesus, knowing that the father had committed everything to his responsibility and that he had come out from God, and that he was going to God, 4got up from the supper and laid aside his garments and took a linen cloth and girded himself. 5Then he put water in the basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the linen cloth with which he was girded. 6Then he went to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 7Jesus replied and said to him, “You do not now know what I am doing, but you will know afterwards.” 8Peter said to him, “Don't ever wash my feet at all.” Jesus replied to him, “If I don't wash you, you have no part with me.” 9Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, wash not just my feet, but also my hands and head.” 10Jesus said to him, “He who has washed himself does not need anything other than to wash his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not all of you.” 11For he knew who was going to betray him. That is why he said, “You are not all clean.” 12Then when he had washed their feet and had taken his garments, he reclined again and said to them, “Do you know what I have done for you? 13You call me ‘the teacher’ and ‘the Lord’, and you say so correctly, for so I am. 14So if I, the Lord and the teacher, have washed your feet, then you ought to wash each other's feet. 15For I have given you an example, so that as I have acted for you, so you should act. 16Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than him who sent him. 17If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. 18I do not speak of all of you. I know those whom I have chosen, but let the scripture be fulfilled: ‘He who partakes of bread with me has lifted up his heel against me.’ 19From now on I will tell you before a thing takes place, so that when it does take place, you may believe that I am. 20Truly, truly, I say to you, if I send someone, he who receives him receives me, and he who receives me receives him who sent me.” 21When Jesus had said these things, he was troubled in spirit, and he testified and said, “Truly, truly, I say to you that one of you will betray me.” 22Then the disciples looked at each other, at a loss as to whom he was speaking about. 23And one of his disciples, he whom Jesus loved, was reclining in the bosom of Jesus's robe. 24Then Simon Peter made a sign to him, to inquire as to who it might be about whom he spoke. 25Then he just sank onto Jesus's chest and said to him, “Lord, who is it?” 26Jesus answered, “It is he to whom I will give this morsel of food when I have dipped it.” So he dipped the morsel and gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. 27And after the incident of the morsel of food, Satan entered into him. Then Jesus said to him, “What you are doing, do quickly.” 28But no-one among those reclining knew to what intent he said this to him. 29For some thought, since Judas had the money-bag, that Jesus said to him, “Buy what we need for the festival”, or that he should give something to the poor. 30Then he took the morsel of food and went out straightaway. It was, by the way, night. 31When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now the son of man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. 32If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and he will immediately glorify him. 33Little children, I will be with you for just a little while longer. You will seek me, and as I said to the Jews, ‘Where I am going, you cannot go’, so I also say to you now. 34I give you a new commandment: to love each other – that you also love each other as I have loved you. 35By this all will know that you are my disciples: by whether you have love among each other.” 36Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus replied to him, “Where I am going, you cannot now follow me, but later you will follow me.” 37Peter said to him, “Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” 38Jesus replied to him, “Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the cock will certainly not crow until you have denied me three times.

Reference(s) in Chapter 13: v.18 ↔ Psalm 41:10MT (Psalm 41:9AV).

John Chapter 14

1Do not let your heart be troubled. Believe in God, and believe in me. 2In my father's house there are many residences. If it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go, I will prepare a place for you; I will come again and receive you to myself, so that where I am, you also may be. 4So you know where I am going, and you know the way.” 5Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don't know where you are going. So how can we know the way?” 6Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth and the life. No-one comes to the father except through me. 7If you had known me, you would have known my father as well. But from now on, you know him, and you have seen him.” 8Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the father, and that will be sufficient for us.” 9Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, yet you do not know me, Philip? He who has seen me has seen the father. So how can you say, ‘Show us the father’? 10Do you not believe that I am in the father, and the father is in me? The words which I say to you, I do not say on my own initiative, but it is the father who remains in me who does the works. 11Believe me, that I am in the father and the father in me. And if not, believe me on account of the works themselves. 12Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in me will also do the works which I do, and he will do greater ones than these, because I am going to my father. 13And whatever you ask in my name, I will do it, so that the father is glorified in the son. 14If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it. 15If you love me, keep my commandments. 16Moreover, I will ask the father, and he will give you another comforter, so that he may remain with you throughout the age: 17the spirit of truth, which the world cannot receive, because it does not see it or know it. But you know it, because it remains with you and it will be in you. 18I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19Just a little while and the world will see me no longer, but you will see me. Because I live, you will live also. 20On that day, you will know that I am in my father, and you in me, and I in you. 21He who has my commandments and keeps them – that's who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my father, and I will love him, and I will reveal myself to him.” 22Judas, not Iscariot, said to him, “Lord, what has happened then, in that you are going to reveal yourself to us but not to the world?” 23Jesus replied and said to him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my father will love him, and we will come to him, and we will make an abode with him. 24He who does not love me does not keep my words. And the word which you hear is not mine, but that of the father who sent me. 25I spoke these things to you when I was staying with you. 26But the comforter, the holy spirit, which the father will send in my name, he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27I leave you peace. I give you my peace. I give it to you not as the world gives it. Do not let your heart be troubled, or be afraid. 28You have heard that I said to you, ‘I am going away, and I will come back to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced in that I said, ‘I am going to the father’, because the father is greater than I am. 29And now I have spoken to you before it happens, so that when it does happen, you may believe. 30I will no longer discuss many things with you. For the ruler of the world is coming, but he has no hold on me in any way. 31But let the world know that I love the father, and that as my father commanded me, so I act. Up you get, let us move on from here.

John Chapter 15

1I am the true vine, and my father is the cultivator. 2As for every branch in me which does not bear fruit, he removes it. But as for every one which bears fruit, he prunes it, so that it bears more fruit. 3You are already clean, because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4Remain in me, and I will in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, if it does not remain in the vine, so neither can you, if you do not remain in me. 5I am the vine; you are the branches. He who remains in me, and I in him, bears much fruit, because without me you cannot do anything. 6If anyone does not remain in me, he is thrown out as a branch, and he withers, and people gather them and put them on the fire, and they are burnt. 7If you remain in me, and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will take place for you. 8This is what my father is glorified by: by you bearing much fruit and so becoming disciples to me. 9As my father loved me, so I have loved you. Remain in my love. 10If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, as I have kept the commandments of my father and remain in his love. 11I have said these things to you in order that my joy may remain in you, and your joy may be fulfilled. 12This is my commandment, that you love each other as I have loved you. 13No-one has love greater than this: that someone should lay down his life for his friends. 14You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15I no longer call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master does. But I have called you friends, because I have informed you of everything that I have heard from my father. 16You did not choose me, but I chose you, and I appointed you to go and bear fruit, and for your fruit to remain, so that whatever you ask the father for in my name, he should give you. 17I charge you with this: that you love each other. 18If the world hates you, know that it hated me before you. 19If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own. However, since you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world – that is why the world hates you. 20Remember the words which I spoke to you. A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you too. If they kept my word, they will keep yours as well. 21But they will do all these things to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me. 22If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin. But now they have no excuse for their sin. 23He who hates me also hates my father. 24If I had not done the works among them which no-one else has done, they would have no sin. But as it is they have seen and hated both me and my father. 25But this is so that the word written in their law might be fulfilled: ‘They hated me gratuitously.’ 26But when the comforter comes, whom I will send you from the father – the spirit of truth which proceeds from the father – he will testify about me. 27But you testify too, because you have been with me from the start.

Reference(s) in Chapter 15: v.25 ↔ Psalm 35:19, Psalm 69:5MT (Psalm 69:4AV).

John Chapter 16

1I have told you these things so that you are not offended. 2They will excommunicate you from the synagogues, but an hour is coming when everyone who kills you will think he is offering service to God. 3And they will do these things because they do not know the father or me. 4However, I have told you these things so that when the hour comes, you will remember that I told you them. But I did not tell you these things from the start, because I was with you. 5Now, though, I am going to him who sent me, yet none of you is asking me, ‘Where are you going?’ 6But because I have told you these things, sorrow has filled your heart. 7But I tell you the truth: it is advantageous to you for me to depart, since if I do not depart, the comforter will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. 8And when he has come, he will convince the world of sin and of righteousness and of judgment: 9of sin, because they do not believe in me; 10of righteousness, because I am going to my father, and you will see me no more; 11of judgment, because the ruler of this world stands judged. 12I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them at present. 13But when he comes, the spirit of truth, he will guide you into the whole truth, for he will not speak on his own initiative, but whatever he hears he will say, and he will announce to you things to come. 14He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and announce it to you. 15Everything that the father has is mine. That is why I said that he takes from what is mine, and he will announce it to you. 16Just a little while and you will not see me, and then another little while and you will see me, because I am going to the father.” 17Then some of his disciples said to each other, “What does this that he says to us mean: ‘Just a little while and you will not see me, and then another little while and you will see me’, and, ‘I am going to the father’?” 18So they said, “What does this that he said mean: ‘Just a little while’? We do not know what he is saying.” 19Now Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him about it, and he said to them, “Are you discussing this matter with each other because I said, ‘Just a little while and you will not see me, and then another little while and you will see me’? 20Truly, truly, I say to you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. So you will be grieved, but your grief will turn into joy. 21When a woman is in labour, she is in pain, because her hour has come, but when she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the suffering because of the joy in that a man has been born in the world. 22So you now have grief. But I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and no-one will take your joy from you. 23And on that day you will not ask me anything. Truly, truly, I say to you that whatever you ask of the father in my name, he will give you. 24Up to now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask, and you will receive, so that your joy may be fulfilled. 25I have told you these things in proverbs, but the hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in proverbs, but I will inform you plainly concerning the father. 26On that day you will ask in my name. But I do not say to you that I will ask the father on behalf of you, 27for the father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came out from God. 28I came from the father, and I have come into the world. I am leaving the world again, and I am going to the father.” 29His disciples said to him, “Look, now you are speaking plainly and are not using any proverb. 30We now know that you know everything, and don't need anyone to ask you. By this we believe that you have come from God.” 31Jesus replied to them, “Do you now believe? 32Look the hour is coming, and has now come, for each of you to be scattered to his own home, and for you to leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, because the father is with me. 33I have spoken these things to you so that you may have peace in me. In the world, you have tribulation, but be of good courage; I have overcome the world.”

John Chapter 17

1Jesus said these things and lifted up his eyes to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your son, in order that your son may for his part glorify you. 2Do this just as you gave him authority over all flesh, which you did so that he should give age-abiding life to the whole of what you have given him. 3And this is age-abiding life, that they should know you, the only true God, and him whom you sent, Jesus Christ. 4I have glorified you on the earth; I have completed the work which you gave me to do. 5And now, glorify me, father, in your presence with the glory which I had with you before the world existed. 6I have manifested your name to the men you have given me out of the world. They were yours, and you have given them to me, and they have kept your word. 7They have come to know now that everything that you have given me is from you, 8because I have given them the words which you have given me, and they received them, and they truly knew that I came out from you, and they believed that you sent me. 9I make a request for them. I do not make a request for the world, but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. 10And all my possessions are yours, and yours are mine, and I have been glorified by them. 11And I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I am going to you. Holy father, keep them in your name which you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are. 12When I was with them in the world, I kept them in your name. I have guarded those whom you have given me, and not one of them has been lost, except the son of perdition, so that the scripture might be fulfilled. 13And now I am going to you, and I say these things in the world so that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. 14I have given them your word, and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, as I am not of the world. 15I do not ask that you remove them from the world, but that you keep them from evil. 16They are not of the world, as I am not of the world. 17Sanctify them in your truth. Your word is truth. 18As you sent me into the world, so I sent them into the world. 19And I sanctify myself on behalf of them, so that they too may be sanctified by truth. 20But I do not only make request for these, but also for those who believe in me through their word, 21so that all may be one, as you, father, are in me, and I in you, so that they too may be one in us, so that the world may believe that you sent me. 22And I have given them the glory which you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one: 23I in them and you in me, so that they may be perfected into one, and so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them as you loved me. 24Father, I want those whom you have given me also to be with me where I am, so that they may see my glory which you gave me, because you loved me before the overthrow of the world. 25Righteous father, although the world did not know you, yet I knew you, and these knew that you sent me, 26and I have made your name known to them, and I will make it known, so that the love with which you loved me may be in them, and I in them.”

John Chapter 18

1When he had said these things, Jesus went out with his disciples across the Kidron Brook, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples went into. 2Now Judas, who would betray him, also knew the place, because Jesus had often gathered there with his disciples. 3Then Judas, having received a cohort, and officers from the senior priests and Pharisees, went there with torches and lamps and weapons. 4Then Jesus, knowing everything that was coming upon him, went out and said to them, “Who are you looking for?” 5They answered him, “Jesus the Nazarene.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.” And Judas, who would betray him, was also standing with them. 6Now when he said to them, “I am he”, they backed away and fell to the ground. 7So he asked them again, “Who are you looking for?” They then said, “Jesus the Nazarene.” 8Jesus replied, “I told you that I am he. So if you are looking for me, let these go.” 9This was in order that the words which he had said might be fulfilled, “I have not lost any of those whom you have given me.” 10Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant, and it cut off his right ear. The name of the servant, by the way, was Malchus. 11Then Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword in its sheath. Shall I in any way not drink the cup which the father has given me?” 12Then the cohort and the cohort commander and the officers from the Jews seized Jesus and bound him, 13and they led him away to Annas first, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest in that year. 14Now Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it was expedient that one man should perish for the sake of the people. 15Meanwhile Simon Peter was following Jesus, as was the other disciple. Now that disciple was known to the high priest, and he went with Jesus into the high priest's precinct. 16But Peter stood at the door outside. Then the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, came out and spoke to the doorkeeper-girl, and she brought Peter in. 17Then the doorkeeper maidservant said to Peter, “Are you not also one of this man's disciples?” He said, “No, I am not.” 18Now the servants and the officers were standing there, having made a charcoal fire, because it was cold, and they were warming themselves. And Peter was standing with them, warming himself as well. 19Then the high priest asked Jesus about his disciples and about his teaching. 20Jesus replied to him, “I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in the synagogue and in the temple, where the Jews always gather, and I did not say anything in secret. 21Why are you questioning me? Question those who have heard what I said to them. Look, they know what I said.” 22When he had said these things, one of the officers standing by gave Jesus a slap in the face and said, “Is this how you answer the high priest?” 23Jesus replied to him, “If I have said anything wrong, testify concerning the wrong. But if it was right, why are you hitting me?” 24Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest. 25Meanwhile Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. Then they said to him, “Are you not also one of his disciples?” He then denied it and said, “No, I am not.” 26One of the high priest's servants, who was a relative of him whose ear Peter had cut off, said, “Did I not see you in the garden with him?” 27Peter then denied it again, and immediately the cock crowed. 28Then they led Jesus from Caiaphas to the governmental headquarters. Now it was early, but they themselves did not go into the governmental headquarters, so as not to be defiled, but rather to be able to eat the Passover meal. 29Then Pilate came out to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this man?” 30They answered and said to him, “If he were not a wrongdoer, we would not have handed him over to you.” 31Then Pilate said to them, “You take him and judge him according to your law.” Then the Jews said to him, “It is not permitted for us to kill anyone.” 32This was so that the word of Jesus, which he spoke, might be fulfilled, indicating what kind of death he was going to die. 33Then Pilate went into the governmental headquarters again, and he called for Jesus, and he said to him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” 34Jesus replied to him, “Are you asking this on your own initiative, or have others told you about me?” 35Pilate answered, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your people and the senior priests delivered you to me. What have you done?” 36Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my assistants would be contending for me not to be delivered to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not constituted of things here.” 37Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king, then?” Jesus answered, “As you say, I am a king. I was born for the following purpose, and for the following purpose I came into the world: to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears my voice.” 38Pilate said to him, “What is truth?” And having said this, he went out again to the Jews, and he said to them, “I find no case against him at all. 39Now it is a custom for you that I release one person to you at the Passover. So do you want me to release the king of the Jews to you?” 40Then they all shouted again and said, “Not this one, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a robber.

Reference(s) in Chapter 18: v.5 ↔ Exodus 3:14.

John Chapter 19

1So Pilate then took Jesus and had him flogged. 2And the soldiers plaited a crown from thorns, and they put it on his head, and they put a purple robe around him, 3and they said, “Greetings, O king of the Jews”, and they gave him slaps in the face. 4Then Pilate came out again and said to them, “Look, I am bringing him out to you, so that you may know that I find no case against him at all.” 5Then Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe, and he said to them, “Behold the man!” 6Then when the senior priests and officers had seen him, they shouted and said, “Crucify him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “You take him and crucify him, for I find no case against him.” 7The Jews replied to him, “We have a law, and he needs to die according to our law, because he has made himself the son of God.” 8Then when Pilate heard that statement, he was all the more afraid, 9and he went into the governmental headquarters again and said to Jesus, “Where are you from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. 10Then Pilate said to him, “Won't you speak to me? Don't you know that I have authority to crucify you, and I have authority to release you?” 11Jesus replied, “You would have no authority over me at all, if it were not given you from above. That is why he who is betraying me to you has a greater sin.” 12From then on Pilate looked for a way to release him. But the Jews shouted and said, “If you release him, you are not Caesar's friend. Everyone who makes himself king opposes Caesar.” 13Then Pilate heeded this talk and led Jesus out and sat at the tribunal at a place called The Pavement, which in Hebraic is Gabbatha. 14Now it was the Preparation Day of the Passover at about the sixth hour. And he said to the Jews, “Behold your king!” 15And they shouted, “Away with him, away with him. Crucify him.” Pilate said to them, “Should I crucify your king?” The senior priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.” 16So he then handed him over to them to be crucified. And they took Jesus with them and led him away. 17And carrying his cross, he went out to the place called The Place of the Skull, which is called in Hebraic Golgotha, 18where they crucified him, and two others with him on either side, with Jesus in the middle. 19And Pilate wrote an inscription and put it on the cross, and it read,

“Jesus the Nazarene,

The king of the Jews.”

20So many of the Jews read this inscription, because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city. And it was written in Hebraic, Greek and Latin. 21Then the Jews' senior priests said to Pilate, “Don't write, ‘The king of the Jews’, but, ‘He said, «I am the king of the Jews.» ’ ” 22Pilate replied, “What I have written, I have written.” 23Then, when they had crucified Jesus, the soldiers took his clothes and divided them into four parts, a part for each soldier, and the tunic. But the tunic was seamless, woven from the top in one piece. 24So they said to each other, “Let us not split it, but cast lots for it as to whose it will be”, so that the scripture might be fulfilled which says,

“They shared out my clothes among themselves,

And for my garment they cast a lot.”

So the soldiers did these things. 25But standing at the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26Then Jesus, seeing his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing there, said to his mother, “Madam, behold your son.” 27Then he said to the disciple, “Behold your mother.” And from that hour, the disciple took her into his own home. 28After this, Jesus saw that everything had already been completed, and in order that the scripture be fulfilled: he said, “I am thirsty.” 29Accordingly, a jar full of vinegar was standing there. Then they filled a sponge with vinegar and put it round a hyssop plant and brought it to his mouth. 30So when Jesus had received the vinegar, he said, “It has been completed”, and, bowing his head, he gave up the ghost. 31Then, in order that the bodies should not remain on the cross on the Sabbath, since it was the Preparation Day, for that Sabbath day was a high Sabbath, the Jews asked Pilate for their legs to be broken and for them to be removed. 32So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first one, and of the other who had been crucified with him, 33but when they came to Jesus, when they saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. 34However, one of the soldiers pierced his rib with his spear, and immediately blood and water came out. 35And he who saw it testified, and his testimony is true, and he knew that he spoke the truth, in order that you might believe. 36For these things took place in order that the scripture might be fulfilled: “Not a bone of him shall be crushed.” 37And again, another scripture says, “They shall look at him whom they pierced through.” 38After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, asked Pilate (but secretly, for fear of the Jews), that he might remove Jesus's body, and Pilate gave permission. So he went and removed Jesus's body. 39And Nicodemus, who had come to Jesus previously by night, also came, carrying a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about one hundred litras in weight. 40Then they took Jesus's body and bound it with linen strips with the scented ointments, as it is the custom of the Jews to embalm. 41Now there was a garden in the place where he was crucified, and in the garden there was a new tomb in which no-one had ever been laid. 42So they placed Jesus there because of the Jews' Preparation Day, because the tomb was nearby.

Reference(s) in Chapter 19: v.24 ↔ Psalm 22:19MT (Psalm 22:18AV) ● v.28 ↔ Psalm 69:22MT (Psalm 69:21AV) ● v.29 ↔ Psalm 69:22MT (Psalm 69:21AV) ● v.36 ↔ Exodus 12:46, Numbers 9:12, Psalm 34:21MT (Psalm 34:20AV); Psalm 22:18MT (Psalm 22:17AV) ● v.37 ↔ Zechariah 12:10.

John Chapter 20

1On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early in the morning when it was still dark, and she saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. 2So she ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and she said to them, “They have removed the Lord from the tomb, and we don't know where they have put him.” 3Then Peter and the other disciple went out and made their way to the tomb, 4and the two of them ran together, although the other disciple ran on ahead faster than Peter and arrived at the tomb first. 5And stooping alongside, he saw the linen strips lying there. However, he did not go in. 6Then Simon Peter, following him, arrived, and he went into the tomb and saw the linen strips lying there, 7and the sweat-band which had been on his head, not lying with the linen strips, but wrapped up on its own in a certain place. 8So then the other disciple, who had arrived first, also went into the tomb, and he saw this, and he believed. 9For they did not yet know the scripture which says that he must rise from the dead. 10Then the disciples went back home. 11But Mary stood outside the tomb weeping. Then while she was weeping, she stooped and peered into the tomb, 12and she saw two angels in white sitting down, one at the head and one at the feet of where the body of Jesus had lain. 13And they said to her, “Madam, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “Because they have taken my Lord away, and I don't know where they have put him.” 14Then when she had said this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15Jesus said to her, “Madam, why are you weeping? Who are you looking for?” She, thinking that it was the gardener, said to him, “Sir, if you carried him away, tell me where you put him, and I will remove him.” 16Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned round and said to him, “Rabbouni!” which means “teacher”. 17Jesus said to her, “Don't touch me, for I have not yet ascended to my father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my father, and your father, and my God, and your God.’ ” 18Mary Magdalene went to report to the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had said these things to her. 19Then with it being evening on that first day of the week, and the doors where the disciples had gathered being closed for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their company and said to them, “Peace to you.” 20And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and side. So the disciples rejoiced at seeing the Lord. 21Then Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you. As the father has sent me, so I too send you out.” 22And when he had said this, he blew into them, and he said to them, “Receive holy spirit. 23If you forgive the sins of any, their sins are forgiven. If you hold on to the sins of any, they remain held.” 24Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came, 25so the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and I put my finger in the mark of the nails, and I put my hand in his side, I will definitely not believe.” 26Then eight days later, his disciples were again indoors, and Thomas was with them. Jesus came in, although the doors were closed, and he stood in their company, and he said, “Peace to you.” 27Then he said to Thomas, “Bring your finger here and see my hands, and stretch out your hand and put it in my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believing.” 28Then Thomas responded and said to him, “My Lord and my God.” 29Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen yet have believed.” 30To be sure, Jesus performed many other signs too in the presence of his disciples, which have not been written in this book, 31but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the son of God, and that by believing, you may have life through his name.

John Chapter 21

1After these things, Jesus manifested himself to the disciples again, at the Sea of Tiberias, and he manifested himself in this way: 2Simon Peter and Thomas called Didymus were both there, as were Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples. 3Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will come along with you.” They departed and immediately went on board the boat, but that night they caught nothing. 4Then with morning having already broken, Jesus was standing on the shore. The disciples, however, did not know that it was Jesus. 5Then Jesus said to them, “Children, haven't you got any hearty food?” They answered him, “No.” 6Then he said to them, “Cast the net on the right hand side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and they could no longer haul it up because of the large number of fish. 7Then that disciple, whom Jesus loved, said to Peter, “It's the Lord!” Then, when he heard that it was the Lord, Simon Peter girded himself with his cape – for he was naked – and cast himself into the sea. 8But the other disciples came by boat, for they were not far from land, just about two hundred cubits, dragging the net full of fish. 9Then when they had disembarked onto land, they saw a charcoal fire set up and fish lying on it, and bread. 10Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.” 11Simon Peter went on board and hauled the net on land, full with one hundred and fifty-three large fish, yet with so many the net did not tear. 12Jesus said to them, “Come and have your breakfast.” But not one of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord. 13Then Jesus came and took the bread, and he gave some to them, and the cooked fish likewise. 14This was the third time now that Jesus was manifested to his disciples, after rising from the dead, 15then when they had had breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I hold you in affection.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16He asked him a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I hold you in affection.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17He asked him a third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you hold me in affection?” Peter was grieved that he had asked him a third time, “Do you hold me in affection?”, and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything. You know I hold you in affection.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. 18Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to gird yourself and go around where you wanted. But when you grow old, you will hold out your hands, and another will gird you, and he will take you where you don't want to go.” 19He said this signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when he had said this, he said to him, “Follow me.” 20Then Peter turned round and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who had for his part leant back on his breast at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is the one who will betray you?” 21When Peter saw him, he asked Jesus, “Lord, what about him?” 22Jesus said to him, “If I want him to remain until I come, what has that got to do with you? You follow me.” 23So this saying spread among the brothers that that disciple would not die. But Jesus had not said to him that he would not die, but, “If I want him to remain until I come, what has that got to do with you?” 24This is the disciple who is testifying about these things, and who wrote these things, and we know that his testimony is true. 25And there are many other things which Jesus did, for which, if they were individually written down, I don't think even the world itself could contain the books which would be written. Amen.

Acts

Acts Chapter 1

1I compiled the first account, Theophilus, of everything that Jesus both did and taught from when he began 2up to the day when through holy spirit he instructed the apostles whom he had chosen, and he was taken up, 3the apostles to whom he also presented himself alive, after his suffering, with many sure signs, when he was seen by them for forty days, and when he spoke about matters concerning the kingdom of God. 4And when he met up with them, he instructed them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for the father's promise, “Which”, he said, “you have heard from me. 5For John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with holy spirit in not many days' time.” 6So they met together and asked him and said, “Lord, are you going to restore the kingdom to Israel at this time?” 7But he said to them, “It is not for you to know the times or seasons which the father has placed under his own authority. 8But you will receive power when the holy spirit comes upon you, and you will be witnesses to me in Jerusalem and in all Judaea and Samaria and as far as the extremity of the land.” 9And when he had said these things, while they were looking on, he was taken up, and a cloud took him from their sight. 10And while they were looking up intently towards heaven as he departed, it became apparent that two men in white clothing were standing next to them, 11who for their part said, “Men of Galilee, why are you standing gazing towards heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come back in the way you saw him go into heaven.” 12Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mountain called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, being a Sabbath's journey away. 13And when they had gone in, they went up to the upper room where they were staying, the company being Peter and James and John and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. 14All these continued resolutely of one mind in prayer and supplication, with the women including Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. 15And in those days Peter stood up in the presence of the disciples and said (and there was a crowd of about one hundred and twenty people in all), 16“Men and brothers, it was necessary that this scripture should be fulfilled, which the holy spirit spoke beforehand through the mouth of David concerning Judas who was guide to those who arrested Jesus, 17because he was counted among us, and he received the office of this ministry. 18This man then bought a parcel of land with unrighteous gain, and falling headlong, he burst open in the waist, and all his innards were poured out. 19And it became known to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that that parcel of land was called in their own dialect ‘Aceldama’, which means ‘Grounds of Blood.’ 20For it stands written in the book of Psalms:

‘Let his dwelling become desolate,

And let there be no inhabitant in it’

and,

‘May another person take his office.’

21Therefore it is necessary that, from the men who have been with us all the time during which the Lord Jesus went about among us, 22beginning with the baptism of John up to the day on which he was taken up from us, one of these should become a witness to his resurrection with us.” 23And they put two forward: Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. 24And they prayed and said, “Lord, you know the heart of everyone. Show plainly the one whom you have chosen of these two, 25to take the office of this apostolic ministry from which Judas fell in transgression so that he went to his own place.” 26And they gave them their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was reckoned along with the eleven apostles.

Reference(s) in Chapter 1: v.20 ↔ Psalm 69:26MT (Psalm 69:25AV), Psalm 109:8.

Acts Chapter 2

1And as the day of Pentecost was coming to an end, they were all of one mind together. 2And suddenly a noise from heaven came like a strong driving blast, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3And parting tongues appeared to them, as if of fire, and one rested on each one of them. 4And all were filled with holy spirit, and they began to speak in other tongues according to what the spirit gave them to utter. 5And there were Jews living in Jerusalem, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6And when this noise had passed, the crowd gathered and was confused, because each one heard them speaking in his own dialect. 7And all were astonished, and they marvelled and said to each other, “Look at this – aren't all these Galileans who are speaking? 8So how come each of us hears in our own dialect in which we were born? 9Parthians and Medes and Elamites and those who inhabit Mesopotamia, Judaea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya around Cyrene, and Romans away from home, both Jews and proselytes, 11Cretans and Arabs – we hear them speaking the magnificent things of God in our own languages.” 12And all were astonished and were at a loss, saying to one another, “Whatever could this mean?” 13But others, jeering, said, “They are full of new wine.” 14But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them as follows: “Men, Jews and all dwellers of Jerusalem, let this be known to you and give ear to my words. 15For these men are not drunk as you suppose, seeing it is the third hour of the day. 16But this is that which was spoken through the prophet Joel:

17‘And it shall come to pass in the last days’,

Says God,

That I will pour out some of my spirit on all flesh,

And your sons and your daughters will prophesy,

And your youths will see visions,

And your old men will dream dreams,

18And I will indeed pour out some of my spirit

On my servants and on my maidservants

In those days,

And they will prophesy.

19And I will show miracles in heaven above

And signs on earth below

– Blood and fire and a smoky vapour.

20The sun will be turned into darkness

And the moon to blood

Before the great and illustrious day of the Lord comes.

21And it will come to pass

That everyone who calls on the name of the Lord

Will be saved.’

22You Israelite men, hear these words. Jesus the Nazarene, a man from God demonstrated to you by acts of power and miracles and signs which God performed through him in your midst, as you yourselves also know – 23him, delivered up by the deliberate plan and foreknowledge of God, you took and through lawless hands crucified and killed, 24whom God raised up, abolishing the pains of death, as it was not possible for him to be held by it. 25For David speaks with reference to him,

‘I saw the Lord before me continually,

That he was on my right hand side,

So that I might not be shaken.

26On account of this my heart was glad

And my tongue rejoiced;

Moreover my flesh will dwell in hope.

27For you will not leave my being in Hades,

Nor will you allow your holy one to see decay.

28You have made the paths of life known to me;

You will fill me with joy at your presence.’

29Men and brothers, I may speak to you frankly about the patriarch David – indeed that he died and was buried and his tomb is among us to this day. 30Now since he was a prophet and knew that God had sworn to him by an oath that he would raise up the Christ from the fruit of his loins according to the flesh to sit on his throne, 31foreseeing this, he spoke about the resurrection of Christ: that his being was not left in Hades, nor did his flesh see decay. 32God raised up this Jesus, of whom all of us are witnesses. 33So being exalted at the right hand of God, and having received the promise of the holy spirit from the father, he poured out this which you now see and hear. 34For David has not ascended into the heavens, but he himself says,

‘The Lord said to my Lord,

«Sit on my right hand side

35Until I make your enemies your footstool.» ’

36So let the whole house of Israel certainly know that God has made him both Lord and Christ – that is, this Jesus, whom you crucified.” 37And when they heard this, they were pierced in their hearts, and they said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “What shall we do, men and brothers?” 38Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the holy spirit. 39For the promise is to you, and to your children, and to all those who are far away, whomever the Lord our God calls to himself.” 40And with very many other words he would testify solemnly and exhort them, saying, “Be saved from this crooked generation.” 41So they gladly received his word and were baptized, and on that day about three thousand people were added to their number. 42And they continued resolutely in the teaching of the apostles and in fellowship, and in the breaking of the bread and in prayers. 43And fear came upon every soul, and many miracles and signs were performed through the apostles. 44And all the believers were in the same place, and they had everything in common, 45and they sold their possessions and belongings and distributed them to everyone according to whatever anyone needed. 46And they resolutely continued daily in unanimity in the temple, breaking bread from house to house, partaking of food with gladness and plainness of heart, 47praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord would add to the church those who became saved daily.

Reference(s) in Chapter 2: v.17 ↔ Joel 3:1MT (Joel 2:28AV) ● v.18 ↔ Joel 3:2MT (Joel 2:29AV) ● v.19 ↔ Joel 3:3MT (Joel 2:30AV) ● v.20 ↔ Joel 3:4MT (Joel 2:31AV), Joel 4:15MT (Joel 3:15AV) ● v.21 ↔ Joel 3:5MT (Joel 2:32AV) ● v.25 ↔ Psalm 16:8 ● v.26 ↔ Psalm 16:9 ● v.27 ↔ Psalm 16:10 ● v.28 ↔ Psalm 16:11 ● v.30 ↔ 2 Samuel 7:12, 1 Chronicles 17:11, Psalm 89:37MT (Psalm 89:36AV) ● v.31 ↔ Psalm 16:10 ● v.34 ↔ Psalm 110:1 ● v.35 ↔ Psalm 110:1.

Acts Chapter 3

1Now Peter and John were going up together to the temple at the hour of prayer – the ninth hour, 2when a certain man who had been lame from his mother's womb was being carried, a man whom they would put at the door of the temple called “Beautiful” every day, for him to ask for alms from those going into the temple. 3And when he saw Peter and John about to enter the temple, he asked for alms. 4But Peter looked at him intently with John and said, “Look at us.” 5So he heeded them, expecting to receive something from them. 6But Peter said, “Silver and gold I don't have, but what I do have, I will give you: in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk.” 7And taking hold of him by his right hand, he lifted him up, and immediately his feet and his ankles were made firm. 8And he leapt up and stood, and he walked around and went into the temple with them, walking around and leaping and praising God. 9And all the people saw him walking around and praising God, 10and they recognized him – that this was the man who sat for alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, and they were filled with astonishment and amazement at what had happened to him. 11Then while the lame man who had been healed held onto Peter and John, all the people converged on them at what is called Solomon's Portico, greatly astonished. 12And when Peter saw this, he answered the people, “You Israelite men, why are you astonished at this, or why do you look at us so intently as if it were by our own power or godliness that we made him walk? 13The God of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob – the God of our fathers – glorified his servant Jesus, whom you though delivered up and disowned in the presence of Pilate, when he had resolved to release him. 14But you disowned the holy and righteous one and asked for a man who was a murderer to be granted release to you. 15And you killed the originator of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses. 16And by faith in his name, his name has given strength to this man whom you see and know, and faith which is through him has given him this clean bill of health in the presence of you all. 17And now, brothers, I know you acted in ignorance, as also your rulers did. 18But God has in this way fulfilled the things which he declared beforehand through the mouth of all his prophets, namely that Christ should suffer. 19Repent therefore, and return, in order that your sins may be wiped out, and that the times of relief may come from the Lord, 20and that he may send you Christ Jesus who was taken in hand in advance for you, 21whom heaven must receive until the times of the restoration of all things of which God has spoken through the mouth of all his holy prophets of old time. 22For Moses said to the fathers, The Lord our God will raise up a prophet to you from your brothers like me. You will hear him in regard to whatever he says to you. 23And it will come to pass that anyone who does not hear that prophet will be utterly eradicated from the people.’ 24Indeed all the prophets from Samuel and those who followed – all who have spoken – also announced these days. 25You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And through your seed all the families of the earth will be blessed.’ 26God raised up his servant Jesus to you first, and he sent him to bless you by turning each one away from your wicked ways.”

Reference(s) in Chapter 3: v.22 ↔ Deuteronomy 18:15, Deuteronomy 18:18 ● v.23 ↔ Deuteronomy 18:19 ● v.25 ↔ Genesis 12:3, Genesis 22:18, Genesis 26:4, Genesis 28:14.

Acts Chapter 4

1But while they were speaking to the people, the priests and the head guard of the temple and the Sadducees confronted them, 2and they were exasperated at them teaching the people and proclaiming the resurrection of the dead in Jesus, 3and they laid hands on them and had them put in custody until the following day, for it was already evening. 4But many of those hearing the word believed, and the number of men grew to about five thousand. 5And it came to pass on the next day that their rulers and elders and scribes gathered in Jerusalem, 6with Annas the high priest and Caiaphas and John and Alexander and all who were of the high-priestly family, 7and they placed them before them and inquired, “By what power or in what name did you do this?” 8Then Peter, filled with holy spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel, 9if we today are being examined about the good work on a sick man, by what means he has been cured, 10let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that it is in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you crucified, whom God has raised from the dead – that it is by him – that this man stands here in your presence, healthy. 11He is

The stone which was rejected by you builders,

But which has become the keystone.

12And there is no salvation in any other, for neither is there any other name given among men by which we must be saved.” 13And when they saw the confidence of Peter and John, and when they realized that they were unlettered and laymen, they were amazed, and they recognized that they had been with Jesus. 14And since they saw the man who had been healed standing with them, they had nothing to say against it. 15And they ordered them to go out of the Sanhedrin council and conferred with each other, 16and they said, “What shall we do to these men? For that an evident sign has taken place through them is manifest to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it, 17but in order that it does not spread any further throughout the people, we will threaten them strongly telling them not to speak any more in this name to any man.” 18So they called them and commanded them not to speak out or teach in the name of Jesus at all. 19But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in God's sight to hear you rather than God, you judge. 20For we cannot refrain from speaking of what we have seen and heard.” 21Then they threatened them some more and released them, not finding any way to have them punished, on account of the people, because everyone was glorifying God for what had happened. 22For the man on whom this sign of healing had taken place was more than forty years old. 23So having been released, they went to their own circle and reported everything that the senior priests and elders had said to them. 24And when they heard it, they raised their voices to God in unanimity and said, “Master, you who are God who made heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them, 25you who said through the mouth of David your servant,

‘Why do the nations rage,

And the peoples exercise themselves with vain concerns?

26The kings of the earth have taken a stand,

And the rulers have gathered together against the Lord

And against his Christ.’

27For they have truly gathered against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed: both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28to do whatever your hand and your plan have pre-ordained to take place. 29And as for the present situation, Lord, look at their threats, and allow your servants to speak your word with all confidence, 30by stretching out your hand for healing and signs and miracles taking place through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31And when they had implored him, the place where they were gathered shook, and all of them were filled with holy spirit, and they spoke the word of God with confidence. 32And the heart and soul of the multitude of the believers was one, and not a single one said any of their possessions was his own, but they had everything in common. 33And the apostles gave a testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus with great power, and they were all greatly esteemed. 34For no-one among them was in need, for all who were the owners of land or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of the items sold, 35and they laid them at the feet of the apostles, and they were distributed to each according to whatever anyone needed. 36And Joses who was surnamed Barnabas by the apostles, which when translated is “Son of Consolation”, a Levite, a Cypriot by birth, 37who owned land, sold it, and he brought the proceeds and placed them at the apostles' feet.

Reference(s) in Chapter 4: v.11 ↔ Psalm 118:22 ● v.25 ↔ Psalm 2:1 ● v.26 ↔ Psalm 2:2.

Acts Chapter 5

1But a certain man by the name of Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold some property, 2and he put some of the proceeds aside for himself, his wife also knowing about it, and he brought a certain part and placed it at the feet of the apostles. 3But Peter said, “Ananias, why did Satan fill your heart, so that you lied to the holy spirit, and you put some of the proceeds of the land aside? 4Something has definitely been kept back for yourself, hasn't it, and when it was sold, didn't you have power to choose? How did you come up with this course of action in your heart? You have not lied to men, but to God.” 5When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and expired, and a great fear came on all those who heard these things. 6Then the young men stood up and wrapped him in a shroud and carried him out and buried him. 7And it came to pass after an interval of about three hours that his wife came in, not knowing what had taken place. 8And Peter said to her, “Tell me did you sell the land for this price?” And she said, “Yes, for this price.” 9Then Peter said to her, “How come you agreed to put the spirit of the Lord to the test? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will also carry you out.” 10And immediately she fell at his feet and expired. So when the young men came in, they found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her with her husband. 11And great fear came upon the whole church and on all those who heard these things. 12And many signs and miracles were taking place among the people by the apostles, and all were of one mind in Solomon's Portico. 13But of the rest, no-one dared to join them, but the people spoke highly of them, 14and all the more believers were being added to the Lord – crowds of both men and women – 15and as a result they brought out the sick onto the various streets and put them on beds and stretchers, in order that when Peter came, even just his shadow might be cast on one of them. 16And the population of the cities round about also flocked to Jerusalem carrying the ill and those troubled by unclean spirits, and they were all healed. 17Then the high priest and all those with him rose up – this being the sect of the Sadducees – and they were full of jealousy, 18and they laid their hands on the apostles and had them put in the state prison. 19But the angel of the Lord opened the doors of the prison in the night, and he led them out, and he said, 20“Go and stand up in the temple and speak all these words of life to the people.” 21And when they had heard this, they went at about dawn into the temple and gave teaching. Now when the high priest arrived, and those with him, they convened the Sanhedrin council, and the whole council of elders of the sons of Israel, and they sent to the prison for them to be brought. 22But when the attendants arrived, they did not find them in the prison, and they returned and reported back, 23and they said, “We found the prison closed under all security, and the guards standing in front of the doors, but when we opened them, we found no-one inside.” 24And when the priest and the head guard of the temple and the senior priests heard these words, they were at a loss concerning them as to what this might turn into. 25Then someone arrived and reported back to them as follows: “We have seen how the men whom you had put in prison are standing in the temple teaching the people.” 26Then the head guard went away with the attendants and brought them, not with force, for they feared the people, so as not to be stoned. 27And when they had brought them, they set them in front of the Sanhedrin council. And the high priest questioned them, 28and he said, “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And you have gone and filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you are determined to bring the blood of this man on us.” 29Then Peter and the apostles answered and said, “It is necessary to obey God rather than men. 30The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you laid hands on and hung on wood. 31God has exalted this man as a ruler and saviour at his right hand so as to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32And we are his witnesses of these words, as is the holy spirit which God has given to those who obey him.” 33Then those who heard it were cut to the quick and resolved to destroy them. 34But a certain person in the Sanhedrin council, a Pharisee by the name of Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, respected by all the people, stood up and gave orders to put the apostles outside for a little while. 35And he said to them, “Men and Israelites, watch out with these men as to what you are going to do. 36For before these times Theudas stood up, saying he was someone, to whom a number of men were called – about four hundred – and he was killed, and all who trusted him were disbanded and came to nothing. 37After this man, Judas the Galilean arose in the days of the census, and he caused a considerable number of people to revolt, rallying behind him, yet that man perished, and all those who trusted him were scattered. 38And as for the present matters, I say to you, do not get involved with these men, and leave them alone, for if this counsel or this work is of men, it will be dissolved, 39but if it is of God, you cannot dissolve it, otherwise you for your part might be found to be opposing God.” 40Then they were persuaded by him, and they called the apostles and flogged them and commanded them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and they released them. 41So they went away from the encounter with the Sanhedrin council rejoicing because they had been deemed worthy to suffer ignominy for the sake of the name of Jesus. 42And they did not cease teaching and preaching the gospel of Jesus the Christ in the temple and from house to house every day.

Acts Chapter 6

1And in those days as the disciples increased in number, a complaint came from the Greek speakers against the Hebrew speakers, that their widows had been overlooked in the daily ministering to their needs. 2And when the twelve had called the company of disciples, they said, “It is not appropriate that we should abandon the word of God and serve at tables. 3So, brothers, select seven well-attested men from your company, full of holy spirit and wisdom, for us to appoint in this matter. 4But we will continue resolutely in prayer and the ministry of the word.” 5And the proposition found favour in the sight of the whole company, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and holy spirit, and Philip and Prochorus and Nicanor and Timon and Parmenas and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch. 6And they set them before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. 7And the word of God grew and the number of disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly, and a large contingent of the priests were obedient to the faith. 8Now Stephen, being full of faith and power, performed great miracles and signs among the people. 9But some of those of the synagogue of the so-called Libertines rose up, and of the Cyrenians and Alexandrians and those from Cilicia and Asia, disputing with Stephen. 10But they could not withstand the wisdom and spirit by which he was speaking. 11Then they incited some men who said, “We have heard him speaking blasphemous words against Moses and God.” 12And together they stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes, and they accosted him and seized him and led him to the Sanhedrin council. 13And they set up false witnesses who said, “This man does not stop speaking blasphemous words against the holy place and the law. 14For we have heard him saying, ‘This Jesus the Nazarene will destroy this place and change the customs which Moses handed down to us.’ ” 15And all those sitting in the Sanhedrin council looked intently at him and saw that his face was like the face of an angel.

Acts Chapter 7

1Then the high priest said, “Are these things so, then?” 2At this he said, “Men, brothers, and fathers, listen. The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia before he lived in Haran. 3And he said to him, ‘Go out of your country and away from your wider family, and come to the land which I will show you.’ 4Then he went out of the land of the Chaldeans and lived in Haran, and after his father had died, he moved him from there to this country in which you now live. 5And he did not give him an inheritance in it, not even a footstep, but he promised to give it him as a possession, and to his seed after him, while he still had no child. 6And God spoke as follows, that his seed would be foreigners in another country, and they would enslave them and treat them badly for four hundred years. 7‘And the nation which they will serve I will judge’, said God, ‘and after that they will come out and serve me in this place.’ 8And he gave him the covenant of circumcision, and so he begot Isaac and circumcised him on the eighth day, and Isaac begot and did likewise with Jacob, and Jacob begot and did likewise with the twelve patriarchs. 9Now the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, and they sold him into Egypt, but God was with him, 10and he delivered him from all his tribulations, and he gave him grace and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh the king of Egypt, and he appointed him governor over Egypt and all his household. 11Then a famine came over the whole land of Egypt and Canaan, and great tribulation, and our fathers did not find food. 12But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent our fathers out the first time. 13And the second time Joseph was made known to his brothers, and Joseph's race became apparent to Pharaoh. 14Then Joseph sent them off, calling for his father Jacob and all his kin – seventy-five people. 15And Jacob went down to Egypt, and he himself died, as did our fathers. 16And they were transferred to Shechem, and they were put in the tomb which Abraham had bought for a sum of money from the sons of Hamor the father of Shechem. 17And as the time of the promise which God had sworn to Abraham drew near, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt, 18until another king arose, who had not known Joseph. 19This man, contriving to outwit our race, treated our fathers badly by having their babies put out in the open so that they would not survive. 20Now in this period Moses was born, and he was extremely good-looking, and he was brought up for three months in his father's house. 21But when he had been put out in the open, Pharaoh's daughter adopted him and brought him up as her own son. 22And Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and he was capable in words and deeds. 23But when he was coming up to forty years old, the thought occurred to him to attend to his brothers, the sons of Israel. 24And when he saw someone being unjustly treated, he defended and avenged the man who was being harshly dealt with by striking the Egyptian, 25and he thought that his brothers would understand that God, through his action, was giving them deliverance, but they did not understand. 26And on the next day, he appeared to them while they were fighting, and he urged them to make peace together, and he said, ‘Men, you are brothers. Why do you wrong each other?’ 27But the one who was doing wrong to his neighbour pushed him away from himself and said, ‘Who appointed you a ruler and a judge over us? 28You don't want to kill me in the way you killed the Egyptian yesterday, do you?’ 29But at these words Moses fled and became a foreigner in the land of Midian, where he begot two sons. 30And when forty years had passed, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in the desert of Mount Sinai in the flame of the bush on fire. 31And Moses saw it and wondered at the sight. And as he approached to investigate, the voice of the Lord came to him and said, 32‘I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.’ But Moses was trembling, and he did not dare investigate further. 33But the Lord said to him, ‘Unfasten the sandals on your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground. 34I have clearly seen the ill-treatment of my people who are in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and I have come down to deliver them. So come on now, I am going to send you to Egypt.’ 35This Moses, whom they repudiated, saying, ‘Who appointed you a ruler and a judge?’ is whom God sent as a ruler and deliverer by the agency of the angel who appeared to him in the bush. 36It is he who led them out, having performed miracles and signs in the land of Egypt and in the Red Sea and in the desert for forty years. 37This is Moses who said to the sons of Israel, The Lord our God will raise up a prophet to you from among your brothers like me.’ 38This is he who was in the assembly in the desert with the angel who spoke to him at Mount Sinai, and who was with our fathers, and he received a living word to give to us, 39but our fathers were unwilling to be obedient to him, and they pushed him aside, and their affections were turned back to Egypt, 40as they said to Aaron, ‘Make us gods which will go before us. For as for this Moses – who led us out of Egypt – we do not know what has become of him.’ 41And they made a calf in those days and offered a sacrifice to the idol, and they rejoiced in the works of their hands. 42And God turned away and gave them up to do service to the array of the sky, as it stands written in the book of the prophets:

‘Did you really offer me slaughtered animals and sacrifices for forty years in the desert,

O house of Israel?’

43And you took up the tent of Moloch

And the star of your god Remphan

– Images which you made in order to worship them –

So I will deport you to beyond Babylon.

44Our fathers had the tent of the testimony in the desert, as he who spoke to Moses commanded, to make it according to the model which he had seen. 45And our fathers with Joshua also received it in turn, and they brought it in when they took possession of the country of the nations which God drove out at the advance of our fathers, up to the days of David, 46who found grace in God's sight, and he asked if he could devise a dwelling place for the God of Jacob. 47But Solomon built him a house. 48Yet the Most High does not dwell in man-made shrines, as the prophet says,

49‘Heaven is my throne,

But the earth is my footstool.

What kind of a house will you build for me?’

Says the Lord,

‘Or what is my resting place?

50Did not my hand make all these things?’

51You stiff-necked and uncircumcised of heart and ears, you always resist the holy spirit. As your fathers did, so do you. 52Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who announced the coming of the righteous one beforehand, of whom you have now become the betrayers and murderers – 53you who received the law through injunctions of angels, and who did not keep it.” 54But as they heard these things, they were cut to the quick in their hearts, and they gnashed their teeth against him. 55But he was full of holy spirit, and looking intently towards heaven, he saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, 56and he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened and the son of man standing at the right hand of God.” 57Then shouting with a loud voice, they held their ears tight and rushed with one mind against him, 58and they threw him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid the clothes down at the feet of a young man called Saul. 59So they stoned Stephen, as he made an appeal and said, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60And he knelt and shouted out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not lay this sin to their charge.” And having said this, he fell asleep.

Reference(s) in Chapter 7: v.2 ↔ Genesis 11:31 ● v.3 ↔ Genesis 12:1 ● v.5 ↔ Genesis 13:15 ● v.6 ↔ Genesis 15:13 ● v.7 ↔ Genesis 15:14, Exodus 3:12 ● v.16 ↔ Genesis 33:19 ● v.27 ↔ Exodus 2:14 ● v.28 ↔ Exodus 2:14 ● v.32 ↔ Exodus 3:6 ● v.33 ↔ Exodus 3:5 ● v.34 ↔ Exodus 3:7, Exodus 3:8, Exodus 3:10 ● v.35 ↔ Exodus 2:14 ● v.37 ↔ Deuteronomy 18:15, Deuteronomy 18:18 ● v.40 ↔ Exodus 32:1 ● v.42 ↔ Amos 5:25 ● v.43 ↔ Amos 5:26, Amos 5:27 ● v.44 ↔ Exodus 25:9, Exodus 25:40, Exodus 26:30 ● v.49 ↔ Isaiah 66:1 ● v.50 ↔ Isaiah 66:2.

Acts Chapter 8

1And Saul was consentient to his execution. And it came to pass on that day that there was a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and all were scattered among the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. 2Then devout men carried Stephen away to burial and made much lamentation over him. 3But Saul ravaged the church, going into one house after another, and dragging men and women out, he delivered them into prison. 4Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. 5And Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed Christ to them. 6And the crowds paid unanimous attention to the words spoken by Philip when they heard them and saw the signs which he performed. 7For the unclean spirits of many who were possessed by them came out, shouting with a loud voice, and many who were paralysed or lame were healed. 8And there was great joy in that city. 9But a certain man by the name of Simon was long established in the city using magic arts, and astounding the people of Samaria, while saying that he was someone great, 10and they gave heed to him, from small to great, saying, “This man is the great power of God.” 11So they gave heed to him because they had been astounded for a long time by his sorceries. 12But when they had believed Philip, who was preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. 13And Simon himself also believed, and he was baptized, and he continued resolutely with Philip, and when he saw deeds of power and signs take place, he was astounded. 14And when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, 15who went down and prayed for them, that they might receive holy spirit, 16for it had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of Christ Jesus. 17Then they laid their hands on them, and they received holy spirit. 18But when Simon observed that the holy spirit was given by the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money, 19and he said, “Give me this authority too, so that whoever I lay my hands on should receive holy spirit.” 20But Peter said to him, “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money. 21You have no part or inheritance in this matter, for your heart is not upright before God. 22So repent from this wickedness of yours, and entreat God and see whether then the scheming of your heart will be forgiven you. 23For I see that you are in bitter gall and bondage to unrighteousness.” 24Then Simon answered and said, “You entreat the Lord for me that nothing of what you have said should come upon me.” 25So then, after they had solemnly testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem and preached the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans. 26And the angel of the Lord spoke to Philip and said, “Arise and go southwards on the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza. It is desolate.” 27So he arose and went. And he came across an Ethiopian man, a eunuch, an official of Candace, the queen of the Ethiopians, and he was in charge of all her treasure and had come to worship in Jerusalem. 28And he was returning, sitting on his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29And the spirit said to Philip, “Go and associate yourself with that chariot.” 30And Philip ran up to him and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and he said, “Do you actually know what you are reading?” 31And he said, “Well how can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up in and sit with him. 32Now the passage of scripture which he was reading was this:

“He was led like a sheep to the slaughter,

And as a lamb mute before its shearer,

So he did not open his mouth.

33While he was in his lowly state,

His justice was denied him.

But who can describe what his posterity is?

For his life is taken from the earth.”

34Then the eunuch answered and said to Philip, “I ask you, who is the prophet saying this about? About himself, or about someone else?” 35Then Philip opened his mouth and beginning at this scripture, he preached Jesus to him. 36And as they went along the road, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “Look, there's some water. What is preventing me from being baptized?” 37 38And he ordered the chariot to stop, and they both went down to the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. 39And when they came up out of the water, the spirit of the Lord took hold of Philip, and the eunuch didn't see him any more, but he went his way rejoicing. 40And Philip was found in Azotus, and as he passed through, he preached the gospel to all the cities until he came to Caesarea.

Reference(s) in Chapter 8: v.32 ↔ Isaiah 53:7 ● v.33 ↔ Isaiah 53:8.

Acts Chapter 9

1But Saul was still breathing threats and murder towards the Lord's disciples, and he went to the high priest, 2and he asked him for letters to take to Damascus, addressed to the synagogues, authorizing that if he should find anyone of “the way”, both men and women, he should bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3And as he went, it came to pass that he was approaching Damascus, when suddenly light flashed around him from heaven. 4And he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6But get up, and go to the city and you will be told what you must do.” 7But the men who were travelling with him stood dumbfounded, hearing the voice but not seeing anyone. 8Then Saul arose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw no-one, and they led him by the hand and brought him to Damascus. 9And for three days he was without sight, and he did not eat or drink. 10Now there was a certain disciple in Damascus by the name of Ananias, and the Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias”, and he said, “Here I am, Lord.” 11And the Lord said to him, “Get up and go to the lane called ‘Straight’ and seek in Judas's house Saul by name, a Tarsan, for look, he is praying. 12And he has seen in a vision a man by the name of Ananias coming to him and putting his hand on him, so that he may recover his sight.” 13And Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard about this man from many people, how many bad things he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. 14And here he has authority from the senior priests to bind all those who call on your name.” 15But the Lord said to him, “Go, for this man is a chosen instrument of mine to bear my name in the presence of the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel. 16For I will show him what he must undergo for my name's sake.” 17So Ananias departed and went into the house and put his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord has sent me – the Lord who appeared to you on the road by which you came – so that you may recover your sight and be filled with holy spirit.” 18And straightaway it was as if scales fell from his eyes, and he recovered his sight, and he rose up and was baptized, 19and he took food and gained strength. And Saul was with the disciples in Damascus for several days. 20And immediately he preached Christ in the synagogues, preaching that this was the son of God. 21And all of those hearing it were amazed, and they said, “Is this not the man who devastated those who call on this name in Jerusalem, and who has come here for the very purpose of bringing them bound to the senior priests?” 22But Saul was strengthened further, and he confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus, demonstrating that this was the Christ. 23But when a fair number of days had passed, the Jews plotted together to eliminate him. 24But their plot became known to Saul. Meanwhile they were guarding the gates closely, by both day and night, so as to eliminate him. 25So the disciples took him by night and let him down, lowering him over the wall in a basket. 26Then when Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to join up with the disciples, but they all feared him, not believing that he was a disciple. 27But Barnabas took hold of him and led him to the apostles, and he explained to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken freely in the name of Jesus. 28And he went with them into Jerusalem, speaking freely in the name of the Lord Jesus, 29and he spoke and debated with the Greek speakers, but they set about eliminating him. 30The brothers realized this and brought him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus. 31So the churches throughout the whole of Judaea and Galilee and Samaria had peace, and they were built up, and they walked in the fear of the Lord, and they were filled with the comforting of the holy spirit. 32And it came to pass that Peter, in the course of his travels all around, also went down to the saints who lived at Lydda. 33And he found there a certain man by the name of Aeneas, who had lain on a bed for eight years, who was paralysed. 34And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you. Get up and make your bed for yourself.” And immediately he got up. 35And all those living in Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord. 36Now there was a certain disciple in Joppa by the name of Tabitha, which when translated is “Dorcas”. She was full of good works and alms which she gave. 37And it came to pass in those days that she fell ill and died. Then they washed her and put her in an upper room. 38With Lydda being near Joppa, when the disciples heard that Peter was in that place, they sent word to him, pleading with him not to hesitate in coming across to them. 39So Peter got up and went with them, and when he arrived, all the widows led him up to the upper room, and they stood by him weeping and showing him all the tunics and clothes which Dorcas used to make when she was with them. 40Then Peter sent them all out and knelt and prayed, and he turned to the body and said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes and saw Peter and sat up. 41And giving her his hand, he stood her up, and he called the saints and the widows, and he presented her alive. 42And it became known throughout the whole of Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. 43And it came to pass that he stayed many days in Joppa with a certain Simon, a tanner.

Acts Chapter 10

1Now there was a certain man in Caesarea by the name of Cornelius, a centurion from the so-called Italian cohort, 2who was devout and god-fearing, along with all his household, who gave many alms to the people, and who was continually beseeching God. 3He saw clearly in a vision, at about the ninth hour of the day, the angel of God who came to him, and he said to him, “Cornelius.” 4And he looked at him intently and became fearful and said, “What is it, Lord?” And he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have gone up as a memorial in the presence of God. 5And now, send men to Joppa and send for Simon, who is surnamed Peter. 6He is lodging with a certain Simon, a tanner, who has a house by the sea.” 7And when the angel who was speaking to Cornelius had departed, he called two of his household slaves and a devout soldier from among those who continued resolutely with him, 8and he explained everything to them, and he sent them to Joppa. 9Then on the next day those men made their way, and as they approached the city, Peter went up onto the roof to pray, at about the sixth hour. 10And he became very hungry and wanted a taste of food. And as they made their preparations, a trance came over him. 11And he saw heaven opened, and a certain object descending on him, like a large sheet, tied at the four corners and being lowered down to the earth, 12in which were all the quadrupeds of the earth, and wild animals and reptiles and birds of the sky. 13And a voice came to him and said, “Arise, Peter, slaughter and eat.” 14But Peter said, “By no means, Lord, for I have never eaten anything profane or unclean.” 15And the voice came to him again, a second time, and it said, “Don't you call profane what God has declared clean.” 16And this happened three times, and then the object was taken up into heaven again. 17Now while Peter was at a loss in himself as to what the vision which he had seen might mean, along came the men who had been sent from Cornelius and had asked for Simon's house, and they stood at the gateway, 18and they called out and were inquiring whether Simon surnamed Peter was lodging there. 19And while Peter was reflecting on the vision, the spirit said to him, “Look, some men are looking for you. 20But get up and go down and go with them, not doubting in any way, because I have sent them.” 21So Peter went down to the men and said, “Look, I am the one you are looking for. What is the reason you are here?” 22And they said, “Cornelius, a centurion, a righteous and god-fearing man, respected by the whole nation of the Jews, was oracularly instructed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house and for him to hear words from you.” 23So he invited them inside and put them up. Then on the next day Peter went out with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa went with him. 24And on the next day they went to Caesarea. Now Cornelius was expecting them and had called his relatives and close friends together. 25But when it came to Peter going in, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshipped him. 26But Peter made him get up, saying, “Get up. I myself am also a man.” 27Then he talked with him, and he went in, and he found many gathered together. 28And he said to them, “You understand that it is unlawful for a Jewish man to associate with or approach someone of a different race. But God has shown me not to say that any man is common or unclean. 29That is why I came without arguing against it when I was sent for. So I inquire now for what reason you have sent for me.” 30And Cornelius said, “Four days ago I was fasting until this hour, and at the ninth hour I was praying in my house, and behold, a man stood opposite me in shining clothing, 31and he said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your alms have been remembered in the presence of God. 32So send men to Joppa and call for Simon who is surnamed Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea, and when he has arrived, he will speak to you.’ 33So I immediately sent men to you, and you have done well in coming. So now all of us are present in God's sight to hear all the things that have been commanded you by God.” 34Then Peter opened his mouth and said, “In truth I understand that God is not one who shows partiality, 35but in every nation he who fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him. 36You know the word which he sent to the sons of Israel, as he preached peace through Jesus Christ – he is Lord of all – 37and you know the course of events which took place throughout all Judaea, beginning with Galilee after the baptism which John preached 38– Jesus from Nazareth – how God anointed him with holy spirit and power, who went about doing good works and healing all those who were being overpowered by the devil, because God was with him. 39And we are witnesses of everything he did in the Jews' country area and in Jerusalem, whom they also killed by hanging him on wood. 40Him God raised on the third day, and he appointed him to become manifest, 41not to all the people, but to witnesses who were chosen beforehand by God, to us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42And he commanded us to preach to the people and to solemnly testify that he is the one who has been designated by God as judge of the living and the dead. 43All the prophets testify to him, that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” 44While Peter was still speaking these words, the holy spirit fell on all of those who were listening to the word. 45And those believers of the circumcision who had come with Peter were amazed that the gift of the holy spirit had also been poured out on the Gentiles, 46for they were hearing them speaking in tongues and magnifying God. Then Peter answered, 47“Surely no-one can refuse water, so preventing these people from being baptized – those who have received the holy spirit, as we for our part have.” 48And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay on for a few days.

Acts Chapter 11

1And the apostles and the brothers who were throughout Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. 2And when Peter went up to Jerusalem, those of the circumcision took issue with him, 3saying, “You have gone to men who are uncircumcised and eaten with them.” 4But Peter explained things to them from the beginning, in order, and he said, 5“I was in the city of Joppa, praying. And in a trance I saw a vision, a certain object descending, like a large sheet being let down from heaven by its four corners, and it came down to me, 6and I looked at it intently, and I took careful note, and I saw the quadrupeds of the earth and wild animals and reptiles and birds of the sky. 7And I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Arise, Peter, slaughter and eat.’ 8But I said, ‘By no means, Lord, for nothing profane or unclean has ever entered my mouth.’ 9Then the voice answered me a second time from heaven: ‘Don't you call profane what God has declared clean.’ 10And this happened three times, and then they were all drawn up again into heaven. 11Then straightaway it so happened that three men came to the house in which I was, having been sent from Caesarea to me. 12And the spirit told me to go with them, not doubting in any way. So these six brothers also went along with me, and we went into the man's house, 13and he related to us how he had seen the angel in his house, who stood and said to him, ‘Send men to Joppa and send for Simon who is surnamed Peter, 14who will speak words to you by which you and all your house will be saved.’ 15And as I was beginning to speak, the holy spirit fell on them, as it had also done on us in the beginning. 16And I remembered the word of the Lord when he said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with holy spirit.’ 17So if God has given them the same gift as to us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, then who was I that I could hinder God?” 18And when they had heard these things, they quietened down, and they glorified God, saying, “Well then, God has also given the Gentiles repentance leading to life.” 19Now those who were scattered by the tribulation which took place over Stephen went across to Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, not speaking the word to anyone except Jews only. 20But there were some of them, Cypriot and Cyrenian men, who went to Antioch and spoke to the Greek speakers, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord. 22And the report concerning them was heard in the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas out to go across as far as Antioch, 23who, when he arrived and saw the grace of God, rejoiced, and he encouraged them all in their heart's resolve to remain attached to the Lord, 24for he was a good man, and full of holy spirit and faith, and a considerable company was added to the Lord. 25Then Barnabas went away to Tarsus to seek out Saul, 26and he found him and brought him to Antioch. And it came to pass that they assembled together with the church for a whole year and taught a considerable company, and that the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. 27And in those days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28And one of them by the name of Agabus arose and indicated through the spirit that there was about to be a great famine over all the world, which indeed came to pass in the time of Claudius Caesar. 29Then according to how any of the disciples prospered, each of them assigned money to send as relief to those brothers living in Judaea, 30which they did, sending it to the elders through the agency of Barnabas and Saul.

Acts Chapter 12

1At about that time Herod the king set about harming certain members of the church, 2and he killed James the brother of John by the sword. 3And seeing that this was pleasing to the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter too. Now these were the days of the unleavened bread, 4and having seized him, he put him in prison and handed him over to four quaternions of soldiers to guard him, wishing to lead him up to the people after the Passover. 5So Peter was being guarded in the prison. Meanwhile there was intense prayer taking place by the church to God for him. 6Then when Herod was about to bring him forward, on that night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound by two chains, while guards were guarding the prison in front of the door. 7And behold, the angel of the Lord came up to him, and a light shone in the cell. He prodded Peter's side and made him get up, saying, “Arise quickly.” And his chains fell off from his hands. 8Then the angel said to him, “Gird yourself and put on your sandals.” And he did so. Then he said to him, “Put on your cloak and follow me.” 9And he went out and followed him, but he was not aware that what was taking place through the angel was real, but he thought he was seeing a vision. 10They passed through the first guard post and the second one and came to the iron gate which led to the city, which opened automatically to them. And they went out and went on down one street, then straightaway the angel departed from him. 11And Peter, having come to himself, said, “Now I truly know the Lord sent his angel and set me free from Herod's grip and all the expectation of the Jewish people.” 12And realizing this, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John who is surnamed Mark, where there was a considerable number of people gathered and praying. 13And when Peter had knocked on the door of the gate, a girl by the name of Rhoda came to answer it. 14And recognizing Peter's voice, she did not open the gate for joy, but ran inside and reported that Peter was standing at the gate. 15But they said to her, “You're mad.” But she affirmed that it was so. Then they said, “It's his angel.” 16But Peter continued to knock. Then they opened up and saw him and were astonished. 17Then he signalled to them with his hand to be silent, and he explained to them how the Lord had led him out of the prison, and he said, “Tell these things to James and the brothers.” Then he departed and went to another place. 18And when day came, there was no minor disturbance among the soldiers as to what had become of Peter. 19And Herod made a further search for him, and not finding him, he interrogated the guards and ordered them to be led away. Then he went down from Judaea to Caesarea and spent time there. 20Now Herod was raging against the Tyrians and Sidonians. But they had come to him with one mind, and having won over Blastus, who was in charge of the king's bedroom, they asked for peace, because their country was supported by the king's country. 21And on an appointed day, Herod put on his royal clothes and sat in the courtroom and addressed them. 22And the people shouted out, “It's the voice of God and not of a man!” 23And immediately the angel of the Lord struck him because he had not given glory to God, and he was consumed by worms and expired. 24And the word of God grew and increased. 25Then Barnabas and Saul returned to Jerusalem, having fulfilled their mission, taking John surnamed Mark with them too.

Acts Chapter 13

1Now there were some prophets and teachers here and there in the church which existed in Antioch: Barnabas, and Simeon surnamed Niger, and Lucius the Cyrenian, and Manaen of common upbringing with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2And as they were performing service to the Lord and fasting, the holy spirit said, “Set Barnabas and Saul completely apart for me for the work which I have called them to do.” 3Then, after fasting and praying, they laid their hands on them and dismissed them. 4So these men were sent out by the holy spirit, and they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed away to Cyprus. 5And when they arrived in Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jews' synagogues. They also had John as an assistant. 6When they had crossed the island as far as Paphos, they found a certain magician, a Jewish false prophet, who had the name Barjesus, 7who was with the proconsul Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man. He called for Barnabas and Saul, and he was very keen to hear the word of God. 8But Elymas the magician – for that is his name when translated – opposed them, attempting to divert the proconsul from the faith. 9Then Saul, who is also known as Paul, filled with holy spirit, looked intently at him, 10and he said, “You who are full of all deceit and all fraud, son of the devil, hostile to all righteousness, will you not cease from perverting the straight ways of the Lord? 11And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is against you, and you will be blind, not seeing the sun for a time.” And immediately a mist and darkness fell on him, and he went about seeking guides. 12Then having seen what had taken place, the proconsul believed, and he was astonished at the teaching of the Lord. 13Then Paul and his company put out to sea from Paphos and went to Perga in Pamphylia. But John took leave of them and returned to Jerusalem. 14And they crossed from Perga and arrived in Antioch of Pisidia, and they went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day and sat down. 15And after the reading of the law and the prophets, the leaders of the synagogue sent assistants to them, who said, “Men and brothers, if any of you have a word of encouragement to the people, speak up.” 16Then Paul got up and signalled with his hand and said, “Men and Israelites, and you who fear God, listen. 17The God of this people chose our fathers, and he exalted the people during their stay in the land of Egypt, and with a high arm he brought them out of it. 18And for about a forty year period he put up with their ways in the desert. 19And he destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, and he gave their land to them as an inheritance. 20And for about four hundred and fifty years after that he gave them judges, until Samuel the prophet. 21Then after that they asked for a king, and God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man from the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. 22Then he removed him and raised up David to them as king, to whom he also gave witness and said, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse to be a man after my heart who will carry out all my will.’ 23From the seed of this man God brought salvation to Israel according to his promise, 24John having proclaimed in advance of his coming the baptism of repentance to Israel. 25And as John was completing his course, he said, ‘Who do you think I am? I am not the one. But look, after me is coming one the shoes of whose feet I am not worthy to loosen.’ 26Men and brothers, sons of the stock of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to you the word of this salvation has been sent. 27For those who live in Jerusalem and their rulers did not know this man, yet they fulfilled the voices of the prophets – which are read every Sabbath – when they judged him. 28And despite not finding any grounds for a death penalty, they asked Pilate for him to be executed. 29And when they had finished doing everything that stood written about him, they took him down from the wood and put him in a tomb. 30But God raised him from the dead, 31and he was seen for many days by those who went up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are witnesses of him to the people. 32And we preach to you the promise to the fathers which has taken place – that God has completely fulfilled it to their children – us – in raising up Jesus, 33as it also stands written in the second psalm:

‘You are my son;

Today I have begotten you.’

34And in that he raised him from the dead, no longer destined to return to decay, he has spoken as follows:

‘I will give you the faithful sacred things of David.’

35On account of this he also says in another place,

‘You will not permit your holy one to see decay.’

36For David, having served his own generation by the will of God, fell asleep and was added to his fathers and saw decay, 37but he whom God raised up did not see decay. 38So let it be known to you, men and brothers, that through this man, forgiveness of sins is declared to you, 39and that through this man everyone who believes is justified from all the things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses. 40So see to it that what has been spoken by the prophets does not come upon you:

41‘Behold, you haughty ones,

And be amazed and vanish,

For I am carrying out a work in your days

Which you certainly would not believe

If someone declared it to you.’ ”

42And when the Jews had gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles pleaded with them for the words to be spoken to them on the intervening Sabbath. 43And when the synagogue gathering had broken up, many of the Jews and the devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who addressed them and persuaded them to continue in the grace of God. 44And on the next Sabbath, almost all the city gathered to hear the word of God. 45And when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy, and they spoke against the things being spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming. 46But speaking out boldly, Paul and Barnabas said, “It was necessary for the word of God to be spoken to you first. But since you discard it and do not judge yourselves worthy of age-abiding life, look, we are turning to the Gentiles. 47For this is what the Lord has commanded us:

‘I have appointed you as a light to the Gentiles,

For you to be for salvation

As far as the end of the earth.’ ”

48And the Gentiles, hearing this, rejoiced and glorified the word of the Lord, and those who were appointed to age-abiding life believed. 49And the word of the Lord was spread about through the whole of the region. 50But the Jews incited the devout women and those of high standing and the leading men of the city, and they stirred up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas and threw them out of their territories. 51But they shook off the dust from their feet against them and went to Iconium. 52And the disciples were filled with joy and holy spirit.

Reference(s) in Chapter 13: v.22 ↔ Psalm 89:21MT (Psalm 89:20AV), Ruth 4:17, 1 Samuel 13:14 ● v.33 ↔ Psalm 2:7 ● v.34 ↔ Isaiah 55:3 ● v.35 ↔ Psalm 16:10 ● v.41 ↔ Habakkuk 1:5 ● v.47 ↔ Isaiah 49:6.

Acts Chapter 14

1And it came to pass in Iconium that they went in the same way into the Jews' synagogue and spoke in such a way that a large number of both Jews and Greeks believed. 2But the unbelieving Jews stirred up and poisoned the minds of the Gentiles against the brothers. 3And they spent a considerable time speaking out boldly about the Lord, who gave witness to his word of grace, allowing signs and miracles to take place through their hands. 4So the population of the city was divided, and some sided with the Jews, and some with the apostles. 5But when an assault by both Gentiles and Jews took place with their leaders, intending to maltreat and stone them, 6they became aware of it and fled to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe and the surrounding area. 7And there they would preach the gospel. 8And a certain man in Lystra, disabled in his feet, was sitting down. He had been lame from his mother's womb and had never walked. 9And he heard Paul speaking, who looked at him intently, and seeing that he had faith to be saved, 10he said in a loud voice, “Stand up straight on your feet.” And he leapt and walked about. 11But when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they raised their voices and said in Lycaonian, “The gods have taken on human likeness and come down to us.” 12And they called Barnabas Zeus, and Paul Hermes since he was the spokesman. 13And the priest of Zeus's temple, which was in front of their city, brought bulls and garlands to the gates, and along with the crowds he wished to offer sacrifice. 14But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard this, they tore their clothes and leapt into the crowd, shouting 15and saying, “Men, why are you doing these things? We too are men with similar feelings to you, preaching the gospel to you, that you should turn from these vain things to the living God, who made heaven and earth and the sea and everything that is in them, 16who in past generations allowed all the Gentiles to go their own ways. 17And yet he did not leave himself without a witness, doing good, giving rains from the sky and fruit-bearing seasons to you, filling our hearts with food and gladness.” 18And in saying these things they only just stopped the crowds sacrificing to them. 19Then some Jews arrived from Antioch and Iconium, and they persuaded the crowds otherwise, and they stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he had died. 20But the disciples gathered round him, and he got up and went to the city, and on the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe. 21And they preached the gospel to that city, and when they had made a considerable number of disciples, they returned to Lystra and Iconium and Antioch. 22And they boosted the morale of the disciples and encouraged them to remain in the faith and said, “We must go through many tribulations into the kingdom of God.” 23And they appointed them elders in each church, and after praying with fastings, they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed. 24And they passed through Pisidia and came to Pamphylia. 25And they spoke the word in Perga and went down to Attalia. 26And from there they sailed off to Antioch, from where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled. 27And when they had arrived and gathered the church, they reported on all the things that God had done with them and on the fact that he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. 28Then they spent no inconsiderable time there with the disciples.

Acts Chapter 15

1And certain men came down from Judaea and were teaching the brothers as follows: “Unless you are circumcised in the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” 2So with a not insignificant standpoint and argument with Paul and Barnabas having arisen against them, they arranged for Paul and Barnabas and some others of their company to go up to the apostles and elders in Jerusalem concerning this dispute. 3So they were seen off on their way by the church, and they went through Phoenicia and Samaria, relating the conversion of the Gentiles in detail, and they gave great joy to all the brothers. 4And when they arrived in Jerusalem, they were received favourably by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they reported on all the things God had done with them. 5Then some of the sect of the Pharisees, believers, stood up, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise them and to command them to keep the law of Moses.” 6Then the apostles and elders gathered together to look into this matter. 7And after much disputing had taken place, Peter stood up and said to them, “Men and brothers, you understand that from early days God made a choice among us that the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel through my mouth and believe. 8And God, who knows our hearts, witnessed to them by giving them the holy spirit, as he also did to us, 9and he did not discriminate between us and them in any respect, and he purified their hearts by faith. 10So now, why are you putting God to the test, by putting a yoke on the disciples' neck, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? 11But it is by the grace of the Lord Jesus that we believe that we have been saved in the same way that they do.” 12And the whole company went silent and heard Barnabas and Paul relating in detail all the signs and miracles which God had performed among the Gentiles through them. 13And after they had become silent, James answered and said, “Men and brothers, listen to me. 14Simeon has described how God first deigned to take a people out of the Gentiles in his name. 15And the words of the prophets agree with this, as it stands written:

16‘After these things I will return

And build up the tabernacle of David,

Which has fallen down,

And I will rebuild its ruins and restore it,

17In order that the rest of men might seek out the Lord,

Including all the Gentiles

Who are called after my name,

Says the Lord,

Who does all these things.’

18All his works have been known to God since the beginning of time. 19Therefore I judge that we should not trouble those Gentiles who are turning to God, 20but should write to them to refrain from the polluted accompaniments of the idols, and from fornication, and anything strangled, and from blood. 21For Moses from early generations has had those who preach him in various cities, he being read every Sabbath in the synagogues.” 22Then the apostles and the elders with all the church decided to send some men selected from among them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas: Judas who is surnamed Barsabbas, and Silas – leading men among the brothers. 23They wrote as follows, to be taken by hand personally: “From the apostles and the elders and the brothers to the Gentile brothers throughout Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greetings. 24In view of the fact that we have heard that some of us have gone out and disturbed you with words, upsetting your spiritual condition, telling you to be circumcised and to keep the law, to whom we have given no such instructions, 25we, reaching unanimity, have decided to send some selected men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26who are men who have committed themselves to the cause of the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27So we have sent Judas and Silas with them to report on the same things verbally. 28For it seemed good to the holy spirit and to us not to lay anything heavier on you except these necessary things: 29to refrain from things sacrificed to idols, and blood, and anything strangled, and fornication. If you keep yourselves from these things, you will be doing well. May you be strong.” 30So these were sent on their way, and they came to Antioch, and when they had gathered the group together, they handed over the epistle. 31And when they had read it, they rejoiced over the encouragement. 32And Judas and Silas, also being prophets themselves, encouraged and invigorated the brothers with many words. 33And when they had spent some time there, they were sent on their way with peace from the brothers to the apostles. 34 35Then Paul and Barnabas spent time in Antioch, teaching and preaching the gospel, with many others also, the word of the Lord. 36And after several days Paul said to Barnabas, “Now then, let us return and visit our brothers in every city in which we declared the word of the Lord and see how they are.” 37And Barnabas had resolved to take John who was called Mark with him, 38but Paul did not think it proper that they should take this man with them, who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not accompanied them for the work. 39So a bitter dispute arose, with the result that they took leave of each other, and that Barnabas took Mark with him to sail off to Cyprus. 40And Paul chose Silas and departed, after being committed to the grace of God by the brothers. 41And he crossed through Syria and Cilicia, invigorating the churches.

Reference(s) in Chapter 15: v.16 ↔ Amos 9:11 ● v.17 ↔ Amos 9:12.

Acts Chapter 16

1And he arrived in Derbe and Lystra, where there was a certain disciple by the name of Timothy, the son of a certain Jewish woman, who was a believer, and a Greek father, 2and he was highly regarded by the brothers in Lystra and Iconium. 3Paul wanted him to come along with him, and he took him and circumcised him on account of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. 4And as they went through the cities, they delivered decrees to them, to keep, which had been issued by the apostles and the elders in Jerusalem. 5So the churches were consolidated in the faith, and they increased in number daily. 6But as they passed through Phrygia and the Galatian region, they were prevented by the holy spirit from speaking the word in Asia, 7and they came down to Mysia, and they attempted to go down to Bithynia, but the spirit did not allow them, 8and by-passing Mysia they went down to Troas. 9Then a vision appeared in the night to Paul – a certain Macedonian man was standing and calling on him and saying, “Cross into Macedonia and help us.” 10And when he had seen the vision, we immediately tried to depart for Macedonia, deducing that the Lord had called on us to preach the gospel to them. 11So we set sail from Troas and had a straight voyage to Samothrace, and the next day to Neapolis. 12And from there to Philippi, which is the first city of the district of Macedonia, a Roman colony, and we were in the city itself spending time there for several days. 13And on the Sabbath day we went out of the city along the river where prayer was customarily held, and we sat down and spoke to the women who were gathered there. 14And a certain woman by the name of Lydia was listening, a seller of purple cloth, of the city of Thyatira, who worshipped God, whose heart the Lord had opened to pay heed to the things spoken by Paul. 15And when she had been baptized, along with her household, she invited us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come and stay in my house.” And she urged us to do so. 16And it came to pass as we were going to prayer that a certain girl who was possessed by a soothsaying spirit met us, and who provided her masters with much business by soothsaying. 17She followed Paul and us persistently and kept shouting out, “These men are servants of the Most High God, and they will declare the way of salvation to us.” 18She kept doing this for many days. Paul, being worn out with annoyance, turned to the spirit and said, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out at that very hour. 19But when her masters saw that the mainstay of their business had come out, they laid hold of Paul and Silas and dragged them to the market place to the governors. 20And they led them to the magistrates and said, “These men are stirring up our city, and, being Jews, 21are declaring customs which we are not permitted to adopt or to do, since we are Romans.” 22And the crowd rose up against them together, and the magistrates tore their coats and ordered beating with rods. 23And after inflicting many blows on them, they threw them in prison, ordering the prison guard to guard them securely, 24and he accepted such a charge and put them in the innermost prison area and secured their feet in stocks. 25Now at around midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, 26when suddenly a heavy earthquake took place, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken, and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's shackles became detached. 27The prison guard was awoken from his sleep, and when he saw that the doors of the prison were open, he drew his sword and was going to kill himself, thinking that the prisoners had escaped. 28But Paul shouted in a loud voice and said, “Don't do yourself any harm, for we are all here.” 29Then he asked for light and rushed in, and with trembling he fell down at Paul and Silas, 30and he led them out and said, “Gentlemen, what must I do to be saved?” 31And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you and your household will be saved.” 32And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all those in his house. 33Then he took them along at that hour of the night and washed their wounds, and he was immediately baptized, as were all those of his family. 34And he led them up to his house, and he served them a meal, and he rejoiced with all his household, having believed in God. 35After a day had passed, the magistrates sent the lictors and said, “Release those men.” 36And the prison guard reported these words to Paul as follows: “The magistrates have sent word that you should be released. So depart now and go in peace.” 37Then Paul said to them, “They flogged us when we were uncondemned, in public, although we are Roman citizens, and they threw us in prison. And now, are they going to expel us in secret? Not likely! Rather, let them come and conduct us out themselves.” 38And the lictors reported these words to the magistrates, and they became afraid when they heard that they were Romans, 39and they came and apologized to them profusely, then they conducted them out and asked them to leave the city. 40So they came out of the prison and went to Lydia's house, and they saw the brothers there and encouraged them, and they departed again.

Acts Chapter 17

1And they travelled through Amphipolis and Apollonia and came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. 2And in accordance with his custom, Paul went to them, and for three Sabbaths he debated with them from the scriptures, 3expounding and explaining as follows: “Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead”, and, “This is who the Christ is: Jesus, whom I declare to you.” 4And some of them were persuaded and were assigned to Paul and Silas, as were a very large number of the devout Greeks and not an insignificant number of the leading women. 5But the unbelieving Jews recruited some good-for-nothing men from those who hang around the market area, and when they had collected a crowd, they brought the city into uproar and took a stand at Jason's house and tried to bring them to the people. 6But as they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some brothers to the city rulers, shouting, “Those who have upset the world are these present right here, 7whom Jason has received as guests. And all these are doing things contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king – Jesus.” 8And they stirred up the crowd and the rulers of the city, who heard these things. 9Then they took bail from Jason and the others, and they released them. 10And the brothers immediately during the night sent Paul and Silas away to Berea, who, when they arrived, went to the Jews' synagogue. 11Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they received the word with all readiness, closely examining the scriptures daily to see whether these things were so. 12So many of them believed, as did not a few of the Greek women of high standing, and men. 13But when the Jews from Thessalonica came to know that the word of God had also been declared in Berea by Paul, they came there too and stirred up the crowds. 14And then immediately the brothers sent Paul out so that he could go in the direction of the sea. But both Silas and Timothy stayed there. 15And they conducted Paul and brought him to Athens, then having received an instruction for Silas and Timothy to come to him as quickly as possible, they departed. 16And in Athens, while Paul was waiting for them, his spirit in him was exasperated when he saw how the city was given to idolatry. 17So he discussed with the Jews and devout people in the synagogue, and every day with those who happened to be around in the market place. 18And also some of the Epicurean and the Stoic philosophers engaged him in conversation, and some said, “What could this amateur be getting at?” But others said, “He seems to be a propounder of foreign deities.” This was because he preached Jesus and the resurrection. 19And they took him along with them and brought him to Ares Hill and said, “May we know what this new teaching is which is being spoken by you? 20For you are bringing some strange ideas to our ears. So we wish to know what these things mean.” 21For all the Athenians and the foreigners living away from home would spend their leisure time in nothing other than talking or hearing about something new. 22So Paul, standing before the Ares Hill council said, “Men of Athens, I see, apparently, that you are very reverent to the gods in all respects. 23For as I passed through and looked at your objects of worship, I also found an altar on which had been inscribed:

‘To an unknown god.’

Now him whom you worship in ignorance, I declare to you. 24God, who made the universe and everything in it – he being Lord of heaven and earth – does not dwell in shrines made by hands, 25nor is he served by human hands as if he lacked anything, but he himself gives life and breath in all respects to all. 26And he made every nation of men from one blood, so as to dwell on all the surface of the earth, and he set appointed times and the borders of their territory, 27so that they should seek the Lord, to see if they might possibly feel their way to him and find him, and at any rate he is not far from any one of us. 28For in him we live and move and exist, as also some of your poets have said, ‘For we too are his kindred.’ 29So since we are the kindred of God, we should not think the divine essence is like gold or silver or stone or a sculpture from the craftsmanship and the ponderings of man. 30And so although God turned a blind eye throughout the times of ignorance, in these times he commands all men everywhere to repent. 31For he has appointed a day on which he is going to judge the world in righteousness, through a man whom he has appointed, having provided assurance to all by resurrecting him from the dead.” 32And when they heard “resurrection of the dead”, some scoffed, but some said, “We will hear you again on this matter.” 33And so Paul departed from their company. 34But some men stuck with him and believed, among whom were Dionysius the Ares Hill council member, and a woman by the name of Damaris and others with them.

Acts Chapter 18

1After this Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. 2And he found a certain Jew by the name of Aquila, a Pontian by descent, who had just come from Italy, and Priscilla his wife (because Claudius had decreed that all the Jews must depart from Rome), and he went up to them, 3and since they were of the same trade, he remained with them and did some work, for they were tent-makers by trade. 4And he was in discussion in the synagogue every Sabbath, and he tried to persuade Jews and Greeks. 5And when both Silas and Timothy had come down from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in spirit, and he testified solemnly to the Jews that the Christ was Jesus. 6But since they took an opposing standpoint and blasphemed, he shook out his clothes and said to them, “Your blood be on your head. I am clear of responsibility. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” 7And moving on from there he went to the house of a certain man by the name of Justus, who worshipped God, whose house abutted on the synagogue. 8But Crispus the leader of the synagogue believed in the Lord with the whole of his household, and many of the Corinthians heard and believed and were baptized. 9Then the Lord said to Paul through a vision at night, “Do not be afraid, but speak out and do not be silent, 10for I am with you and no-one will attack you so as to harm you, for I have many people in this city.” 11And he remained there for a year and six months teaching the word of God among them. 12But while Gallio was proconsul of Achaea, the Jews unanimously rose up against Paul and led him to the court, 13saying, “This man is inciting men to worship God in a way contrary to the law.” 14And as Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, “Now if it had been some wrongdoing or nefarious malpractice, O Jews, I would have accepted your charge as reasonable, 15but if it is a dispute about a word and names and your law, see to it yourselves. For I do not wish to be a judge of these things.” 16And he dismissed them from the court. 17And all the Greeks took hold of Sosthenes the leader of the synagogue and beat him in the presence of the court. But none of these things was a matter for proceeding to Gallio. 18And Paul stayed on several days more, then he bade farewell to the brothers and sailed away to Syria, and with him were Priscilla and Aquila, who had had his head shaved in Cenchreae, for he had made a vow. 19And he reached Ephesus and left those there, while he himself went to the synagogue and had a discussion with the Jews. 20But when they asked him to stay with them longer, he did not assent, 21but he took his leave of them and said, “I must by all means keep the coming festival in Jerusalem, but I will come back to you again, God willing.” And he set sail from Ephesus. 22And he landed at Caesarea, and he went up and greeted the church, and he came down to Antioch. 23And he spent some time there, then he departed and crossed through, in sequence, the Galatian region and Phrygia, invigorating all the disciples. 24And a certain Jew by the name of Apollos, an Alexandrian by descent, an erudite man, being masterful in the scriptures, came down to Ephesus. 25He had been taught the way of the Lord verbally, and being fervent in the spirit, he spoke and taught the matters concerning the Lord accurately, although he only knew the baptism of John. 26And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. And when Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained the way of God to him more accurately. 27And as he wished to cross over to Achaea, the brothers urged him on and wrote to the disciples to receive him. And when he arrived, he contributed much to those who had believed, through grace. 28For he vigorously and thoroughly refuted the Jews, publicly demonstrating through the scriptures that the Christ was Jesus.

Acts Chapter 19

1And it came to pass while Apollos was in Corinth that Paul crossed through the upper regions and came to Ephesus, and he found some disciples, 2and he asked them, “Did you receive holy spirit when you believed?” And they said to him, “No, we have not even heard whether holy spirit exists.” 3And he asked them, “With what were you baptized, then?” And they said, “With the baptism of John.” 4Then Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is in Christ Jesus.” 5And when they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6Then when Paul laid his hands on them, the holy spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. 7And there were about twelve of these men in total. 8And he went to the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, discussing and persuading them of matters concerning the kingdom of God. 9But when some became hardened and disbelieved, and when they denigrated “the way” in the presence of the community, he withdrew from them and separated the disciples from them, holding discussions daily in the lecture room of a certain Tyrannus. 10This took place for two years, resulting in all those living in Asia hearing the word of the Lord Jesus – both Jews and Greeks. 11And God performed deeds of power of no ordinary sort through the hands of Paul, 12so that even sweat-bands or gowns which had been in contact with him were brought and put on the sick, and the diseases were removed from them, and evil spirits came out of them. 13Then some of the roaming Jewish exorcists took it in hand to name the name of the Lord Jesus over those possessed by the evil spirits, and they said, “We adjure you by Jesus, whom Paul proclaims.” 14And there were a certain seven sons of Sceva, a senior Jewish priest, doing this. 15And the evil spirit answered and said, “I know Jesus, and I am well acquainted with Paul, but as for you, who are you?” 16And the man in whom the evil spirit was leapt on them and overpowered them, and he prevailed over them, with the result that they only escaped from that house naked and wounded. 17And this became known to all the Jews and Greeks who were living in Ephesus, and a fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. 18And many of those who had believed came confessing and admitting their practices. 19And a considerable number of those who had engaged in superstitious practices collected their books and burned them up in the presence of everyone, and they added up the value of them and found that it came to fifty thousand pieces of silver. 20In this way the word of the Lord increased strongly and prevailed. 21And when these things had been completed, Paul resolved that, after he had gone across Macedonia and Achaea, he would go to Jerusalem, and he said, “After I arrive there, I must also see Rome.” 22Then he sent two of those who were assisting him, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, but he himself stayed on for a while in Asia. 23And a not insignificant disturbance took place at about that time concerning “the way”. 24For a certain Demetrius by name, a silversmith, who made silver shrines to Artemis, provided the craftsmen with no small amount of work, 25and he gathered them together, including the workmen connected with such things, and he said, “Men, you understand that our prosperity comes from this trade. 26And you see and hear that not only in Ephesus, but in almost all Asia, this Paul has persuaded a considerable number of people and caused them to change their position, saying that there are no gods made by hands. 27And not only is this line of business of ours in danger of coming into disrepute, but also the temple of the great goddess Artemis is in danger of being considered worthless, and also her magnificence of being destroyed – Artemis whom the whole of Asia and the world worships.” 28When they heard this, they became full of anger and shouted, saying, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 29And the whole city was filled with confusion, and they rushed with one mind to the theatre, and they rounded up Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians, travelling companions of Paul. 30And whereas Paul wanted to go to the people at large, the disciples did not allow him. 31And also some of the rulers of Asia, since they were friendly towards him, sent messengers to him, and they exhorted him not to venture into the theatre. 32So some were shouting one thing, and some another. For the legislative assembly was in confusion, and most did not know on account of what they had gathered together. 33And they put Alexander forward from the crowd, the Jews having proposed him. And Alexander motioned with his hand for quiet and wished to speak in defence to the people, 34but when they realized he was a Jew, there arose one call from all of them, and they shouted for about two hours, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians.” 35Then the town clerk restrained the crowd and said, “Men of Ephesus, after all, what man is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is the custodian of the temple of the great goddess Artemis, and of the image of Zeus fallen from above. 36So since these things are irrefutable, you must exercise restraint and not do anything rash. 37For you have brought these men here, but they are not temple plunderers or blasphemers of your goddess. 38So then, if Demetrius and the craftsmen with him have a charge against anyone, the courts are functional and there are proconsuls available – let them charge one another. 39But if you are seeking something relating to other matters, it will be settled in the legislative assembly. 40For we are also in danger of being charged for today's rioting, although there is no cause concerning which we will not be able to give an account of this rally.” 41And when he had said these things, he dismissed the legislative assembly.

Acts Chapter 20

1And after the uproar had ceased, Paul called for the disciples, and when he had wished them well, he departed to go to Macedonia. 2And when he had crossed through those parts and encouraged them with many a word, he went to Greece. 3And after spending three months there, when a plot was hatched by the Jews against him when he was about to set sail for Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia. 4And Sopater, a Berean, accompanied him as far as Asia, as did Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians, and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy, and the Asians Tychicus and Trophimus. 5These proceeded to, and waited for, us in Troas. 6And after the days of the unleavened bread, we sailed away from Philippi and came to them in Troas in five days, where we spent seven days. 7And on the first of the Sabbaths when the disciples had gathered together to break bread, Paul held a discussion with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged the discussion up to midnight. 8And there was a considerable number of lamps in the upper room where we were gathered. 9Now a certain young man by the name of Eutychus was sitting at the window, and he was weighed down by deep sleepiness, while Paul was all the more engaged in discussion, and when he was finally overcome by the sleepiness, he fell down from the third storey and was taken up dead. 10But Paul went down and fell on him and embraced him and said, “Do not be alarmed, for his life is in him.” 11And he went upstairs and broke bread, and he had a taste of it, and he talked for a long time – until daybreak – and then he departed. 12And they brought the boy in alive, and they were comforted in no small measure. 13And we arrived and went on board the ship and set sail to Assos, and from there we planned to take Paul on board, for that is how he had made arrangements, he himself having the intention to go there on foot. 14And when he met us in Assos, we took him on board, and we went to Mitylene. 15And from there on the next day we sailed off and skirted round Chios, and on the day after we crossed over past Samos, and we stayed in Trogullium, and on the day after that we went to Miletus. 16For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus so that he would not end up spending time in Asia. For he was eager, if it was possible for him, to be in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost. 17And from Miletus he sent word to Ephesus, and he sent for the elders of the church. 18And when they had come to him, he said to them, “You know from the first day on which I set foot on Asia, how I was with you all the time, 19serving the Lord with all humility and many tears and trials which befell me through the plots of the Jews, 20how I did not keep back anything profitable – not refraining from informing you and teaching you in public and from house to house, 21solemnly testifying to both Jews and Greeks repentance to God and faith in our Lord Jesus. 22And now, look, I am going bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing what things will befall me there, 23except that the holy spirit solemnly testifies from city to city, saying that bonds and afflictions await me. 24But I consider it a matter of no concern, nor do I hold my life dear to myself, so long as I complete my course with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to give a solemn witness of the gospel of the grace of God. 25And now, look, I know that none of you, among whom I went about proclaiming the kingdom of God, will see my face any longer, 26which is why I testify to you on this very day that I am clear of the blood of all people. 27For I have not refrained from declaring the whole will of God to you. 28So take heed for yourselves and the whole flock, over which the holy spirit has appointed you overseers, to shepherd the church of the Lord and God, which he acquired through his own blood. 29For I know this, that after my departure, savage wolves will come to you, not sparing the flock. 30And from within your company men will arise, saying perverse things in order to draw away the disciples after them. 31Be watchful, therefore, remembering that for three years, night and day, I did not stop warning each one of you with tears. 32And regarding present matters, brothers, I commit you to God and his word of grace which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who have been sanctified. 33I have not coveted anyone's gold or silver or clothing. 34You yourselves know that these hands served my needs and the needs of those who were with me. 35I have set you an example in all respects, showing you that this is how you must toil to help those who are weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus as he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” 36And when he had said these things, he knelt down with all of them and prayed. 37And there was considerable weeping by all of them, and they fell round Paul's neck and kissed him, 38feeling grief most of all at the words which he had spoken, that they would not see his face any more. Then they escorted him to the ship.

Acts Chapter 21

1And when it came to pass that we set sail, after we had taken our leave of them, we sailed a straight course and went to Cos, and the next day to Rhodes, and from there we went to Patara, 2and when we found a ship crossing to Phoenicia, we went on board and set sail. 3Then we came in sight of Cyprus, and leaving it behind on the port side, we sailed to Syria and landed at Tyre, for that is where the ship was to unload its cargo. 4And when we had sought out the disciples, we stayed on there for seven days, and they told Paul through the spirit not to go up to Jerusalem. 5Then when it came to pass that we had come to the end of the days, we departed and moved on, while they all with wives and children escorted us as far as outside the city, and we knelt down on the shore and prayed. 6We bade each other farewell and embarked on the ship, and they returned to their homes. 7And as for us, we completed our voyage from Tyre and reached Ptolemais, where we greeted the brothers and stayed one day with them. 8Then on the next day, Paul and his company departed and came to Caesarea, and we went into the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and we stayed with him. 9Now he had four daughters who were virgins, who prophesied. 10And as we were staying on for many days, a certain prophet by the name of Agabus came down from Judaea. 11And he came to us and took Paul's belt and bound his feet and hands and said, “The holy spirit says this: ‘In this way the Jews will bind in Jerusalem the man whose belt this is, and they will hand him over to the hands of the Gentiles.’ ” 12And when we heard that, both we and the locals exhorted him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the sake of the name of the Lord Jesus.” 14And as he was not persuaded, we desisted and said, “Let the will of the Lord come to pass.” 15So after those days we made our preparations and went up to Jerusalem. 16Some of the disciples from Caesarea also went with us, and they brought a certain Mnason, a Cypriot, along with them, who was a disciple of long standing, with whom we were to lodge. 17And when we arrived in Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly. 18Then on the next day Paul went with us into James's house, and all the elders were present. 19And he greeted them and related each thing one by one of what God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. 20And those listening glorified the Lord, and they said to him, “You see, brother, how many tens of thousands of Jews there are who have believed, and they are all zealous of the law. 21But they have been instructed concerning you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles defection from Moses, saying that they should not circumcise their children, or observe the customs. 22So which way is it? At all events, the community must gather, for they will hear that you have come. 23So do this that we are telling you. We have four men who have taken a vow on themselves. 24Take these with you and purify yourself with them, and pay expenses on their behalf so that they may shave their heads and everyone may know that there is no basis in the things about which they have been instructed concerning you, but that you yourself also walk according to regulation and keep the law. 25And concerning the Gentiles who have believed, we have sent a letter, since we judge that they should keep no such thing, except to keep themselves from anything sacrificed to idols, and blood, and anything strangled, and fornication.” 26Then Paul took the men with him, and on the next day he purified himself with them, and he went into the temple giving notice of the completion of the days of their purification, the purification lasting until the offering had been made for each one of them. 27But as the seven days were about to be completed, the Jews from Asia saw him in the temple, and they stirred up all the crowd, and they laid hands on him, 28shouting, “Men and Israelites, help. This is the man who is teaching everyone everywhere things against the people and the law and this place. Moreover he has brought Greeks into the temple and has profaned this holy place.” 29For they had seen Trophimus the Ephesian in the city with him, whom they supposed Paul had brought into the temple. 30And the whole city was stirred up, and a rally of the people took place, and they seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple, and immediately the gates were closed. 31And while they tried to find a way to kill him, a report came to the commander of the cohort that the whole of Jerusalem was in turmoil, 32and he immediately took soldiers with him and centurions and ran down to them. And when they saw the cohort commander and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. 33Then the cohort commander approached and seized him and ordered him to be bound with two chains, and he inquired who he was and what he had done. 34Now various people in the crowd were shouting various things, and since he could not find out exactly what was going on because of the disturbance, he ordered him to be brought to the camp. 35And when he came to the steps, it was necessary for him to be carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the crowd. 36For the mob of the people was following, shouting, “Away with him!” 37And as Paul was about to be led into the camp, he said to the cohort commander, “Is it permitted for me to speak to you?” And he said, “Do you speak Greek? 38So you are not the Egyptian who a while ago caused a revolt and led the four thousand cut-throats into the desert?” 39Then Paul said, “I am a Jew of Tarsus of Cilicia, a citizen of a city which is not insignificant. And I ask you, permit me to speak to the people.” 40And he permitted him, and Paul, standing on the steps, signalled to the people with his hand. And when it had gone very quiet, he addressed them in the Hebrew language and said,

Acts Chapter 22

1“Men and brothers, and fathers, hear my present defence to you.” 2And when they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew language, they kept all the more quiet. And he said, 3“I am a Jewish man who was born in Tarsus of Cilicia but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, educated according to the exactness of the ancestral law, being a zealot for God, as all of you are today, 4and I pursued this way as far as death, binding and committing both men and women to prison, 5as the high priest also testifies to me, as does the whole council of elders, from whom I also received letters addressed to the brothers, and I went to Damascus in order to also bring those there bound to Jerusalem for them to be punished. 6But it came to pass as I was going along and approaching Damascus at about midday, that suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me. 7And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ 8And I answered, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And he said to me, ‘I am Jesus the Nazarene whom you are persecuting.’ 9And the people who were with me saw the light and became fearful, but they did not hear the voice of him who was speaking to me. 10And I said, ‘What am I to do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Get up and go to Damascus and there you will be told about all the things that have been appointed for you to do.’ 11But as I could not see because of that dazzling light, I came to Damascus being led by the hand by those who were with me. 12And a certain Ananias, a man who was devout according to the law, held in high regard by all the Jewish inhabitants, 13came to me and stood by me and said to me, ‘Brother Saul, recover your sight.’ And at that very hour I recovered my sight and looked up at him. 14And he said, ‘The God of our fathers has appointed you to know his will and to see the just one and to hear a sound from his mouth, 15because you will be a witness to him towards all men of what you have seen and heard. 16And now, why do you delay? Get up and have yourself baptized and wash away your sins, calling upon the name of the Lord.’ 17And it happened that when I had returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, that I went into a trance, 18and I saw him saying to me, ‘Hurry up and depart from Jerusalem quickly, because they will not receive your witness concerning me.’ 19And I said, ‘Lord, they know that I used to imprison and flog those who believed in you as I went from synagogue to synagogue. 20And when the blood of your witness Stephen was being shed, I myself was also standing by, approving of his elimination, while guarding the coats of those eliminating him.’ 21And he said to me, ‘Get going, for I will send you to Gentiles a long way off.’ ” 22And they heard him as far as this word, then they raised their voices and said, “Remove a man like this from the face of the earth, for it is not proper that he should live.” 23And as they were shouting and throwing their coats off and throwing dust into the air, 24the cohort commander ordered him to be brought into the camp, ordering him to be interrogated with whips, so that he might ascertain the reason why they clamoured like that against him. 25And when he had stretched him out, bound with thongs, Paul said to the centurion who was standing by, “Is it permitted for you to whip a man who is a Roman, and who has not been condemned?” 26And when the centurion heard it, he went and told the cohort commander and said, “Watch what you are about to do. For this man is a Roman.” 27Then the cohort commander came and said to him, “Tell me, are you a Roman?” And he said, “Yes.” 28And the cohort commander answered, “I obtained this citizenship for a large sum of money.” Then Paul said, “But I was born with it.” 29So those who were going to interrogate him immediately stood back from him, and the cohort commander was afraid, as he had ascertained that he was a Roman, and he had bound him. 30And the next day, wishing to know the details of what he was being accused of by the Jews, he released him from his bonds and ordered the senior priests and the whole of their Sanhedrin council to come, and he brought Paul down and stood him before them.

Acts Chapter 23

1And Paul looked at the Sanhedrin council intently and said, “Men and brothers, I have lived as a citizen with a fully clear conscience before God up to this day.” 2But Ananias the high priest ordered those standing by him to strike his mouth. 3Then Paul said to him, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall. And you sit judging me according to the law, but you order me to be struck, acting contrary to the law.” 4Then those standing around said, “Do you insult the high priest of God?” 5Then Paul said, “I did not know, brothers, that it was the high priest. For it stands written: ‘You shall not speak ill of the ruler of your people.’ ” 6Then Paul, knowing that one part was of the Sadducees and the other Pharisees, shouted out in the Sanhedrin council, “Men and brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee. For the hope and the resurrection of the dead I am being judged.” 7And when he had said this, contention arose with the Pharisees, and the assembly was divided. 8For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor even angel, nor spirit, but the Pharisees confess all of these. 9And loud shouting arose, and the scribes of the faction of the Pharisees stood up and strove, and they said, “We do not find anything wrong in this man. And if a spirit or angel has spoken to him, let us not fight God.” 10And when a lot of contention arose, the cohort commander saw to it that Paul should not be torn apart by them, and he ordered the army to come down and seize him and take him away from them and to bring him to the camp. 11The following night the Lord came and stood by him and said, “Take courage, Paul, for as you bore solemn witness to the things concerning me in Jerusalem, so you must bear witness in Rome.” 12And when day had broken, some of the Jews made an alliance and bound themselves with a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink until they had killed Paul. 13And there were more than forty who engaged in this conspiracy. 14And they went to the senior priests and the elders and said, “We have absolutely bound ourselves with a curse, that we will not taste anything until we have killed Paul. 15So for your part, give a plain message to the cohort commander, with the Sanhedrin council, to the intent that he brings him down to you tomorrow, as if you intend to investigate more precisely the matters concerning him. Then for our part, we are prepared to eliminate him before he comes near.” 16But the son of Paul's sister heard about the ambush plot, and he went to the camp and went in and told Paul. 17Then Paul called one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the cohort commander, for he has something to report to him.” 18So he took him with him and brought him to the cohort commander and said, “The prisoner Paul called for me and asked me to bring this young man to you, who has something to say to you.” 19Then the cohort commander took him by the hand and went aside privately and inquired, “What is it that you have to report to me?” 20And he said, “The Jews have agreed together to ask you to bring Paul down tomorrow to the Sanhedrin council, as if you intend to ascertain something more precisely about him. 21So don't you be persuaded by them. For more than forty men of theirs are making an ambush, and they have bound themselves with a curse neither to eat nor drink until they have eliminated him, and now they are ready, expecting your promise.” 22So the cohort commander sent the young man away, having given this instruction, “Do not divulge to anyone the fact that you have reported this to me.” 23And he called for a certain two of the centurions and said, “Prepare two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, and seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen to be ready at the third hour of the night, 24and to provide pack animals, to mount Paul on and bring him safely through to Felix the governor”, 25and he wrote a letter comprising the following content: 26From Claudius Lysias to the most excellent governor Felix, greetings. 27I intervened with the army and rescued this man, having learned that he was a Roman citizen, when he had been seized by the Jews and was about to be eliminated by them, 28and wishing to know the reason why they were bringing a charge against him, I brought him down to their Sanhedrin council, 29and I found that he was charged concerning inquiries into their law, but not in any way under a charge worthy of death or bonds. 30And when a plot against the man by the Jews had been disclosed to me which was about to take place, I immediately sent word to you, also instructing his accusers to state the charges against him in your presence. Farewell.” 31So the soldiers took Paul with them, according to their orders, and they brought him by night to Antipatris. 32And the next day, they left it to the horsemen to go with him, and they returned to the camp. 33And when they had arrived in Caesarea, they handed over the letter to the governor, and they also presented Paul to him. 34Then the governor read it and asked what province he was from, and he ascertained that he was from Cilicia. 35He said, “I will hold your hearing when your accusers also arrive.” And he ordered him to be guarded in Herod's official residence.

Reference(s) in Chapter 23: v.5 ↔ Exodus 22:27MT (Exodus 22:28AV).

Acts Chapter 24

1And five days afterwards Ananias the high priest came down with the elders and a certain orator, Tertullus, and they explained the charge against Paul to the governor. 2And when he had been called, Tertullus began to make the accusation, and he said, “We have enjoyed a very peaceful time thanks to you, and through your foresight sound undertakings are being accomplished to the benefit of this nation, 3which in every way and in every place, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge with much gratitude. 4Now so that I do not hold you up further, I entreat you to hear us briefly in your equitable way. 5For we found this man to be a pest, and to be stirring up a revolt among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes, 6and he attempted to defile the temple, and we for our part arrested him. 7 8And from him you yourself, after questioning him concerning all these things, will be able to ascertain the matters of which we accuse him.” 9And the Jews also joined in the attack, alleging that these things were so. 10Then, when the governor had signalled to him that he should speak, Paul answered, “Knowing that you have been a judge over this people for many years, I make a defence of the charges concerning me in very good spirits, 11while you may know that it is no more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem. 12Now they did not find me in the temple disputing with anyone or causing a popular riot, either in the synagogues or around the city. 13Nor can they incriminate me concerning the things of which they now accuse me. 14But I confess this to you, that according to ‘the way’, which they call ‘sectarian’, so I serve the God of my forefathers, believing in all the things which are according to the law and which stand written by the prophets, 15having a hope in God, which these people themselves also expect – that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both the just and the unjust. 16And I myself am at pains in respect of this, having an irreproachable conscience towards God and men at all times. 17And after many years I came to give alms to my nation, and to offer sacrifices. 18During these undertakings certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, not with a crowd or with a disturbance, 19who ought to be present before you and make their accusation if they should have anything against me, 20or let these themselves say what wrongdoing they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin council, 21or concerning this one expression which I exclaimed when I stood among them: ‘I am being judged by you today concerning the resurrection of the dead.’ ” 22Then when Felix had heard these things, he postponed their hearing, knowing the reports about “the way” in quite some detail, and he said, “When Lysias the cohort commander comes down, I will investigate your case.” 23And he ordered the centurion that Paul should be guarded and have privileges, and not to prevent any of his own people from attending to him or coming to him. 24And after a certain number of days, Felix came with Drusilla his wife, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him about faith in Christ. 25And while he was debating about righteousness and self-control and the judgment which is to come, Felix became fearful and answered, “For the present, go your way, but I will take an opportunity and call for you.” 26And at the same time he hoped that money would be given to him by Paul for him to release him, and for that reason he quite often sent for him and held conversations with him. 27Then after two full years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And Felix, wishing to do the Jews a favour, left Paul bound.

Acts Chapter 25

1So Festus took up office as governor, and three days later he went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. 2And the high priest and the highest-ranking Jews made their position against Paul clear to him, and they appealed to him, 3asking for a favour against the man, that he would send for him to come to Jerusalem, while they laid an ambush so as to eliminate him on the way. 4However, Festus answered that Paul was being kept at Caesarea, and he himself was going to depart shortly. 5He said, “Well then, let the men of senior rank among you come down together and accuse him, if there is anything against this man.” 6Then he spent more than ten days among them, and when he had come back down to Caesarea, on the following day he took his seat in the court and ordered Paul to be brought. 7And when he arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood round about, bringing many serious charges against Paul, which they could not substantiate, 8whereas he stated in his defence, “I have neither offended against the law of the Jews nor against the temple nor against Caesar in any respect.” 9But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favour, answered and said to Paul, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and to be judged on these matters by me there?” 10Then Paul said, “I stand in Caesar's court where I should be judged. I have not wronged the Jews, as you for your part know very well. 11So if I am in the wrong, and I have done anything deserving death, I do not ask for the death penalty to be lifted, but if the things which these people accuse me of are nothing, no-one can hand me over to them as a favour. I appeal to Caesar.” 12Then Festus conferred with the council and replied, “You have appealed to Caesar; to Caesar you shall go.” 13Now when a number of days had passed, Agrippa the king and Bernice arrived in Caesarea and greeted Festus. 14And when he had spent several days there, Festus set Paul's case out to the king, and he said, “There is a certain man who has been left by Felix, a prisoner, 15concerning whom when I was in Jerusalem the senior priests and elders of the Jews explained a case, asking for a penalty against him. 16And I replied to them that it is not the custom for Romans to hand over any man to the death penalty before the accused has the accusers face to face, and he receives an opportunity for defence concerning the accusation. 17So they gathered here, and I made no delay and held a sitting in the court the next day, and I ordered the man to be brought in. 18But the accusers stood there and did not make any accusation concerning him of the kind which I suspected, 19but they had some dispute about their own religion against him, and about a certain Jesus, who had died, whom Paul was asserting to be alive. 20And as I was at a loss in the dispute concerning this man, I asked if he wished to go to Jerusalem and be judged there concerning these things. 21But when Paul appealed that he should be guarded awaiting Augustus's decision, I ordered him to be guarded until I send him to Caesar.” 22Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I myself would also like to hear the man.” “Tomorrow”, he then said, “you will hear him.” 23So the next day Agrippa and Bernice came with much pomp, and they went to the audience hall with the cohort commanders and the prominent men of the city, and at Festus's command Paul was brought in. 24And Festus said, “King Agrippa and all you gentlemen who are present with us, you see this man concerning whom the whole multitude of Jews prevailed on me in Jerusalem and here, shouting out that he should no longer live. 25But I do not detect that he has done anything worthy of death, and as he himself has appealed to Augustus, I have decided to send him. 26But I have nothing specific about him to write to the sovereign, which is why I have produced him before you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that when an interrogation has taken place, I might have something to write. 27For it seems to me to be unreasonable when sending a prisoner not also to indicate the charges against him.”

Acts Chapter 26

1Then Agrippa said to Paul, “It is permitted for you to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and spoke in his defence. 2“King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to be in a position to make my defence before you today concerning everything that I have been accused of by the Jews, 3especially as you are an expert in all the customs and disputes among the Jews. So I ask you to hear me patiently. 4Now all the Jews know my way of life from my youth, which from the start was led among my people in Jerusalem. 5They have known me from the beginning – perhaps they would care to testify – that I lived according to the strictest sect of our religion, as a Pharisee. 6And now I stand being judged for the hope of the promise which was made by God to the fathers, 7to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, serving strenuously night and day. And concerning this hope I have been indicted, King Agrippa, by the Jews. 8Why should it be judged incredible with you if God raises the dead? 9Now I decided for myself that it was necessary to do many things in opposition to the name of Jesus the Nazarene, 10which I duly did in Jerusalem, and I shut up many of the saints in prisons, having obtained authority from the senior priests, and when they were liable to be executed, I voted against them. 11And I punished them in all the synagogues many times, and I compelled them to blaspheme, and being exceedingly mad at them, I persecuted them even to cities abroad. 12And in these circumstances, when I was going to Damascus with authority and a commission from the senior priests, 13at midday on my way, I saw, O king, a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, flash around me and those travelling with me. 14And when we had all fallen down on the ground, I heard a voice which spoke to me and said in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ 15Then I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And he said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 16But get up and stand on your feet. For I have appeared to you for this: to appoint you as a servant and witness to both the things you have seen and the things in which I will be evident to you, 17rescuing you from the people and the Gentiles to whom I am sending you, 18to open their eyes, to turn them from darkness to light and from the authority of Satan to God, in order that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those sanctified through faith in me.’ 19In view of which, King Agrippa, I have not been disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20but I preached to those in Damascus first, and then to those in Jerusalem, and in the whole region of Judaea, and to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, doing works worthy of repentance. 21On account of these things the Jews arrested me in the temple and tried to do away with me. 22So having obtained help from God up to this day, I stand witnessing to both small and great, not saying anything outside of what the prophets and Moses said would take place, 23as to whether Christ was to suffer, as to whether he as the first of the resurrection of the dead should proclaim light to the people and to the Gentiles.” 24And as he said these things in his defence, Festus said in a loud voice, “You are mad, Paul. Much learning is reducing you to madness.” 25But he said, “I am not mad, most excellent Festus, but I speak words of truth and sanity in my defence. 26For the king has understanding of these things, and I speak freely to him. For I am not persuaded that any of these things escape his notice. For this has not been done in a corner. 27King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you believe.” 28Then Agrippa said to Paul, “In brief, you are persuading me to become a Christian.” 29Then Paul said, “I could wish to God that not only you but also all those who hear me today would both in brief and at length become such as I am, except for these bonds.” 30And when he had said these things, the king stood up, as did the governor and Bernice and those sitting with them. 31And they withdrew and spoke to each other, saying, “This man has done nothing deserving death or bonds.” 32Then Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been released if he had not appealed to Caesar.”

Acts Chapter 27

1Now when it had been decided that we should sail to Italy, they handed Paul and some other prisoners over to a centurion by the name of Julius, of the Augustan cohort. 2So we embarked on an Adramyttian ship, intending to sail to places along the coast of Asia, and we put out to sea, there being Aristarchus a Macedonian of Thessalonica with us. 3On the next day we put in at Sidon, and Julius treated Paul in a kindly way, and he permitted him to go to his friends to receive their care. 4And from there we put out to sea and sailed in the lee of Cyprus, because the winds were against us. 5And when we had sailed across the high sea off Cilicia and Pamphylia, we put in at Myra in Lycia. 6And there the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing to Italy, and he had us embark on it. 7And after we had been sailing slowly for several days and had hardly reached being opposite Cnidus, the wind not allowing us to proceed, we sailed in the lee of Crete, passing opposite Salmone. 8Then sailing past it with difficulty, we came to a certain place called Fair Havens, which the town of Lasea was near to. 9After a considerable time had elapsed, and sailing was already dangerous (considering even the fast had already passed), Paul gave some advice, 10and he said to them, “Men, I see that the voyage is going to be with damage and much loss, not only to the cargo and the ship, but also to our lives.” 11But the centurion was more persuaded by the captain and the ship owner than by the things said by Paul. 12And as the port was unsuitable for wintering, the majority took a decision to put out to sea, and from there to reach, if they possibly could, Phenice, to winter there, a port in Crete facing south-west and north-west. 13And as a south wind was blowing gently, and thinking that they had secured their objective, they weighed anchor and sailed very close to Crete. 14But not long afterwards, a tempestuous wind called Euroclydon swept against it. 15As the ship was caught up and not able to make headway against the wind, we gave up and allowed ourselves to be carried along. 16And when we had run into the lee of a small island called Clauda, we were barely able to keep control of the tender. 17And they hoisted it aboard and applied reinforcements by undergirding the ship. And being afraid that they would run aground in the Syrtis, they lowered the tackling and were carried along like that. 18And on the next day, when we were severely tossed by the storm, they jettisoned some cargo. 19And on the third day, we cast the ship's tackling overboard with our own hands. 20And since neither the sun nor the stars were visible for many days, with a not inconsiderable storm raging, from that time all hope of us being saved was lost. 21And after much abstinence from food, Paul then stood up in with them and said, “Men, you should have done what I said by not putting out to sea from Crete and running up this damage and loss. 22And as for the present situation, I exhort you to be in good spirits, for there will be no loss of life among you, except for the ship. 23For the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, stood by me this night, 24and he said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand before Caesar. And look, God has kindly given you all those who are sailing with you.’ 25So, men, be in good spirits, for I believe God that it will be so, just as it was spoken to me. 26And we must run aground at a certain island.” 27And when it was the fourteenth night of us being driven about in the Adriatic, at about midnight, the sailors suspected that they were approaching land. 28And when they took soundings, they found the depth to be twenty fathoms, and after leaving a short interval, when they took soundings again, they found the depth to be fifteen fathoms. 29And fearing that we might run up against rocky places, they cast four anchors from the stern, and they prayed for day to come. 30But when the sailors tried to abandon the ship and had lowered the tender into the sea, under pretext of being about to stretch out anchor lines from the bow, 31Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men remain in the ship, you cannot be saved.” 32Then the soldiers cut the cords of the tender free and let it drop. 33Then while day was on the point of breaking, Paul encouraged everyone to partake of food, saying, “Today is the fourteenth day that you have been without food, waiting in suspense, not taking any. 34So I encourage you to take some food, for this is for your salvation. For not a hair from anyone will fall from his head.” 35And when he had said these things, he took bread and thanked God in the presence of everyone and broke it and began to eat. 36Then they all became cheerful, and they took food themselves too. 37Now there were two hundred and seventy-six of us in the ship in all. 38And when they had had their fill of food, they lightened the ship by jettisoning the corn into the sea. 39And when day had come, they did not recognize the land, but they noticed a certain bay which had a beach, on which they resolved to drive the ship ashore, if possible. 40And they slipped anchors and committed everything to the sea, while at the same time they loosened the connections to the rudders and hoisted the foresail to the prevailing wind and brought the ship to the beach. 41So they were wrecked at a place with sea on two sides, and they ran the ship aground, and the prow became stuck and remained motionless, but the stern began to be broken up by the force of the waves. 42Then a decision was made by the soldiers to kill the prisoners in case anyone should swim away and escape. 43But the centurion, wishing to save Paul, prevented them from carrying out their intention and ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land, 44then the remainder, some on planks, others on various parts of the ship. And in this way it so happened that all came safely through onto land.

Acts Chapter 28

1Then, having come safely through, they learned that the island was called Malta. 2Now the barbarians showed us extraordinary kindness, for they lit a fire and welcomed all of us because of the rain which had come on and because of the cold. 3And when Paul had gathered a mass of firewood and put it on the fire, a viper came out of the heat and fastened itself onto his hand. 4And when the barbarians saw the wild beast hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “This man is no doubt a murderer, whom Justice has not allowed to live, although he was saved from the sea.” 5Now he shook off the beast into the fire and suffered no harm, 6but they expected him to become inflamed or to suddenly fall down dead, but after they had been in expectation for a long time, and seen nothing untoward happen to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god. 7And in the neighbourhood of that place was the estate of the principal man of the island, by the name of Publius, who received us for three days and lodged us in a friendly way. 8Now it came to pass that the father of Publius was lying sick, afflicted with fever and dysentery, and Paul went to him and prayed and laid hands on him and cured him. 9And when this had taken place, the rest on the island who had sicknesses also came forward and were cured. 10And they also honoured us with many honours, and when we set sail, they supplied us with what was needed. 11And after three months, we set sail in a ship which had wintered on the island – an Alexandrian one with the ensign of Castor and Pollux. 12Then we put in at Syracuse and remained there for three days. 13From there we sailed round and reached Rhegium, and one day later, when a south wind sprang up, we came to Puteoli on the second day, 14where we found some brothers, and we were invited to stay with them for seven days, and in this way we went to Rome. 15And when the brothers from that place heard about our circumstances, they came out to meet us at the Appian Way Forum and the Three Taverns, and when Paul saw them, he gave thanks to God and took courage. 16And when we came to Rome, the centurion handed over the prisoners to the military commander, but it was permitted for Paul to remain by himself with the soldier guarding him. 17And it came to pass after three days that Paul called the prominent Jews together, and when they had gathered together, he said to them, “Men and brothers, I have done nothing against the people or the ancestral customs, but I have been delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans, 18who after interrogating me wanted to release me because there was no cause for a death penalty against me. 19But since the Jews spoke against me, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything to accuse my nation of. 20So for this reason I requested to see you and to address you, for I have this chain round me for the sake of the hope of Israel.” 21Then they said to him, “We have neither received letters about you from Judaea, nor has anyone of the brothers come and reported or said anything bad about you. 22We consider it proper to hear from you what you think. For concerning this sect, it is known to us that it is spoken against everywhere.” 23And they appointed him a day, and very many came to him, to his lodging, to whom he expounded, testifying solemnly to the kingdom of God, persuading them of the things concerning Jesus from both the law of Moses and the prophets, from morning to evening. 24And some were persuaded by the things said, but others disbelieved. 25And being at variance with each other, they separated, after Paul had made one remark: “The holy spirit spoke well through Isaiah the prophet to our fathers, 26saying,

‘Go to this people and say,

«You will definitely hear

But certainly not understand,

And you will definitely see

But certainly not perceive,

27For the heart of this people has become obtuse,

And with their ears they hear in a dull way,

And they have closed their eyes,

Lest they should see with their eyes,

And hear with their ears,

And understand with their heart,

And repent,

And I would heal them.» ’

28So let it be known to you that the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear it.” 29And when he had said these things, the Jews departed, holding a lot of debate among themselves. 30Then Paul remained for a full two years in his own hired house, and he received all those who came to him, 31proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ, with all frankness, unhindered.

Reference(s) in Chapter 28: v.26 ↔ Isaiah 6:9 ● v.27 ↔ Isaiah 6:10.


James

James Chapter 1

1From James, a servant of God and Lord, Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes in the Diaspora, greetings. 2My brothers, consider it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience, 4and let patience have a perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, not lacking anything. 5But if anyone among you lacks wisdom, let him ask from God, who gives generously to all, and not begrudgingly, and it will be given to him. 6And let him ask in faith, not doubting in any way, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven by the wind and tossed about. 7For let that man not think that he will receive anything from the Lord. 8A man in two minds is unstable in all his ways. 9And let a lowly brother boast in his high position, 10but a rich one in his low position, because he will pass away like a herbaceous flower. 11For the sun rises with burning heat, and it dries up the vegetation and its flower withers, and the comeliness of its appearance is lost. In this way the rich man will also fade in his pursuits. 12Blessed is the man who endures a trial, because if he is approved he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord promised to those who love him. 13Let no-one who is being tempted say, “I am being tempted by God.” For God is incapable of being tempted by things that are wrong, and he does not tempt anyone, 14but everyone is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desire and is enticed, 15then when desire has conceived, it bears sin, and sin, when it has been brought to full maturity, engenders death. 16Do not go astray, my beloved brothers. 17Every good act of giving and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of change. 18Having willed it, he brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we should be a kind of firstfruit of his creatures. 19So, my beloved brothers, let every man be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger, 20for man's anger does not accomplish God's righteousness. 21On account of which, set aside all sordidness and remains of wickedness, and accept with meekness the implanted word which is able to save your lives. 22And become doers of the word and not just hearers, deluding yourselves. 23For if a person is a hearer of the word but not a doer, he is like a man who takes note in a mirror of the face he is endowed with, 24for he takes note of himself and goes off, and immediately forgets what kind of a person he is. 25But he who surveys the completed law of freedom, and who stands his ground, such a person is not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of work; blessed he will be when he does it. 26If any man among you considers himself to be religious but cannot bridle his tongue, and he deceives his heart, his religious observance is in vain. 27Pure and undefiled religious observance with God and the father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their affliction; to keep oneself untainted by the world.

James Chapter 2

1My brothers, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ of glory with partiality. 2For if a man with golden rings on his fingers in magnificent clothing goes into your synagogue, and a poor man in filthy clothes also goes in, 3and you look favourably on the one wearing magnificent clothing, and you say to him, “You sit here in a good place”, and you say to the poor man, “You stand there”, or, “Sit here under my footstool”, 4then do you not make a distinction in your minds, and have you not become judges with evil reasonings? 5My beloved brothers, listen. Has not God chosen the poor of the world, rich in faith, and heirs to the kingdom which he promised to those who love him? 6But you despised the poor man. Do not the rich exercise power over you, and do they not drag you to the law courts? 7Do they not blaspheme the good name which you are called after? 8If, however, you keep the royal law according to the scripture, “You shall love your neighbour as yourself”, you do well. 9But if you show partiality, you commit a sin, being convicted under the law as transgressors. 10For whoever keeps the whole law but stumbles at one point becomes culpable of everything. 11For he who said, “You shall not commit adultery”, also said, “You shall not commit murder.” And if you do not commit adultery, but you do commit murder, you become culpable of breaking the law. 12Speak this way, and act this way, as people who are going to be judged by the law of freedom. 13For judgment on him who does not show mercy is merciless. Mercy overrides judgment. 14My brothers, what is the benefit if someone says he has faith, but he does not have works? Can his faith really save him? 15And if a brother or sister is unclothed, and he lacks daily food, 16and one of you says to them, “Go off in peace, warm yourselves and feed yourselves”, but you do not give them provisions for the body, what is the benefit? 17So is faith too. If it does not have works, it is in itself dead. 18But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith by your works, and I will show you by my works my faith. 19You believe that God is one. You do well. But the demons also believe that, yet they shudder. 20Now are you willing to know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? 21Abraham our father – was he not justified by works when he had offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22Do you see that faith was at work with his works, and by his works his faith was made complete? 23And the scripture was fulfilled which says, “And Abraham believed God, and it was imputed to him as righteousness”, and he was called the friend of God. 24So then, you see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone. 25And likewise, was not Rahab the prostitute justified by works too, lodging the messengers and sending them away by a different route? 26For as the body without breath is dead, so is faith without works dead.

Reference(s) in Chapter 2: v.7 ↔ Amos 9:12 ● v.8 ↔ Leviticus 19:18 ● v.11 ↔ Exodus 20:13-14, Deuteronomy 5:17-18 ● v.23 ↔ Genesis 15:6, 2 Chronicles 20:7, Isaiah 41:8.

James Chapter 3

1My brothers, do not become teachers in large numbers, knowing that as teachers we will receive a more severe judgment. 2For we all stumble in many respects. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, capable of bridling his whole body too. 3Look, we place bits in horses' mouths, so that they obey us, and we steer the whole of their body. 4And look at how ships too, which are so large, and are driven by strong winds, are steered by a very small rudder, wherever the helmsman's spur of the moment wishes. 5So also the tongue is a small member, but it boasts greatly. See how great a forest a little fire sets alight! 6And the tongue is a fire, a world of injustice. In this way the tongue is appointed among our members as the one that defiles the whole body and sets the cycle of nature alight, and is itself set alight by Gehenna. 7For every kind of wild animal and bird, and reptile and marine creature can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, 8but no-one among men can tame the tongue. It is uncheckable wickedness, full of deadly venom. 9With it we bless the God and father, yet with it we curse men who have been made in the likeness of God. 10From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things should not be this way. 11Does a source from the same opening ever gush with fresh and bitter water? 12My brothers, can a fig tree possibly produce olives, or a vine figs? In this way no source can produce salt and fresh water. 13Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show his works by his good behaviour with the meekness of wisdom. 14And if you have bitter jealousy and strife in your heart, do not affront or belie the truth. 15That kind of wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. 16For where there is jealousy and strife, there there is disorder and every kind of base deed. 17But wisdom from above is, in the first instance, pure, then peaceful, equitable, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and unpretentious. 18And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

James Chapter 4

1Where do battles and fights among you come from? Is it not from this: from your pleasures that war in your members? 2You have desires, but you don't obtain them. You kill and covet, but you cannot attain them. You fight and wage war, but you do not obtain them, because you do not ask. 3You ask, but you do not receive, because you ask wrongly – that you may spend it on your pleasures. 4You adulterers and adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility to God? So whoever wishes to be a friend of the world sets himself up as an enemy of God. 5Or do you think that the scripture speaks vacuously? The spirit which dwells in us yearns with proneness to envy. 6But he gives a greater grace. That is why he says,

“God opposes the arrogant

But gives grace to the lowly.”

7So be subject to God and oppose the devil, and he will flee from you. 8Approach God, and he will approach you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you who are in two minds. 9Suffer hardship and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be changed into mourning, and your joy to gloom. 10Be humbled before the Lord, and he will exalt you. 11Do not speak ill of each other, brothers. He who speaks ill of a brother and judges his brother speaks ill of the law and judges the law. If you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law, but a judge. 12There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and destroy. But who are you who judge another? 13Come now, you who say, “Today and tomorrow let us go to this city, and spend one year there and trade and make a profit”, 14you who do not understand what “tomorrow” means. What kind of a life do you have, then? For it will be a vapour which makes an appearance for a short time, but then in turn it vanishes. 15You say that instead of saying, “If the Lord wills, let us live and also do this or that.” 16But at present you boast in your pretensions. Every such boast is wrong. 17So to him who knows how to do good but does not do it, to him it is a sin.

Reference(s) in Chapter 4: v.5 ↔ Genesis 6:5, Genesis 8:21, Jeremiah 17:9, John 2:25 ● v.6 ↔ Proverbs 3:34.

James Chapter 5

1Come now, you rich, weep and wail over your hardships which come upon you. 2Your riches have rotted, and your clothes have become moth-eaten. 3Your gold and silver have become corroded, and their tarnish will be a testimony to you, and it will consume your flesh as fire does. You treasured this up in the latter days. 4Look, the wages of the workers who harvested your farms, wages which have been withheld by you, shout out, and the cries of the reapers have come to the ears of the Lord of hosts. 5You have lived extravagantly on the earth and have behaved wantonly; you have fed your hearts as on the day of slaughter. 6You have condemned, you have murdered the innocent; he does not resist you. 7So be longsuffering, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. Look, the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the land, being longsuffering for it until he receives the early and late rain. 8So you too be longsuffering, make your hearts resolute, because the coming of the Lord has drawn near. 9Brothers, do not criticize each other, in order that you should not be judged. Look, the judge is standing at the doors. 10Take as an example of ill-plight and longsuffering, my brothers, the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11Look, we deem blessed those who endure. You have heard of the patience of Job, and look at the Lord's result: that he is of great pity and is compassionate. 12But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by the earth, or any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you do not fall into hypocrisy. 13Is anyone among you suffering affliction? Let him pray. Is anyone of good cheer? Let him sing psalms. 14Is anyone among you ill? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, having anointed him with olive oil in the name of the Lord, 15and the faithful prayer will save him who is ailing, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, it will be forgiven him. 16Confess your transgressions to each other, and pray for each other that you may be healed. The vigorous entreaty of a righteous person is very effective. 17Elijah was a man of feelings like ours, and he prayed earnestly for it not to rain, and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. 18And he prayed again, and heaven gave rain and the land sprouted its fruit. 19Brothers, if anyone among you strays from the truth, and someone turns him back, 20let him know that he who turns a sinner back from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.

1 Peter

1 Peter Chapter 1

1From Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the elect who are outsiders belonging to the Diaspora of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, 2elect according to the foreknowledge of God the father, in sanctification of the spirit, in obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ, grace to you, and may peace be plentiful. 3Blessed be the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy bore us again into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4into an incorruptible and undefiled and unfading inheritance reserved in the heavens for you, 5who are guarded by the power of God through faith, for a salvation which is ready to be revealed in the latter time. 6And in this inheritance you rejoice, although for a short time now, if it is necessary, you grieve with various trials, 7in order that the tested character of your faith might be found to be much more precious than gold which perishes, even if tested by fire, for praise and honour and for glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8whom, although you do not know him, you love, in whom, although you do not see him now, you believe and rejoice with inexpressible and glorious joy, 9as you acquire the goal of your faith, the salvation of your beings, 10a salvation about which the prophets – who prophesied about grace destined for you – inquired and investigated, 11investigating at what time and under what circumstances the spirit of Christ in them was indicating, as it testified beforehand of the sufferings destined for Christ, and the glories after that. 12And to these prophets it was revealed that they were ministering not to themselves, but to you, the things which have now been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the holy spirit, which was sent from heaven, things into which angels desire to look. 13Therefore, gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and put hope absolutely in the grace which is being brought to you by revelation of Jesus Christ, 14as obedient children, not being conformed to the former desires you had in your ignorance, 15but just as he who called you is holy, so you yourselves be holy in every aspect of behaviour. 16For it stands written: “Be holy, for I am holy.” 17And if you call on the father, who judges impartially according to each person's work, then conduct yourselves with fear in the time of your stay here, 18knowing that you were not redeemed by perishable things, silver or gold, from your vain comportment as handed down from the fathers, 19but by precious blood as of a lamb without blemish and without spot – of Christ – 20who was appointed beforehand before the overthrow of the world, but in the latter times made manifest on your account, 21you who through him believe in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope should be in God. 22Now that you have purified your inner selves by obedience to the truth through the spirit leading to unfeigned brotherly love, love each other intensely from a pure heart, 23having been begotten again, not from perishable seed, but from imperishable, through the living word of God, which also remains throughout the age. 24For

All flesh is as grass,

And all glory of man is like a herbaceous flower.

The grass dries up,

And its flower withers,

25But the word of the Lord

Remains throughout the age.

And this is the word which has been preached to you.

Reference(s) in Chapter 1: v.2 ↔ Daniel 3:31MT (Daniel 4:1AV), Daniel 6:26MT (Daniel 6:25AV) ● v.16 ↔ Leviticus 11:44, Leviticus 11:45, Leviticus 19:2 ● v.24 ↔ Isaiah 40:6, Isaiah 40:7, Isaiah 40:8 ● v.25 ↔ Isaiah 40:8.

1 Peter Chapter 2

1So put aside all wickedness and all deceit and hypocrisies and envyings and all slanderings, 2and, like new-born babies, long for the genuine word-based milk in order that you may increase by means of it, 3assuming you have tasted that the Lord is kindly disposed. 4And come to him, a living stone, rejected by men, but with God select and honoured, 5while you yourselves are built up as living stones, as a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, in order to bring spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6Therefore it says in the scripture,

“Behold, I place in Zion a cornerstone,

Select and honoured,

And he who believes in him

Will certainly not be put to shame.”

7So you who believe have the honour, but to those who do not believe, the scripture says,

The stone which the builders rejected

Is what has become the keystone”,

8and,

“A stumbling stone and a rock of offence.”

And they stumble at the word in disbelieving, to which they for their part were appointed. 9But you are an elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people destined to be a special possession, in order that you should proclaim the virtues of him who called you out of darkness into his wondrous light 10– you who were at one time not a people, but are now God's people, who were not shown mercy, but have now been shown mercy. 11Beloved, I exhort you as foreigners and outsiders to abstain from fleshly desires which are at war with the inner self, 12keeping your conduct good among the Gentiles, so that in a situation where they slander you as if you were evildoers, they may from observing your good works glorify God on the day of visitation. 13So be subject to every human institution on account of the Lord, whether to a king, having supremacy, 14or whether to leaders, who are sent by him for punishment of evildoers, but for praise of welldoers, 15for this is the will of God, that welldoers should muzzle the ignorance of foolish men, 16as free men, and not as ones having freedom as a cover for wrongdoing, but as servants of God. 17Honour everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king. 18Household servants, be subject to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and fair ones, but also to the unfair ones. 19For this is grace: if anyone bears grievous things, suffering unjustly, on account of a consciousness of God. 20For what kind of credit is it if, when you sin and are knocked about, you endure it? But if when you do good and suffer, you endure, then this is grace in the estimation of God. 21For you were called to this end, seeing that Christ also suffered on our behalf leaving you an example, that you should follow the footsteps of him

22Who did not commit sin,

Nor was any deceit found in his mouth,

23who, when railed at, did not rail back; when suffering, did not make threats, but committed himself to him who judges righteously, 24who himself took up our sins in his body on the wood, in order that we, having died to sins, should live to righteousness:

By whose weal you were healed.

25For you were like sheep going astray,

but you have now returned to the shepherd and overseer of your beings.

Reference(s) in Chapter 2: v.3 ↔ Psalm 34:9MT (Psalm 34:8AV) ● v.6 ↔ Isaiah 28:16 ● v.7 ↔ Psalm 118:22 ● v.8 ↔ Isaiah 8:14 ● v.10 ↔ Hosea 1:6, Hosea 2:1MT (Hosea 1:10AV), Hosea 2:3MT (Hosea 2:1AV) ● v.22 ↔ Isaiah 53:9 ● v.23 ↔ Isaiah 53:7 ● v.24 ↔ Isaiah 53:5, Isaiah 53:4 ● v.25 ↔ Isaiah 53:6.

1 Peter Chapter 3

1Likewise, you wives, submit to your own husbands, so that even if some disbelieve the word, they will be won over through the conduct of their wives without the word, 2as they observe your reverent conduct in fear. 3And let your adorning not be the exterior plaiting of hair and putting on of gold or wearing of garments, 4but the hidden man of the heart, with the indefectibility of the meek and quiet spirit, which is very valuable in God's sight. 5For in this way in the past also holy women – who put their hope in God – adorned themselves, being subject to their own husbands, 6just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, of whom you are children, and these women were doers of good works and did not fear any intimidation. 7Husbands likewise, live with them in accordance with your knowledge, bestowing honour on the weaker feminine vessel, since you are also joint heirs to the gracious gift of life, so that your prayers may not be impeded. 8Finally, be all of one mind, sympathetic, having brotherly love, compassionate, kindly minded, 9not repaying evil for evil, or abuse for abuse, but rather on the contrary giving blessing, knowing that you were called for this, in order that you may inherit blessing.

10For let him who wishes to love life

And see good days

Restrain his tongue from evil

And his lips from speaking deceit.

11Let him turn away from evil

And do good.

Let him seek peace

And pursue it.

12For

The eyes of the Lord are fixed on the righteous,

And his ears are directed to their entreaties,

But the face of the Lord is set against

Those who do evil.

13And who will do you harm, if you become imitators of him who is good? 14But even if you were to suffer on account of righteousness, you would be blessed. And do not fear their fearsomeness, nor be disturbed. 15And sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, being always ready to give a defence to everyone who asks you for an account of the hope in you, doing it with meekness and fear, 16having a clear conscience so that in the matter for which they vilify you as an evildoer, those who treat you spitefully for your good conduct in Christ might be put to shame. 17For it is better for welldoers to suffer than evildoers, if the will of God should so wish. 18For Christ also suffered for sins once, the just for the unjust, in order that he might bring you to God, he having been put to death in the flesh but made alive by the spirit, 19by which he also went and made proclamations to the spirits in prison, 20who at one time were disobedient, when the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while an ark was prepared, in which a few – that is eight people – were saved through water. 21And this as a counterpart also now saves us, that is, baptism, not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the quest for a clear conscience towards God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22who is at the right hand of God, having gone to heaven, while angels and authorities and powers have been made subject to him.

Reference(s) in Chapter 3: v.10 ↔ Psalm 34:13MT, Psalm 34:14MT (Psalm 34:12AV, Psalm 34:13AV) ● v.11 ↔ Psalm 34:15MT (Psalm 34:14AV) ● v.12 ↔ Psalm 34:16MT, Psalm 34:17MT (Psalm 34:15AV, Psalm 34:16AV) ● v.14 ↔ Isaiah 8:12 ● v.15 ↔ Isaiah 8:13.

1 Peter Chapter 4

1So with Christ having suffered on our behalf in the flesh, you arm yourselves too with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2resulting in him living the rest of his time in the flesh no longer in man's desires, but in the will of God. 3For the past phase of life is sufficient for us in carrying out the will of the Gentiles, for us to have walked in debaucheries, lusts, drunkenness with wine, orgies, drinking bouts and forbidden idolatries, 4at which they are surprised when you don't go along with them to the same burst of excess, while they blaspheme, 5they who will render an account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6For to this end the gospel was also preached to the dead: that they might be judged according to men in the flesh but live according to God in the spirit. 7But the end of all things has drawn near. So be sober-minded and abstemious for the benefit of your prayers. 8And above all have intense love towards one another, because love will cover a multitude of sins. 9Be hospitable to each other without murmurings. 10Just as each has received a gracious gift, so serve each other with it, like good stewards of the many-facetted grace of God. 11If anyone speaks, let it be as oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let it be as from strength as God provides, in order that God should be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ, who has the glory and the power throughout the durations of the ages. Amen. 12Beloved, do not be surprised at the trial by fire in you which takes place to test you, as if something strange is happening to you, 13but insofar as you have a share in the sufferings of Christ, rejoice, so that at the revelation of his glory, you in turn may rejoice and be jubilant. 14If you are reproached on account of the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory and of God rests on you. From their perspective he is blasphemed, but from your perspective he is glorified. 15But do not let anyone of you suffer as a murderer or thief or evildoer or as a busybody. 16But if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this respect. 17For it is time for judgment to begin from the house of God; and if first with us, what will be the end of those who disbelieve the gospel of God? 18And if the righteous person is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and sinful person appear? 19So also let those who suffer according to God's will commit their lives to him in well-doing, as to a faithful creator.

Reference(s) in Chapter 4: v.8 ↔ Proverbs 10:12.

1 Peter Chapter 5

1I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and witness to the sufferings of Christ, and also as a partaker of the coming glory which will be revealed: 2tend the flock of God among you, overseeing it not under compulsion, but willingly, and not in a way which is shamefully greedy of gain, but wholeheartedly, 3and not lording it over those assigned to you, but being models for the flock. 4Then when the chief shepherd appears, you will obtain the unfading crown of glory. 5Similarly you younger ones, be subject to the elders, and, all being subject to each other, gird yourselves with humility, for

God opposes the arrogant

But gives grace to the lowly.

6So be humbled under the strong hand of God, in order that he might exalt you in due course, 7having cast every concern of yours on him, for he cares about you. 8Be sober, keep watch; your adversary the devil walks around like a roaring lion, seeking anyone he can devour. 9Resist him, being steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same kinds of sufferings are inflicted on your brotherhood in the world. 10And may the God of all grace – who has called you into his age-abiding glory in Christ Jesus, after you have suffered for a little while – restore you, and he will fortify, strengthen and establish you. 11To him be glory and power throughout the durations of the ages. Amen. 12I have written to you in a few words via Silvanus, the faithful brother, as I consider him, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God in which you stand. 13The Diaspora in Babylon, jointly elect, greets you, as does Mark my son. 14Greet each other with a loving kiss. Peace to all of you who are in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Reference(s) in Chapter 5: v.5 ↔ Proverbs 3:34.


2 Peter

2 Peter Chapter 1

1From Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have obtained equally precious faith to ours in the righteousness of our God and saviour, Jesus Christ, 2grace to you, and peace be plentiful in the acknowledgment of God and Jesus our Lord, 3since his divine power has bestowed on us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through acknowledgment of him who called us through glory and virtue, 4qualities through which precious and very great promises have been given to us, in order that through these you might become partakers of divine nature, having fled from the corruption in the world, which is driven by covetousness. 5And for this very reason, while bringing all zeal to bear, supply virtue in your faith, and in your virtue, knowledge, 6and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, endurance, and in your endurance, godliness, 7and in your godliness, brotherly affection, and in your brotherly affection, love. 8For if these things belong to you and abound, they establish you as neither inactive nor unfruitful in the acknowledgment of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9For he who lacks these things is blind, short-sighted, oblivious of the cleansing of his past sins. 10Therefore, brothers, be eager rather to make your calling and election steadfast. For if you do these things, you will certainly never stumble. 11For this is how the way into the age-abiding kingdom of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ will be richly supplied to you. 12This is why I will not be negligent in always reminding you about these things, although you know them and have been confirmed in the present truth. 13And I consider it a righteous matter, as long as I am in this tent, to rouse you in reminding you, 14knowing that I shall imminently be divesting myself of my tent, as indeed our Lord Jesus Christ has shown me. 15And I will also be eager to always have you making remembrance of these things after my departure. 16For we have not made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ by following sophisticated fables, but as having been eye-witnesses of his majesty. 17For he received honour and glory from God the father when an utterance was delivered to him, such as is from magnificent glory, saying, “This is my beloved son, with whom I am very pleased”, 18and we heard this utterance transmitted from heaven when we were with him on the holy mountain. 19Yet we have the more steadfast prophetic word whereby you do well if you heed it, like a lamp shining in a drab place until the day dawns and the light-bearer rises in your hearts, 20knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of scripture comes about as a private deed. 21For prophecy was never produced by the will of man, but when holy men of God spoke as they were borne along by holy spirit.

2 Peter Chapter 2

1But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will surreptitiously introduce destructive heresies, also denying the master who bought them, bringing swift destruction on themselves. 2And many will follow their debaucheries, on account of whom the way of the truth will be blasphemed. 3And prompted by greed, they will make merchandise of you with fabricated words – they for whom judgment from long ago does not lie idle, and whose destruction will not slumber. 4For if God did not spare angels who sinned but consigned them to Tartarus in chains of underworld gloom under guard, and he delivered them to judgment, 5and he did not spare the old world, but he did preserve Noah in a company of eight, a preacher of righteousness, when he brought a flood onto a world of the ungodly, 6and as he reduced the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to ashes, he condemned them with a downfall, making an example for those who intend to be ungodly, 7and he delivered righteous Lot who was worn down by the behaviour of those unprincipled individuals in their debauchery, 8for he who was righteous, dwelling among them, at the sight and sound of them tortured his righteous mind day after day at their lawless deeds – 9if so – then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly from temptation, and to guard the unrighteous up to the day of judgment to be punished, 10and especially those walking after the flesh with depraved desires, also despising lordship. Daring they are, presumptuous, not afraid to blaspheme those in glory, 11where angels, being greater in strength and power, do not pronounce a defamatory judgment against them before the Lord. 12But these, like unreasoning animals in the order of nature, born to capture and to corrupt, who blaspheme against those they do not understand, will be utterly destroyed in their own corruption, 13who will receive the wages of iniquity in full, since they consider running riot in the daytime a pleasure. They are stains and blemishes, revelling in their deceits as they feast with you, 14having eyes full of an adulteress and being unceasing in sin, enticing unstable people, having a heart practised in fraud, cursed children; 15abandoning the straight way, they have gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of iniquity, 16and who suffered the conviction of his own transgression, when a mute beast of burden, speaking with a human voice, thwarted the deranged intention of the prophet. 17These individuals are sources without water, clouds driven by a tempest, for whom the underworld gloom of darkness throughout the age is reserved. 18For they speak bombastically vain words as they entice – with lusts of the flesh and debaucheries – those who actually had fled from those who conduct themselves in error. 19While they promise them freedom, they themselves are servants of corruption. For one is brought into slavery by anyone to whom one yields. 20For if having fled the defilements of the world in acknowledgment of the Lord and saviour Jesus Christ, they again become entangled by these things and yield to them, their final state is then worse than their first one. 21For it would have been better for them not to have acknowledged the way of righteousness than for them having acknowledged it to turn aside from the holy commandment handed down to them. 22And the enactment of the true proverb has happened to them: a dog which has returned to its own vomit, and a washed sow to wallowing in the mud.

Reference(s) in Chapter 2: v.22 ↔ Proverbs 26:11.

2 Peter Chapter 3

1Beloved, I am writing this second of my epistles to you now, in which I am stirring your honest mind with a reminder, 2to remember the words spoken before by the holy prophets, and your apostolic command from the Lord and saviour, 3knowing this first of all, that in the latter days scoffers will come walking after their own desires, 4and saying, “Where is the promise of his coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, everything has been continuing this way from the beginning of creation.” 5For they willingly ignore the fact that the heavens have been in existence from long ago, and land came out of water and through water, and it holds together by the word of God, 6by which means the world of that time was flooded with water and perished. 7But the present heavens and earth, by his word, are kept in store, reserved to fire until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly men. 8Let not one of you fail to notice this one fact, beloved, that one day with the Lord is as a thousand years, and a thousand years are as one day. 9The Lord will not delay with the promise, as some consider delay, but he is longsuffering towards us, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 10For the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, on which the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, the elements will burn up and will be dissolved, and the earth and the works in it will be thoroughly burnt up. 11Seeing that all these things are to be dissolved, then, what kind of people should you be in holy conduct and godliness, 12awaiting and eagerly seeking the coming of the day of God by means of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved and the elements will be burnt and melt? 13But we await new heavens and a new earth, according to his promise, places in which righteousness dwells. 14Therefore, beloved, while waiting for these things, be zealous to be found without spot and without blemish by him in peace. 15And consider our Lord's longsuffering as salvation, as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given to him, 16as indeed in all his epistles, in which he speaks about these matters, matters in which there are some things that are difficult to understand which unlearned and unstable individuals pervert, as they also do with other scriptures, to their own destruction. 17You, therefore, beloved, knowing these things beforehand, be on your guard that you are not led away likewise by the error of the unprincipled, and you fall away from your own steadfast ground. 18But grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and throughout the age-abiding day. Amen.

Reference(s) in Chapter 3: v.8 ↔ Psalm 90:4 ● v.13 ↔ Isaiah 65:17, Isaiah 66:22.


1 John

1 John Chapter 1

1That which was from the beginning, that which we have heard, that which we have seen with our eyes, that which we beheld and which our hands felt, concerning the word of life 2– for the life was made manifest, and we have seen and we testify and proclaim the age-abiding life to you which was with the father and was made manifest to us – 3that which we have seen and heard we proclaim to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us. Moreover our fellowship is with the father and with his son Jesus Christ. 4And we write these things to you in order that our joy may be complete. 5And this is the message which we have heard from him and report back to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6If we say that we have fellowship with him but we walk in darkness, we are lying and not reflecting the truth. 7But if we walk in the light, as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus Christ his son cleanses us from all sin. 8If we say that we do not have sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just in forgiving us our sins and in cleansing us from all unrighteousness. 10If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

1 John Chapter 2

1My little children, I write these things to you so that you do not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 2And he is a propitiation for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for those of the whole world. 3And by this we know that we have come to know him: if we keep his commandments. 4He who says, “I have come to know him”, but who does not keep his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5But as for whoever keeps his word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this means we know that we are in him. 6He who says that he remains in him has a debt, as he walked, so to walk himself too. 7Brothers, it is not a new commandment which I am writing to you, but an old commandment which you have had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which you have heard from the beginning. 8There again, I am writing a new commandment to you – that which is true in him and in you – that darkness is passing away and that the true light is already shining. 9He who says that he is in the light but hates his brother is still in darkness. 10He who loves his brother remains in the light, and there is no offensiveness in him. 11He who hates his brother is in darkness, and he walks in darkness, and he does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes. 12Little children, I am writing to you because your sins have been forgiven for his name's sake. 13Fathers, I am writing to you because you have come to know him who is from the beginning. Young men, I am writing to you because you have overcome the evil one. Children, I am writing to you because you have come to know the father. 14Fathers, I have written to you because you have come to know him who is from the beginning. Young men, I have written to you because you are strong, and the word of God remains in you, and you have overcome the evil one. 15Do not love the world or the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the father is not in him, 16because everything that is in the world – carnal appetite and the longing of the eyes and the pretension of life – is not from the father, but is from the world. 17And the world is passing away, as is desire for it. But he who does the will of God remains throughout the age. 18Children, it is the last hour, and just as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come – by which we know that it is the last hour. 19They came out of us, but they did not stem from us, for if they did stem from us, they would have remained with us, but this happened so that they should be made manifest: that not all stem from us. 20But you have an anointing from the holy one, and you know all things. 21I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it, and that no lie stems from the truth. 22Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is an antichrist: one who denies the father and the son. 23No-one who denies the son has the father either. 24As for you, therefore, let what you have heard from the beginning remain in you. If that which you have heard from the beginning remains in you, then you will remain in the son and in the father. 25And this is the promise which he made to us: age-abiding life. 26I have written these things to you concerning those who mislead you. 27And as for you, the anointing which you received from him remains in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you, but as the same anointing teaches you about all things, and is true, and is not a lie, so just as it has taught you, you will remain in him. 28And now, little children, remain in him, so that when he is made manifest we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming. 29If you know that he is righteous, you know that everyone who does what is right has been begotten by him.

Reference(s) in Chapter 2: v.10 ↔ Jeremiah 31:34 ● v.20 ↔ Jeremiah 31:33 ● v.27 ↔ Jeremiah 31:34.

1 John Chapter 3

1See what great love the father has given us in that we should be called children of God. This is why the world does not know you: because it did not know him. 2Beloved, we are now children of God, but it has not yet been made apparent what we shall be. But we do know that when he is made manifest, we shall be like him, because we will see him as he is. 3And everyone who puts this hope in him purifies himself, as he (the aforementioned) is pure. 4Everyone who commits sin also commits lawlessness – indeed sin is lawlessness. 5And you know that he was made manifest in order to take away our sins, and there is no sin in him. 6No-one who remains in him sins. No-one who sins has seen him or has come to know him. 7Little children, let no-one lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, as he is righteous. 8He who commits sin stems from the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The son of God was made manifest for this reason: to undo the works of the devil. 9No-one who has been begotten by God commits sin, because his seed remains in him. And he cannot sin, because he has been begotten by God. 10By this criterion the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: everyone who does not do what is right does not stem from God, including him who does not love his brother. 11For this is the message which you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another, 12not as Cain, stemming from the wicked one, was, who killed his brother. And for what reason did he kill him? Because his works were evil, but those of his brother were good. 13Do not be astonished, my brothers, if the world hates you. 14We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brothers. He who does not love his brother remains in death. 15Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has age-abiding life remaining in him. 16By this we have come to know love: in that he laid down his life for our sakes. And we have a debt to lay down our lives for the sake of our brothers. 17And as for whoever makes a living in the world and sees his brother in need but shuts off his feelings of compassion for him – how can the love of God remain in him? 18My little children, let us not love by mere word or by speech, but by deed and truth. 19And this is how we know that we stem from the truth, and that we will reassure our hearts in his presence: 20by the fact that if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our hearts and knows everything. 21Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence in God, 22and whatever we ask, we receive from him because we keep his commandments and we do things pleasing in his sight. 23And this is his commandment: that we believe in the name of his son Jesus Christ and love each other as he gave commandment. 24And he who keeps his commandments remains in him, and the latter remains in the former. And by this we know that he remains in us: by the spirit which he has given us.

Reference(s) in Chapter 3: v.12 ↔ Genesis 4:8.

1 John Chapter 4

1Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits as to whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2This is how the spirit of God is known: every spirit which confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3whereas every spirit which does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not from God. And such is the spirit of antichrist which you have heard is coming and is already in the world now. 4You, little children, stem from God, and you have overcome them, because he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 5They are of the world. That is why they speak from the standpoint of the world, and the world heeds them. 6We are of God. He who knows God heeds us. He who is not of God does not heed us. That is how we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error. 7Beloved, we love each other, because the love is from God, and everyone who shows love has been begotten by God and knows God. 8He who does not show love has not come to know God, for God is love. 9This is how the love of God was made manifest among us: in that God has sent his only-begotten son into the world in order that we should live through him. 10This is how love is evident: not in that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his son as a propitiation for our sins. 11Beloved, if God loved us like this, we in turn have a debt to love each other. 12No-one has seen God at any time. If we love each other, God remains in us, and his love has been brought to completion in us. 13This is how we know that we remain in him and he in us: in that he has given us a share of his spirit. 14And we have seen and testify that the father has sent the son as the saviour of the world. 15As for whoever confesses that Jesus is the son of God, God remains in him, and he in God. 16And we have come to know and have believed the love which God has among us. God is love, and he who remains in love remains in God, and God remains in him. 17This is how love has been perfected with us: that we may have confidence on the day of judgment, that as he is, so we are in this world. 18There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts fear out, because fear involves punishment, and he who has fear has not been perfected in love. 19We love him because he loved us first. 20If anyone says, “I love God”, but he hates his brother, he is a liar. For how can he who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, love God, whom he has not seen? 21And we have this commandment from him, that he who loves God should also love his brother.

1 John Chapter 5

1Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been begotten by God, and everyone who loves him who did the begetting also loves him who was begotten by him. 2This is how we know that we love the children of God: it is when we love God and we keep his commandments. 3For this is the love of God: that we should keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. 4For everything that has been begotten by God overcomes the world. And this is the victory which has overcome the world: our faith. 5Who is it who overcomes the world but he who believes that Jesus is the son of God? 6This is he who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ – not with water alone, but with water and blood. And the spirit is what gives witness, because the spirit is truth. 7For there are three that testify: 8the spirit, and the water, and the blood, and these three unite into one. 9If we accept the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater, for this is the testimony of God which he has given concerning his son. 10He who believes in the son of God has the testimony in him. He who does not believe God has made him a liar because he has not believed in the testimony which God gave concerning his son. 11And this is the testimony: that God has given us age-abiding life, and this life is in his son. 12He who has the son has life. He who does not have the son of God does not have life. 13I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the son of God in order that you may know that you have age-abiding life, and that you may believe in the name of the son of God. 14And this is the confidence which we have with him, that if we ask for anything in accordance with his will, he hears us. 15And if we know that he hears us with respect to whatever we ask, then we know that we have the requests which we have asked for from him. 16If anyone sees his brother committing a sin which is not mortal, he can ask, and he will give him life; this is for those who commit a sin which is not mortal. There is a mortal sin – I do not say that you should ask concerning that. 17Every unrighteous deed is sin. And there is sin which is not mortal. 18We know that no-one who has been begotten by God sins, but he who has been begotten by God is on his guard and the evil one does not touch him. 19We know we stem from God, and the whole world lies in the sway of the evil one. 20And we know that the son of God has come and has given us a mind so as to know the true one. And we are in the true one, in his son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and age-abiding life. 21Little children, keep yourselves from the idols. Amen.

2 John

2 John Chapter 1

1From the elder to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not I alone, but also all who have come to know the truth, 2on account of the truth, which remains in us and will be with us throughout the age, 3grace, mercy and peace will be with us, from God the father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the son of the father, in truth and love. 4I rejoiced greatly at having found some of your children walking in the truth according to how we received a commandment from the father. 5And now I ask you, lady, not as if I were writing you a new commandment, but the one which we have had from the beginning, that we should love one another. 6And this is love: that we should walk according to his commandments. This is the commandment, as you have heard from the beginning, given for you to walk in it. 7For many deceivers have come into the world who do not confess that Jesus Christ came in the flesh. Any such person is a deceiver and an antichrist. 8Watch out that we do not lose what we have achieved, but that we receive a full reward. 9No-one who transgresses and does not remain in the teaching of Christ has God. It is he who remains in the teaching of Christ who has both the father and the son. 10If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your home, and do not bid him welcome. 11For he who bids him welcome partakes of his evil works. 12Although I have many things to write to you, I did not want to do it with paper and ink, but I hope to come to you and speak face to face, in order that our joy may be made full. 13The children of your elect sister greet you. Amen.

3 John

3 John Chapter 1

1From the elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth. 2Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in every way and be in good health, as your spiritual condition is prospering. 3For I greatly rejoiced when some brothers came and testified to your truthfulness – as to how you walk in truth. 4I have no greater joy than these things: to hear that my own children are walking in truth. 5Beloved, you are acting faithfully in everything you undertake for the brothers and for the strangers, 6who testified to your love in the presence of the church, and you will do well when you have sent them on with supplies, in a way worthy of God. 7For they went out for the sake of his name, not taking anything from the Gentiles. 8So we should correspondingly receive people like these, so that we become fellow workers for the truth. 9I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be at the forefront over them, does not receive us. 10For this reason, if I come, I will raise the matter of his works which he is doing, as he rants on at us with wicked words. And not being satisfied with that, he does not receive the brothers either, and he prevents those who are willing to do so, and he throws them out of the church. 11Beloved, do not imitate what is bad, but what is good. He who does good is from God. He who does evil has not seen God. 12A testimony has been given to Demetrius by all and by the truth itself, and we too testify, and you know that our testimony is true. 13I had many things to write, but I do not wish to write to you with ink and pen. 14But I hope to see you very shortly so we can speak face to face. Peace to you. The friends here greet you. Greet the friends there by name.

Jude

Jude Chapter 1

1From Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to those who have been sanctified in God the father and have been kept safe for Jesus Christ, and who are called, 2mercy to you, and peace, and may love be plentiful. 3Beloved, when I was making every effort to write to you about our shared salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to strive on behalf of the faith once delivered to the saints. 4For certain men have crept in surreptitiously, who have long been consigned to this judgment, who are ungodly, who are changing the grace of our God into licentiousness, and who are denying God the only master and Lord of ours, Jesus Christ. 5And I want to remind you, although you know this, that after the Lord had rescued the people out of the land of Egypt on a first occasion, on the second occasion he destroyed those who did not believe. 6And he has put the angels who did not keep their own dominion, but left their own dwelling place, under guard in perpetual chains in underworld gloom ready for the judgment of the great day. 7Just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the towns around them committed fornication in a similar way to these, and they went out after alien flesh, so they are set before us as an example, as they undergo the penalty of age-abiding fire. 8Yet these also, dreaming, likewise defile the flesh and flout dominion and blaspheme those in glory. 9And when Michael the archangel was contending with the devil and disputing about the body of Moses, he did not dare bring a charge of blasphemy but said, “May the Lord rebuke you.” 10But these speak blasphemously about many things which they do not know about, but on the other hand they instinctively understand things in the way unreasoning animals do, and they are wrecked by these things. 11Woe to them, because they went the way of Cain and abandoned themselves in the error of Balaam's remuneration, and they perished by the refractoriness of Korah. 12These are sunken rocks in your love feasts, who feast with you, fearlessly attending to themselves, who are clouds without water, carried off course by the winds, and they are autumnal trees without fruit, doubly dead, uprooted, 13wild waves of the sea, foaming with their own shameful deeds, wandering stars, for whom the underworld gloom of darkness has been reserved throughout the age. 14And moreover Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied to these and said, “Look, the Lord has come with tens of thousands of his holy ones, 15to execute judgment against all, and to convict all of them who are ungodly of all their ungodly deeds which they have committed, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have said against him.” 16These individuals are murmurers, dissatisfied with their fate, who walk according to their desires, while their mouth speaks bombastic words, showing partiality for the sake of gain. 17But as for you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken beforehand by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, 18how they told you that in the latter time there would be scoffers who would walk according to their own ungodly desires. 19These are the ones who cause divisions, who are natural, who do not have any spirit. 20But you, beloved, as you build yourselves up in your most holy faith, praying by holy spirit, 21keep yourselves in the love of God as you await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, culminating in age-abiding life. 22And have compassion on one group, as you make a distinction, 23and save another group with fear, snatching them out of the fire, while you show revulsion even at the garment polluted by the flesh.

24Now to him who is able to keep them firm-footed,

And to set them without blemish with joy

In the presence of his glory,

25To the only and wise God our saviour

Be glory and majesty,

Might and authority,

Both now and throughout all the ages.

Amen.

Reference(s) in Chapter 1: v.11 ↔ Numbers 16:1 ● v.14 ↔ Deuteronomy 33:2.


Romans

Romans Chapter 1

1From Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, a called apostle, separated to the gospel of God, 2which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy scriptures, 3concerning his son, who descended from the seed of David according to the flesh, 4who was marked out as the son of God with power according to the spirit of holiness by resurrection of the dead – of Jesus Christ our Lord – 5through whom we have received grace and an apostleship for obedience in faith among all the Gentiles for the cause of his name, 6among whom you are also – being a called people of Jesus Christ – 7to all those who are in Rome, God's beloved, called as saints, grace to you and peace from God our father and Lord, Jesus Christ. 8Firstly, I give thanks to my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, in that your faith is proclaimed in the whole world. 9For God is my witness, whom I serve in my spirit in the cause of the gospel of his son, as to how I ceaselessly make mention of you, 10always on the occasions of my prayers asking that I might by some means, sometime, at last, by the will of God, have a prosperous journey and come to you. 11For I yearn to see you, in order that I may share some spiritual gift with you for you to be strengthened, 12that is to say, for me to be encouraged along with you through each other's faith, both yours and mine. 13But I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I often planned to come to you (but I have been prevented up to now) so that I might also bear some fruit among you as indeed among the rest of the Gentiles. 14I am a debtor to both Greeks and barbarians, to both wise and foolish – 15that is the nature of my eagerness to preach the gospel to you in Rome also. 16For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ. For it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17For in it the righteousness of God is revealed, by faith, in faith, as it stands written: “And the righteous shall live by faith.” 18For God's anger is revealed from heaven on all ungodliness and injustice of men who suppress the truth in injustice, 19because what can be known about God is evident among them, for God has manifested it to them. 20For the invisible attributes of him, from the creation of the world, are understood and caught sight of in the things made: his perpetual power and deity, so that they are without excuse, 21because although they knew God, they did not glorify him as God or give thanks, but they became vain in their reasonings, and their undiscerning heart was darkened. 22Asserting that they were wise, they became foolish, 23and they changed the glory of indefectible God into a likeness, an image of perishable man and birds and quadrupeds and reptiles. 24This is why God has delivered them up to uncleanness in the desires of their hearts, so that their bodies are dishonoured among themselves. 25And they exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and they worshipped and served creation more than the creator, who is blessed throughout the ages. Amen. 26For this reason God delivered them up to dishonourable passions. For their women also exchanged the natural way of things for one which is against nature, 27and similarly the men also abandoned the natural way of things of the woman and burned in their lust for each other, males practising with males that which is indecent, and receiving the inevitable consequence of their error among themselves. 28And just as they did not think it fit to acknowledge God, God delivered them up to a discredited mentality, so as to do things which are not fitting, 29being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, fraud, malice; being full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malignity – whisperers, 30slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31without understanding, without loyalty, without affection, implacable, merciless, 32who, although they are well aware of the decree of God, that those who do such things are worthy of death, not only do they do them, but they also approve of those who do them.

Reference(s) in Chapter 1: v.17 ↔ Habakkuk 2:4.

Romans Chapter 2

1Therefore you are without excuse, O man – everyone who judges. For in the way that you judge another, you condemn yourself. For you who judge do the same things. 2But we know that God's judgment is according to truth on those who do such things. 3Do you think this, O man who judges those who do such things, although you do them yourself: that you will escape God's judgment? 4Or do you look down on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and longsuffering, being ignorant of the fact that the kindness of God leads you to repentance? 5But you, with your obduracy and unrepentant heart, are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath and revelation and the righteous judgment of God, 6who will render to each person according to his works, 7to some in accordance with their patience in good work, seeking glory and honour and incorruptibility: age-abiding life; 8but to those who are of contention, and disobedient to the truth, and trusting in unrighteousness: wrath and anger, 9tribulation and anguish on the mind of every man who perpetrates evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Greek; 10but glory and honour and peace to everyone who does good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 11For there is no partiality with God. 12For those who have sinned without the law will also die without the law. And those who have sinned in the law will be judged by the law, 13for it is not the hearers of the law who are just with God, but it is the doers of the law who will be justified. 14For when the Gentiles, who do not have the law, carry out by nature the requirements of the law, they, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, 15who demonstrate the work of the law, a work written in their hearts, while their conscience bears witness also, while their reasonings accuse or else defend each other – 16this judgment being on the day when God judges the secret things of men according to my gospel through Jesus Christ. 17Look, you are called a Jew, and you rely on the law and boast in God, 18and you know his will, and you scrutinize the things that differ, being taught from the law, 19and you trust yourself to be a guide of the blind, a light to those in darkness, 20as an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of infants, having the formulation of the knowledge and the truth found in the law. 21So you who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach not to steal, do you steal? 22You who tell people not to commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abominate idols, do you steal sacred items? 23You who boast in the law, do you through your transgression of the law dishonour God? 24“For the name of God is blasphemed because of you among the Gentiles”, as it stands written. 25For circumcision is indeed of benefit if you carry out the law, but if you are a transgressor of the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision. 26So if the uncircumcision keeps the ordinances of the law, will not his uncircumcision be considered as circumcision? 27And will not uncircumcision by nature, if it fulfils the law, judge you a transgressor of the law, despite your written word and circumcision? 28For it is not he who is openly so who is a Jew, nor he who is openly circumcision in the flesh, 29but he who is a Jew in secret, and is the circumcision of the heart by spirit, not by the written word, one whose praise is not from men but from God.

Reference(s) in Chapter 2: v.6 ↔ Psalm 62:13MT (Psalm 62:12AV), Jeremiah 17:10, Jeremiah 32:19 ● v.24 ↔ Ezekiel 36:20-21, Ezekiel 36:23, Isaiah 52:5.

Romans Chapter 3

1What, then, is special about the Jew? Or what is the benefit to the circumcision? 2Much in every respect. Firstly, then, because the oracles of God were entrusted to him. 3For what if some have disbelieved? Their disbelief does not make God's faithfulness void, does it? 4May it not be so. But let God be true and every man a liar, as it stands written:

“In order that you may be justified with your words,

And that you may be vindicated

When you are judged.”

5And if our unrighteousness commends the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Surely God, who brings wrath, is not unjust? I speak humanly. 6May it not be so. Otherwise, how will God judge the world? 7For if God's truth has abounded to his glory in the face of my untruth, why am I for my part still judged as a sinner? 8– and not according to how we are slanderously spoken of, and according to what some also claim that we say, namely, “Let us do evil things so that good things may come”, whose judgment is merited. 9What then? Are we superior? Not at all. For we have already made the charge that both Jews and Greeks are all under sin. 10As it stands written:

“Not even one is righteous.

11There is no-one who understands;

There is no-one who seeks God.

12All have turned aside;

They have become altogether useless.

There is no-one who shows kindness

– There is not even one.

13Their throat is an open sepulchre;

With their tongues they have been deceitful;

Vipers' venom is under their lips,

14Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.

15Their feet are swift to shed blood.

16Ruin and hardship are in their ways,

17But they do not know the way of peace.

18There is no fear of God before their eyes.”

19But we know that whatever the law says, it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped up, and the whole world may be accountable to God, 20because no flesh will be justified by the works of the law before him, for through the law is acknowledgment of sin. 21But now the righteousness of God has been made manifest without the law, testified to by the law and the prophets – 22the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all and on all who believe, for there is no distinction, 23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24being justified freely by his grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus, 25whom God appointed as a propitiation through faith in his blood, as a demonstration of his righteousness, for the sake of the remission of previously committed sins, 26in God's forbearance, as a demonstration of his righteousness at the present time, with a view to him being just and a justifier of him who is a partaker of faith in Jesus. 27So where is boasting? It is excluded. By what law? That of works? No, rather by the law of faith. 28We conclude therefore that man is justified by faith apart from works of the law. 29Or is God God of the Jews only? Is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles too, 30seeing that God, who will justify circumcision by faith and uncircumcision through faith, is one. 31Do we make the law void through faith? Far from it. Rather, we establish the law.

Reference(s) in Chapter 3: v.4 ↔ Psalm 51:6MT (Psalm 51:4AV) ● v.10 ↔ Psalm 14:1, Psalm 53:2MT (Psalm 53:1AV), Ecclesiastes 7:20 ● v.11 ↔ Psalm 14:2, Psalm 53:3MT (Psalm 53:2AV) ● v.12 ↔ Psalm 14:3, Psalm 53:4MT (Psalm 53:3AV) ● v.13 ↔ Psalm 5:10MT (Psalm 5:9AV), Psalm 140:4MT (Psalm 140:3AV) ● v.14 ↔ Psalm 10:7 ● v.15 ↔ Isaiah 59:7 ● v.16 ↔ Isaiah 59:7 ● v.17 ↔ Isaiah 59:8 ● v.18 ↔ Psalm 36:2MT (Psalm 36:1AV).

Romans Chapter 4

1What then shall we say Abraham our father has found with respect to the flesh? 2For if Abraham was justified by works, he has a reason to boast, but not to God. 3For what does the scripture say? “Now Abraham believed God, and it was imputed to him as righteousness.” 4And the wages due to the workman are not considered as being of grace, but as a debt. 5But for one who does not work, but who believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness. 6As indeed David also says of the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness, apart from works,

7“Blessed are they whose lawless deeds have been forgiven

And whose sins have been covered over.

8Blessed is the man

To whom the Lord will not impute sin at all.”

9So is this blessedness on the circumcision or also on the uncircumcision? For we say, “Faith was imputed to Abraham as righteousness.” 10How then was it imputed? To him when he was in circumcision or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision but in uncircumcision. 11And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of faith which was in uncircumcision, so that he should be the father of all those who believe despite uncircumcision, with a view to righteousness being imputed to them also, 12and the father of the circumcision, not to those of the circumcision only, but also to those who march in the footsteps of our father Abraham's faith, which was in uncircumcision. 13For the promise to Abraham or to his seed was not through the law, that he should be heir to the world, but it was through the righteousness of faith. 14For if those of the law were heirs, faith would have been made void, and the promise would have been invalidated, 15for the law engenders wrath, for where there is no law, neither is there transgression. 16Here is why it is of faith: so that it is by grace, in order that the promise be secure for all the seed, not only to that of the law, but also to that of Abraham's faith, who is the father of us all, 17as it stands written: “I have appointed you a father of many nations”, in the sight of God, whom he believed, who makes the dead alive and calls the things not in existence to exist. 18And he against hope but in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations according to what had been spoken: “So shall your seed be.” 19And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, which was by that time dead, he being about one hundred years old, or the deadness of Sarah's womb, 20and he did not hesitate at God's promise in disbelief, but he was strengthened in faith, and he gave glory to God, 21and he was fully convinced that what he had promised, he was also able to do, 22which is also why it was imputed to him as righteousness. 23But it was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him, 24but also for our sakes, to whom it is going to be imputed – to us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, 25who was delivered on account of our transgressions and raised on account of our justification.

Reference(s) in Chapter 4: v.3 ↔ Genesis 15:6 ● v.7 ↔ Psalm 32:1 ● v.8 ↔ Psalm 32:2 ● v.17 ↔ Genesis 17:5 ● v.18 ↔ Genesis 15:5 ● v.22 ↔ Genesis 15:6.

Romans Chapter 5

1Having been justified therefore by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we exult in the hope of the glory of God. 3And not only so, but we also exult in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces patience; 4and patience, proven character; and proven character, hope. 5Now hope does not cause shame, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by holy spirit which has been given to us. 6For while we were still weak, Christ at the due time died for the ungodly. 7For scarcely will anyone die for a righteous person. Yet for a good person someone might perhaps even dare to die. 8But God commends his own love to us, because while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9So having been all the more justified now by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath by him. 10For if when we were hostile, we were reconciled to God through the death of his son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved by his life! 11And not only so, but we also exult in God through our Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. 12This is why, just as sin came into the world through one man, and through sin, death, so also death passed on to all men, seeing that all have sinned, 13for even before the law sin was in the world, but sin is not indicted when there is no law. 14But death reigned from Adam to Moses, including over those who had not sinned in a similar way to the transgression of Adam, who is a depiction of the one to come. 15But the act of grace is not as the transgression is. For if in the transgression of one person, many have died, how much more has the grace of God, and the gift in grace which is from one man Jesus Christ, abounded to many! 16And the gift is not just subsequent to one person having sinned. For the judgment on one person led to condemnation, but the act of grace ensuing from many transgressions led to justification. 17For if death started reigning by the transgression of one man – through the one – how much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness reign in life through one man, Jesus Christ! 18So then, as by one transgression sentence came on all men leading to condemnation, so also by one righteous act the gift came to all men leading to justification which is life. 19For as through the disobedience of one man many were established as sinners, so also through the obedience of one many will be established as righteous. 20Then the law came along, so that transgression should abound, but where sin abounded, grace superabounded, 21so that as sin reigned by death, so also grace might reign through righteousness leading to age-abiding life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans Chapter 6

1What then shall we say? Do we continue in sin so that grace may abound? 2Far from it! How shall we who have died to sin go on living in it? 3Or do you not know that as many of us as have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into his death? 4Therefore we have been buried with him through baptism into death, in order that as Christ rose from the dead by the glory of the father, so we too should walk in newness of life. 5For if we have been made of a joint nature in the likeness of his death, then we shall also be in the likeness of his resurrection, 6knowing this, that our old man was jointly crucified, in order that the body of sin might be put out of action, so that we should no longer serve sin. 7For he who has died has been cleared of sin. 8So if we died with Christ, we believe we shall also live with him, 9knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, no longer dies; death no longer has dominion over him. 10For as regards the fact that he died, he died to sin once and for all, but as regards the fact that he is alive, he is alive to God. 11Likewise, you also count yourselves to be dead to sin, but living to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12Do not let sin reign in your mortal body by obeying it in its desires. 13And do not put your members as weapons of iniquity at the disposal of sin, but put yourselves at the disposal of God, as being living from the dead, and your members as weapons of righteousness at the disposal of God. 14For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under the law, but under grace. 15What then? Shall we sin because we are not under the law, but under grace? Far from it. 16Do you not know that to whom you put yourselves at the disposal of as slaves in obedience – to him whom you obey – you are slaves, whether of sin resulting in death or of obedience resulting in righteousness? 17But thanks be to God, because you were slaves of sin, but you have been obedient from the heart to the form of doctrine to which you were committed. 18But having been set free from sin, you have become servants of righteousness. 19I speak humanly on account of the weakness of your flesh. For as you have in the past put your members in service to immorality and lawlessness, resulting in lawlessness, so now put your members in service to righteousness, resulting in sanctification. 20For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21So what fruit did you then have from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the result of those things is death. 22But now, having been set free from sin, and having been made servants to God, you have your fruit in sanctification, and the result, which is age-abiding life. 23For the wages of sin are death, but the gift of God is age-abiding life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans Chapter 7

1Or are you unaware, brothers – for I speak to those who know the law – that the law rules over man as long as he is alive? 2For a married woman is bound by the law to her husband while he is alive, but if the husband dies, she is released from the law of the husband. 3So she will be called an adulteress if she becomes the wife of another man while the husband is alive. But if the husband dies, she is free from the law, so that she is not an adulteress if she becomes the wife of another man. 4So, my brothers, you too have died to the law through the body of Christ so as to become subject to another, him who has been raised from the dead, so that we may bear fruit to God. 5For when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions defined by the law were active in our members so as to produce fruit to death. 6But now, we have been released from the law, and we have died to that by which we were being held, so that we should serve in newness of spirit and not in the oldness of the letter. 7What, then, shall we say? Is the law sin? Far from it. But I would not have known sin, except through the law. For indeed I would not have known covetousness if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.” 8And sin, having seized the opportunity through the commandment, engendered in me all sorts of covetousness. For without the law, sin is dead. 9And I was alive without the law at one time. But when the commandment came, sin came to life, but I died, 10and the very commandment leading to life was found by me to lead to death, 11for sin seized the opportunity through the commandment, and it deceived me and killed me through that. 12And so the law is holy, and the commandment holy and righteous and good. 13So did that which was good become death to me? Far from it. But sin did, in order that it might be shown up as sin, engendering death to me through that which is good – in order that sin might become exceedingly sinful through the commandment. 14For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15For I do not approve of what I do. For it is not the case that I do what I want to do, but what I hate – that is what I do. 16And if I do what I do not wish to do, I assent to the law that it is good. 17But now it is no longer I who do it, but sin which dwells in me. 18For I know that there does not dwell in me – that is, in my flesh – anything good. For willing a thing is readily available to me, but doing that which is good escapes me. 19For I do not do the good that I wish to do, but as for the evil that I do not wish to do – that is what I do. 20Now if I do that which I do not wish to do, it is no longer I who do it, but the sin which dwells in me. 21So I find the principle for me, who would like to do that which is good, that evil besets me. 22For I delight in the law of God from the perspective of the inward man. 23But I see another law in my members warring against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin which is in my members. 24Miserable man that I am! Who will rescue me from this mortal body? 25I thank God that it is through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but the law of sin with the flesh.

Reference(s) in Chapter 7: v.7 ↔ Exodus 20:17, Deuteronomy 5:21.

Romans Chapter 8

1So there is now no condemnation of those in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the spirit. 2For the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus has freed me from the law of sin and death. 3For what was impossible with the law, in that it was weak as a result of the flesh, God did, having sent his own son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and concerning sin he condemned sin in the flesh, 4in order that the righteous decree of the law might be fulfilled in us who walk not according to the flesh but according to the spirit. 5For those who are according to the flesh concentrate on the interests of the flesh, but those who are according to the spirit concentrate on the interests of the spirit. 6For the mindset of the flesh is on a par with death, but the mindset of the spirit is on a par with life and peace. 7For the mindset of the flesh is hostile to God, for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can it be, 8and those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 9But you are not in the flesh, but in the spirit, assuming the spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the spirit of Christ, he is not one of his. 10But if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the spirit is life because of righteousness. 11And if the spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies on account of his spirit which dwells in you. 12So then, brothers, we are debtors, but not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh, 13for if you live according to the flesh, you are going to die. But if you mortify the deeds of the body through the spirit, you will live. 14For those who are led by the spirit of God are the sons of God. 15For you have not received the spirit of bondage again, leading to fear, but you have received the spirit of adoption, by which we cry, “Abba, father.” 16The spirit itself bears joint witness with our spirit that we are children of God. 17And if children, then also heirs, God's heirs at that, and Christ's joint heirs, if indeed we jointly suffer, in order also for us to be jointly glorified. 18For I do not consider the sufferings of the present time worthy compared to the coming glory which is to be revealed to us. 19For the eager expectation of creation awaits the revelation of the sons of God. 20For creation was subject to futility, not willingly, but on account of him who did the subjecting, but in hope 21that also creation itself will be delivered from the bondage of decay into the glorious freedom of the children of God. 22For we know that the whole of creation has been groaning and suffering labour pains together up to now. 23And not only that, but also those who have the firstfruit of the spirit, and we ourselves also groan inwardly while awaiting the adoption – the redemption of our body. 24For we have been saved by hope. Now hope which is seen is not hope. For what someone sees, in what way does he also hope for it? 25But if we hope for that which we do not see, we await it with patience. 26And likewise, the spirit also helps counter our weaknesses. For we do not know in what way we shall pray – as we ought to – but the spirit itself intercedes for us with unutterable sighings. 27And he who searches hearts knows what the mindset of the spirit is, because it intercedes for the saints in God's way. 28And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose, 29that those whom he knew beforehand, he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his son, so that he should be the firstborn among many brothers; 30and those whom he predestined, he also called; and those whom he called, he also justified; and those whom he justified, he also glorified. 31What, then, shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? 32He who for his part did not spare his own son but delivered him up for all of us, how will he not with him also make a gift of all things to us? 33Who can bring a charge against God's chosen ones? God is the one who justifies. 34Who is the accuser? Christ is the one who died, or rather, who was also raised, who is also at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. 35Who can separate us from the love of Christ? Can tribulation or anguish or persecution or famine or destitution or danger or the sword? 36As it stands written:

“For your sake we are killed all day long.

We have been considered as sheep for slaughter.”

37But in all these things we do more than conquer through him who loved us. 38For I have been persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels, nor dominions nor powers, nor things present or future, 39nor height nor depth, nor any other creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Reference(s) in Chapter 8: v.27 ↔ Jeremiah 17:10, Jeremiah 20:12 ● v.36 ↔ Psalm 44:23MT (Psalm 44:22AV).

Romans Chapter 9

1I am speaking the truth in Christ – I am not lying – with my conscience jointly bearing me witness by holy spirit, 2that I have great sorrow and continual distress in my heart. 3For I could vow that I myself were accursed from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh, 4who are Israelites, who have the adoption and the glory and the covenants and the instituting of the law and the service and the promises, 5of whom the fathers are, and from whom Christ is as regards the flesh, who is above all, God blessed throughout the ages. Amen. 6But it is not so that the word of God has failed. For it is not all those of Israel who are Israel, 7nor is it so that because they are the seed of Abraham, they are all children, but, “In the line of Isaac your seed will be called.” 8This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but rather that the children of the promise are counted as seed. 9For this is the word of promise: “At this time I will come, and Sarah will have a son.” 10And not only this, but Rebecca also conceived from one man, Isaac our father, 11for while they had not yet been born and had not done anything good or bad (so that the purpose of God should stand by choice, not of works, but by him who does the calling) 12it was said to her, “The elder will serve the younger.” 13As it stands written: “I have loved Jacob, but I have hated Esau.” 14What, then, shall we say? Surely there is no injustice with God? May it not be so. 15For he says to Moses, “I will show mercy to whomever I will show mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion.” 16So then, it is not a matter of him who wishes, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy. 17For the scripture says to Pharaoh, “I raised you up for this very thing: that I might show my power by means of you, and so that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” 18So he has mercy on whom he wishes, and he hardens whom he wishes. 19Then you will say to me, “Why does he blame anyone then? For who is withstanding his will?” 20Rather, O man, who are you to answer back to God? Will the artefact say to the fashioner, “Why did you make me like this?”? 21Or does the potter not have the power over the clay to make from the same lump one vessel having honour, but another lacking honour? 22So what if God, wishing to show anger and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath, prepared for destruction, 23and acted in order that he might make the riches of his glory known on vessels of mercy, which he prepared beforehand for glory – 24us whom he called, not only out of the Jews, but also out of the Gentiles. 25As he also says in Hosea,

“I will call those who are not my people

‘My people’,

And her who was not beloved

‘Beloved.’

26And it will be the case

That in the place where it was said to them,

‘You are not my people’,

There they will be called

The sons of the living God.’ ”

27And Isaiah cries out concerning Israel,

Even if the number of the sons of Israel

Is like the sand of the sea,

The remnant will be saved.

28For he will conclude the matter

And make decrees in righteousness,

Because the Lord will carry out the pronouncement

Which has been decreed on the earth.”

29And as Isaiah foretold,

“If the Lord of hosts had not left us a seed,

We would have become like Sodom,

And we would have been made to resemble Gomorrah.”

30What, then, shall we say? – That the Gentiles who do not pursue righteousness have attained righteousness, and righteousness out of faith at that. 31But Israel, pursuing the law of righteousness, has not come up to the standard of the law of righteousness. 32How come? Because they pursued it not out of faith but out of works of the law. For they stumbled at the stumbling block, 33as it stands written:

“Behold, I put a stumbling block in Zion

And a rock of offence,

But no-one who believes in it

Will be put to shame.”

Reference(s) in Chapter 9: v.7 ↔ Genesis 21:12 ● v.9 ↔ Genesis 18:14 ● v.12 ↔ Genesis 25:23 ● v.13 ↔ Malachi 1:2, Malachi 1:3, Deuteronomy 21:15 ● v.15 ↔ Exodus 33:19 ● v.17 ↔ Exodus 9:16 ● v.20 ↔ Isaiah 29:16, Isaiah 45:9 ● v.25 ↔ Hosea 1:9, Hosea 2:1MT (Hosea 1:10AV) ● v.26 ↔ Hosea 2:1MT (Hosea 1:10AV), Hosea 2:25MT (Hosea 2:23AV) ● v.27 ↔ Isaiah 10:22 ● v.28 ↔ Isaiah 10:22, Isaiah 10:23 ● v.29 ↔ Isaiah 1:9 ● v.33 ↔ Isaiah 8:14, Isaiah 28:16, Psalm 118:22.

Romans Chapter 10

1Brothers, my heart's desire and supplication to God for Israel is for salvation. 2For I testify to them that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. 3For they are ignorant of God's righteousness, and, seeking to establish their own righteousness, they have not submitted to God's righteousness. 4For Christ is the objective of the law leading to righteousness to everyone who believes. 5For Moses describes the righteousness which is of the law, that the man who does the requirements will live by them. 6But the righteousness which is of faith speaks like this: “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will go up to heaven?’ ” – that is, to bring Christ down – 7“or, ‘Who will go down to the abyss?’ ” – that is, to bring Christ up from the dead. 8But what does it say? “The word is near to you, in your mouth and in your heart” – that is, the word of faith which we proclaim, 9that if you confess the Lord Jesus with your mouth, and you believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10For one believes with the heart leading to righteousness, and confesses with the mouth leading to salvation. 11For the scripture says, “No-one who believes in him will be put to shame.” 12For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same one is Lord of all, being rich towards all those who call on him. 13For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. 14How, then, will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how will they believe in him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without one who does the proclaiming? 15And how will they do the proclaiming if they are not sent? As it stands written:

“How beautiful are the feet

Of those who preach the gospel of peace,

Of those who preach the gospel of good things!”

16But not all have responded to the gospel. For Isaiah says,

“Lord, who has believed our account?”

17So faith comes from an announcement heard, and the announcement comes through the word of God. 18But I say, “Have they not heard?” They certainly have –

Their speech went out into all the earth,

And their words to the ends of the world.

19But I say, “Did Israel not know?” Firstly, Moses says,

“I will provoke you to jealousy by a non-nation,

By a foolish nation I will provoke you to anger.”

20But Isaiah shows boldness and says,

“I have been found

By those who were not seeking me;

I have become evident

To those who were not inquiring after me.”

21But to Israel he says,

“All day long I have stretched out my hands

To a disbelieving and refractory people.”

Reference(s) in Chapter 10: v.5 ↔ Leviticus 18:5 ● v.6 ↔ Deuteronomy 30:12 ● v.7 ↔ Deuteronomy 30:13 ● v.8 ↔ Deuteronomy 30:14 ● v.11 ↔ Isaiah 28:16 ● v.13 ↔ Joel 3:5MT (Joel 2:32AV) ● v.15 ↔ Isaiah 52:7 ● v.16 ↔ Isaiah 53:1 ● v.18 ↔ Psalm 19:5MT (Psalm 19:4AV) ● v.19 ↔ Deuteronomy 32:21 ● v.20 ↔ Isaiah 65:1 ● v.21 ↔ Isaiah 65:2.

Romans Chapter 11

1So I say, “Surely God has not rejected his people?” May it not be so. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. 2God has not rejected his people whom he knew beforehand. Or do you not know what the scripture says in the passage about Elijah, when he intercedes to God against Israel, and says, 3“Lord, they have killed your prophets and demolished your altars, and I am left remaining on my own, and they seek my life”? 4But what does the oracle say to him? – “I have kept myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” 5So in this way even at the present time a remnant exists by a gracious choice. 6And if by grace, then no longer by works, for then grace is no longer grace. But if by works, then it is no longer grace, for then the work is no longer work. 7What is the case then? What Israel is seeking it has not obtained, but those chosen did obtain it, whereas the rest became hardened. 8As it stands written:

“God gave them a slumbering spirit –

Eyes not for seeing

And ears not for hearing”,

which holds up to this day. 9And David says,

“Make their table become a snare

And a trap,

And a stumbling block

And a requital to them;

10Make their eyes darkened

So as not to see,

And bend their back continually.”

11So I say, “Did they stumble in order that they might fall?” Far from it. But by their fall there is salvation to the Gentiles, so as to provoke them to jealousy. 12Now if their fall is the world's richness, and their decline is the richness of the Gentiles, how much more is their fulness! 13For I speak to you Gentiles. Insofar as I am an apostle of the Gentiles, I glorify my ministry, 14seeing if somehow I can provoke those of my flesh to jealousy and save some of them. 15For if casting them aside is the reconciliation of the world, what is the acceptance of them, if not life from the dead? 16And if the firstfruit is holy, so is the bulk. And if the root is holy, so are the branches. 17But if some of the branches have been broken off, and you, being a wild olive, have been grafted into them and have become a joint partaker of the root and the fatness of the olive tree, 18do not boast over the branches. And if you do boast, consider that it is not you who support the root, but the root you. 19Then suppose you should say, “Some branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” 20Well now, they were broken off because of unbelief, but you stand by faith. Do not be high-minded, but be fearful. 21For if God did not spare the natural branches, maybe he will not spare you either. 22So see the kindness and severity of God: severity towards those who have fallen, but kindness to you, if you remain in the kindness, otherwise you will also be cut off. 23And they too, if they do not remain in unbelief, will be grafted in. For God is able to graft them in again. 24For if you were cut out from the naturally wild olive and were unnaturally grafted in to the fine olive, how much more can these, the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree! 25For I do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, of this mystery, so that you are not clever in your own estimation: that hardness in part has taken place with Israel, and it will remain until the fulness of the Gentiles has come in. 26And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it stands written:

“The deliverer will come out of Zion

And will turn ungodliness away from Jacob,

27And this is my covenant with them

When I take away their sins.”

28Now in relation to the gospel they are hostile for your sake, but in relation to the choice they are beloved for the sake of the fathers. 29For the gracious gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. 30For just as you once did not believe God, but now have received mercy in their unbelief, 31so also have these not believed either, in the mercy shown to you, in order that they too may receive mercy. 32For God has shut everyone up in unbelief in order that he may show everyone mercy. 33O depth of God's riches and wisdom and knowledge, how unsearchable his judgments are and untraceable his ways are!

34For who has known the mind of the Lord?

Or who has been his counsellor?

35Or who has given him anything beforehand,

And it will be repaid to him?

36For all things are from him and through him and destined for him. To him be glory throughout the ages. Amen.

Reference(s) in Chapter 11: v.2 ↔ Psalm 94:14 ● v.3 ↔ 1 Kings 19:10, 1 Kings 19:14 ● v.4 ↔ 1 Kings 19:18 ● v.8 ↔ Isaiah 29:10; Isaiah 6:9, Ezekiel 12:2 ● v.9 ↔ Psalm 69:23MT (Psalm 69:22AV) ● v.10 ↔ Psalm 69:24MT (Psalm 69:23AV) ● v.26 ↔ Isaiah 59:20 ● v.27 ↔ Isaiah 27:9, Isaiah 59:21 ● v.34 ↔ Isaiah 40:13 ● v.35 ↔ Job 41:3MT (Job 41:11AV).

Romans Chapter 12

1So I exhort you, brothers, being moved by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, a holy one, pleasing to God, as your rational service, 2and not to be conformed to this age, but to be transformed by the renewal of your mind, in order to determine what the will of God is, what is good and pleasing and perfect. 3For by the grace which has been given to me, I am telling everyone among you not to be high-minded above how you should be minded, but to be minded to be sober-minded, as God has apportioned a measure of faith to each one. 4For as we have many members in one body, but not all members have the same function, 5so, being many, we are one body in Christ, but individually members of each other. 6And we have different gracious gifts according to the grace given to us, whether prophecy, according to the proportion of our faith, 7whether a ministry, in the ministry, or whether as a teacher, in education, 8or whether as one who encourages, with encouragement; a sharer, with generosity; one who presides, with diligence; one who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. 9Love is unpretentious. Let us abhor evil, clinging to goodness, 10showing tender affection to each other in brotherly love, guiding each other with honour, 11with diligence, not being slack, being fervent in the spirit, serving the Lord, 12rejoicing in hope, being patient in tribulation, persevering in prayer, 13contributing to the needs of the saints, pursuing hospitality. 14Bless those who persecute you. Bless and do not curse. 15Rejoice with those who are rejoicing, and weep with those who are weeping. 16Be of the same mind towards each other. Do not be high-minded, but sympathize with those who are low-ranking. Do not become wise-minded in your own estimation. 17Let no-one render evil for evil. Have a predisposition for good things in the presence of all men. 18If it is possible, as much as you can, be peaceable with all men. 19Do not take revenge on each other, beloved, but leave room for anger, for it stands written: “Vengeance is mine. I will repay”, says the Lord.

20“So if your enemy is hungry,

Feed him.

If he is thirsty,

Give him a drink.

For by doing this

You will heap fiery coals on his head.”

21Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with goodness.

Reference(s) in Chapter 12: v.16 ↔ Proverbs 3:7 ● v.17 ↔ Proverbs 3:4 ● v.19 ↔ Deuteronomy 32:35, Proverbs 20:22, Proverbs 24:29, Proverbs 25:22 ● v.20 ↔ Proverbs 25:21, Proverbs 25:22.

Romans Chapter 13

1Let every person be subject to supreme authorities. For there is no authority unless appointed by God, and the existing authorities have been appointed by God, 2so that he who opposes authority is resisting God's ordinance, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. 3For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to bad ones. Now do you wish not to fear authority? Do what is good, and you will have commendation for it, 4for it is an instrument of God which applies to you to good purpose. But if you do what is wrong, then fear, for it does not bear the sword for nothing, for it is an instrument of God, an avenger in wrath on him who does wrong. 5So it is necessary to be subject not only on account of the wrath, but also on account of one's conscience. 6So in view of this, pay your taxes also. For they are God's ministers persevering with this very thing. 7So pay to everyone what is due – tax to whom tax is due, levies to whom levies are due, fear to whom fear is due, honour to whom honour is due. 8Don't owe anyone anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9For the injunctions are, “You shall not commit adultery. You shall not commit murder. You shall not steal. You shall not covet.” And if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this formula: “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” 10Love does not inflict harm on one's neighbour. Therefore love is the fulness of the law. 11And there is this, while we know the time, that the hour is already here for us to be roused from sleep. For our salvation is now nearer than when we believed. 12The night is advanced; the day has drawn near. So let us put away the works of darkness and put on the armour of light. 13Let us walk decently as in the day, not with orgies and in drunkenness, not in promiscuity and licentiousness, not in strife and jealousy, 14but put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not indulge in the predisposition of the flesh in its desires.

Reference(s) in Chapter 13: v.9 ↔ Exodus 20:13-15, Exodus 20:17, Leviticus 19:18, Deuteronomy 5:17-19.

Romans Chapter 14

1Receive him who is weak in faith, but not by getting involved in arbitrating in arguments. 2One person believes in eating everything; another who is weak eats vegetables. 3Let him who eats something not despise him who does not eat it, nor he who does not eat something judge him who does eat it. For God has accepted him. 4Who are you to judge another person's servant? He stands or falls serving his own master. But he will be upheld, for God is able to uphold him. 5One person judges one day against another, while another judges each day. Let each one be completely sure in his own mind. 6He who considers the day considers it to the honour of the Lord, and he who ignores the day ignores it to the honour of the Lord. And he who eats something, eats it to the honour of the Lord, for he gives thanks to God. And he who refrains from eating something refrains from eating it also to the honour of the Lord, and he gives God thanks. 7For none of us lives for himself, and no-one dies for himself. 8For if we live, we live to the Lord, or if we die, we die to the Lord. So whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's. 9For it is for this reason that Christ both died and rose and came to life: in order that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living. 10And why do you judge your brother? Or again, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand at Christ's court. 11For it stands written:

“ ‘As I live’, says the Lord,

‘To me every knee shall bow,

And every tongue will confess to God.’ ”

12So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. 13So let us no longer judge each other, but judge this rather: not to put a stumbling block or a cause of offence in your brother's way. 14I know and have been persuaded by the Lord Jesus that nothing is profane of itself, except that to anyone who considers something to be profane, to him it is profane. 15And if your brother grieves on account of food, you no longer walk lovingly. Do not by your food lose him for whom Christ died. 16So do not let your good behaviour be slandered, 17for the kingdom of God is not food and drink, but righteousness and peace and joy by holy spirit. 18For he who serves Christ in these matters is pleasing to God and approved of by men. 19So then, let us pursue the things that pertain to peace and to each other's edification. 20Do not undo the work for God on account of food. All things are clean, but it is wrong for the man who eats with offence to do so. 21It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or to consume anything at which your brother stumbles or is offended or falters. 22Do you have faith? Have it as your own in God's sight. Blessed is he who does not judge himself in what he approves of. 23But he who is in two minds stands condemned if he eats like that, because it is not based on faith. Indeed everything that is not based on faith is a sin. 24To him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the proclaiming of Jesus Christ by revelation of a mystery, kept silent in past durations of the ages, 25but which is now made manifest, through prophetic scriptures on command of age-abiding God, for obedience to faith, having been made known to all the nations, 26to God the only wise one, through Jesus Christ, to him be glory throughout the ages. Amen.

● The last three verses above are at the end of Romans 16 in the AV and many editions.

Reference(s) in Chapter 14: v.11 ↔ Isaiah 45:23.

Romans Chapter 15

1Now we who are able should bear the weaknesses of those who are unable to, and we should not please ourselves. 2Let each one of us please his neighbour in what is right for edification. 3For indeed, Christ did not please himself, but as it stands written: “The reproaches of those who reproach you have fallen on me.” 4For all the things which were written beforehand were written for our instruction, in order that we might have hope through patience and through the encouragement of the scriptures. 5May the God of patience and encouragement give you the same mindset among each other, in accordance with Christ Jesus, 6so that you glorify the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ in unanimity and in unison. 7On this account, receive each other as Christ also received you, with a view to God's glory. 8Now I say that Christ Jesus has become a minister of the circumcision for God's truth, to confirm the promises to the fathers, 9and for the Gentiles to glorify God for his mercy, as it stands written:

“On account of this I will confess you among the Gentiles,

And I will sing praises to your name.”

10And again he says,

“Rejoice, you Gentiles,

With his people.”

11And again,

“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles”

and,

“Laud him, all you peoples.”

12And again, Isaiah says,

“There will be the root of Jesse

And the one who rises to rule over the Gentiles.

In him the Gentiles will hope.”

13Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you abound in the hope, by the power of holy spirit. 14And I am convinced, my brothers, I my very self, concerning you, that you yourselves too are full of goodness and are filled with all knowledge, and that you are able also to advise others. 15Now I have written rather boldly to you, brothers, on occasion, as one reminding you, on account of the grace given to me by God 16for me to be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, sacredly ministering the gospel of God, in order that the Gentiles' offering might be acceptable, sanctified by holy spirit. 17So I have exultation in Christ Jesus in respect of matters pertaining to God. 18For I will not dare to speak of anything other than of the things which Christ accomplished through me in the cause of obedience of the Gentiles in word and deed, 19by the power of signs and miracles, by the power of God's spirit, so that I have completed the proclamation of the gospel of Christ from Jerusalem and round about as far as Illyricum, 20in this way being particular not to preach the gospel where Christ has been named, so that I do not build on another's foundation, 21but as it stands written:

Those to whom no announcement about him was made

Shall see,

And those who have not heard

Will understand.”

22And this is also why I was prevented in many ways from coming to you, 23but now, no longer having an opportunity in these regions, but having had a longing to come to you for many years, 24as soon as I go to Spain, I will come to you. For I hope to see you as I pass through and to be sent on my way there by you, if I may first enjoy your company for a while. 25But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints. 26For Macedonia and Achaea were pleased to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. 27For they were pleased, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles had a share in their spiritual benefits, they conversely have a duty to minister to them in material matters. 28So when I have completed this and have sealed the transfer of these proceeds to them, I will depart passing through your way for Spain. 29And I know that when I come to you, I will come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ. 30And I encourage you, brothers, through our Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the spirit, to jointly strive with me in prayers to God for me, 31in order that I may be delivered from those who in Judaea do not believe, and that my ministry in Jerusalem may be well-received by the saints, 32in order that I may come to you with joy through the will of God and may refresh myself with you. 33May the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

Reference(s) in Chapter 15: v.3 ↔ Psalm 69:10MT (Psalm 69:9AV) ● v.9 ↔ 2 Samuel 22:50, Psalm 18:50MT (Psalm 18:49AV) ● v.10 ↔ Deuteronomy 32:43 ● v.11 ↔ Psalm 117:1 ● v.12 ↔ Isaiah 11:10 ● v.21 ↔ Isaiah 52:15.

Romans Chapter 16

1I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a minister of the church which is in Cenchrea, 2so that you welcome her in the Lord, in a way worthy of the saints, and that you stand by her in whatever matter she needs from you, for indeed she has been a patroness to many, including myself. 3Greet Prisca and Aquila my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4who have risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I, but also all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks, 5and greet the church in various homes of theirs. Greet Epaenetus my beloved, who is the firstfruit of Achaea in Christ. 6Greet Mary, who has toiled a lot for us. 7Greet Andronicus and Junia my kinsmen and my fellow captives, who are outstanding among the apostles, who were also in Christ before me. 8Greet Amplias, my beloved in the Lord. 9Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys, my beloved. 10Greet Apelles, who is proven in Christ. Greet those of the household of Aristobulus. 11Greet Herodion, my kinsman. Greet those of the household of Narcissus, who are in the Lord. 12Greet Tryphaena and Tryphosa, who have toiled in the Lord. Greet Persis the beloved, who has toiled a lot in the Lord. 13Greet Rufus, who is eminent in the Lord, and his mother, and mine. 14Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes and the brothers with them. 15Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas and all the saints who are with them. 16Greet each other with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you. 17And I exhort you, brothers, to look out for those who cause dissensions and offences contrary to the teaching which you have learned, and turn away from them. 18For suchlike do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and they deceive the hearts of the naive through smooth speech and fine language. 19For your obedience has reached everyone. So I rejoice over you. And I want you to be wise with respect to good, but untainted with respect to evil. 20And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet quickly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. 21Timothy, my fellow worker, and Lucius and Jason and Sosipater my kinsmen greet you. 22I Tertius, who wrote out the epistle, greet you in the Lord. 23Gaius, my host – and host of the whole church – greets you. Erastus, the steward of the city greets you, as does Quartus, our brother. 24The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you. Amen.

● For what the AV and many editions present as verses 25-27, see the end of chapter 14.


1 Corinthians

1 Corinthians Chapter 1

1From Paul, a called apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, 2to the church of God which is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all those who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ in every place of both theirs and ours, 3grace to you, and peace from God our father and Lord, Jesus Christ. 4I thank my God always on your behalf for the grace of God which has been given to you in Christ Jesus, 5because you have been enriched in him in everything, in all speech and in all knowledge, 6in accordance with the fact that the testimony of Christ has been confirmed in you, 7so that you are not lacking in any gracious gift, as you await the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, 8who will also secure you up to the end, irreproachable on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9God, by whom you were called into fellowship with his son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful. 10And I exhort you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak with one voice, and that there should not be any divisions among you, and that you should be equipped with the same mind and with the same purpose. 11For concerning you, my brothers, it has been shown to me by those of Chloe's household that there are controversies among you. 12And I mean this, that each of you is saying, “I am of the school of Paul”, and, “I of Apollos”, and, “I of Cephas”, and, “I of Christ.” 13Is Christ divided? Paul was not crucified for you, was he? Or were you baptized in Paul's name? 14I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15so that no-one should say that I baptized in my own name. 16But I also baptized the household of Stephanas. Other than that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else. 17For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not in linguistic wisdom, so that the cross of Christ should not be made void. 18For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are on the road to perdition, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God. 19For it stands written:

“I will demolish the wisdom of the wise

And dismiss the intelligence of the intellectuals.”

20Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God rendered the wisdom of this world foolish? 21For since the world, in the wisdom of God, did not know God through its wisdom, it pleased God to save those who believe through the foolishness of the proclamation of the gospel. 22Indeed so, seeing that the Jews ask for a sign, and the Greeks seek wisdom, 23while we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to the Jews, and foolishness to the Greeks, 24but to those themselves who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God, 25because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 26For you see your calling, brothers, and that not many who are wise according to the flesh, that not many who are powerful, that not many who are of noble birth, are called, 27but God has chosen the foolish things of the world, in order that he might put the wise to shame, and God has chosen the weak things of the world, in order that he might put the strong things to shame, 28and God has chosen the ignoble things of the world, and the despised things, and the nonexistent things, in order to nullify the existing things, 29in order that no flesh should boast in God's presence. 30But by virtue of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became our wisdom from God, both righteousness and holiness, and redemption, 31in order that, as it stands written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.”

Reference(s) in Chapter 1: v.19 ↔ Isaiah 29:14 ● v.31 ↔ Jeremiah 9:23MT (Jeremiah 9:24AV).

1 Corinthians Chapter 2

1And as for me, when I came to you, brothers, I did not come in extravagance of speech or wisdom when I proclaimed the testimony of God to you. 2For I decided not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 3And I came to you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling. 4And my speech and my proclamation were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in an exhibition of spirit and power, 5in order that your faith should not be in men's wisdom, but in the power of God. 6But we speak wisdom among those who are complete – wisdom not of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are being brought to nothing, 7but we speak God's wisdom in a mystery, wisdom which has been hidden, which God pre-ordained before the ages for our glory, 8which none of the rulers of this age has known, for if they had known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9But, as it stands written:

“What the eye has not seen

And the ear has not heard

And what has not arisen in the heart of man

Are what God has prepared

For those who love him.”

10And God has revealed them to us through his spirit. For the spirit inquires about all things, including the deep things of God. 11For who among men knows the concerns of man, except the spirit of man which is in him? And likewise, no-one knows the concerns of God except the spirit of God. 12But we have not received the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is from God, in order that we might know the things graciously given to us by God. 13And we also speak of these things, not with subject matter taught by human wisdom, but with subject matter taught by holy spirit, as we compare spiritual things with spiritual things. 14But the natural man does not receive the things of the spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot know them because they are spiritually evaluated. 15But the spiritual person evaluates everything, but he himself is not evaluated by anyone.

16For who has known the mind of the Lord

And can instruct him?

But we have the mind of Christ.

Reference(s) in Chapter 2: v.9 ↔ Isaiah 64:3MT (Isaiah 64:4AV) ● v.16 ↔ Isaiah 40:13.

1 Corinthians Chapter 3

1Yet I myself, brothers, was not able to speak to you as one does to spiritual people, but only as one does to carnal people, as to infants in Christ. 2I have given you milk to drink rather than food, for you were not yet able to take it, and even now you still can't, 3for you are still carnal, for where there is rivalry among you, and strife, and dissensions, are you not carnal and do you not walk according to man? 4For whenever a person says, “I am of Paul”, and another, “I am of Apollos”, are you not carnal? 5Well who is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you came to believe, and each has a ministry according to what the Lord gave him? 6I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. 7So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but God who gives the growth. 8But he who plants and he who waters are one agency. And each will receive his own reward according to his own labour. 9For we are God's co-workers; you are God's cultivated field – God's building. 10I have laid a foundation as a wise master-builder, according to the grace of God given to me, and another is building on it. But let each one watch how he builds on it. 11For no-one can lay any other foundation than the one which has been laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12But if anyone builds gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw on this foundation, 13each person's work will become manifest. For the day will show it, because it will be revealed by fire. And the fire will prove what kind of work each person's is. 14If anyone's work which he has built on remains, he will receive a reward. 15If anyone's work is burnt up, he will suffer loss, but he himself will be saved, but this is how: as through fire. 16Do you not know that you are the sanctuary of God and that the spirit of God dwells in you? 17If anyone spoils the sanctuary of God, God will spoil him. For the sanctuary of God is holy, which is what you are. 18Let no-one deceive himself. If anyone among you considers himself to be wise in this age, let him become foolish, in order that he may become wise. 19For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it stands written: “He catches the wise in their own cunning.” 20And again: The Lord knows the reasonings of the wise – that they are vain.” 21So let no-one among men boast, for all things are yours, 22whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death, whether present or future – everything is yours, 23and you are Christ's, and Christ is God's.

Reference(s) in Chapter 3: v.19 ↔ Job 5:13 ● v.20 ↔ Psalm 94:11.

1 Corinthians Chapter 4

1In this way let a man consider us as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2Moreover it is required in stewards that a person is found to be faithful. 3And it is the least of my concerns that I should be examined by you or by the probings of the day of man. But neither do I examine myself. 4For I am not conscious of anything against myself, but I do not stand justified by that. And he who examines me is the Lord. 5As a result, do not judge anything before its time, until the Lord comes, who will also bring the hidden things of darkness to light, and he will make the motives of people's hearts manifest, and then each one will have praise from God. 6And, brothers, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos on your account, so that you who are among us might learn not to speculate beyond what stands written, so that you aren't self-opinionated – one person above another to the detriment of someone else. 7For who gives you distinct characteristics? And what do you possess that you did not receive? But if you received it, why do you boast as if you didn't receive it? 8You have already become satiated, you have already become rich, you have started reigning without us – and if only you really had started reigning, so that we too might reign with you. 9For I consider that God has exhibited us, the apostles, last, as people under sentence of death, because we have become a spectacle to the world and to angels and to men. 10We are foolish for the sake of Christ, whereas you are wise in Christ. We are weak, whereas you are strong. You are esteemed, whereas we are without honour. 11Up to the present hour we have been hungry and thirsty and been poorly clothed and have been knocked about and have been without a fixed address, 12and we have been toiling, working with our own hands. When railed at, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; 13when slandered, we speak in good cheer. We have become like the scum of the world – the offscouring of all sorts – up to the present time. 14I do not write these things to put you to shame, but I warn you about it as my beloved children. 15For even if you had ten thousand tutors in Christ, you still would not have many fathers. For I have begotten you in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 16So I exhort you: be imitators of me. 17For this reason I have sent you Timothy, who is a beloved child of mine, and faithful in the Lord, and who will remind you of my ways in Christ – how I teach everywhere in every church. 18Some of you are complacent, as though I were not coming to you. 19And I will come to you quickly, if the Lord wishes it, and get to know not the talk of those who are complacent, but the power, 20for the kingdom of God is not in talk but in power. 21What do you want? For me to come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of meekness?

1 Corinthians Chapter 5

1It is heard – very much so – that there is fornication among you, and fornication of such a kind that is not even named among the Gentiles, that someone should have his father's wife. 2And you are complacent and have not rather mourned, so that he who committed this act should be removed from your company. 3Well I, being absent in the body but present in the spirit, have already reached a decision on him who actually did this, as if I were present, 4in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, while you are gathered together (as is my spirit) with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, 5to deliver a man like this to Satan, for destruction of the flesh, in order that the spirit might be saved on the day of the Lord Jesus. 6Your boasting is not a good thing. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? 7Clear out the old leaven, in order to be a new lump, since you are unleavened. For indeed, our Passover has been sacrificed for us – Christ – 8so let us keep the feast, not in old leaven, nor in leaven of wickedness and evil, but in unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. 9I have written to you in the epistle not to associate with fornicators, 10and not at all with the fornicators of this world, or with the fraudsters, or the rapacious or idolaters, since then you would have to depart from the world. 11And I have written to you now not to associate with anyone if he is called a brother, but who is a fornicator or a fraudster or an idolater or is abusive or drunk or rapacious, and not to eat with such a person. 12But what business is it of mine to also judge those outside? Is it not those inside whom you judge? 13But God will judge those outside. However, you shall remove the wicked person from your own group.

1 Corinthians Chapter 6

1Does anyone among you dare, if you have a case against another, to go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints? 2Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And that if the world is judged by you, then you are unsuited for the least of the courts? 3Do you not know that we shall judge angels? So surely not commonplace matters! 4So if you have commonplace court cases, appoint those who are considered nobodies in the church. 5I speak to your shame. Is there not even one wise person among you, then, who will be able to judge between one of his brothers and another, 6while instead a brother goes to law with a brother, and that before unbelievers? 7So you are already wholly at fault in that you have lawsuits with each other. Why do you not rather suffer the injustice? Why do you not rather suffer being defrauded? 8But you commit injustice and perpetrate fraud, and against brothers at that. 9Or do you not know that the unjust will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be led astray: neither fornicators nor idolaters nor adulterers nor the effeminate, nor men who lie with men, 10nor fraudsters, nor thieves, nor drunkards, nor the abusive, nor the rapacious will inherit the kingdom of God. 11And so were some of you. But you have had yourselves washed, and you have been sanctified, and you have been justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the spirit of our God. 12Everything is permitted me, but not everything is profitable. Everything is permitted me, but I will not be put under authority by anyone. 13Food for the stomach and the stomach for food – but God will bring both of these to nothing. And the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord, and the Lord is for the body. 14And God has raised the Lord, and he will also raise us through his power. 15Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them the members of a prostitute? May it not be so! 16Do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute is one body? “For the two”, he says, “will be one flesh.” 17But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit. 18Flee fornication. Whatever sin a man commits is separate from the body. But he who fornicates sins against his own body. 19Or do you not know that your body is the sanctuary of the holy spirit in you, which you have from God? And you are not your own, 20for you have been bought at a price. Glorify God, therefore, in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.

Reference(s) in Chapter 6: v.16 ↔ Genesis 2:24.

1 Corinthians Chapter 7

1Now concerning the things about which you wrote to me, it is good for a man not to touch a woman. 2But because of the danger of fornication, let each man have his own wife, and each woman have her own husband. 3Let the husband fulfil the romance due to the wife, and similarly also the wife to her husband. 4It is not the wife who has authority over her own body, but the husband. And similarly, neither is it the man who has authority over his own body, but the wife. 5Do not withhold from one another, except perhaps in agreement for a while, in order that you may be at leisure for fasting and prayer, and come together again, so that Satan does not tempt you through lack of control on your part. 6But I say this sympathetically, not by commandment. 7For I wish that all men were as I myself am, but each has his own gracious gift from God – one of this kind, one of that kind. 8But I say to those who are unmarried and to the widows, that it is good for them if they remain as I am. 9But if they cannot control themselves, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to be ardently desirous. 10And to those married, I command, though not I, but the Lord, that a woman should not separate from her husband. 11But if she does separate, let her remain unmarried, or let her be reconciled to her husband. And I command a husband not to divorce his wife. 12And to the rest, I, not the Lord, speak. If any brother has an unbelieving wife, and she consents to live with him, let him not divorce her. 13And as for a wife who has an unbelieving husband, and he consents to live with her, let her not divorce him. 14For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified by the husband, since otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy. 15But if the unbelieving spouse separates, let him be separate. A brother or sister is not tied down in such cases. And God has called us in peace. 16For how do you know, you wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, you husband, whether you will save your wife? 17But as God has distributed to everyone – as the Lord has called everyone – so let him walk. And this is what I command in all the churches. 18Is anyone who is circumcised called? Let him not screen his circumcision. Is anyone in uncircumcision called? Let him not be circumcised. 19Circumcision isn't anything, nor is uncircumcision anything, but rather keeping the commandments of God is quite something. 20Let each person remain in the particular calling in which he is called. 21Have you, as a slave, been called? Don't let it be a concern to you. But even so, if you can become free, it is preferable to make use of it. 22For the slave who has been called in the Lord is the Lord's freedman. Likewise too, the called free man is Christ's servant. 23You have been bought at a price; do not become slaves of men. 24Brothers, let everyone remain with God in the circumstances in which he has been called. 25Now concerning virgins, I do not have a commandment from the Lord, but I give my opinion as one who has received mercy from the Lord, so as to be faithful. 26So I consider this to be right, on account of the present constrained circumstances: that it is right for a man to stay as he is. 27Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek dissolution. Have you been released from a wife? Do not seek a wife. 28But even if you do marry, you have not sinned. And if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. However, such will have tribulation in the flesh. But I spare you. 29And I say this, brothers: the time has drawn on. From now on it is for even those who have wives to be as if they do not have wives, 30and for those who weep to be as if they do not weep, and for those who rejoice to be as if they do not rejoice, and for those who make purchases to be as if they don't possess anything, 31and for those who use this world to be as if they don't exploit it, for the system of this world is passing away. 32And I would like you to be free from anxiety. He who is not married cares about the affairs of the Lord, about how he can please the Lord, 33but he who is married cares about the affairs of the world, about how he can please his wife. 34There is also a distinction between a married woman and a virgin. An unmarried woman cares about the affairs of the Lord, in order that she may be holy in both body and spirit. But the married woman cares about the affairs of the world, about how she can please her husband. 35And I say this for the benefit of yourselves, not in order to put a noose round you, but for the sake of what is seemly and with willing devotion to the Lord without distraction. 36But if anyone thinks he is behaving in an improper way towards his virgin daughter, if she is passing the prime of life, and if he thinks it has to be this way, let him do what he wishes – he is not sinning – let such virgins marry. 37But he who stands steadfast in his heart, not being under compulsion, but who has control over his own will, and who has so decided in his heart to keep his virgin daughter at home – he does well. 38So that he who gives her in marriage also does well, but he who does not give her in marriage does better. 39The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband is alive. But if her husband falls asleep, she is free to marry whom she wishes, except that it must be in the Lord. 40But she is more blessed if she remains as she is, in my opinion. And I also consider I have the spirit of God.

1 Corinthians Chapter 8

1Now concerning things offered to idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs a person up, whereas love edifies. 2And if anyone thinks he knows anything, he has not yet come to knowledge of anything in the way it is necessary to know it. 3But if anyone loves God, he is known by him. 4Concerning food which has been offered to idols, then, we know that there is no self-existent idol in the universe, and that there is no other God besides the one. 5For indeed, although there are those called gods, whether in heaven or on earth, as indeed there are many gods and many lords, 6yet to us there is one God, the father, from whom all things come, including us for him, and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom all things come, including us through him. 7But knowledge is not prevalent among all. And some still eat that which has been offered to idols with consciousness of the idol, and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. 8But food does not commend us to God. For neither if we eat do we gain anything, nor if we do not eat do we lose anything. 9But watch out that this warrant of yours does not become a cause of stumbling to those who are weak. 10For if anyone sees you – you who have knowledge – reclining at table in an idolatrous temple, will not his conscience, with him being weak, be indoctrinated with the matter of eating things offered to idols? 11And the weak brother, for whose sake Christ died, will be lost when confronted with your knowledge. 12And in this way, in sinning against the brothers and wounding their weak conscience, you would be sinning against Christ. 13That is why if food causes offence to my brother, I certainly will never eat meat, in order not to cause offence to my brother.

1 Corinthians Chapter 9

1Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord? 2If I am not an apostle to others, at least I am to you. For you in the Lord are the seal of my apostleship. 3My defence to those who examine me is as follows. 4Do we not have authority to eat and drink? 5Do we not have authority to take a sister-lady around as the other apostles and the brothers of the Lord do, and Cephas does? 6Or is it only Barnabas and I who do not have a warrant not to work? 7Who ever serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat from its fruit? Or who tends a flock and does not eat from the milk of the flock? 8Do I just say these things on a human level? Or does the law not say these things too? 9For in the law of Moses it stands written: “You shall not muzzle an ox which threshes.” Is God really concerned about oxen? 10Or does he say it entirely for our sakes? Well, it was written for our sakes, because he who ploughs should plough in hope, and he who threshes in hope should have a share of his hope. 11If we have sown spiritual things for you, is it anything extraordinary if we reap your material things? 12If others share in this authority over you, should not we all the more? But we have not used this authority; rather, we endure all things, in order not to create any hindrance to the gospel of Christ. 13Do you not know that those who work on holy matters eat from the income of the temple, and that those who officiate at the altar take a share in the sacrifices of the altar? 14In this way the Lord also made provision for those who proclaim the gospel to live from the gospel. 15But I have not used any of these things, and I have not written these things, in order for them to be forgone like that in my case. For it is better for me to die than that anyone should make my exultation void. 16For if I preach the gospel, I do not have anything to glory about, for necessity constrains me. But woe is me if I do not preach the gospel. 17For if I do this willingly, I have a reward. But if unwillingly, then I have still been entrusted with a stewardship. 18So what is my reward? That in preaching the gospel I may present the gospel of Christ without expense being incurred, so as not to exploit my authority with the gospel. 19For although I am free from all, I have made myself a slave to all, so as to win over the greater number of people. 20And I became as a Jew to the Jews, in order to win over the Jews; to those under the law I became as one under the law, in order that I might win over those under the law; 21to those who are without the law I became as one without the law (not being without the law to God, but subject in the law to Christ), in order that I might win over those without the law. 22To the weak I became as one weak, in order to win over the weak. I have become all sorts of things to all kinds of people, in order to save some in all sorts of ways. 23I do this on account of the gospel, in order that I may be a fellow sharer of it. 24Do you not know that those who run in a stadium all run, but only one receives the prize? Run so as to win! 25Every contestant exerts himself in every way. So they do it in order to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable one. 26So then, I run like that, not falteringly. I box like that, not beating the air, 27but I deal severely with my body and bring it into subjection, in case, having proclaimed this to others, I myself become disqualified.

Reference(s) in Chapter 9: v.9 ↔ Deuteronomy 25:4.

1 Corinthians Chapter 10

1And, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea. 2And they all had themselves baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3and they all ate the same spiritual food, 4and they all drank the same spiritual drink, for they drank from a spiritual rock following them, and the rock was Christ. 5But God was not pleased with most of them, as is evidenced by how they were strewn around in the desert. 6But these things were depictions for us, so that we should not be intent on evil things, as they for their part were intent. 7And do not become idolaters, as some of them did, as indeed it stands written: “The people sat down to eat and drink, and they stood up to make sport.” 8And let us not fornicate, as some of them fornicated, and twenty-three thousand fell in one day. 9And let us not put Christ to the test, as some of them put him to the test and were destroyed by the serpents. 10And do not grumble, as some of them grumbled and were killed by the destroyer. 11Now all these things happened to those people as depictions, but they have been written as a warning to us, on whom the ends of the ages have converged. 12So he who thinks he is standing, let him watch out that he does not fall. 13Temptation has not got a grip on you, except for the human kind. But God is faithful, and he will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you can take, but rather will also fashion the outcome with the temptation so that you can endure it. 14Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. 15I speak as to the prudent; judge for yourselves what I say. 16The cup of blessing which we bless – is it not fellowship with the blood of Christ? The bread which we break – is it not fellowship with the body of Christ? 17Because although many, we are one loaf of bread, one body – for we all partake of one loaf of bread. 18Look at Israel according to the flesh. Are not those who eat the sacrifices involved with the altar? 19What, then, do I say? That an idol is anything? Or that that which is offered to an idol is anything? 20No, but I say that what the Gentiles offer, they offer to demons and not to God, and I do not want you to become involved with the demons. 21You cannot drink the cup of the Lord as well as the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the Lord's table and of the demons' table. 22Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we really stronger than him? 23Everything is permitted me, but not everything is profitable. Everything is permitted me, but not everything edifies. 24Let no-one seek his own interest, but rather let each seek that of another. 25Eat anything that is sold in the meat-market, not inquiring in any way for conscience's sake. 26For the earth is the Lord's and the fulness of it. 27If any of the unbelievers invites you round and you wish to go, eat everything laid before you, not inquiring in any way for conscience's sake. 28But if anyone says to you, “This has been offered to idols”, do not eat it, on account of him who informed you and conscience. For the earth is the Lord's and the fulness of it. 29And I don't mean your own conscience, but that of the other. For why should my freedom be judged by another's conscience? 30If I partake in gratitude, why should I be vilified for that for which I give thanks? 31So whether you eat or whether you drink or whether you do anything, do everything to the glory of God. 32Be inoffensive to both Jews and Greeks as well as to the church of God, 33as I also please everyone in respect of all things, not seeking my own benefit, but that of the many, so that they may be saved.

Reference(s) in Chapter 10: v.7 ↔ Exodus 32:6 ● v.20 ↔ Deuteronomy 32:17 ● v.26 ↔ Psalm 24:1 ● v.28 ↔ Psalm 24:1.

1 Corinthians Chapter 11

1Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. 2But I praise you, brothers, because you remember me in all respects, and you hold on to the traditions as I handed them down to you. 3And I want you to know that Christ is the head of every man, and that the head of the wife is the husband, and that the head of Christ is God. 4Every man praying or prophesying with the head covered dishonours his head. 5But every woman praying or prophesying with the head uncovered dishonours her head. For she and one shaven are one and the same. 6For if a woman is not covered, let her have her hair cut. And if having her hair cut or being shaven is dishonouring to a woman, let her be covered. 7For indeed a man should not cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God, but a woman is the glory of a man. 8For the man is not from the woman, but the woman is from the man. 9For indeed, man was not created for the sake of the woman, but the woman for the sake of the man. 10On account of this, the woman should have authority over her head, because of the angels. 11Except that there is neither man without woman, nor woman without man, in the Lord. 12For just as the woman is from the man, so is the man through the woman, but everything is from God. 13Judge among yourselves. Is it becoming for a woman to pray to God uncovered? 14Or does not even nature itself teach you that if a man lets his hair grow, it is to his dishonour? 15But that if a woman lets her hair grow, it is to her honour. For hair has been given instead of a headdress. 16But if anyone is inclined to be contentious, we do not have any such custom, and neither do the churches of God. 17Now as I advocate this, I don't praise you, because you meet together not for the better but for the worse. 18For firstly, I hear that when you come together in the church, there are divisions among you and to some extent I believe it. 19For there must indeed be sects among you, in order that those who are approved might be made evident among you. 20So when you meet together in one place, there is no question of eating the Lord's supper. 21For each person first grabs his own supper when eating, and one goes hungry, while another becomes drunk. 22For do you not have houses for eating and drinking in? Or do you despise the church of God, and do you not put those who do not have anything to shame? What am I to say to you? Am I to praise you in this matter? I do not praise you. 23For I had received from the Lord that which I passed on to you, that the Lord Jesus took bread on the night when he was betrayed. 24And when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “Take it and eat it. This is my body which is broken for you. Do this in remembrance of me”, 25similarly also saying of the cup after having supper, “This cup is the new covenant by my blood. Do this, and every time you drink, let it be in remembrance of me.” 26For until he comes, every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death. 27So that whoever eats this bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily of the Lord will be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord. 28Let a man test himself then, and let him eat from the bread and drink from the cup in this way. 29For he who eats and drinks unworthily eats and drinks judgment on himself, not discerning the body of the Lord. 30This is why there are many weak and sick among you, and a fair number are falling asleep. 31For if we were examining ourselves, we would not be being judged. 32But when we are judged, we are disciplined by the Lord in order that we should not be condemned with the world. 33So, my brothers, when we meet together to eat, wait for each other. 34And if anyone is famished, let him eat at home, so that you do not meet bringing on judgment. As for the remaining matters, when I come, I will sort them out.

1 Corinthians Chapter 12

1Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant. 2You know how, when you were pagans, you were being drawn and led away to mute idols. 3So I am making it known to you that no-one speaking in the spirit of God says, “Jesus is a curse”, and no-one can say, “Jesus is Lord”, except by holy spirit. 4Now there are varieties of gracious gifts, but it is the same spirit involved. 5And there are varieties of ministries, but the same Lord is involved. 6And there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates everything in everyone. 7But manifestation of the spirit is given to each person to be a benefit. 8For to one a word of wisdom is given through the spirit, whereas to another it is a word of knowledge according to the same spirit, 9and to another it is faith by the same spirit, while to another it is gracious gifts of healing by the same spirit, 10and to yet another the working of deeds of power, and to another prophecy, and to another discernings of spirits, and to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues. 11One and the same spirit is active in all these things, apportioning to each individually as it wishes. 12For as the body is one and has many parts, and all the parts are of the one body, yet are many, whereas the body is one, so also is Christ. 13For indeed, we have all been baptized by one spirit into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we have all been given drink at one spirit. 14For indeed, the body is not one part, but many. 15If the foot says, “Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body”, surely it is not so, that on account of this, it is not part of the body? 16And if the ear says, “Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body”, surely it is not so, that on account of this, it is not part of the body? 17If the whole body were an eye, where would hearing be? If it were all hearing, where would the sense of smell be? 18But as it is, God has appointed the parts – each one of them – in the body as he wished. 19But if all were one part, where would the body be? 20But as it is, there are many parts and one body. 21And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I don't need you”, or again the head to the feet, “I don't need you.” 22But how much more are those parts of the body which seem to be weaker necessary, 23so that as for those parts of the body which we consider to be less honoured, we invest them with all the more copious honour. Then our uncomely parts have more copious comeliness, 24while our comely parts do not need redress. But God composed the body, and he gave more copious honour to that which lacked it, 25in order that there should be no divisions in the body, but that the parts should care for each other in the same way. 26And if one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it; if one part is glorified, all the parts rejoice with it. 27And you are a body of Christ, and members individually. 28And God appointed some in the church: firstly, apostles; secondly, prophets; thirdly, teachers; then workers of deeds of power; then those with gracious gifts of healing, help, guidance and various kinds of tongues. 29Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of deeds of power? 30Do all have gracious gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? 31Be zealous for the best gracious gifts. And yet I show you a superior way.

1 Corinthians Chapter 13

1If I speak in the languages of men and of the angels, but I do not have love, I am sounding copper or a clanging cymbal. 2And if I have prophecy and know all the mysteries and have all knowledge, and if I have all faith so as to move mountains, but if I do not have love, I am nothing. 3And if I distribute food from the proceeds of all my belongings, and if I deliver my body to be burned, but I do not have love, I am not profited in any way. 4Love is longsuffering; it is kind. Love is not jealous. Love does not vaunt itself; it does not become puffed up. 5It does not behave in an unseemly way, it does not seek its own interests, it is not provoked; it does not keep an account of evil. 6It does not rejoice over injustice, but rejoices with truth. 7It bears all things, it believes all things, it puts hope in all things; it endures all things. 8Love never fails. But if there are gifts of prophecies, they will be abolished. And if there are tongues, they will cease. And if there is knowledge, it will cease to be applicable. 9But we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10But when the culmination arrives, then that which is in part will be abolished. 11When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. But since I have become a man, I have done away with childish things. 12For now we see through a mirror enigmatically, but then it will be face to face. At present I know in part, but then I will know as I am also known. 13And now there remain faith, hope and love – these three things. But the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians Chapter 14

1Pursue love, and be zealous for the spiritual gifts – preferably that you may prophesy. 2For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men, but to God. For no-one understands him; rather, he speaks mysteries by the spirit. 3But he who prophesies speaks edification and encouragement and consolation to men. 4He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 5I would like you all to speak in tongues, but more so that you should prophesy. For he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church receives edification. 6And now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you, unless I speak to you either in the form of revelation or in knowledge, or in prophecy or in teaching? 7Likewise, when inanimate objects give sound, whether the flute or the harp, if they do not show a distinction in the tones, how will the flute-playing or harp-playing tune be identified? 8For indeed, if a trumpet gives an unclear sound, who will prepare himself for war? 9So you too, if you do not give clear speech through the tongue, how will that which is spoken be understood? For you will just be speaking into the air. 10Now for all the kinds of languages which there might be in the world, not one of them is meaningless. 11So if I do not know the force of the sound, I will be to him who is speaking a barbarian, and he who is speaking will be a barbarian to me. 12So you too, since you are zealots for spiritual gifts, seek them so that you may excel in the edification of the church. 13So let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret. 14For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is without fruit. 15What is the issue then? I will pray in the spirit, and I will also pray in my mind. I will sing psalms in the spirit, and I will also sing psalms in my mind. 16Otherwise, if you bless in the spirit, how will he who occupies the place of the layman say “Amen” to your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying? 17For you give thanks well, but the other person is not edified. 18I give thanks to my God that I speak in tongues more than all of you, 19but in the church I would rather speak five words mindfully, so that I might instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue. 20Brothers, do not be children in mentality. However, act like an infant with regard to evil, but become fully mature in mentality. 21In the law it stands written:

“By those of another language

And by foreign lips

I will speak to this people,

And not even in this way will they listen to me,

Says the Lord.”

22So tongues are a sign not to those who believe, but to unbelievers. But prophecy is not for unbelievers, but for believers. 23So if the whole church meets together and all speak in tongues, and laymen or unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are mad? 24But if all prophesy, and some unbeliever or layman comes in, he is confronted by all – he is challenged by all. 25And in this way the secret things of his heart become manifest, and so he will fall face down and worship God, declaring that God really is among you. 26What is the issue then, brothers? Whenever you meet, each of you has a psalm – has teaching, has a tongue, has revelation, has interpretation. Let everything be for edification. 27And if anyone speaks in a tongue, let it be two on an occasion or at most three, and in turn, and let one interpret, 28but if there is no interpreter, let him be silent in the church, and let him speak to himself and to God. 29However, let two or three prophets speak, and let the others use their discernment. 30And if anything is revealed to anyone else sitting there, let the first one be silent. 31For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all learn and all are encouraged. 32And the spiritual gifts of the prophets are under control of the prophets. 33For God is not characterized by disorder, but peace, as in all the churches of the saints. 34Let your women in the churches be silent. For it is not permitted for them to speak, but to be in subjection, as the law also says. 35But if they wish to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home, for it is shameful for women to speak in church. 36Now was it from you that the word of God went out? Or was it to you alone that it came? 37If anyone considers himself to be a prophet or spiritual person, let him acknowledge that what I write to you is the Lord's commandments. 38But if anyone is ignorant of them, let him be ignorant. 39So, brothers, be zealous about prophesying, and do not prevent speaking in tongues. 40Let everything take place decently and in an orderly way.

Reference(s) in Chapter 14: v.21 ↔ Isaiah 28:11, Isaiah 28:12 ● v.34 ↔ Genesis 3:16.

1 Corinthians Chapter 15

1Now I am making known to you, brothers, the gospel which I preached to you, which you also received, and in which you stand, 2by which you are also being saved, if you hold on to the words with which I preached the gospel to you, unless you have come to believe in vain. 3For I have passed on to you in the first place that which I for my part received, namely that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, 4and that he was buried and that he was raised on the third day according to the scriptures, 5and that he was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. 6After that he was seen by more than five hundred brothers at once, of whom the majority remain to the present time, but some have fallen asleep. 7Then he was seen by James, then by all the apostles, 8and last of all he was also seen by me, one untimely born, as it were. 9For I am the least of the apostles, and I am not fit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God, 10but by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace towards me has not been in vain, but I have toiled more inordinately than them all, yet not I, but the grace of God which is with me. 11So whether it is I or they, this is what we preach, and this is what you have believed. 12But if Christ is preached, namely that he has been raised from the dead, how is it that some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13Now if there is no resurrection of the dead, then neither has Christ been raised. 14And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vacuous, and your faith is also vacuous. 15And we are also found to be false witnesses of God, because we have testified against God, that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise, if the dead really are not raised. 16For if the dead are not raised, neither has Christ been raised, 17and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. 18In that case those who have fallen asleep in Christ have also perished. 19If we have only hoped in Christ for this life, we are the most pitiable of all men. 20But as it is, Christ has been raised from the dead. He has become the firstfruit of those who have fallen asleep. 21For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead also came through a man. 22For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 23But each in his own order. Christ the firstfruit, then those of Christ at his coming. 24Then the end comes, when he delivers the kingdom to him who is God and father, when he abolishes all rule and all authority and power. 25For he must reign until he has put all the enemies under his feet. 26The last enemy which will be abolished is death. 27For he has put everything in subjection under his feet. And when he says, “Everything has been subjected”, it is evident that it is with the exception of him who made everything subject to him. 28And when everything has been subjected to him, then the son himself will be subjected to him who subjected everything to him, in order that God may be all in all. 29For otherwise, what will they who are being baptized in connection with the state of the dead do? If the dead are not raised at all, why are they being baptized in connection with the state of the dead? 30And why do we endanger ourselves all the time? 31I die every day, I swear by the exultation over you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord. 32If I, humanly speaking, have done battle with wild beasts in Ephesus, what advantage do I have if the dead are not raised? Then let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die. 33Do not be led astray: bad company corrupts good habits. 34Sober up, as is right, and do not sin. For some are ignorant of God. I speak to your shame. 35But someone will say, “How are the dead raised? And with what kind of body will they come?” 36You fool, what you sow – surely it does not give life unless it dies? 37And what you sow – you do not sow the body which will come, but a bare seed, whether it happens to be of wheat or of some other crop. 38But God gives it a body as he has willed, that is, to each kind of seed, its own body. 39Not all flesh is the same flesh, but there is one kind for men, but another kind of flesh for cattle, and another for fish, and another for birds. 40And there are upper-heavenly bodies and earthly bodies, but the glory of the upper-heavenly ones is of one kind, whereas that of the earthly ones is of another kind. 41The glory of the sun is of one kind, and the glory of the moon is of another kind, and the glory of the stars is of yet another kind, for one star differs from another star in glory. 42So is also the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in perishability; it is raised in indefectibility. 43It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. 44It is sown as a natural body; it is raised as a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. 45So it also stands written: “The first man Adam became a living soul.” The last Adam – a life-giving spirit. 46But the spiritual was not first, but the natural, then came the spiritual. 47The first man was of the earth – of dust. The second man is the Lord from heaven. 48As the one of dust was, so also are those of dust. And as the upper-heavenly one is, so also are the upper-heavenly ones. 49And just as we bore the image of the one of dust, so also let us bear the image of the upper-heavenly one. 50And I say this, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does perishability inherit indefectibility. 51Look, I will tell you a mystery. We will not all fall asleep, but we will all be changed, 52in an unsplittable instant, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet-call. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised as indefectible, and we will be changed. 53For this perishable state must put on indefectibility, and this mortal state must put on immortality. 54And when this perishable state puts on indefectibility, and this mortal state puts on immortality, then the word which stands written will apply:

“Death has been swallowed up in victory.”

55“Where, O death, is your sting?

Where, O Hades, is your victory?”

56The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58So then, my beloved brothers, be firmly seated, steadfast, always abounding in the Lord's work, knowing that your labour is not in vain with the Lord.

Reference(s) in Chapter 15: v.25 ↔ Psalm 8:7MT (Psalm 8:6AV) ● v.27 ↔ Psalm 8:7MT (Psalm 8:6AV) ● v.32 ↔ Isaiah 22:13 ● v.45 ↔ Genesis 2:7 ● v.54 ↔ Isaiah 25:8 ● v.55 ↔ Hosea 13:14.

1 Corinthians Chapter 16

1Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I instructed the churches of Galatia, you do the same. 2On each first day of the week let each one of you put something aside, and contribute to the treasury whatever accords with how he is prospering, so that there will not be collections when I come. 3But when I arrive, I will send whomever you recommend in writing to take your gracious gift to Jerusalem. 4And if it is appropriate that I too should go, they can go with me. 5And I will come to you, when I cross Macedonia, for I am crossing Macedonia. 6It may be that I will stay with you, or even that I will spend the winter with you, so that you may send me on my way to wherever I am going. 7I do not want to see you in passing now, but I hope to stay on with you for some time, if the Lord permits. 8And I will stay on in Ephesus, until Pentecost. 9For a very auspicious door stands open for me, but also many adversaries. 10Now if Timothy comes, see that he feels at ease with you, for he carries out the work of the Lord, as I do. 11So do not let anyone make light of him. And send him on his way in peace, so that he may come to me, for I am expecting him with the brothers. 12And concerning our brother Apollos, I have greatly encouraged him to come to you with the brothers. But it was not his will at all to come now, but he will come when there is a good opportunity. 13Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, show yourselves men, show yourselves strong. 14Let all your deeds be done in love. 15And I urge you, brothers – you know the household of Stephanas, how he is the firstfruit of Achaea, and how they appointed themselves to the ministry of the saints – 16that you too be subject to people like this and to every co-worker and everyone who labours. 17And I rejoice at the presence of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaichus, in that these men have supplied what you lacked. 18For they gave rest to my spirit and yours. So do acknowledge such folk. 19The churches in Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you profoundly in the Lord, as does the church in their various houses. 20All the brothers greet you. Greet each other with a holy kiss. 21Here is the greeting of Paul with my own hand. 22If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be a curse. Maranatha. 23The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. 24May my love be with all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.

2 Corinthians

2 Corinthians Chapter 1

1From Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy the brother, to the church of God which is in Corinth, with all the saints who are in the whole of Achaea, 2grace to you and peace from God our father and Lord, Jesus Christ. 3Blessed be the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4who comforts us at every tribulation of ours, so that we can comfort those in any tribulation, through the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5For as the sufferings of Christ abound towards us, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. 6And if we are in tribulation, it is for your comfort and salvation, which is effective in endurance of the same sufferings which we also suffer. And our hope for you is firm, and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort and salvation, 7knowing that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so are you also of the comfort. 8For we do not wish you to be ignorant, brothers, of our tribulation which came on us in Asia, because we were exceedingly weighed down beyond our ability to cope, so that we even despaired of surviving. 9But we ourselves have had the sentence of death in ourselves so that we should not be trusting in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead, 10who has rescued us from so great a death, and who is rescuing us, in whom we have put our hope that he will also rescue still, 11while you also support us by your supplication for us, so that thanks may be offered for the favour shown to us by many individuals, through many tribulations, on your behalf. 12For our exultation is this: the witness of our consciences – that we have conducted ourselves in godly simplicity and sincerity, not in fleshly wisdom, but in the grace of God, in the world and all the more towards you. 13For we do not write to you any other things than either what you read or acknowledge, and I hope that you will also continue to acknowledge them until the end, 14as you have also acknowledged us in part, that we are your pride, as indeed you are ours, on the day of the Lord Jesus. 15And I wanted to come to you in this confidence before, so that you might have a second benefit, 16and to cross through your way to Macedonia, and to come to you again from Macedonia, and to be sent on by you to Judaea. 17Now then, when I resolved to do this, did I indulge in frivolity at all? Or the things I resolve to do – do I resolve to do them according to the flesh, so that it is, “Yes, yes” one day and, “No, no” another day with me? 18But as God is faithful, our word to you was not, “Yes” one day and, “No” another day. 19For the son of God, Jesus Christ, who was proclaimed among you by us, by me and Silvanus and Timothy, was not, “Yes” and, “No”, but in him was, “Yes.” 20For as regards all God's promises, in him is “Yes” and in him is “Amen”, with a view to glory to God through us. 21Now he who confirms us with you into Christ, and who has anointed us, is God, 22who has also sealed us to himself and given the pledge of the spirit in our hearts. 23And I call on God as a witness to my soul that I had stopped coming to Corinth to spare you. 24Not that we lord it over your faith, but we are co-workers of your joy, for you stand by faith.

2 Corinthians Chapter 2

1And I resolved on this: not to come to you again in grief. 2For if I am causing you grief, then who can cheer me up except him who is grieving because of me? 3And I wrote this very thing to you, so that I would not have grief when I came from those people over whom I should have rejoiced, trusting in you all that my joy is that of you all. 4For I wrote to you from much tribulation and distress of heart, with many tears, not that you should grieve, but that you should know the love which I have most profusely towards you. 5But if anyone has caused grief, he has not caused me grief, except for a while, so that I do not weigh down on you all. 6The censure which is given by the majority is sufficient for such a man, 7so that on the contrary rather, you show grace and give encouragement, in case such a man should in any way be overwhelmed by too much grief. 8So I encourage you to assure him of your love of him. 9For I wrote to this effect, that I should know your proven character – whether you are obedient in all things. 10If you forgive anyone anything, so do I. And indeed if I have forgiven anyone anything, I forgave him because of you in the presence of Christ, 11so that we might not be taken advantage of by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his intentions. 12And when I came to Troas for the purpose of the gospel of Christ, and a door was opened to me in the Lord, 13I did not have peace of mind, because I did not find Titus my brother, but I took leave of them and departed for Macedonia. 14But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and who makes the scent of knowledge of him manifest through us in every place. 15For we are a sweet smell of Christ to God among those on the road to being saved and among those who are on the road to perdition: 16to some a savour of death leading to death, to others a savour of life leading to life. And who is worthy of these things? 17For we are not as others who corrupt the word of God, but we are sincere, and we speak in Christ, as from God, in the presence of God.

2 Corinthians Chapter 3

1Are we starting to commend ourselves again? Do we really need, as some do, commendatory epistles to be sent to you, or commendations from you? 2You are our epistle, inscribed on our hearts, known and read by all men. 3You are manifested that you are an epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the spirit of the living God, not on stone tablets, but on tablets which are fleshly hearts. 4And we have such confidence through Christ in God. 5Not that we are qualified to credit anything as being of ourselves, but our qualification is from God, 6who has also qualified us as ministers of a new covenant, not of a letter but of spirit. For the letter kills, but the spirit gives life. 7But if the ministry of death, engraved in letters on stones, was in glory, so that the sons of Israel could not look straight at Moses' face, because of the glory of his face – a glory to be abolished – 8how much more will the ministry of the spirit be in glory! 9For if the ministry of condemnation is glory, how much more does the ministry of righteousness abound in glory! 10For indeed, that which has been glorified has not been glorified in this respect, because of the exceeding glory. 11For if that which is being abolished was with glory, how much more will that which remains be in glory! 12Having therefore such a hope, we make use of much freedom of speech, 13and are not as Moses, who put a covering on his face in order that the sons of Israel should not look straight at the result of that which is being abolished. 14But their thoughts were hardened. For up to today the same covering remains unremoved at the reading of the old covenant, it being a covering which is being abolished in Christ. 15But up to today, when Moses is read, a covering lies over their heart. 16But when it turns to the Lord, the covering will be removed. 17And the Lord is the spirit; where the spirit of the Lord is, there there is freedom. 18But we all with uncovered face, reflecting the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image, from glory to glory, such as comes from the spirit of the Lord.

2 Corinthians Chapter 4

1For this reason, having this ministry according to how we have received mercy, we are not faint-hearted, 2but we have renounced shameful hidden things, not going about in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but in manifestation of the truth, commending ourselves to every man's conscience before God. 3But if on the other hand our gospel is veiled, it is veiled among those who are on the road to perdition, 4among whom the god of this age has blinded the minds of those who do not believe, so that the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, does not shine on them. 5For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, yet ourselves as your servants for the sake of Jesus. 6For it is God, who commanded light to shine from darkness, who has shone in our hearts for the enlightenment of knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7And we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the immensity of the power should be of God and not of ourselves: 8in every respect oppressed but not in straits, at a loss but not at a total loss, 9persecuted, but not deserted, struck down, but not losing our lives, 10always carrying around in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, in order that the life of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 11For we who are alive are continually delivered to death on account of Jesus, in order that on the other hand the life of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. 12So that death is at work in us, but life in you. 13But having the same spirit of faith according to what stands written: “I have believed, therefore I have spoken”, we also believe and therefore also speak, 14knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will also raise us through Jesus and present us with you. 15For all things are for your sake, so that grace, having increased with many people, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God. 16For this reason we are not faint-hearted, and even though our outward man is perishing, our inward man is renewed day by day. 17For the momentary light weight of our tribulation works for us an age-abiding weight of glory which is exceedingly exceeding, 18while we do not look to the visible things, but the invisible things. For the visible things are temporary, but the invisible things are age-abiding.

Reference(s) in Chapter 4: v.13 ↔ Psalm 116:10.

2 Corinthians Chapter 5

1For we know that if our earthly tent-house is dissolved, we have a building from God, an age-abiding house in the heavens, not made by hands. 2For indeed, we groan in this respect, longing to put on our dwelling from heaven, 3and then if clothed, we will not be found naked. 4And indeed, being in the tent, we groan, weighed down because we do not wish to take clothes off, but to put clothes on, so that that which is mortal is swallowed up by life. 5But he who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has also given us the pledge: the spirit. 6So we are always of good courage, also knowing that although we are at home in the body, we are away from home, being away from the Lord – 7for we walk by faith, not by sight – 8but we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from home out of the body and be at home with the Lord. 9This is also why, whether at home or away from home, we aspire to be pleasing to him. 10For we must all be manifested before Christ's court, in order that each should receive what is due for the things he did in the body, whether a good or bad thing. 11So knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, but we have been manifested to God, and I hope we have also been manifested in your consciences. 12For we do not commend ourselves to you again, but we give you an occasion for boasting on our behalf, so that you may have something in answer to those who boast superficially but not in the heart. 13For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God, and if we are of sound mind, it is for you. 14For the love of Christ constrains us, as we conclude as follows, that if one died for all, then all must have died, 15and he died for all, in order that those living should no longer live for themselves, but for him who died for them and was raised again. 16The result is that from now on we know no-one according to the flesh. And even if we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we no longer know him that way, 17with the result that if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation – the old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new. 18And all things are from God, who has reconciled us to himself through Jesus Christ and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19in that God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, not imputing their transgressions to them, and he has placed the word of reconciliation among us to his own ends. 20So we are ambassadors for Christ, as if God pleads through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. 21For he made him who knew no sin to be sin for our sakes, in order that we might become the righteousness of God in him.

2 Corinthians Chapter 6

1And as co-workers we also exhort you not to receive the grace of God in vain – 2for he says,

“At an acceptable time I heard you,

And on the day of salvation I helped you.”

Behold, the time is now most acceptable; behold, now is the day of salvation – 3not giving any offence in anything, so that the ministry is not faulted, 4but in everything commending ourselves as servants of God, with much endurance in tribulations, in constrained circumstances, in hardships, 5in stricken circumstances, in imprisonments, in commotions, in toils, in sleeplessness, in fastings, 6in purity, in knowledge, in longsuffering, in kindness, in holy spirit, in unfeigned love, 7in the word of truth, in the power of God through the right and left hand armour of righteousness, 8through glory and dishonour, through defamations and acclamations, defamed as deceivers and acclaimed as tellers of the truth, 9as unrecognized and as recognized, as dying, but look, we are alive, as being chastised but not put to death, 10as grieving but always rejoicing, as poor but enriching many, as having nothing but possessing everything. 11Our communication stands open to you, you Corinthians; our heart stands wide open. 12You need not be under strain as far as we are concerned, but you are under strain in your feelings from your side. 13Show yourselves wide open as well – I speak as to children – so we have the same mutual benefit. 14Do not be disparately yoked to unbelievers, for what partnership do righteousness and lawlessness have? And what fellowship does light have with darkness? 15And what agreement does Christ have with Belial? Or what part does a believer have with an unbeliever? 16And what compatibility is there between the sanctuary of God and idols? For you are the sanctuary of the living God, as God has said,

“I will dwell among them

And walk among them,

And I will be their God,

And they will be my people.”

17So

“Go away from them

And be separate”,

Says the Lord,

“And do not touch anything unclean,

and I will receive you,

18And I will be a father to you,

And you will be sons and daughters to me”,

says the Lord Almighty.

Reference(s) in Chapter 6: v.2 ↔ Isaiah 49:8 ● v.16 ↔ Exodus 29:45, Leviticus 26:12, Jeremiah 30:22, Jeremiah 31:1, Jeremiah 32:38, Ezekiel 37:27, Hosea 2:25MT (Hosea 2:23AV), Zechariah 8:8 ● v.17 ↔ Isaiah 52:11 ● v.18 ↔ 2 Samuel 7:14, 1 Chronicles 17:13.

2 Corinthians Chapter 7

1So having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of flesh and spirit, bringing sanctification to completion in the fear of God. 2Make room for us; we have not wronged anyone, we have not corrupted anyone, we have not defrauded anyone. 3I do not say this as an accusation. For I have said before that you are in our hearts in dying with us and in living with us. 4I have great freedom of speech towards you; I have great exultation over you. I have been filled with comfort – I superabound in joy at all our tribulation. 5For indeed, when we went to Macedonia, our flesh had no respite, but we suffered tribulation in every way – strife externally, fears internally. 6But he, God, who comforts the downcast, has comforted us with the arrival of Titus. 7And not only with his arrival, but also in the comfort with which he had been comforted about you, as he related to us your longing, your lamentation, your zeal for me, with the result that I rejoiced all the more. 8For even if I have grieved you with my epistle, I do not have regret now, even if I did have regret. For I see that that epistle grieved you, even if it was just for a while. 9I rejoice now, not because you grieved, but in that you grieved resulting in repentance. For you grieved in a godly way, so that you were not hurt through us in any way. 10For godly grief engenders repentance leading to salvation without regrets. But worldly grief engenders death. 11For as regards this very thing – your godly grieving – see how much eagerness it has engendered for you, and also defence of the case, and indignation, and fear, and longing, and zeal and vindication! In every respect you proved yourselves to be pure in the matter. 12Consequently, although I wrote to you, it was not on account of anyone doing wrong, or on account of anyone suffering wrong, but on account of your eagerness towards us to be manifested to you in the sight of God. 13For this reason we have been comforted. But we rejoiced at your encouragement all the more exuberantly at the joy of Titus, in that his spirit was refreshed by you all. 14So if I have boasted to him about you in anything, I have not been put to shame, but just as we spoke everything in truth to you, so our boasting before Titus has been true. 15And his affections are most exuberantly towards you, as he remembers the obedience of all of you – how you received him with fear and trembling. 16I rejoice that in everything I have confidence in you.

2 Corinthians Chapter 8

1And, brothers, we make known to you the grace of God which has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 2for with a great trial in affliction, their exuberance of joy and their deep poverty abounded to the riches of their generosity. 3For I testify that they acted voluntarily, according to their means, and beyond their means, 4and with much entreaty, imploring us in respect of the grace and the fellowship of the ministry to the saints, 5and not as we had expected, but they gave themselves firstly to the Lord, and to us, through the will of God, 6for us to exhort Titus, that just as he began before, so he should bring this grace towards you to a conclusion as well. 7But as you abound in everything – in faith and word, and knowledge and all eagerness and in the love from your side among us – may you also abound in this grace. 8I do not speak by commandment, but moved by the eagerness of others and as one approving the sincerity of your love. 9For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ – how on your account he became poor, though being rich, in order that you by his poverty might become rich. 10And I give my opinion in this matter. For this is expedient for you, who last year took the lead not only in taking action, but also in having the will. 11And now, complete the execution of it, so that as your enthusiasm was when you made your mind up, so the completion may be, your resources permitting. 12For if the enthusiasm is present, it is appreciated when judged against one's means, not when judged against something beyond one's means. 13For it is not in order that others may have ease, while you have tribulation, but it is on the basis of equality. At the present time, your surplus is a supply to their lack, 14so that their surplus might also become a supply to your lack, so that there may be equality, 15as it stands written: “He who had much did not have surplus, and he who had little did not suffer a lack.” 16And thanks be to God, who is putting the same concern for you in the heart of Titus. 17For he has received encouragement, and being very eager, he departed for you of his own accord. 18And we have sent the brother with him, who has a good reputation for the gospel throughout all the churches, 19and not only so, but he was also elected by the churches as our travelling companion, collaborating in this grace being ministered by us for the glory of the Lord himself and as an outlet for our enthusiasm, 20avoiding this: that anyone should have cause to blame us in this tremendous project which is being undertaken by us, 21as we concern ourselves with things that are right not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. 22And we have sent our brother with them, whom we have often proved to be eager in many matters, and who is now much more eager, with much confidence in you. 23If anyone inquires about Titus, he is my partner and co-worker for you, or if our brothers are inquired about, they are apostles of the churches – the glory of Christ. 24So give them a display of your love, and of our exultation over you, in the sight of the churches.

Reference(s) in Chapter 8: v.15 ↔ Exodus 16:18.

2 Corinthians Chapter 9

1For concerning the relief to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you, 2for I know your enthusiasm, and I boast about it to the Macedonians on your behalf, in that Achaea has been prepared since last year, and the zeal from your side has stimulated quite a few of them. 3And I sent the brothers there, so that our boasting about you should not go unheard in this matter – so that, as I said, you are prepared – 4so that, if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we – so that we don't say “you” – are not put to shame by these grounds of boasting. 5So I considered it necessary to encourage the brothers to go on ahead to you and finalize your donation beforehand, which was announced in advance, so that it should be ready, so as a blessing, not as a matter of meanness. 6And I say this, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows generously will also reap generously. 7Each person should give as he has decided beforehand in his heart, not grudgingly or under constraint, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8For God is able to make all grace abound to you, in order that you, always being entirely self-sufficient in everything, might have something left over for every good work. 9As it stands written:

“He has distributed;

He has given to the poor.

His righteousness remains throughout the age.”

10Now may he who supplies seed to the sower also supply bread for food, and may he multiply your seed sown and increase the yield of your righteousness, 11as you become rich in every respect, in all generosity, which engenders thanksgiving to God through us. 12For administering this service not only supplies the saints' lack, but also abounds to God through much thanksgiving, 13as they glorify God through the tried character of this service acquired in subjection to your profession of the gospel of Christ, and for the generosity in contributing to them and to all, 14while they also long for you in supplication for you on account of the exceeding grace of God bestowed on you. 15Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift.

Reference(s) in Chapter 9: v.7 ↔ Proverbs 22:9 ● v.9 ↔ Psalm 112:9 ● v.10 ↔ Isaiah 55:10.

2 Corinthians Chapter 10

1Now I Paul myself call upon you, through the meekness and fairness of Christ – I who am lowly when face to face among you, but being absent, I have confidence in you – 2and I appeal to you that when I am present, I do not have to be audacious, in the confidence which I count on, to stand up to some who consider us to be walking according to the flesh. 3For although we walk in the flesh, we do not serve as soldiers according to the flesh – 4for the weapons of our campaign are not fleshly, but are extremely powerful in demolishing strongholds – 5as we demolish arguments, and all arrogance exalted against knowledge of God, and as we take every thought captive to obedience to Christ, 6and as we are ready to avenge all disobedience, when your obedience is made complete. 7Do you look at the things that are before your eyes? If anyone is convinced that he is Christ's, let him consider this again: that just as he is Christ's, so also are we Christ's. 8For even if I should boast somewhat exceedingly about our authority – which the Lord gave us for your edification and not for your demolition – I shall not be ashamed, 9in order that I should not seem, as it were, to terrify you with the epistles. 10For, “The epistles”, they say, “are weighty and forcible, but his presence in the body is weak, and his speech is deplorable.” 11Let such a person consider this: that as we are in word through epistles when we are absent, so we are in deed when physically present. 12For we are not so bold as to reckon ourselves among – or compare ourselves with – some of those who commend themselves. But they who measure themselves by their own standards and compare themselves with each other do not show understanding. 13But we will not boast outside our limits, but within the limits of the area which God has apportioned us – limits reaching you as well. 14For we are not overstretching ourselves as if we did not reach as far as you previously, for we have been quick in coming to you as well with the gospel of Christ. 15We do not boast outside our limits, in the labours of others, but we do have hope, as your faith grows, that our labour will greatly grow in stature among you within our area, 16progressing to preaching the gospel in places beyond your region, but not to do so in another's area, so boasting about places already evangelized. 17But let him who boasts boast in the Lord. 18For it is not he who commends himself who is approved, but he whom the Lord commends.

Reference(s) in Chapter 10: v.17 ↔ Jeremiah 9:23MT (Jeremiah 9:24AV).

2 Corinthians Chapter 11

1If only you would bear with me for a short time in foolishness. But actually, you do bear with me. 2For I am zealous for you with a tremendous zeal, for I have betrothed you to one man, so as to present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. 3But I fear that, as the serpent deceived Eve with his trickery, so your minds may be drawn away to corruption from the simplicity which is in Christ. 4For if he who is coming proclaims another Jesus, whom we have not proclaimed, or you receive a different spirit, which you have not received, or if you accept a different gospel, which you have not accepted, then that's a fine way to bear up! 5For I consider myself in no way to have fallen short of the most superlative apostles. 6And even if we are an amateur in speech, we are not in knowledge, for we have been made known to you in every respect and in all regards. 7Or have I committed a sin in lowering myself so that you might be exalted, because I have preached the gospel of God to you freely? 8I have plundered other churches, taking pay from them for your relief, 9and when I was present with you and having run short, I did not press heavily on anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia made up for my shortage, and I guarded – and will guard – myself against being a burden to you in any way. 10As the truth of Christ is in me, so this boasting will not be stifled with me in the regions of Achaea. 11Why? Because I don't love you? God knows the truth. 12And this I do, and will do, in order to eliminate any opportunity for those wanting an opportunity to be found as equal to us in what they boast of. 13For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. 14And it is not a thing to marvel at, for Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. 15So it is not a great thing then if his servants also transform themselves, as if they were servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works. 16Again I say it, in case anyone considers me to be foolish. Otherwise, receive me even as a fool, so that I too have some small grounds for boasting. 17What I say, I do not say from the Lord's perspective, but as it were in foolishness, on these boastful grounds. 18Since many boast according to the flesh, I too will boast. 19For you bear with fools courteously, being wise yourselves. 20For you bear up if anyone domineers over you, if anyone exploits you, if anyone arrests you, if anyone is overbearing, if anyone hits you on the face. 21I speak to my shame, as if we were taken ill. And in whatever way someone might be daring – I speak in foolishness – I myself am daring too. 22Are they Hebrews? I am too. Are they Israelites? I am too. Are they the seed of Abraham? I am too. 23Are they ministers of Christ? – I speak as if deranged – I go further: in labours more prolifically, in beatings more exceedingly, in imprisonments more frequently, in situations in danger of death, often; 24five times I received forty minus one lashes from the Jews, 25three times I was beaten with sticks, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, and I have spent a night and a day in the deep; 26in travels often, in dangers of rivers, in dangers of robbers, in dangers from my race, in dangers from the Gentiles, in dangers in the city, in dangers in the desert, in dangers at sea, in dangers among false brothers; 27in toil and hardship, in sleepless nights often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. 28Apart from all else, there is my daily mental turmoil: the care of all the churches. 29Who is ill, and I am not ill with him? Who is offended, and I am not ablaze with indignation? 30If it is necessary to boast, I will boast of the things concerning my ills. 31The God and father of the Lord Jesus Christ, who is blessed throughout the ages, knows that I do not lie. 32In Damascus the governor under King Aretas was guarding the city of the Damascenes, wishing to lay hold of me, 33but through a window I was lowered in a basket alongside the wall, and I escaped his clutches.

2 Corinthians Chapter 12

1Boasting is actually of no advantage to me, for I will enter into visions and revelations of the Lord. 2I know a man in Christ – whether in the body, I don't know, or whether out of the body, I don't know, God knows – who fourteen years ago was caught up as far as the third heaven. 3And I know this man – whether in the body or out of the body, I don't know, God knows – 4how he was caught up in Paradise and heard unspeakable words, which it is not permitted for man to speak. 5I will boast about such a person, but I will not boast about myself except in my weaknesses. 6For even if I were to want to boast, I would not be a fool, for I would speak the truth. But I will restrain myself in case anyone should consider me to be above what he observes me to be, or what he hears from me. 7And so that I do not exalt myself in the special nature of revelations, a thorn in the flesh has been given to me – a messenger of Satan – to harass me so that I do not exalt myself. 8I pleaded with the Lord three times about this, that it might depart from me. 9And he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you. For my strength is brought to completion in weakness.” So I will most gladly boast rather in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may reside on me. 10Therefore I am content in weaknesses, in maltreatment, in constrained circumstances, in persecution, in straits, for Christ's sake. For it is when I am weak that I am strong. 11I have become foolish in boasting. You forced it on me, for I should have been commended by you. For in no way have I fallen short of the most superlative apostles, even if I am nothing. 12The signs of the apostle were performed among you with all endurance, with signs and miracles and deeds of power. 13For in what way were you inferior to the other churches, if not in that I myself did not press heavily on you? Forgive me this wrong. 14Look, I am prepared to come to you a third time, and I will not press heavily on you. For I do not seek what is yours, but you. For it is not that children ought to save up for their parents, but parents for their children. 15For I will very gladly spend money and be spent for yourselves, even if the more intensely I love you, the less I am loved. 16Well so be it: “I have not weighed you down, but being crafty, I have taken you in with deceit.” 17I did not defraud you through any of those I sent to you, did I? 18I exhorted Titus and sent a brother with him. Surely Titus did not defraud you in any respect? Did we not walk in the same spirit? Was it not in the same tracks? 19Do you again think we are defending ourselves to you? We speak in the presence of God in Christ, and all these things, my beloved, are for your edification. 20For I am afraid that, if I come, I will not find you as I wish, and I will be found by you not as you wish – that there will be rivalries, jealousies, angry exchanges, strife-ridden situations, backbitings, gossip, conceit, acts of disorder – 21surely my God will not humble me before you when I come again, and I shall not mourn many of those who sinned previously and have not repented of their uncleanness and fornication and debauchery which they have committed.

2 Corinthians Chapter 13

1I am coming to you this third time. Every matter shall be established at the attestation of two or three witnesses. 2I have spoken beforehand, and I am speaking beforehand, as when I was present on the second occasion, and being now absent, I am writing to those who previously sinned, and all the others, that if I come again, I will not spare you, 3since you seek a proof of Christ who speaks in me, who is not weak towards you, but is powerful in you. 4For in fact, if he was crucified through weakness, then he lives through the power of God. And indeed, we are weak in him, but we shall live with him through the power of God towards you. 5Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith – test yourselves. Or do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you? – unless, that is, you are unauthenticated in some way. 6And I hope that you will know that we are not unauthenticated. 7And I pray to God that you will do nothing wrong, not so that we appear authenticated, but so that you do what is right, whereas we should be as it were unauthenticated. 8For we cannot do anything against the truth, only for the truth. 9For we rejoice whenever we are weak, but you are strong. But this we also pray for: your restoration. 10On this account I, being absent, am writing these things, so that when I am present I shall not have to deal with matters severely, according to the authority which the Lord gave me for edification and not for demolition. 11Finally, brothers, rejoice, amend your ways, be encouraged, be of one mind, be peaceful, and the God of love and peace will be with you. 12Greet each other with a holy kiss. 13All the saints greet you. 14The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the holy spirit, be with you all. Amen.

Reference(s) in Chapter 13: v.1 ↔ Deuteronomy 19:15.


Galatians

Galatians Chapter 1

1From Paul, an apostle, not from men, nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the father who raised him from the dead, 2and all the brothers with me, to the churches of Galatia, 3grace to you, and peace, from God the father and Lord of ours, Jesus Christ, 4who gave himself for our sins, in order to deliver us out of the present evil age, according to the will of our God and father, 5to whom may there be glory throughout the durations of the ages. Amen. 6I am astonished that you are so quickly switching from him who called you in the grace of Christ to another gospel, 7while there is no other, except that there are some who are troubling you and wishing to distort the gospel of Christ. 8But even if we or an angel from heaven preach a gospel to you contrary to that which we have preached to you, let him be accursed. 9As we have said before, and I say again now, if anyone preaches a gospel to you contrary to that which you received, let him be accursed. 10For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I aim to please men? Well, if I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ. 11But I am making known to you, brothers, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man, 12for I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through Jesus Christ's revelation. 13For you have heard of my previous manner of life in Judaism, how I used to persecute the church of God wantonly and ravage it, 14and how I progressed in Judaism beyond many contemporaries of my race, being exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers. 15But when God, who set me apart from my mother's womb and called me through his grace, was pleased 16to reveal his son within me – in order that I should preach him among the Gentiles – I immediately made a point of not consulting with flesh and blood, 17nor did I go up to Jerusalem to the apostles who were before me, but I went away into Arabia and returned again to Damascus. 18Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to acquaint myself with Peter, and I remained with him for fifteen days, 19but I did not see any other of the apostles except James, the Lord's brother. 20Now with respect to what I am writing to you, look, I swear before God that I am not lying. 21Then I went to the districts of Syria and Cilicia, 22and I was unknown by sight to the churches of Judaea which are in Christ, 23except that they kept hearing, “He who persecuted us at one time is now preaching the faith which previously he ravaged.” 24And they glorified God because of me.

Galatians Chapter 2

1Then after fourteen years I went up to Jerusalem again with Barnabas, taking Titus along too, 2and I went up by revelation, and I put the gospel which I proclaim among the Gentiles to them, but privately to those who are held in regard, so that I might not run or have run in vain. 3Moreover, Titus, who was with me, although he was a Greek, was not compelled to be circumcised at all, 4but we watched out because of the false brothers who had been brought in surreptitiously, who had come in stealthily to spy out our freedom which we have in Christ Jesus, in order to enslave us to themselves, 5to whom we did not yield in submission even for an hour, in order that the truth of the gospel might maintain its ground for you. 6Then of those considered to be of importance – whatever they once were doesn't make any difference to me; God does not show partiality to anyone – for those who were held in high regard did not contribute anything as far as I'm concerned, 7but on the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the gospel of the uncircumcision, as Peter with that of the circumcision 8(for he who had been active in Peter for the apostleship of the circumcision had also been active in me for the Gentiles), 9and when they knew the grace which had been given to me, of these people James and Cephas and John, who were considered to be pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, so that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcision, 10only saying that we should remember the poor, just a thing which I indeed made a point of doing. 11But when Peter came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he was at fault, 12because prior to some others coming from James, he was eating with the Gentiles. But when they came, he set about drawing away and separating himself, fearing those of the circumcision, 13and the remaining Jews also joined him in the hypocrisy, so that even Barnabas was actually led away with them by their hypocrisy. 14But when I saw that they were not progressing straight towards the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter in the presence of them all, “If you, being a Jew, live in the Gentile way and not in the Jewish way, why do you compel the Gentiles to act in the Jewish way?” 15We are Jews by nature and not sinners of Gentile stock, 16and we are aware that a man is not justified by works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, and we have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified through faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because no flesh will be justified by works of the law. 17But if while we seek to be justified in Christ, we ourselves are for our part identified as sinners, is then Christ a minister of sin? Far from it! 18For if I rebuild those things which I demolished, I countenance myself as a transgressor. 19For I through the law have died to the law in order that I might live to God. 20I have been crucified with Christ. I live, but no longer I, but Christ lives in me. The life I now lead in the flesh, I lead in faith in the son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21I am not setting aside the grace of God, for if righteousness is through the law, then Christ died in vain.

Galatians Chapter 3

1O foolish Galatians, who has spellbound you into not obeying the truth, you before whose eyes Jesus Christ was exhibited, crucified among you? 2I just want to learn this from you: did you receive the spirit by works of the law or by heeding the principle of faith? 3Are you so foolish? Having started in the spirit are you now going to finish in the flesh? 4Have you suffered so much in vain? – if it was in vain, at least. 5So he who provides you with the spirit, and who works deeds of power among you, is it all by works of the law or by heeding the principle of faith? 6Just as Abraham believed God, and it was imputed to him as righteousness, 7so know that it is those who are of faith who are the sons of Abraham, 8and the scripture, having foreseen that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, proclaimed the gospel beforehand to Abraham and said, “All the Gentiles will be blessed through you”, 9so that those who are of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. 10For all who are of works of the law are under a curse, for it stands written: “Cursed is everyone who does not remain in all the things written in the book of the law, to do them.” 11But that no-one is justified with God by the law is clear, because the righteous shall live by faith. 12However, the law is not by faith, but the man who does the requirements will live by them. 13Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for our sakes. For it stands written: “Cursed is everyone who hangs on wood”, 14this being in order that the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles by Christ Jesus, so that we might receive the promise of the spirit through faith. 15Brothers, I speak humanly: it is just like the way no-one annuls or adds to a man's covenant which has been confirmed. 16Now the promises were made to Abraham and his seed. It does not say, “And to the seeds”, as speaking of many, but as speaking of one, “And to your seed”, which is Christ. 17And I say this: the law, which came four hundred and thirty years afterwards, does not annul a covenant confirmed beforehand by God until Christ, an annulment which would break the promise. 18For if the inheritance is by the law, it is no longer by a promise. But God has bestowed a gift on Abraham through a promise. 19What about the law, then? It was added on account of transgressions, until the seed should come to him to whom the promise was made, the law having been ratified by angels through the agency of a mediator. 20Now the mediator is not of one party or the other, but God is one of the parties. 21Is then the law contrary to the promises of God? Far from it. For if a law had been given which was able to give life, then righteousness really would have been by the law. 22But the scripture has concluded everything under sin, in order that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe, 23whereas before faith had come, we were kept under the law, held in check until the coming principle of faith should be revealed. 24So as a result, the law became our educator to Christ, in order that we should be justified by faith. 25But now that faith has come, we are no longer under an educator. 26For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27For any of you who have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29And if you are of Christ, then you are Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise.

Reference(s) in Chapter 3: v.6 ↔ Genesis 15:6 ● v.8 ↔ Genesis 12:3, Genesis 22:18 ● v.10 ↔ Deuteronomy 27:26 ● v.11 ↔ Habakkuk 2:4 ● v.12 ↔ Leviticus 18:5 ● v.13 ↔ Deuteronomy 21:23 ● v.16 ↔ Genesis 21:12.

Galatians Chapter 4

1Now I say that as long as the heir is a child, he is in no way different to a slave, although he may be lord of all, 2but he is under guardians and custodians until the day appointed beforehand by the father. 3So we too, when we were children, were enslaved under the rudiments of the world. 4But when the fulness of time had come, God sent out his son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5to redeem those under the law, so that we might receive the adoption, 6and in that you are sons, God has sent the spirit of his son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, father”, 7so that you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God's through Christ. 8But at that time, when you did not know God, you served gods who by nature do not exist. 9But now that you do know God, or rather are known by God, how can you turn again to the powerless and weak rudiments which you wish to serve all over again? 10You wrongly observe days and months and seasons and years. 11I fear for you, that I may have toiled for you in vain. 12Be like me, for I was also as you are, brothers, I beseech you. You haven't wronged me in any way. 13And you know that I preached the gospel to you the first time on account of a physical ailment. 14And you did not disdain my physical trial, nor did you eject me, but you received me like an angel of God, as Christ Jesus even. 15What then was your blessing? For I bear witness that if it had been possible you would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me. 16Have I as a result become your enemy by telling you the truth? 17There are those who are zealous for you in a way which is not good. Rather, they wish to isolate you so that you should be zealous for them. 18But it is good to be impelled by zeal for a good thing at all times, and not only while I am present with you, 19my little children, you with whom I am again in labour, until Christ takes shape in you. 20And I could wish to be present with you now, and to change my tone, because I am at a loss with you. 21Tell me, you who wish to be under the law, do you not hear what the law says? 22For it stands written that Abraham had two sons, one from the maidservant and one from the free woman. 23But while he who was from the maidservant was born according to the flesh, he who was from the free woman, was born through the promise. 24Now these things are allegorical. For these two women represent two covenants, one from Mount Sinai, giving birth into bondage, and she is Hagar. 25For Hagar represents Mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to Jerusalem of the present, and she is in bondage with her children. 26But Jerusalem of above is free, and she is the mother of us all. 27For it stands written:

“Rejoice, you who are barren

And cannot give birth;

Break out and cry out,

You who cannot go into labour,

Because the children of the desolate will be many more

Than those of her who has a husband.”

28And we, brothers, are children of the promise, consistently with Isaac. 29But as at that time the one born according to the flesh persecuted the one according to the spirit, so it is now too. 30But what does the scripture say? “Cast out the maidservant and her son. For the son of the maidservant will certainly not have any inheritance with the son of the free woman.” 31So then, brothers, we are not children of a maidservant, but of the free woman.

Reference(s) in Chapter 4: v.27 ↔ Isaiah 54:1 ● v.30 ↔ Genesis 21:10.

Galatians Chapter 5

1Stand, therefore, in the freedom in which Christ has made us free, and do not be held again by the yoke of bondage. 2Look, I Paul say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will not benefit you in any way. 3And I testify again to every man who undergoes circumcision that he is a debtor to carry out the whole law. 4You who are justified by the law have become disconnected from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. 5For we by the spirit await the hope of righteousness from faith. 6For in Christ Jesus neither does circumcision effect anything, nor uncircumcision, but faith put in action through love does. 7You were running well. Who has undermined you in obeying the truth? 8That persuasion is not from the one who called you. 9A little leaven leavens the whole lump. 10I trust in you through the Lord that you have no other frame of mind, but he who is subverting you will bear his judgment, whoever he is. 11And as for me, brothers, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offensiveness of the cross would have been made inapplicable. 12If only those who are unsettling you would dismember themselves! 13For you were called on the basis of freedom, brothers – only do not use freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another with love. 14For the whole law is fulfilled in one saying, in, “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” 15But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not destroyed by one another. 16And I say, walk in the spirit and do not fulfil a desire of the flesh at all. 17For the flesh has desires against the spirit, and the spirit against the flesh; these are in opposition to each other, so that it is not what you want to do that you do. 18But if you are led by the spirit, you are not under the law. 19And the works of the flesh are evident; they are adultery, fornication, uncleanness, licentiousness, 20idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strifes, rivalries, rage, contentions, dissensions, factions, 21envyings, murders, drunkenness, orgies and similar things to these, which I am telling you about beforehand as I have also told you before, namely that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faith, 23meekness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and its desires. 25If we live in the spirit, let us also march in line with the spirit. 26Let us not become vainglorious, challenging one another, envying one another.

Reference(s) in Chapter 5: v.14 ↔ Leviticus 19:18.

Galatians Chapter 6

1Brothers, if, even so, a man is caught up in some transgression, you who are spiritual restore such a person in a spirit of meekness, watching yourself, in case you too are tempted. 2Bear each other's burdens, and fulfil in this way the law of Christ. 3For if anyone thinks he is something important when he is nothing, he is deluding himself, 4but let each one test his own work, and then he will have something to be proud of on his own account only, and not on that of another. 5For every person will bear responsibility for his own workload. 6And let him who has the word imparted to him share with him who imparts it in all good things. 7Do not be led astray; God is not mocked. For whatever a man sows, that he will by the same token reap. 8For he who sows in his own flesh will reap corruption from his flesh, but he who sows in the spirit will reap age-abiding life from the spirit. 9And let us not be weary as we do good. For in our own time we will reap, providing we do not flag. 10So then, when we have an opportunity, let us do good work towards all, especially to those of the household of the faith. 11See with what large letters I have written to you in my own hand! 12Those who wish to make a good showing in the flesh are the ones who are compelling you to be circumcised, but only so as not to be persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13For those who have been circumcised themselves do not even keep the law, yet they want you to be circumcised so that they may boast about your flesh. 14But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom the world was crucified to me, and I to the world. 15For in Christ Jesus neither does circumcision effect anything nor does uncircumcision, but a new creation does. 16And for all who march by this rule, may there be peace and mercy on them and on the Israel of God. 17From now on let no-one cause me trouble, for I bear the marks of the Lord Jesus on my body. 18The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.

Ephesians

Ephesians Chapter 1

1From Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, through the will of God, to the saints who are in Ephesus and the faithful in Christ Jesus, 2grace to you, and peace, from God our father and Lord, Jesus Christ. 3Blessed be the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the upper-heavenly places in Christ, 4according to how he chose us in him before the overthrow of the world, for us to be holy and without blemish in his presence in love, 5having appointed us beforehand for adoption through Jesus Christ to him, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he showed us grace in the beloved, 7in whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of transgressions, according to the richness of his grace, 8with which he abounded to us in all wisdom and thoughtfulness, 9having made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure, good pleasure which he planned in him, 10with a view to the dispensation of the fulness of times, to head up all things in Christ, those above the heavens and those on the earth, 11in him in whom we also have been appointed as an inheritance, having been appointed beforehand according to the plan of him who is active in all things according to the resolve of his will, 12that we should be the praise of his glory, we who put our hope in Christ previously, 13in whom you too put your hope after you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, in whom also after you believed, you were sealed by the holy spirit of promise, 14and he is the guarantee of our inheritance, until the redemption of the special possession, to the praise of his glory. 15On account of this, I too, having heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and love towards all the saints, 16do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you on the occasions of my prayers, 17that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in acknowledgment of him, 18and give you eyes of your heart which have been enlightened, so that you may know what the hope of his calling is, and what the wealth of the glory of his inheritance in holy places is, 19and what the exceeding greatness of his power is in us who believe, according to the action of his strong might, 20which he exerted in Christ, when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the upper-heavenly places, 21far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name which is named, not only in this age, but also in the one to come, 22and when he put everything in subjection under his feet and made him head over all things to the church, 23which is his body, the fulness of him who fills all in all for himself,

Reference(s) in Chapter 1: v.22 ↔ Psalm 8:7MT (Psalm 8:6AV).

Ephesians Chapter 2

1including you who are dead to transgressions and sins, 2in which you once walked, according to the age of this world, according to the ruler of the authority of the air, of the spirit which is now active in the sons of disobedience, 3among whom we all also once had our mode of life, in the desires of our flesh, doing the will of the flesh, and of the mind, and we were children of wrath by nature, as the rest are too, 4but God, being rich in mercy, on account of his great love with which he loved us, 5made us, being dead to transgressions, alive together with Christ – you have been saved by grace – 6and he raised us together and seated us together in the upper-heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7that in the ages to come he might exhibit the exceeding richness of his grace in kindness to us in Christ Jesus, 8for you have been saved by grace, through faith, and this is not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9not of works, so that no-one should boast, 10for we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, to the intent that we should walk in them. 11Therefore remember that you who were once Gentiles in the flesh, called uncircumcision by those called circumcision in the flesh, circumcision made by hands, 12that you were at that time without Christ, alienated from the citizenship of Israel and strangers to the covenants of the promise, not having any hope and without God in the world, 13but now in Christ Jesus you who were once far off have been made near by the blood of Christ, 14for he is our peace, who made both one and demolished the middle wall of partition, 15having abolished the enmity by his flesh, the law of the commandments in ordinances, in order that he might create the two in himself into one new man, making peace, 16and reconcile both in one body to God through the cross, having eradicated the enmity by it. 17And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and to those who were near, 18for through him both of us have access by one spirit to the father. 19So then, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but joint citizens of the holy places and are God's household residents, 20built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the keystone, 21in whom every building, as it is fitted together, grows into a holy sanctuary in the Lord, 22in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in spirit.

Reference(s) in Chapter 2: v.17 ↔ Isaiah 57:19 ● v.20 ↔ Psalm 118:22..

Ephesians Chapter 3

1For this reason, I Paul the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you, the Gentiles, say that, 2if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which has been given to me for you, 3namely that by revelation he made the mystery known to me, as I wrote before briefly, 4in the light of which by reading you can appreciate my understanding of the mystery of Christ, 5which was not made known to other generations, to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by spirit, 6that the Gentiles should be joint heirs and a joint body, and joint partakers of his promise in Christ through the gospel, 7of which I have become a minister by the gift of the grace of God which was given to me by the exertion of his power, 8to me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given: to preach among the Gentiles the untraceable richness of Christ, 9and to enlighten everyone as to what the dispensation of the mystery is, which was hidden from the ages in God, who created all things through Jesus Christ, 10in order that the intricate wisdom of God might now be made known to the realms and the authorities in the upper-heavenly places through the church, 11according to the purpose of the ages which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12in whom we have assurance and access in confidence through his faithfulness, 13then I ask you not to lose heart in my tribulations for you, which are your glory. 14For this reason I bow my knees to the father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15from whom every family in the heavens and on earth is named, 16that he may grant you, according to the richness of his glory, to be strengthened by power through his spirit in the inner man, 17that Christ may dwell through faith in your hearts, 18that you, being rooted and founded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what the breadth and length and depth and height are, 19and to know the love of Christ, which surpasses knowledge, in order that you may be filled to the extent of all the fulness of God. 20To him who is able to do superabundantly beyond everything which we ask or conceive of, according to the power exerted in us, 21to him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus in all the generations of the age of the ages. Amen.

Ephesians Chapter 4

1I, the prisoner in the Lord, appeal to you therefore to walk worthy of the calling with which you have been called, 2with all humility and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love, 3making an effort to guard the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace. 4There is one body and one spirit, even as you for your part have been called in one hope of your calling, 5one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6one God and father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in us all. 7To each one of us, then, grace was given according to the measure of the gift of Christ. 8Therefore he says,

“When he ascended on high,

He took captivity captive

And gave gifts to men.”

9Now the word “he ascended” – what does it mean but that he also first descended to the lowest parts of the earth? 10He who descended is himself also he who ascended far above all the heavens, in order to fill all things, 11and he himself appointed some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, some to be pastors and teachers, 12for the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ, 13until we all attain the unity of the faith and of acknowledgment of the son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ, 14in order no longer to be infants, tossed by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of hand of men, by roguery intent on deceitful craftiness, 15but rather that we, proceeding with the truth in love, may grow up in respect of all things to him who is the head, Christ, 16from whom the whole body, being fitted together and joined up by every sustaining joint with invigoration appropriate to each individual part, brings about increase of the body to the edification of itself in love. 17This, therefore, I say and urge in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18darkened in their understanding, being alienated from the life of God on account of the ignorance which is within them, and on account of the hardness of their hearts, 19who, being desensitized, have given themselves over to debauchery, intent on a pursuit of all uncleanness with greed. 20But you have not learned Christ like that, 21if at any rate you have heard him and have been taught in accordance with him, as the truth is in Jesus, 22that you should put away the old man of your former conduct, who is corrupt with his deceitful desires, 23and that you should be renewed by the spirit of your mind, 24and put on the new man, who is created in accordance with God in righteousness and true holiness. 25Therefore, having put away the lie, speak the truth, each one with his neighbour, for we are members of one another. 26Stand in awe and do not sin. Don't let the sun go down on your anger, 27nor give the devil any room. 28Let him who steals steal no more, but rather labour, working at what is good with his hands, in order that he may have something to share with him who is in need. 29Let no corrupt word come out of your mouth, but rather some good word for edification of what is needful, in order that it may give grace to those hearing it, 30and do not grieve the holy spirit of God, with which you have been sealed for the day of redemption. 31Let all bitterness and rage and anger and clamour and blasphemy be put away from you, along with all malice, 32but be kind to each other, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has for his part forgiven us in Christ.

Reference(s) in Chapter 4: v.8 ↔ Psalm 68:19MT (Psalm 68:18AV) ● v.25 ↔ Zechariah 8:16 ● v.26 ↔ Psalm 4:5MT (Psalm 4:4AV).

Ephesians Chapter 5

1So be imitators of God, as beloved children, 2and walk in love, as also Christ loved us and gave himself up on our behalf as an offering and sacrifice to God as a sweet scent. 3But as for fornication and all uncleanness or fraud, let them not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints, 4nor disgracefulness and foolish talk or jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks, 5for be aware of this, that no fornicator, or unclean person, or fraudster, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6Let no-one deceive you with vain words, for on account of such things the wrath of God comes on the sons of disobedience. 7Therefore do not be joint partakers of these things, 8for you were once darkness, but are now light in the Lord; walk as children of light 9(for the fruit of the spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth), 10as you test what is well-pleasing to the Lord. 11And do not have fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather censure them too. 12For it is a shame even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. 13But all the things which are censured by the light are made manifest. For everything that makes manifest is light. 14Therefore he says,

“Awake, you who are asleep,

And arise from the dead,

And Christ will shine on you.”

15See then that you walk circumspectly, not as unwise folk, but as wise, 16buying up the time, because the days are evil. 17On account of this, do not become foolish, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. 18And do not become drunk with wine, in which is dissipation, but be filled with the spirit, 19speaking to each other in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and playing a melody in your heart to the Lord, 20always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God and the father, 21submitting to each other in the fear of Christ. 22You wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord, 23for a husband is the head of the wife, as Christ is the head of the church, as he is the saviour of the body. 24But as the church submits to Christ, so should wives do to their own husbands in every respect. 25Husbands, love your own wives, as also Christ loved the church and gave himself up for it, 26in order that he might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the water-laver: by the word, 27in order that he might present the church to himself as glorious, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that it should be holy and without blemish. 28In this way husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself, 29for no-one ever hated his own flesh, but everyone nourishes and cherishes it as the Lord for his part does the church, 30for we are members of his body, of his flesh and of his bones. 31For this reason a man will leave his father and mother, and he will cleave to his wife, and the two will be one flesh. 32This mystery is great, but I speak concerning Christ and concerning the church. 33But still, let each of you individually so love his wife as himself, but let the wife see that she reveres her husband.

Reference(s) in Chapter 5: v.14 ↔ Isaiah 60:1, Isaiah 60:2 ● v.31 ↔ Genesis 2:24.

Ephesians Chapter 6

1Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for that is right. 2Honour your father and your mother, which is the first commandment with a promise, 3so that it may be well with you and so that you may live long on the earth. 4And fathers, do not provoke your children, but bring them up in the education and admonition of the Lord. 5Servants, obey your masters according to the flesh with fear and trembling in your single-mindedness, as to Christ, 6not in the manner of eye-service as men-pleasers, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, 7serving with goodwill, as to the Lord and not to men, 8knowing that whatever good each one does, he will receive it from the Lord, whether he is a slave or a free man. 9And masters, act in the same way to them, forbearing threatening, knowing that your own master for his part is in the heavens, and there is no partiality with him. 10Finally, my brothers, be empowered in the Lord and in the might of his strength. 11Put on the full armour of God so as to be able to stand against the crafty ways of the devil, 12for we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against realms, against authorities, against the world-rulers of this dark age, against spiritual forces of wickedness in the upper-heavenly places. 13On account of this, take up the full armour of God in order that you may be able to withstand on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand. 14Stand, therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15and with your feet shod with readiness of the gospel of peace, 16above all having taken up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the fiery darts of the wicked one, 17and to take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, the spirit being the word of God, 18with all prayer and supplication, praying on every occasion in spirit, and being watchful to this very end in all perseverance and supplication for all the saints, 19and for me, that speech be given to me when I open my mouth, to make known frankly the mystery of the gospel, 20for which I am an ambassador in a chain, that I may speak of it frankly as I ought to speak, 21but in order that you too may know my affairs – what I am doing – Tychichus the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord will make all known to you, 22whom I have sent to you for this very thing, that you may know our circumstances, and so that he may encourage your hearts. 23Peace be to the brothers and love with faith from God the father and Lord, Jesus Christ. 24Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in integrity. Amen.

Reference(s) in Chapter 6: v.2 ↔ Exodus 20:12, Deuteronomy 5:16 ● v.3 ↔ Exodus 20:12, Deuteronomy 5:16 ● v.17 ↔ Isaiah 59:17.


Philippians

Philippians Chapter 1

1From Paul and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the overseers and ministers, 2grace to you and peace from God our father and Lord, Jesus Christ. 3I give thanks to my God at every mention of you, 4always, in every request of mine, making the request for all of you with joy, 5for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day up to now, 6confident of this very thing, that he who started a good work in you will be completing it until the day of Christ Jesus, 7and it is right for me to think this of all of you like this, because I have you in my heart, in both my bonds and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, you all being fellow sharers of my grace. 8For God is my witness how I long for all of you in the compassion of Jesus Christ, 9and I pray for this, that your love may abound still more and more in acknowledgment and every insight, 10so that you scrutinize the things that differ, in order that you may be sincere and inoffensive up to the day of Christ, 11having been filled with the fruits of righteousness which are through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. 12But I wish you to know, brothers, that my circumstances have rather led to progress of the gospel, 13so that my bonds on account of Christ have become well-known in all the governmental offices and all the other places, 14and so that most of the brothers, trusting in the Lord, because of my bonds, dare more than ever to speak the word fearlessly. 15Some, however, preach Christ through envy and rivalry, but others also through goodwill. 16Some proclaim Christ out of self-interest, not with pure motives, thinking to bring affliction on top of my bonds, 17whereas others do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defence of the gospel. 18So what? As long as, in one way or another, whether by pretence or in truth, Christ is proclaimed. And in this I rejoice, and not only so, but I will rejoice. 19For I am aware that this, you know, will turn out to salvation through your supplication and the support of the spirit of Jesus Christ, 20according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I shall not be ashamed of anything, but that in all frankness, now as always, Christ will be magnified by my body whether through life or through death. 21Because for me to live means Christ, and to die is gain. 22But if to live in the flesh means I have the fruit of my work, then what I will choose, I cannot tell. 23But I am squeezed by the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better, 24but to remain in the flesh is the more necessary on your account, 25and being convinced of this, I know that I shall remain and stay along with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26so that your exultation may abound in Christ Jesus because of me through my presence again with you. 27Only conduct yourselves as citizens worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or whether I am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you are standing in one spirit, striving together with one mind for the faith of the gospel, 28and not being alarmed by anything done by your adversaries, which is an indication to them of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God. 29For it is granted to you concerning Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for his sake, 30having the same struggle which you saw in me and now hear is in me.

Philippians Chapter 2

1If, therefore, there is any comfort in Christ, if there is any consolation from love, if there is any fellowship of the spirit, if there is any compassion and mercy, 2make my joy full, by being likeminded, having the same love, being of one mind, having your thoughts on the one thing, 3nothing being through self-interest or vainglory, but in lowliness of mind, considering each other more important than yourselves. 4Let everyone look not to his own interests, but also each one to the interests of others. 5So have this frame of mind in you, which is also in Christ Jesus, 6who, existing in the form of God, did not consider being equal to God to be misappropriation, 7yet he emptied himself, having taken on the status of a servant, having come in the appearance of men, 8and having been found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself, and he became obedient to the extent of death, and the death of the cross at that, 9which is why God has also greatly exalted him and has granted him a name above every name, 10so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in the upper-heavens and on earth and underground, 11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the father. 12So, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13for God is the one who is active in you, both to will and to be active for his good pleasure. 14Do everything without grumblings and disputes, 15in order that you may be blameless and unspoiled, unblemished children of God in the midst of a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16presenting the word of life, to my exultation on the day of Christ, in that I did not run in vain nor did I toil in vain. 17But even if I am poured out on the offering and ministering of your faith, I rejoice and jointly rejoice with you all. 18In the same way, rejoice, yourselves too, and jointly rejoice with me. 19But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I may be of good courage, when I have got to know your affairs, 20for I have no-one likeminded, who will sincerely care about your affairs. 21For all seek their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus. 22But get to know his trustworthiness, because as a child with his father he has served with me in the cause of the gospel. 23So I hope to send him just as soon as I see to my affairs, 24but I trust in the Lord that I myself will also come soon. 25However, I considered it necessary to send Epaphroditus to you, my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, but your apostle, and minister of my needs, 26since he was longing for you all, and he was in distress, because you had heard that he was ill, 27for he did indeed fall so ill that he was near to death, but God had mercy on him, and not only him, but me also, so that I should not have grief upon grief, 28so I sent him with greater earnest, so that when you saw him again, you would rejoice, and I would be somewhat relieved from sorrow. 29Receive him therefore in the Lord with all joy, and hold such in honour, 30because for the work of Christ he came near to death, not having regarded his life, so that he could make up for the thing that was missing in your service towards me.

Reference(s) in Chapter 2: v.10 ↔ Isaiah 45:23 ● v.11 ↔ Isaiah 45:23.

Philippians Chapter 3

1Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. It is not troublesome for me to write the same things to you, and for you it is a safeguard. 2Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the scission, 3for we are the circumcision, those who serve by the spirit of God, and who exult in Christ Jesus, and who do not trust in the flesh, 4although I have grounds for trust in the flesh too. If anyone else thinks he can trust in the flesh, I can do so more: 5circumcised on the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews, as to the law, a Pharisee, 6zealously persecuting the church, while being blameless as regards the righteousness which is in the sphere of the law, 7but whatever things were gains to me, those I consider a loss because of Christ – 8and indeed I even count everything to be a loss by reason of the pre-eminence of knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of everything, and I count them dung in order that I may gain Christ, 9and that I may be found in him, not having my own righteousness which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God based on faith, 10so as to know him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, being conformed to his death, 11if somehow I can attain to the out-resurrection of the dead. 12Not that I have already reached it, or have already reached perfection, but I pursue it aspiring to take hold of that for which I have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus. 13Brothers, I do not consider myself to have taken hold, but one thing I do, forgetting the things that are behind, and forging ahead towards the things that are in front: 14I press on expressly towards the prize of the calling on high of God in Christ Jesus. 15Let us therefore, inasmuch as we are perfect, have this frame of mind. However, if you take a different view of anything, God will reveal this to you too. 16But whatever stage we have reached, let us keep to the same line and hold to the same frame of mind. 17Be imitators together of me, brothers, and look to those who walk this way, as you have us as an example. 18For many walk, about whom I have often told you, and now tell you weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ, 19whose end is loss, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who have in mind earthly things, 20for our citizenship is in the heavens, from where we also await a saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21who will transform our lowly body, so that it becomes conformant to his glorious body according to the force by which he is also able to subdue everything to himself.

Philippians Chapter 4

1So then, my brothers, beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, take this stand in the Lord, my beloved. 2I exhort Euodias and I exhort Syntyché to be of the same frame of mind in the Lord. 3Yes, I ask you too, my genuine yokefellow, help these women who strove with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and my other co-workers, whose names are in the book of life. 4Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say it: rejoice. 5Let your equitableness be known to all men. The Lord is nearby. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but let your requests in every matter be known to God in all prayer and supplication with thanksgiving. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. 8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is kindly, whatever is laudable – if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise: take account of these things. 9And the things which you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do, and the God of peace will be with you. 10But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly because you have at last revived your thoughts on behalf of me. And on this point, you did consider me, but you lacked opportunity. 11Not that I speak from a lack of anything, for I have learned to be independent of the circumstances in which I find myself. 12And I know what it means to be brought low, and I also know what it means to have more than enough. In each and every circumstance I have learned the secret of both being fed and going hungry, and of having more than enough and of lacking things. 13I have strength for all things through Christ who empowers me. 14But still, you have done well in sharing fellowship with me in my affliction. 15But you Philippians also know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I came out of Macedonia, no church contributed to me in settlement of debit and credit except you alone, 16for even in Thessalonica you more than once sent me something towards my needs. 17Not that I seek a gift, but I seek fruit which will accrue to your account. 18But I have received everything in full and have surplus. I have been fully supplied, having received via Epaphroditus the things from you, a sweet scent, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19And my God will fully supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20Now to the God and father of ours be glory throughout the durations of the ages. Amen. 21Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers with me greet you. 22All the saints greet you, but especially those of Caesar's household. 23The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Reference(s) in Chapter 4: v.3 ↔ Psalm 69:29MT (Psalm 69:28AV), Daniel 12:1, Exodus 32:32.


Colossians

Colossians Chapter 1

1From Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, 2to the saints and faithful brothers in Christ in Colossae, grace to you, and peace from God our father and Lord, Jesus Christ. 3We give thanks to the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying for you always, 4having heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and your love towards all the saints, 5because of the hope which is reserved for you in the heavenly places, which you have heard of before, in the word of truth of the gospel, 6which has come to you, as also in all the world, and is bearing fruit and increasing, as it has been doing among you too, from the day when you heard and acknowledged the grace of God in truth, 7as you have also learned from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ for your sakes, 8who also told us of your love in spirit. 9On account of this, we too, from the day we heard it, do not cease praying for you and asking that you be filled with acknowledgment of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, 10that you should walk worthy of the Lord, so as to be pleasing in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and growing in acknowledgment of God, 11being empowered with all power according to his glorious might, with a view to all patience and longsuffering, with joy, 12giving thanks to the father, who has made us fit for the share of the inheritance of the saints in light, 13who has delivered us from the authority of darkness and has transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved son, 14in whom we have redemption, the remission of sins, 15who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation, 16because everything was created by him – the things in the heavens and the things on earth, the visible things and the invisible things, whether thrones or dominions or realms or authorities – everything was created through him and for him. 17Indeed he is before all things, and everything holds together by him, 18and he is the head of the body – the church; and he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, in order that he himself might become pre-eminent in all matters, 19for it was well-pleasing for all the fulness to dwell in him, 20and through him to reconcile all things to himself, having made peace through the blood of his cross, through him, whether they are things on earth or things in the heavens. 21You too, who were once alienated and hostile in your mind in evil works, he has now reconciled 22in his body of flesh through death, to present you holy and unblemished and unimpeachable in his presence, 23if, that is, you remain in the faith, founded and stable, and you are not moved from the hope of the gospel which you have heard, which was proclaimed in the whole of the creation under heaven, of which I Paul have become a minister. 24I now rejoice in sufferings for your sakes, and I contribute my share to what is lacking among the tribulations of Christ, in my flesh, for the sake of his body, which is the church, 25of which I have become a minister, according to the dispensation of God which was given to me for you, to fill the word of God – 26the mystery which was hidden away from the ages and from the generations, but now has been made manifest to his saints, 27to whom God wished to make known what the richness is of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory, 28whom we proclaim, admonishing every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom, in order that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus, 29for which I also labour, striving according to his invigoration which invigorates me with power.

Colossians Chapter 2

1For I want you to know how great a struggle I have concerning you and those in Laodicea and all others who have not seen my face in the flesh, 2and I want their hearts to be comforted, united in love, and to be leading to all the richness of the full assurance which comes with understanding, leading on to acknowledgment of the mystery of God and of the father and of Christ, 3in whom all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden. 4But I say this so that no-one should mislead you with persuasive arguments, 5for although I am absent in the flesh, yet in the spirit I am with you, rejoicing and observing your orderliness and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ. 6Therefore, just as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7being rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. 8Watch out that no-one carries you away through philosophy and vain deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the rudiments of the world and not according to Christ, 9for in him all the fulness of the Godhead dwells bodily, 10and you are complete in him, who is the head of every realm and authority, 11in whom you have also been circumcised with a circumcision made without hands by the divesting of the sinful fleshly body by the circumcision of Christ, 12being buried with him in baptism, by whom you were also jointly raised through faith in the exertion of power from God, who raised him from the dead. 13And as for you, who were dead in the transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, he jointly made you alive with him, having forgiven us all of our transgressions, 14having blotted out the writing attesting to ordinances, which was against us, which was in opposition to us and which he has removed from our midst, having nailed it to the cross. 15Having stripped the realms and the authorities, he made an example of them openly, and he triumphed over them by means of it. 16So let no-one judge you in food or in drink or in partaking of a festival or of a new moon celebration or of Sabbaths, 17which are a shadow of things to come, whereas the reality belongs to Christ. 18Let no-one defraud you of your prize, while he exercises his will in humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19and not holding onto the head, from where the whole body, supplied and united by joints and bands, grows with growth from God. 20If you have died with Christ to the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are you imposed upon with ordinances? 21– “Do not touch, and do not taste, and do not handle”, 22which are all destined for decay with falling into disuse, these being after the commandments and teachings of men, 23which indeed have a reputation for wisdom in self-willed worship and humility and austerity of the body, but not of any value for satisfying the flesh.

Colossians Chapter 3

1If, then, you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God. 2Set your mind on the things above, not on the things on the earth, 3for you have died, and your life has been hidden with Christ in God. 4When Christ, who is our life, is manifested, then you also will be manifested with him in glory. 5So mortify your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and fraud, which is idolatry, 6on account of which the wrath of God comes on the sons of disobedience, 7in which you once walked, when you lived in the way of them, 8but now, you too, put all these aside: anger, rage, evil, blasphemy and obscenity from your mouth. 9Do not lie to one another, having taken off the old man with his practices, 10and having put on the new man, who is renewed, leading to knowledge in accordance with the image of him who created him, 11where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free man, but Christ, who is all and in all. 12Put on, therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, compassionate feelings, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering, 13bearing up with each other, and forgiving one another if anyone has a complaint against anyone. And as Christ also has forgiven you, so also you should do. 14But above all these things, put on love, which is the bond of perfection, 15and may the peace of God preside in your hearts, to which you have also been called in one body. And do be thankful. 16May the word of Christ dwell in you richly, in all wisdom, as you teach and admonish each other in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your heart to the Lord. 17Also, everything you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the father through him. 18Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter towards them. 20Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing with the Lord. 21Fathers, do not provoke your children, so that they do not become disheartened. 22Servants, obey your masters according to the flesh in everything, not in eye-service, as men-pleasers, but in single-mindedness, fearing God, 23and whatever you do, do it wholeheartedly, as to the Lord, and not to men, 24knowing that you will receive from the Lord the reward of the inheritance, for you serve the Lord Christ, 25but he who does wrong will be requited for what he has done wrong, and there is no partiality.

Colossians Chapter 4

1Masters, render to your servants that which is just and fair, knowing that you too have a master in the heavens. 2Persevere in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving, 3praying together for us too, that God may open to us a door for the word, for me to speak of the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am also bound, 4that I may make it manifest as I ought to speak. 5Walk in wisdom with respect to those outside, taking advantage of the opportunity. 6Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer each person. 7Tychicus the beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord will make all my affairs known to you, 8whom I have sent to you for this very purpose: that he may know your circumstances and encourage your hearts, 9with Onesimus the faithful and beloved brother who is one of you. They will make all the things going on here known to you. 10Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, as does Mark the cousin of Barnabas concerning whom you have received instructions. If he comes to you, receive him, 11and Jesus who is called Justus, these being of the circumcision; only these are my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, who have become a consolation to me. 12Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, greets you, always contending for your sakes in prayers, so that you may stand perfect and fulfilled in all the will of God, 13for I bear him witness that he has a great zeal for you, and for those in Laodicea and for those in Hierapolis. 14Luke the beloved doctor greets you, as does Demas. 15Greet the brothers in Laodicea and Nymphas and the church at his house, 16and when this epistle is read among you, arrange for it to be read in the church of the Laodiceans too and that you also read the one from Laodicea, 17and say to Archippus, “See to the ministry which you received in the Lord – that you fulfil it.” 18The greeting of Paul in my own handwriting. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.

1 Thessalonians

1 Thessalonians Chapter 1

1From Paul and Sylvanus and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God the father and Lord, Jesus Christ, grace to you, and peace from God our father and Lord, Jesus Christ. 2We constantly thank God for all of you, making mention of you on the occasions of our prayers, 3as we continually remember your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience for the hope of our Lord Jesus Christ before our God and Father, 4knowing, brothers, you who are loved by God, your election, 5because our gospel did not come to you in word alone, but rather in power and in holy spirit, and with much conviction, knowing as you do what kind of people we were among you for your sakes. 6Then you became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in great tribulation with joy derived from holy spirit, 7the result being that you became examples to all those in Macedonia and Achaea who believe. 8For the word of the Lord has been blazed abroad by you, not only in Macedonia and in Achaea, but your faith towards God has also spread everywhere, so that we don't need to make any comment, 9for they themselves report back about us on what kind of approach we took with you, and how you turned to God from the idols, to serve the living and true God, 10and to await his son from the heavens, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus, who saves us from the coming wrath.

1 Thessalonians Chapter 2

1For you yourselves know, brothers, our approach with you – that it has not been in vain – 2but, although we had suffered before and had been spitefully treated, as you know, in Philippi, we spoke out frankly in our God, so as to propound to you the gospel of God, amid much opposition. 3For our appeal did not stem from error or from uncleanness, nor was it in deceit, 4but it is according to how we have been approved of by God to be entrusted with the gospel that we speak, not in pleasing men, but God, who tests our hearts. 5For neither were we at any time involved in a word of flattery, as you know, nor in a pretext for greed – God is a witness – 6nor did we seek glory from men, either from you, or from others, since as apostles of Christ we could have behaved with gravity, 7but we were gentle when in your company, as a nursing-mother would cherish her own children. 8So, longing for you, we were glad to share with you not only the gospel of God, but also our own selves, because you had become dear to us. 9For you remember, brothers, our labour and toil, for we worked night and day so as not to burden any of you when we proclaimed the gospel of God to you. 10You are witnesses, and God too, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved towards you who believe, 11as you know: how we encouraged and comforted you, each one of you, as a father his own children, 12and how we urged that you should walk worthy of God, who called you into his own kingdom and glory. 13On account of this, we also thank God continually, because when you received the reported word of God from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it truly is, the word of God, who is also active in you who believe. 14For you became imitators, brothers, of the churches of God which are in Judaea in Christ Jesus, in that you too suffered the same things done by people of your own community, just as they for their part suffered things done by the Jews, 15who also killed the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, and who drove us out, and who do not please God, and who are opposed to all men, 16preventing us from speaking to the Gentiles in order that they might be saved, so that they constantly bring their sins to completion; indeed wrath has come upon them in the end. 17But we, brothers, having been bereft of you for a short time, in presence, not in heart, endeavoured most strenuously to see your face, with much longing, 18which is why we wished to come to you, that is, me, Paul, more than once, but Satan hindered us. 19For what is our hope or joy or crown of exultation? Is it anything but you in the presence of our Lord Jesus at his coming? 20For you are our glory and joy.

1 Thessalonians Chapter 3

1So when we could no longer endure, we agreed to be left in Athens alone, 2and we sent Timothy our brother and servant of God and our co-worker in the gospel of Christ, in order to strengthen you and encourage you concerning your faith, 3so that no-one should be disturbed by these afflictions. After all, you yourselves know that this is what we are destined for. 4For indeed, when we were with you, we would tell you in advance that we would be afflicted, as it duly turned out, which you know. 5This is why when I could no longer endure either, I sent inquirers to find out about your faith, as to whether the tempter has tempted you, and our toil had been in vain. 6But now that Timothy has come to us from you and brought us good news about your faith and love, and that you always have fond memories of us, and long to see us, as we do you, 7it is with good reason that we have been encouraged, brothers, about you in all our affliction and distress, by your faith. 8For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord. 9For what thanks can we return to God concerning you for all the joy with which we rejoice on your account before our God, 10night and day pleading most earnestly to be able to see your face and to rectify the shortcomings of your faith? 11Now may our God and father himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, guide our way towards you. 12And may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love towards each other and towards everyone, as we for our part do towards you, 13in order to strengthen your hearts as blameless in holiness before our God and father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his holy ones.

1 Thessalonians Chapter 4

1Finally, then, brothers, we ask you and encourage you in the Lord Jesus, to abound yet more in the way you received from us about how you need to walk and how to please God. 2For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. 3For this is the will of God – your sanctification – that you abstain from fornication, 4that each of you should know how to control his own vessel in sanctification and honour, 5not in passions of lust, as for their part the Gentiles, who do not know God, do, 6not to transgress or defraud one's brother in business, for the Lord is an avenger concerning all these things, as indeed we have told you before and have testified solemnly. 7For God did not call us with a view to uncleanness, but to sanctification. 8Consequently, he who is disregardful is not disregarding man, but God, who also gave his holy spirit to you. 9But concerning brotherly love, you do not need me to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, 10for in fact you do this to all the brothers who are in the whole of Macedonia. And we encourage you, brothers, to abound more still, 11and to be particular about living quietly and attending to your own affairs and working with your own hands, as we have commanded you, 12so that you behave decently towards those outside and so that you do not lack anything. 13But we do not wish you to be ignorant brothers, concerning those who have fallen asleep, so that you do not grieve as the rest do, who have no hope. 14For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, so also will God bring back those who have fallen asleep, through Jesus, with him. 15For we say this to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive – who survive up to the coming of the Lord – will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep, 16because the Lord himself will descend from heaven on command, at the voice of the archangel and with the sound of the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first, 17then we who are alive, who survive, will be caught up together with them in clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and in this way we will always be with the Lord. 18So encourage one another with these words.

1 Thessalonians Chapter 5

1Now concerning the times and seasons, brothers, you don't need anything to be written to you, 2for you yourselves know perfectly well that the way the day of the Lord comes is like a thief in the night. 3For when they say, “Peace and safety”, then sudden destruction will come upon them, like the birth pains on her who is with child, and they will by no means escape. 4But you, brothers, are not in darkness, that the day should overtake you like a thief. 5You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of night or darkness. 6So then, let us not sleep as the rest do, but let us be watchful and sober. 7For those who sleep sleep at night, and those who become drunk are drunk at night. 8But let us who are of the day be sober, having put on a breastplate of faith and love, and a helmet, a hope of salvation, 9because God has not appointed us to wrath, but to be an acquisition of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10who died for our sakes, to the intent that whether we are watchful or whether we sleep, we will live together with him. 11So encourage each other and edify one another, as indeed you do. 12But we ask you, brothers, to acknowledge those among you who toil, and your overseers in the Lord and those who admonish you, 13and to esteem them most exceedingly in love on account of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. 14And we beseech you, brothers, warn those who are unruly, comfort the faint-hearted, support the weak, be longsuffering towards all. 15See to it that no-one returns evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue goodness, both to each other and to everyone. 16Rejoice at all times, 17pray continually; 18give thanks in all situations. For that is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19Do not quench the spirit, 20do not denigrate prophecies, 21but test everything; hold fast to that which is good. 22Avoid any semblance of evil. 23And may the God of peace himself sanctify you to become complete, and may the whole of your spirit and being and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24He who calls you is faithful, and he will also perform it. 25Brothers, pray for us. 26Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss. 27I adjure you by the Lord that the epistle be read to all the holy brothers. 28The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

2 Thessalonians

2 Thessalonians Chapter 1

1From Paul and Sylvanus and Timothy to the church of the Thessalonians in God our father and Lord, Jesus Christ, 2grace to you and peace from God our father and Lord, Jesus Christ. 3We have a debt to always be giving thanks to God for you, brothers, as is befitting, because your faith is increasing exceedingly, and the love of each one of you all towards one another is growing, 4with the result that we ourselves boast in you, in the churches of God, for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and in the tribulations which you endure, 5which is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, to the intent that you are considered worthy of the kingdom of God, concerning which you also undergo suffering, 6since it is a righteous thing with God to retribute those who inflict affliction on you, 7and to give you who are afflicted relief with us at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with his mighty angels, 8with flaming fire, taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus, 9who will pay the penalty: age-abiding destruction away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might, 10when he comes to be glorified among his saints and to be looked at with wonder among all those who have believed (because our witness to you was believed), on that day. 11And in view of this we also pray at all times concerning you, that our God may make you worthy of the calling and fulfil every resolve of goodness and work of faith with power, 12so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ.

2 Thessalonians Chapter 2

1And we ask you, brothers concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering up to him, 2for you not to be quickly shaken from a sound mind, nor to be troubled either through a spirit or a saying or an epistle supposedly from us, claiming that the day of Christ is immediately at hand. 3Let no-one deceive you in any way, because it will not come until the apostasy has come first and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, 4who is opposed and self-exalted against everything called God, or object of worship, so that he sits as God in the sanctuary of God, putting himself forward as God. 5Do you not remember that when I was still with you, I used to tell you these things? 6And now you know the restraining factor in him being revealed in his own time. 7For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work, except that there is the one who is currently doing the restraining until he emerges from the arena. 8And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will destroy with the breath of his mouth and will annihilate at the manifestation of his coming, 9him whose coming is with Satanic energizing, with all kinds of power and signs and lying miracles, 10and with all kinds of unjust deceit among those who are on the road to being lost, because they did not receive the love of the truth, which was for them to be saved. 11And for this reason God will send them a deluding force so that they believe the lie, 12in order that all those who have not believed the truth, but taken satisfaction in unrighteousness, may be judged. 13But we have a debt to give thanks to God at all times for you, brothers, loved by the Lord, in that God chose you from the beginning with a goal of salvation, with sanctification of the spirit and with faith in the truth. 14And to this he called you through our gospel: to be a glorious acquisition of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you have been taught, whether by spoken word or by our epistle. 16And may our Lord himself, Jesus Christ, and our God and father who loved us and gave age-abiding encouragement and good hope by grace 17encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good word and deed.

2 Thessalonians Chapter 3

1Finally, brothers, pray for us, so that the word of the Lord may run its course and be glorified, as also with you, 2and that we may be delivered from perverse and wicked men, for not all have the faith. 3But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from evil. 4And we trust in the Lord concerning you, that you do, and will do, the things that we charge you with. 5Now may the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to patience in waiting for Christ. 6And we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you shun every brother who behaves in a disorderly way and not according to the tradition which they received from us. 7For you yourselves know how it is necessary to imitate us, because we did not behave in a disorderly way among you. 8And we did not eat bread from anyone without payment, but we worked night and day with toil and hard work, so as not to be a burden to any of you. 9Not that we don't have authority, but so that we make ourselves an example to you, for you to imitate us. 10For indeed, when we were with you, we commanded you this: that if anyone was unwilling to work, that he should not eat either, 11for we hear that some behave in a disorderly way among you, not doing any work, but fussing around. 12And we command such and exhort them through our Lord Jesus Christ, that they work quietly and eat their own bread. 13But you, brothers, do not lose heart in doing good. 14And if anyone does not obey our injunction through the epistle, take note of him and do not associate with him, so that he may be ashamed, 15yet do not consider him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. 16And may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all. 17The greeting of Paul by my own hand, which is a sign in every epistle – I write like this. 18The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Hebrews

Hebrews Chapter 1

1God, who in time past spoke in many stages and in many ways to the fathers by the prophets, has spoken at the end of these days to us by his son, 2whom he has appointed heir of all things, through whom also he made the ages, 3who being the radiance of his glory and the impressed image of his essence, and upholding everything by his powerful word, after he had through his own doing brought about the cleansing of our sins, sat down at the right hand of the majesty on high. 4And to the extent to which he became better than the angels, he has inherited a more excellent name than them. 5For to whom of the angels has he said at any time,

“You are my son;

Today I have begotten you”?

Or again,

“I will be a father to him,

And he will be a son to me”?

6And when again he brings the firstborn into the world, he says,

“And let all the angels of God worship him.”

7And to the angels he says,

“He who makes his angels spirits

And his servants a fiery flame”,

8but to the son,

“Your throne, O God, is throughout the duration of the age.

The sceptre of your kingdom is an upright sceptre.

9You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness.

That is why God, your God,

Has anointed you with the oil of gladness,

More than your fellow men”,

10and,

“You, at the beginning, Lord, founded the earth,

And the heavens are the works of your hands.

11They will perish,

But you remain,

And they will all become old like a garment,

12And you will roll them up like a cloak,

And they will be changed,

But you are the same,

And your years will not fail.”

13But to which of the angels has he ever said,

“Sit on my right hand side

Until I make your enemies your footstool”?

14Are they not all ministering spirits, sent for service for the sake of those who are going to inherit salvation?

Reference(s) in Chapter 1: v.5 ↔ Psalm 2:7, 2 Samuel 7:14, 1 Chronicles 17:13 ● v.6 ↔ as Deuteronomy 32:43 in the Septuagint, Psalm 97:7 ● v.7 ↔ Psalm 104:4 ● v.8 ↔ Psalm 45:7MT (Psalm 45:6AV) ● v.9 ↔ Psalm 45:8MT (Psalm 45:7AV) ● v.10 ↔ Psalm 102:26MT (Psalm 102:25AV) ● v.11 ↔ Psalm 102:27MT (Psalm 102:26AV) ● v.12 ↔ Isaiah 34:4, Psalm 102:27MT (Psalm 102:26AV), Psalm 102:28MT (Psalm 102:27AV) ● v.13 ↔ Psalm 110:1.

Hebrews Chapter 2

1This is why we should pay attention all the more to the things heard: so that we do not at any time drift away. 2For if the word spoken by angels came to be inviolable, and every transgression and disobedience received legitimate retribution, 3how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which started to be spoken about by the Lord and was confirmed to us by those who heard it, 4while God bore additional witness with them by signs and miracles and various deeds of power and by distributions of holy spirit, according to his will? 5For he has not made the world which is to come, about which we speak, subject to angels, 6but someone solemnly testified in a certain place and said,

“What is man,

That you should remember him?

Or the son of man,

That you should watch over him?

7You made him lower than the angels for a short while;

You crowned him with glory and honour,

8And you put everything in subjection under his feet.”

Now in putting everything in subjection to him, he left him nothing unsubjected to him. But right now we do not yet see everything subjected to him. 9But we do see Jesus, who had been made lower than the angels for a short while, on account of suffering death now crowned with glory and honour, in order that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone's sake. 10For it was fitting for him, for whose sake everything exists, and by whom everything exists, who led many sons to glory, to bring the institutor of their salvation to perfection through sufferings. 11For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all of one, and for this reason he is not ashamed to call them brothers, 12and he says,

“I will declare your name to my brothers;

In the heart of the assembly

I will sing praises to you.”

13And again,

“I will be confident in him.”

And again,

“Here am I

And the children whom God has given me.”

14Now since the children are constituted of flesh and blood, so he likewise partook of the same, in order that through death he might nullify him who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15and release them – all those who through fear of death throughout their whole life were subject to enslavement. 16For he did not, of course, take on kinship with angels, but took on the seed of Abraham. 17Hence he needed to become like his brothers in all respects in order to become a merciful and faithful high priest of things relating to God, to expiate the sins of the people. 18For in that he himself has suffered, having been put to the test, he is able to help those undergoing testing.

Reference(s) in Chapter 2: v.6 ↔ Psalm 8:5MT (Psalm 8:4AV), Psalm 144:3 ● v.7 ↔ Psalm 8:6MT (Psalm 8:5AV) ● v.8 ↔ Psalm 8:7MT (Psalm 8:6AV) ● v.12 ↔ Psalm 22:23MT (Psalm 22:22AV) ● v.13 ↔ 2 Samuel 22:3, Psalm 18:3MT (Psalm 18:2AV); Isaiah 8:18.

Hebrews Chapter 3

1In view of which, holy brothers, partakers of the upper-heavenly calling, consider the apostle and high priest of our confession, Jesus Christ, 2who was faithful to him who appointed him, as Moses was in all his house. 3For this man has been considered worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as the one who constructed a house has more honour than the house itself. 4For every house is constructed by someone, but he who constructed everything is God. 5And Moses was indeed faithful in all his house as a servant, as a testimony of things which would be spoken about, 6but Christ was faithful as a son over his house, and we are of that house, if, that is to say, we hold fast to the firm confidence and boast of hope to the end. 7For that reason – as the holy spirit says,

“Today, if you heed his voice,

8Do not harden your hearts

As in the provocation,

As on the day of testing in the desert,

9Where your fathers put me to the proof

And tested me

And saw my works for forty years –

10For that reason I became angry with that generation,

And I said,

‘They are always erring in their heart,

And they do not know my ways.’

11So I swore in my anger,

‘They shall certainly not enter into my rest.’ ”

12Watch out, brothers, in case there is in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in defecting from the living God. 13But comfort each other every day as long as it is called “today”, in order that not one of you be hardened by sinful deceit. 14For we have become partakers of Christ, if, that is to say, we hold on to the origin of our entitlement firmly to the end, 15with it being said,

“Today, if you will heed his voice,

Do not harden your hearts

As in the provocation.”

16For some on hearing it were provocative, but not all who came out of Egypt under Moses' leadership were. 17And with whom was he angry for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose corpses fell in the desert? 18And to whom did he swear that they would not enter into his rest, if not those who disbelieved? 19And we see that they were unable to enter in on account of disbelief.

Reference(s) in Chapter 3: v.7 ↔ Psalm 95:7 ● v.8 ↔ Psalm 95:8 ● v.9 ↔ Psalm 95:9, Psalm 95:10 ● v.10 ↔ Psalm 95:10 ● v.11 ↔ Psalm 95:11 ● v.15 ↔ Psalm 95:7, Psalm 95:8.

Hebrews Chapter 4

1So let us fear in case, although a promise of going in to his rest remains open, any one of you should appear to have failed to obtain it. 2For indeed, we are those who have had the gospel preached to us, as also are they. But the word heard did not benefit them because they were not united in faith with those who had heeded it. 3For we who have believed are entering into the rest, as he has said,

“As I have sworn in my anger,

‘They shall certainly not enter into my rest’ ”,

and yet the works were completed after the overthrow of the world. 4For he has spoken in a certain place concerning the seventh day as follows: “And God rested on the seventh day from all his works.” 5And in this context again,

“They shall certainly not enter into my rest.”

6Since therefore the fact remains that some are entering into it, but those who first had the gospel preached to them did not enter into it, through disbelief, 7he has again appointed a day, “today”, speaking by means of David, after so much time, as has been said,

“Today, if you will heed his voice,

Do not harden your hearts.”

8For if Joshua had given them rest, he would not be speaking about another day after these events. 9Consequently, there remains a Sabbatical rest to the people of God. 10For he who has entered into his rest has also himself rested from his works, as God has from his own. 11Let us be eager, therefore, to enter into that rest, in case anyone should fall in the same example of unbelief. 12For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword and reaches as far as dividing both soul and spirit, both joints and marrow, and is discerning of thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13For there is no production which is out of sight before him, but everything is laid bare and laid open to his eyes, with whom we must reckon. 14Therefore, seeing we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. 15For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tested in all respects like us, but without sin. 16So let us approach the throne of grace with confidence, in order that we may receive mercy and find grace as a timely help.

Reference(s) in Chapter 4: v.3 ↔ Psalm 95:11 ● v.4 ↔ Genesis 2:2 ● v.5 ↔ Psalm 95:11 ● v.7 ↔ Psalm 95:7, Psalm 95:8.

Hebrews Chapter 5

1For every high priest taken from among men is appointed for men concerning matters pertaining to God, in order to offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins, 2being able to bear to some degree with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is beset by weakness, 3and on account of this, just as he needs to make offering for sins on behalf of the people, so also he needs to on behalf of himself. 4And it is not to oneself that anyone takes the honour, but he is called by God, as Aaron was as well. 5So also Christ did not glorify himself in becoming a high priest, but it happened by him who said to him,

“You are my son;

Today I have begotten you.”

6As he also says in another place,

“You are a priest throughout the age

According to the order of Melchizedek.”

7And in the days of his flesh he made supplications and entreaties with loud cries and tears to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his devoutness, 8and although he was a son, he learned obedience through the things he suffered, 9and when he had come to completion, he became the source of age-abiding salvation to all those who obey him, 10and he was designated by God to be the high priest according to the order of Melchizedek, 11concerning whom we have many a word to say, although it is hard to get the meaning across, since you have become dull of hearing. 12For indeed, although you should be teachers by this time, you again need someone to teach you what the basics of the starting point of the oracles of God are, and you have come to need milk, and not solid food. 13For everyone who partakes of milk is inexperienced in the word of righteousness, for he is an infant, 14but solid food is appropriate for those who are complete, who have senses which have been exercised through practice, leading to discernment of both good and evil.

Reference(s) in Chapter 5: v.5 ↔ Psalm 2:7 ● v.6 ↔ Psalm 110:4, Genesis 14:18.

Hebrews Chapter 6

1That is why, leaving the instruction on the starting point of Christ, let us be brought along to perfection, not again laying a foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith towards God, 2of the doctrine of baptisms and of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead and of age-abiding judgment. 3And let us do this, if indeed God allows it. 4For it is impossible for those who have once been enlightened and who have tasted the upper-heavenly gift, and who have become partakers of holy spirit, 5and who have tasted the good word of God and the powers of an age to come, 6and who have fallen away, to renew them to repentance, because they crucify the son of God to themselves again and make an example of him. 7For land which has drunk the rain which often falls on it and produces plants which are useful to those by whom it is farmed shares in blessing from God, 8but land which produces thorn bushes and thistles is rejected and is close to a curse, the fate of which is burning. 9But, beloved, we have been persuaded of better things concerning you, and things following on from salvation, even though we speak this way, 10for God is not unrighteous, forgetting your work and toil in the love which you have shown for the sake of his name, having ministered to the saints, and are still ministering. 11And we long that each of you should show the same eagerness for the full assurance of your hope up to the end, 12so that you do not become slothful, but imitators of those who through faith and forbearance inherit the promises. 13For when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had nothing greater by which to swear, he swore by himself, 14and he said, “I will truly greatly bless you and greatly multiply you.” 15And in this way after being very patient, he obtained the promise. 16For men swear by something greater, and the oath is the end of all controversy for them, as a confirmation. 17And so God, wishing to show the unchangeableness of his will all the more forcibly to the heirs of the promise, intervened with an oath, 18in order that through two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we may have a robust encouragement, we who have fled to lay hold of the hope that lies before us, 19which we have as a safe and firm anchor for our life, which also enters into the inside area behind the veil, 20where Jesus went in as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek throughout the age.

Reference(s) in Chapter 6: v.14 ↔ Genesis 22:17.

Hebrews Chapter 7

1For this Melchizedek – king of Salem, a priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, 2to whom also Abraham apportioned a tenth part of everything, who is firstly, by translation, “King of Righteousness”, and then also “King of Salem”, which means “King of Peace;” 3without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life, but being like the son of God – remains a priest perpetually. 4So you see how great this man is, to whom Abraham the patriarch for his part gave a tenth of the finest produce. 5And those who are of the sons of Levi receive the priesthood, and they have a commandment to tithe the people according to the law, that is their brothers, although they have come from the loins of Abraham, 6but he who had no genealogy from them tithed Abraham, and he blessed him who had the promises. 7Now without any contradiction, the lesser is blessed by the greater. 8And in one case dying men receive tithes, but in the other case it is one who is borne witness to that he is living. 9And, so to speak, Levi who receives tithes has also been tithed through Abraham, 10for he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him. 11Now if perfection were through the Levitical priesthood – for under it the people had been placed under a law – what need would there still be for another priest to arise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not to be called according to the order of Aaron? 12Seeing that the priesthood is changing, a change in the law is also necessarily taking place. 13For these things speak about him who belongs to a different tribe, of which no-one has devoted himself to the altar. 14For it is evident that our Lord sprang from Judah, a tribe about which Moses did not say anything concerning priesthood. 15And it is all the more abundantly evident if another priest arises, after the likeness of Melchizedek, 16who was not appointed according to a fleshly legal commandment, but according to the power of indissoluble life. 17For he testifies,

“You are a priest throughout the age

According to the order of Melchizedek.”

18For an annulment of the preceding commandment is taking place because of its weakness and unprofitableness. 19For the law perfected nothing, but the introduction of a better hope did, through which we approach God. 20Inasmuch as it is not without swearing an oath – for the priests are appointed without the swearing of an oath, 21but he was appointed with the swearing of an oath, by saying to him,

The Lord has sworn

And will not change his mind,

‘You are a priest throughout the age

According to the order of Melchizedek’ ” –

22so Jesus has become the security of a better covenant. 23And additional priests were appointed because they were prevented by death from continuing, 24but he, because he remains throughout the age, has an intransmissible priesthood. 25And on this ground he is able also to save those who come through him to God completely, as he is always alive to intercede for them. 26For such a high priest was fitting for us: holy, free from wrongdoing, undefiled, separate from sinners and having become higher than the heavens, 27who does not need each day, as the high priests do, first to offer sacrifices for their own sins, then for those of the people, since he did this once and for all when he offered himself. 28For the law appoints men as priests having weakness, but the word of the swearing of an oath which came after the law appoints a son who has been brought to perfection throughout the age.

Reference(s) in Chapter 7: v.1 ↔ Genesis 14:18 ● v.17 ↔ Psalm 110:4, Genesis 14:18 ● v.21 ↔ Psalm 110:4, Genesis 14:18.

Hebrews Chapter 8

1Now the essence of the things spoken of is that we have a high priest of such a kind, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of majesty in the heavens, 2a minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched and not man. 3For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices. Hence it is necessary that this one also has something to offer. 4For if he were on earth, he would not be a priest, seeing that there are priests who offer gifts according to the law, 5who minister by example and foreshadowing of upper-heavenly things, as Moses was oracularly instructed when he was about to take the tabernacle through to completion. For he said, “Look, you shall make everything according to the model shown to you on the mountain.” 6But now he has obtained a more excellent ministry inasmuch as he is also a mediator of a better covenant, which has been drawn up on the basis of better promises. 7For if that first one were faultless, no place would be sought for a second one. 8For finding fault with those people, he says, “ ‘Behold, the days are coming’, says the Lord, ‘when I will thoroughly bring a new covenant about with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah, 9not according to the covenant which I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by their hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, since they did not remain in my covenant, and I let them have their way’, says the Lord. 10For this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel, after those days’, says the Lord: ‘I will put my laws in their mind, and I will write them on their hearts, and I will be God to them, and they will be a people to me. 11And not a single one of them will have to teach his fellow citizen at all, nor a single one of them his brother, saying, «Know the Lord», because all will know me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, 12because I will be propitious with their wrongdoings, and I will no longer remember their sins and their lawless deeds at all.’ ” 13In saying “new”, he has made the first obsolete. Now that which is obsolete and ageing is on the point of vanishing.

Reference(s) in Chapter 8: v.5 ↔ Exodus 25:9, Exodus 25:40, Exodus 26:30 ● v.8 ↔ Jeremiah 31:31 ● v.9 ↔ Jeremiah 31:32 ● v.10 ↔ Jeremiah 31:33 ● v.11 ↔ Jeremiah 31:34 ● v.12 ↔ Jeremiah 31:34.

Hebrews Chapter 9

1The first one did indeed have ordinances of religious service and the worldly sanctuary. 2For the first tabernacle was fitted out in which there was the lampstand and the table and the exhibition of the showbread, which is called the sanctuary. 3But after the second veil is the tabernacle which is called the holy of holies, 4having a golden censer and the ark of the covenant, overlaid on all sides with gold, in which is a golden jar containing the manna, and Aaron's rod which budded, and the tablets of the covenant. 5And above it are the cherubim of glory overshadowing the atonement cover, concerning whom it is not now possible to speak particularly. 6And with these things fitted out in this way, the priests continually go into the first tabernacle, carrying out the religious services, 7but the high priest alone goes into the second tabernacle once a year, not without blood, which he offers for himself and for the sins of ignorance of the people, 8the holy spirit demonstrating this: that the way of the sanctuary has not yet been made manifest since the first tabernacle is still standing, 9which is a figure pointing to the present time, in accordance with which gifts and sacrifices are offered which are not able to make the officiator perfect as pertaining to the conscience, 10just being based on food and drink and various baptisms and carnal statutes, imposed on them until the time of reform. 11But now Christ has come as high priest of good things to come, through a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation, 12and not through the blood of goats and calves, but it is through his own blood that he went into the sanctuary once and for all, having made himself an age-abiding redemption. 13For if the blood of bulls and goats, and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkled on the defiled, sanctify for the purity of the flesh, 14how much more will the blood of Christ, who through age-abiding spirit offered himself unblemished to God, purify your conscience from dead works, for you to serve the living God! 15And because of this he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that, his death having taken place as a ransom for the transgressions under the first covenant, those who have been called might receive the promise of the age-abiding inheritance. 16For where there is a covenant, the death of the testator must necessarily be announced. 17For a testament is applicable on the basis of the deceased, since it is never in force while the testator is alive, 18on which grounds the first covenant was not inaugurated without blood either. 19For when the whole body of commandments according to the law under Moses had been stated to all the people, he took the blood of the calves and goats with water and scarlet wool and hyssop, and he sprinkled both the book itself and the whole people, 20saying, “This is the blood of the covenant which God commanded you.” 21And he likewise sprinkled the tabernacle and all the equipment for the service with blood. 22And almost everything is purified by blood according to the law, and without the shedding of blood forgiveness does not take place. 23So it was necessary that the figures of things in the heavens should be purified by these means, but the upper-heavenly things themselves by better sacrifices than these. 24For Christ did not enter into a sanctuary made with hands, which is a prefiguration of the true one, but into heaven itself, to be exhibited now in the presence of God for our sakes. 25And not in order to offer himself repeatedly, as when the high priest enters into the sanctuary each year with blood which is not his, 26since then he would have had to suffer repeatedly since the overthrow of the world. But now he has been manifested once for the consummation of the ages to annul sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27And just as it is the destiny for men to die once, and after this the judgment, 28so too Christ, having been offered once in order to take upon himself the sins of many, will appear a second time without sin to those who eagerly await him for salvation.

Reference(s) in Chapter 9: v.20 ↔ Exodus 24:8.

Hebrews Chapter 10

1For seeing that the law has a shadow of the good things to come, but not the image itself of the things, they can never – with the same sacrifices which they offer every year perpetually – perfect those who draw near. 2For in that case, would they not have stopped being offered, because the ministers would not have any consciousness of sins any more, having been purified that one time? 3But by those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. 4For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to remove sins, 5which is why, on coming into the world, he says,

“You did not desire sacrifice and offering,

But you have prepared a body for me.

6You did not take pleasure in burnt offerings and sin-offerings.

7Then I said,

‘Behold, I have come

– In the scroll of the book it stands written concerning me –

To do your will, O God.’ ”

8Having said above,

“You did not desire or take pleasure in sacrifice and offering

And burnt offerings and offerings for sin”

– which are offered according to the law – 9he then said,

“Behold, I have come to do your will,

O God.”

So he removes the first in order to establish the second. 10And by this will we have been sanctified, we who are so through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once and for all. 11Also, every priest stands every day ministering and repeatedly offering the same sacrifices, which can never remove sins, 12but he offered one sacrifice for sins and sat down at the right hand of God uninterruptedly, 13from then on waiting until his enemies are made his footstool. 14For by one offering he has made those who are being sanctified perfect perpetually. 15And the holy spirit also witnesses to us, for this is after saying beforehand, 16“This is the covenant which I will make with them after those days”, says the Lord: “I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them in their minds, 17and I will no longer remember their sins and their lawless deeds at all.” 18Now where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer offering for sin. 19So, brothers, considering we have confidence to enter into the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, 20through an entrance which he inaugurated for us as a fresh and living way, through the veil, that is, through his flesh, 21and considering we have a great priest over the house of God, 22let us approach with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having been sprinkled in respect of the heart from a guilty conscience and washed as regards the body in pure water. 23Let us hold on to the confession of our hope unwaveringly, for he who promised is faithful. 24And let us take notice of one another as a stimulus to love and good works, 25not abandoning our own episynagogue gathering, as is the custom of some, but encouraging each other, and all the more so as you see the day approaching. 26For if we deliberately sin after receiving knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27but a certain fearful expectation of judgment and a zealous fire which is about to devour those who are in opposition. 28Anyone who lays aside the law of Moses on the testimony of two or three witnesses dies without mercy. 29Of how much worse punishment do you think he who tramples on the son of God will be considered worthy, and who considers profane the blood of the covenant in which he was sanctified, and who insults the spirit of grace? 30For we know him who has said, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay”, says the Lord, and again, The Lord will judge his people.” 31It is a fearful matter to fall into the hands of the living God. 32But remember the former days, in which you were enlightened and endured a great struggle full of sufferings. 33Sometimes you were made a gazing stock with reproaches and afflictions, whereas at other times you made common cause with those who had that mode of life. 34For indeed you sympathized with my bonds, and you accepted the confiscation of your property with joy, knowing that you have for yourselves better and permanent property in the heavens. 35So do not discard your confidence, which has a great reward. 36For you need patience, in order that when you have done the will of God, you receive the promise. 37For in just a very little while he who is to come will come and will not delay. 38And the righteous shall live by faith, but if he draws back, my being shall not be pleased with him. 39But we are not ones to draw back leading to loss, but we are of faith, leading to the preservation of one's being.

Reference(s) in Chapter 10: v.5 ↔ Psalm 40:7MT (Psalm 40:6AV) ● v.6 ↔ Psalm 40:7MT (Psalm 40:6AV) ● v.7 ↔ Psalm 40:8MT (Psalm 40:7AV) ● v.8 ↔ Psalm 40:7MT (Psalm 40:6AV) ● v.9 ↔ Psalm 40:8MT (Psalm 40:7AV), Psalm 40:9MT (Psalm 40:8AV) ● v.16 ↔ Jeremiah 31:33 ● v.17 ↔ Jeremiah 31:34 ● v.30 ↔ Deuteronomy 32:35, Deuteronomy 32:36 ● v.37 ↔ Daniel 7:13, Haggai 2:7, Habakkuk 2:3 ● v.38 ↔ Habakkuk 2:4.

Hebrews Chapter 11

1Now faith is the entitlement to things hoped for, the conviction of matters not seen. 2For by it the elders were attested to. 3By faith we understand that the ages have been arranged by the word of God, in such a way that the things seen did not come about from things appearing automatically. 4By faith Abel offered a greater sacrifice to God than Cain, through which he was attested to be righteous, God himself testifying about his gifts, and through it, although he has died, he is still adduced. 5By faith Enoch was translated so as not to see death, and he was not found anywhere, because God had translated him. After all, before his translation he had been attested to have pleased God. 6But without faith, it is impossible to please him. For he who approaches God must believe that he exists and that he is a rewarder of those who seek him out. 7By faith Noah, having been oracularly warned about things not yet seen, took devout heed and prepared an ark for the safety of his household, by which he condemned the world and became an heir to righteousness which is by faith. 8By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed in going out to the place which he was to receive as an inheritance, and he went out not knowing where he was going. 9By faith he lived as an emigrant in the land of the promise as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the fellow heirs of the same promise. 10For he was waiting for the city which has foundations, whose architect and craftsman is God. 11By faith Sarah herself also received power to conceive seed, and when past the prime of life she gave birth, because she considered him who made the promise faithful, 12which is also why there were begotten from one – who was in these respects considered dead – as many as the stars of the sky in abundance and as the sand of the sea-shore which is uncountable. 13In faith these all died, not having received the promises, but having seen them from afar, and having embraced them, and they confessed that they were foreigners and outsiders on the earth. 14For those who say such things make it plain that they seek a homeland. 15And if they had kept thinking back to where they had come out from, they would have had an opportunity to turn back. 16But as it is, they aspire to a better homeland, that is to say, an upper-heavenly one. For that reason God is not ashamed of them to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. 17By faith Abraham offered Isaac when he was tested, and having received the promises, he was in the process of offering his only-begotten son, 18to whom it had been said, “Your seed will be called in the line of Isaac.” 19And he had considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from where he duly got him back in a symbolic way. 20By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. 21By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph and worshipped leaning on the top of his staff. 22By faith Joseph, when dying, made mention of the exodus of the sons of Israel and gave commandment concerning his bones. 23By faith when he was born, Moses was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was good-looking, and they did not fear the king's edict. 24By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, 25choosing rather to be ill-treated with the people of God than to have short-lived enjoyment of sin, 26considering the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he had the reward in view. 27By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the anger of the king, for he was steadfast in the invisible one as if seeing him. 28By faith he kept the Passover and the pouring of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn should not touch them. 29By faith they crossed the Red Sea as if crossing on dry land, but when the Egyptians tried it, they were swallowed up. 30By faith the walls of Jericho fell after they had been surrounded for seven days. 31By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who disbelieved, because she received the spies in peace. 32And what more can I say? For time is insufficient for me to go into detail about Gideon, Barak and Samson and Jephthah, David and Samuel and the prophets, 33who through faith prevailed over kingdoms, practised righteousness, attained promises; stopped up the mouths of lions. 34They quenched powerful fire, they escaped the blade of the sword, they were strengthened in weakness, they became strong in battle; they made foreigners' encampments give way. 35Women received their dead back by resurrection; others were beaten to death but did not accept deliverance, in order that they might attain to a better resurrection, 36whereas others received a trial of jeerings and lashes of the whip, even of bonds and imprisonment. 37They were stoned, they were sawn apart, they underwent trials, they died in cases of murder by the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, destitute, afflicted, ill-treated – 38of whom the world was not worthy – wandering in desert places and mountains and caves and the crevices of the world. 39And these were all attested to through their faith, but they did not receive the promise, 40God having provided something better for us in order that they should not be brought to perfection without us.

Reference(s) in Chapter 11: v.12 ↔ Genesis 15:5, Genesis 22:17, Genesis 26:4, Exodus 32:13 ● v.13 ↔ Genesis 23:4, Exodus 2:22, Psalm 39:13MT (Psalm 39:12AV), 1 Chronicles 29:15 ● v.17 ↔ Genesis 22:10 ● v.18 ↔ Genesis 21:12.

Hebrews Chapter 12

1Consequently, as regards us too, having such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us dispose of every burden and of sin which easily besets us and run with patience the race which lies ahead of us, 2turning our sights to the originator and finisher of faith, Jesus, who over against the joy which lay ahead of him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and who has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3For consider him who has endured such opposition towards himself by sinners, so that you do not flag and become faint-hearted. 4You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood in struggling against sin. 5And you have completely forgotten the exhortation which treats you as sons,

“My son, do not make light of the discipline of the Lord,

Nor lose heart when you are reproved by him.

6For whom the Lord loves,

He disciplines,

And he scourges every son whom he receives.”

7Be patient in being disciplined when God deals with you as with sons, for what kind of a son is it whom the father does not discipline? 8For if you were to be without discipline, of which you have all become partakers, you would then be illegitimate children and not sons. 9Then again, we had our fathers in the flesh as educators, and we respected them. Shall we not much more submit to the father of spirits and live? 10For they for a few days disciplined us according to what seemed right to them, but he for what is beneficial for our partaking of his holiness. 11Now no discipline seems to be a matter of joy at the time, but of grief, but later it yields peaceful fruit of righteousness to those exercised by it. 12So straighten up drooping hands and infirm knees, 13and make straight paths with your feet, so that a lame member is not put out of joint, but rather is healed. 14Pursue peace with everyone, and sanctification, without which no-one will see the Lord, 15watching out that no-one is missing the grace of God, in order that no root of bitterness grows up and causes disquiet, and many become defiled through it, 16and that there is no fornicator, or profane person like Esau who for one meal sold his birthright. 17For you know that also later on, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no room for a change of mind, although he sought it earnestly with tears. 18For you have not come to the tangible mountain which has been burnt with fire, and to gloom and darkness and storm, 19or to the sounding of the trumpet and the sound of words. And those who heard it pleaded that not a word should be spoken to them again. 20For they could not bear what was ordered: “If even a wild animal touches the mountain, it shall be stoned.” 21And the spectacle was so fearful that Moses said, “I am terrified and trembling.” 22But you have come to Mount Zion and the city of the living God, the upper-heavenly Jerusalem, and myriads of angels, 23to the assembly and church of the firstborn who have been recorded in the heavens, and to God the judge of everyone, and to the spirits of righteous men made perfect, 24and to the mediator of a new covenant, Jesus, and to sprinkled blood speaking of something better than Abel. 25See that you do not disregard him who speaks. For if those who disregarded him who gave oracular instructions on earth did not escape, how much more will this apply to us if we turn away from him who instructs from the heavens, 26whose voice shook the world at that time, but has now made a promise, saying, “Yet one more time will I shake not only the earth, but also heaven.” 27And the phrase “Yet one more time” indicates the removal of the things shaken, that is, the things physically made, in order that the things not shaken should remain. 28So let us have grace, seeing that we are receiving an unshakeable kingdom, through which we serve God in a pleasing way, with reverence and veneration, 29for indeed our God is a consuming fire.

Reference(s) in Chapter 12: v.5 ↔ Proverbs 3:11 ● v.6 ↔ Proverbs 3:12 ● v.12 ↔ Isaiah 35:3 ● v.16 ↔ Genesis 25:33 ● v.20 ↔ Exodus 19:13 ● v.26 ↔ Haggai 2:6 ● v.27 ↔ Haggai 2:6.

Hebrews Chapter 13

1Let brotherly love continue. 2Do not forget hospitality to strangers. For through this some have been host to angels without knowing it. 3Remember prisoners as if you were fellows-in-bonds, and those who are ill-treated as if you yourselves were in their body. 4Let marriage be honourable in every respect, and the marriage-bed undefiled, but God will judge fornicators and adulterers. 5Let your way of life not be avaricious, being content with what you have, for he himself said, “I will certainly not desert you nor forsake you.” 6As a result we can be of good courage and say,

The Lord is my helper,

And I shall not be afraid

Of what man might do to me.”

7Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you, and in closely examining the outcome of their behaviour, imitate their faith. 8Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, and today, and throughout the ages. 9Do not be diverted by various foreign doctrines. For it is good for the heart to be confirmed by grace, not by food, by which those who have embraced such doctrines have not been benefited. 10We have an altar from which those who serve the tabernacle have no authority to eat. 11For the bodies of animals whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for the sin-offering are burnt outside the camp, 12which is why Jesus for his part, in order that he might sanctify the people through his own blood, suffered outside the gate. 13So, then, let us go out to him, outside the camp, bearing his reproach. 14For we do not have a permanent city here, but we keenly seek the one which is to come. 15So let us offer a sacrifice of praise through him to God continually, that is to say, the fruit of our lips confessing his name. 16But do not forget well-doing and fellowship, for God is pleased with such sacrifices. 17Obey your leaders and comply with them, for they keep watch over your very beings, since they must render an account. Comply in order that they may do that with joy, and not sighing, for that would be unprofitable to you. 18Pray for us, for we trust that we have a clear conscience, seeing we want to conduct ourselves well in all circumstances. 19And I encourage you to do this all the more, so that I may be restored to you very quickly. 20And may the God of peace, who brought up the great shepherd of the sheep from the dead, our Lord Jesus, by the blood of an age-abiding covenant, 21equip you in every good work for doing his will, when he does in you what is pleasing in his sight through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory throughout the durations of the ages. Amen. 22And I exhort you, brothers, bear with the word of encouragement, for in fact I have written a letter to you rather concisely. 23Be informed that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom, if he comes quickly, I will see you. 24Greet all your leaders and all the saints. Those from Italy greet you. 25Grace be with you all. Amen.

Reference(s) in Chapter 13: v.5 ↔ Deuteronomy 31:6, Joshua 1:5 ● v.6 ↔ Psalm 56:5MT (Psalm 56:4AV), Psalm 118:6.


1 Timothy

1 Timothy Chapter 1

1From Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by command of God our saviour and Lord, Jesus Christ our hope, 2to Timothy, a genuine child in faith, grace, mercy and peace from God our father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 3I write in the vein of when I appealed to you to stay on in Ephesus, when I was on my way to Macedonia, in order that you might command some not to teach extraneous doctrines, 4nor to heed fables or interminable genealogies, which give rise to disputes rather than a dispensation of God in faith. 5And the goal of the commandment is love from a pure heart and a clear conscience and unfeigned faith, 6from which things some have deviated and have turned away to idle talk, 7wanting to be teachers of the law, but understanding neither what they say nor things pertaining to what they assert. 8And we know that the law is good, if a person uses it legitimately, 9knowing this, that the law has not been instituted for a righteous person, but for the lawless and unruly, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the irreverent and profane, for those who commit patricide and matricide, for murderers, 10for fornicators, homosexuals, kidnappers, liars, perjurers, and anything else there might be contrary to sound doctrine, 11according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, with which I have been entrusted. 12And I am thankful to him who empowered me, to Christ Jesus our Lord, in that he considered me faithful and appointed me to a ministry, 13me, who was formerly a blasphemer and persecutor and an impudent person, but I received mercy, because I acted in ignorance and unbelief, 14and the grace of our Lord superabounded with faith, and love which is in Christ Jesus. 15The saying is faithful and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 16But I received mercy on account of this: that in me first Jesus Christ should show all longsuffering, as a model for those who will believe in him, resulting in age-abiding life. 17Now to the king of the ages, indefectible, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory throughout the durations of the ages. Amen. 18I commit this command to you, Timothy, my child, according to the prophecies which have led in your direction, that by means of them you should fight the good fight, 19having faith and a clear conscience, which some have rejected, and they have suffered shipwreck in respect of their faith, 20among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have delivered to Satan in order that they may be taught not to blaspheme.

1 Timothy Chapter 2

1So I exhort you first of all to make pleas, prayers, intercessions, thanks, for all men, 2for kings and all those in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and calm life in all godliness and solemnity, 3for this is good and acceptable in the sight of our saviour, God, 4who wants all men to be saved and to come to acknowledgment of the truth. 5For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6who gave himself as a ransom for all, the testimony at its own particular time, 7to which I have been appointed a herald and apostle – I speak the truth in Christ; I am not lying – a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. 8So I wish for men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument, 9and for women similarly to adorn themselves in discreet dress, with modesty and sobriety, not with braids or gold or pearls or extravagant clothes, 10but – which is fitting for women who profess godliness – with good works. 11A woman should learn quietly and most submissively, 12and I do not allow a woman to teach, nor to dominate her husband, but to be quiet. 13For Adam was formed first, then Eve, 14and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and came to be in transgression, 15but she will be saved throughout childbearing, if they remain in faith and love and sanctification with sobriety.

Reference(s) in Chapter 2: v.15 ↔ Genesis 3:16.

1 Timothy Chapter 3

1The saying is faithful: “If anyone aspires to the position of an overseer, he desires a good work.” 2An overseer, then, must be unimpeachable, the husband of one wife, sober, temperate, well-behaved, hospitable, with aptitude for teaching, 3not over-fond of wine, not violent, not shamefully greedy of gain, but equitable, peaceable, not a lover of money, 4taking charge of his own household well, keeping his children in subjection most solemnly. 5But if a person does not know how to take charge of his own household, how can he take care of the church of God? 6Not a newcomer, in case his imagination runs away with him and he falls into the condemnation of the devil. 7And he must also have a good reputation with those outside, so that he does not fall into disrepute or a snare of the devil. 8Likewise, ministers must be solemn, not equivocal, not heavy drinkers of wine, not shamefully greedy of gain, 9keeping the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10And let these be put to the test first, then let them minister, when they are found to be irreproachable. 11Similarly, their wives must be solemn, not slanderous, sober, faithful in everything. 12Ministers must be the husbands of one wife, properly in charge of their children and their own households. 13For those who minister well acquire good standing for themselves, and much assurance in faith in Christ Jesus. 14I write these things to you hoping to come to you very soon. 15But if I take a long time, I have written in order that you may know how you should behave in the house of God, which is the church of the living God. A pillar and base of the truth, 16and confessedly great, is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the spirit, seen by angels, preached among the Gentiles, believed on in the world and taken up in glory.

1 Timothy Chapter 4

1Now the spirit expressly says that in the latter times some will apostatize from the faith and give heed to misleading spirits and teachings of demons, 2with the hypocrisy of liars whose own consciences have been seared, 3forbidding to marry, ordering to abstain from foodstuffs which God created to be partaken of with thanks by those who are faithful and have acknowledged the truth. 4For every creature of God is good, and it is by no means to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5for it is sanctified through the word of God and entreaty. 6If you propose these things to the brothers, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished by the words of the faith and of good doctrine which you have followed closely. 7But reject profane and old wives' tales and exercise yourself rather to godliness. 8For physical exercise is beneficial in a minor matter, but godliness is beneficial in all respects, having the promise of present and future life. 9The saying is faithful and worthy of all acceptance. 10For we also toil for this and are reproached, because we have put hope in the living God, who is the saviour of all men, especially believers. 11Command these things and teach them. 12Let no-one despise your youth, but become a model for believers, in word, in behaviour, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 13Until I come, pay attention to reading, to encouragement, to teaching. 14Do not neglect the gracious gift in you, which was given to you through prophecy with laying on of hands of the council of elders. 15Concern yourself with these things, be immersed in these things, so that your progress may be evident among all. 16Attend to yourself and the teaching. Continue with them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

1 Timothy Chapter 5

1Do not rebuke an elder, but treat him as a father, and younger men as brothers, 2elder women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in total purity. 3Honour widows who really are widows. 4But if any widow has children or descendants, let them first learn to treat their own house reverently and to return what is due to their forebears, for that is acceptable in the sight of God. 5But she who really is a widow and has been forsaken has put her hope in God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day, 6whereas she who lives lewdly is dead while alive. 7Command these things too, so that they may be unimpeachable. 8But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 9Do not let a widow less than sixty years old be enlisted, but one who was a wife of one man, 10reputed for good works, if she has brought up children, if she has been hospitable, if she has washed the feet of the saints, if she has helped the afflicted, if she has engaged in every good work. 11But decline younger widows, for when they turn restive against Christ, they will want to marry, 12incurring judgment, because they set aside their initial faith, 13while at the same time they idly learn, as they go round houses, and not only idly, but also as gossipmongers and busybodies, saying things which they ought not. 14So I want the younger women to marry, have children, be mistress of a house, not to give any opportunity to the adversary on account of abuse, 15for some have already turned aside after Satan. 16If any man or woman believer has widows, let him help them, and don't let the church be burdened, so that it can help the real widows. 17Let the elders who have taken charge well be considered worthy of double honour, especially those who toil in word and teaching, 18for the scripture says, “You shall not muzzle the ox that threshes”, and, “The worker is worthy of his wages.” 19Do not accept an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses. 20Censure sinners in the presence of everyone, in order that others also may have fear. 21I solemnly urge you before God and Lord, Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that you should keep these things without prejudice, not acting in any respect with partiality. 22Don't be hasty laying hands on anyone, and do not share in other people's sins; keep yourself pure. 23Don't just drink water any longer, but use a little wine on account of your stomach and your frequent ailments. 24The sins of some men are evident beforehand, preceding them to judgment, whereas others have sins following them. 25Similarly too, the good works are evident beforehand, whereas the works that are otherwise cannot remain hidden.

Reference(s) in Chapter 5: v.18 ↔ Deuteronomy 25:4.

1 Timothy Chapter 6

1Let all who are slaves, under a yoke, consider their own masters worthy of all honour, so that the name of God and the doctrine are not blasphemed. 2And let those who have believing masters not despise them, because they are brothers, but let them rather serve them, because those who partake of good work are believers and beloved. Teach and encourage these things. 3If anyone teaches another doctrine and does not adhere to sound words – those of our Lord Jesus Christ – and to the godly doctrine, 4he has let his imagination run away with him and understands nothing, but is delirious concerning inquiries and controversies from which arise envy, strife, blasphemies, malevolent suppositions, 5vain arguments of men corrupt in mind and devoid of the truth, who reckon godliness to be a means of gain. Do not associate with such. 6But godliness with independence is an important means of gain. 7For we brought nothing into the world, and it is clear that we cannot take anything out either. 8Provided we have sustenance and shelter, we shall be satisfied with these. 9But those who wish to become rich fall into temptation and a snare and many senseless and harmful desires, which sink men into destruction and ruin. 10For love of money is a root of all the evils, a root which some, by striving for it, have strayed from the faith and have pierced themselves all over with many pangs of pain. 11But you, O man of God, flee from these things, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 12Contend in the good contest of faith, take hold of age-abiding life, to which you were called, having also confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13I command you in the sight of God, who makes everything alive, and Christ Jesus, who testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate, 14to keep the commandment spotlessly, unimpeachably, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15which in his own time the blessed and only potentate, the king of those that reign, and Lord of those that rule, will display, 16who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no-one among men has seen or can see, to whom be honour and age-abiding might. Amen. 17Command those who are rich in the present age not to be haughty, nor to put hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in the living God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment, 18to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous, willing to share, 19treasuring up for themselves a good foundation for the future, in order that they might take hold of age-abiding life. 20Timothy, guard the deposit, avoiding profane vain talk and contradictions of science falsely so called, 21which some, while professing it, have deviated concerning the faith. Grace be with you. Amen.

2 Timothy

2 Timothy Chapter 1

1From Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, 2to Timothy, beloved child, grace, mercy and peace from God the father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 3I thank God, whom I serve following my forebears with a clear conscience when I ceaselessly remember you in my supplications night and day, 4longing to see you, remembering your tears, so that I may be filled with joy, 5as I recall the unfeigned faith which is in you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois, and your mother Eunice, and, I am persuaded, also in you. 6And for this reason I remind you to rekindle the gracious gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands, 7for God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and moderation. 8So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord nor of me his prisoner, but partake of the suffering for the gospel according to the power of God, 9who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose, and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before the durations of the ages, 10but which has now been made manifest through the appearing of our saviour Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and indefectibility to light through the gospel, 11for the cause of which I have been appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher of the Gentiles. 12And for this reason I suffer these things too, but I am not ashamed, for I know in whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that he is able to keep my entrusted deposit up to that day. 13Hold on to the model of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith, and love which is in Christ Jesus. 14Guard the good entrusted deposit through the holy spirit dwelling in us. 15You know this, that all those in Asia have turned away from me, among whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes. 16May the Lord show mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chain, 17but when he arrived in Rome, he sought me very diligently and found me. 18May the Lord let him find mercy from the Lord on that day. You also know very well in how many ways he ministered in Ephesus.

2 Timothy Chapter 2

1You then, my child, be strengthened in the grace which is in Christ Jesus, 2and commit the things which you have heard from me through many witnesses to faithful men who will be competent to teach others too. 3So then, suffer affliction like a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4No-one serving as a soldier gets entangled in the affairs of civilian life, in order that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier. 5And if anyone contends, he does not win a crown unless he contends legitimately. 6The farmer who labours must be the first to partake of the fruits. 7Consider the things I am saying, and may the Lord give you understanding in all matters. 8Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David has been raised from the dead according to my gospel, 9on account of which I suffer affliction, even of bonds like a criminal. But the word of God has not been bound. 10Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, in order that they also may obtain salvation in Christ Jesus with age-abiding glory. 11The saying is faithful:

“For if we have died with him,

We shall also live with him.

12If we endure,

We shall also reign with him.

If we deny him,

He too will deny us.

13If we do not believe,

He remains faithful;

He cannot deny himself.”

14Make mention of these things, solemnly urging in the presence of the Lord not to dispute about words serving no useful purpose, so subverting those listening. 15Be studious to present yourself approved to God, a workman with no cause for shame, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16But shun profane empty talk, for it will serve to advance ungodliness even more, 17and their words will spread like gangrene, among whom are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18who have missed the mark concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and they are overturning the faith of some. 19However, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal: the Lord knows those who are his. And let everyone who names the name of the Lord avoid iniquity. 20But in a great house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also wooden ones and earthenware ones, and some are for honour and others for use without honour. 21Therefore, if anyone thoroughly cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honour, sanctified and useful to the master, prepared for every good work. 22Flee youthful lusts, but pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23But decline foolish and ill-informed inquiries, knowing that they give rise to strifes. 24And a servant of the Lord must not strive, but he must be gentle to all, apt to teach, forbearing, 25in meekness teaching those who offer opposition, for the possibility that God gives them repentance leading to acknowledgment of the truth, 26and that they regain a sober mind from the snare of the devil, having been taken alive by him at his will.

Reference(s) in Chapter 2: v.19 ↔ Numbers 16:5.

2 Timothy Chapter 3

1And know this, that in the last days difficult times will set in, 2for men will be selfish, money-loving, braggarts, arrogant, blasphemous, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3lacking natural affection, implacable, slanderous, intemperate, wild, despisers of good, 4traitors, reckless, crazed, lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God, 5having a form of godliness, but having denied the power of it. From these also turn away. 6For among them are those who slip into houses and captivate silly women who are loaded with sins and led along by various desires, 7always learning but never able to come to acknowledgment of the truth. 8And in the way in which Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so these also are resisting the truth, being men of depraved mind, unfit in respect of the faith. 9But they will not get very far, for their folly will be evident to all, as was that of the above-mentioned. 10But you have closely followed my doctrine, way of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, endurance, 11persecutions, sufferings, such as happened to me in Antioch, in Iconium, in Lystra. But I endured such persecutions, and the Lord rescued me from them all. 12Now all who wish to live in a godly way in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13and wicked men and cheats will go on from bad to worse, leading astray and going astray. 14But you remain in those things which you have learned and have been assured of, knowing from whom you learned them. 15And from childhood you have known the holy scriptures, which are able to make you wise in salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16Every scripture is inspired by God, and is useful for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be competent, fully equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy Chapter 4

1I solemnly implore you therefore in the presence of God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom: 2preach the word, take your stand in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, comfort, with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3For the time will come when they will not put up with sound doctrine, but they will heap upon themselves teachers according to their own desires, having their ears tickled, 4and they will turn away from giving a hearing to the truth, and they will turn aside to fables. 5But you be sober in all things, suffer afflictions, carry out the work of an evangelist, bring your ministry to fulfilment, 6for I am already being poured out, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7I have fought the good fight, I have completed my course; I have kept the faith. 8Finally, there is the crown of righteousness laid up for me which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day. And not only to me, but also to all those who have loved his appearing. 9Make an effort to come to me quickly. 10For Demas has left me, having loved the present age, and he has gone to Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia; Titus to Dalmatia. 11Only Luke is with me. Take Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for the ministry. 12But I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13When you come, bring the cloak with you which I left behind in Troas with Carpus, and the books, especially the parchments. 14Alexander the coppersmith has done me much harm – may the Lord requite him according to his works. 15And you too be on your guard for him, for he is very much opposed to our words. 16In my first defence, no-one stood in support of me, but everyone left me. May it not be held against them. 17But the Lord was present with me and strengthened me in order that through me the preaching might be fulfilled, and all the Gentiles might hear. And I was rescued out of the mouth of the lion. 18And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and will save me for entry into his upper-heavenly kingdom. To him be glory throughout the durations of the ages. Amen. 19Greet Prisca and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus. 20Erastus remained in Corinth, but I left Trophimus ailing in Miletum. 21Make an effort to come before winter. Eubulus and Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brothers greet you. 22The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.

Titus

Titus Chapter 1

1From Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect and acknowledgment of the truth which is in accordance with godliness, 2in hope of age-abiding life (which God, who does not lie, promised before the durations of the ages 3and made his word manifest in his own seasons by the preaching of that with which I have been entrusted according to the commandment of God our saviour), 4to Titus, a genuine child in a shared faith, grace, mercy and peace from God the father and Lord, Jesus Christ our saviour. 5I left you in Crete for this reason: so that you might put the remaining things in order, and appoint elders in various cities, as I instructed you, 6to see if anyone is unimpeachable, a husband of one wife, having believing children who are not culpable of irresponsibility or are unruly, 7because an overseer must be unimpeachable, as a steward of God's, not presumptuous, not irascible, not over-fond of wine, not violent, not shamefully greedy of gain, 8but hospitable, loving good, temperate, just, devout, self-controlled, 9holding fast to the faithful doctrinal word in order that he may be competent to both give encouragement in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict it. 10For there are many also who are unruly, idle talkers and deluders, especially those of the circumcision, 11who need to be silenced, the kind who overturn whole households, teaching things which they should not, for the sake of shameful gain. 12A certain one of them, a prophet of their own, said, “The Cretans have always been liars, wicked beasts, idle gluttons.” 13This testimony is true. For this reason censure them sharply, in order that they may be sound in the faith, 14not heeding Judaic fables, or commandments of men who are turning away from the truth. 15Everything is clean to the clean, but to the defiled and unbelievers nothing is clean, and even both their mind and conscience are defiled. 16They profess to know God, but by their works they deny it, being abominable and disobedient, and unqualified for any good work.

Titus Chapter 2

1But you say what befits sound doctrine, 2that elderly men be sober, solemn, temperate, sound in the faith, in love, in patience. 3Elderly women should likewise be reverent in comportment, not slanderous, not addicted to much wine, teachers of what is decent, 4so that they impart to young women a temperate way in which to love their husbands, to love their children, 5to be temperate, pure, keepers of the home, good, subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God is not ill-spoken of. 6Likewise, exhort younger men to be temperate, 7in all respects showing yourself a model of good works, showing integrity in teaching, solemnity, incorruptibility, 8sound speech, being incontrovertible, in order that whoever is opposed might be ashamed, having nothing base to say about us. 9Exhort servants to be subject to their own masters, to be pleasing in every way, not answering back, 10not pilfering, but showing all good faith so that they may adorn the teaching of God our saviour in all things. 11For the grace of God has come into view, which brings salvation to all men, 12teaching us that having denied ungodliness and worldly desires we should live temperately and righteously and in a godly way in this present age, 13awaiting the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of the great God and saviour of ours, Jesus Christ, 14who gave himself on behalf of us in order that he might redeem us from all lawlessness, and that he might purify for himself a special people, zealous of good works. 15Speak these things, and exhort and censure with all authority. Let no-one be presumptuous about you.

Titus Chapter 3

1Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey them, to be ready for every good work, 2not to slander anyone, to be peaceable, equitable, showing all meekness to all men. 3For we too were once without sense, disobedient, erring, serving various lusts and pleasures, spending life in wickedness and envy, detestable, hating one another. 4But when the kindness and love for mankind of God our saviour came into view, 5not by works of righteousness which we did, but it is by his mercy that he saved us, through regenerative washing and renewing by holy spirit, 6which he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our saviour, 7in order that we, having been justified by his grace, should become heirs according to the hope of age-abiding life. 8The saying is faithful, and I want you to insist on these things: that those who have believed in God make a point of giving priority to good works. These are the good and beneficial things to men. 9And avoid fatuous inquiries and genealogies and quarrels and legal battles, for they are unprofitable and vain. 10After the first and second warning, repudiate a heretical man, 11knowing that such a one has been subverted and is sinning, being self-condemned. 12When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, make haste to come to me in Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. 13Send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way expeditiously, so that nothing may be lacking to them. 14And let our people also learn to give priority to good works to alleviate pressing needs, so that they are not unfruitful. 15All those with me greet you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be to you all. Amen.

Philemon

Philemon Chapter 1

1From Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy the brother, to Philemon, our beloved and fellow worker, 2and to beloved Apphia and Archippus our fellow soldier, and the church which is at your house, 3grace to you and peace from God our father and Lord, Jesus Christ. 4I thank my God, always making mention of you on the occasions of my prayers, 5when I hear of your love and faith which you have for the Lord Jesus and for all the saints, 6praying that the fellowship of your faith may be effective in acknowledgment of everything good among us in the cause of Christ Jesus. 7For we have much gratitude and encouragement at your love, because the inner hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother, 8which is why, although I have much frankness in Christ in instructing you about what is fit and proper, 9yet for love's sake, I exhort you – being such as I am, Paul the aged, and now also the prisoner of Jesus Christ – 10I exhort you concerning my own child, whom I begot in my bonds, Onesimus, 11who was at one time useless to you, but is now really useful to you and me, whom I have sent back – 12now would you receive him, that is to say my own inner heart, 13whom I would have liked to hold on to for myself, in order that instead of you he might minister to me in the bonds of the gospel, 14but I did not want to do anything without your opinion, so that your good deed would not be as it were under compulsion, but of free will. 15For perhaps he absconded for a while for this reason: that you should receive him back permanently, 16no longer as a slave, but above a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me, and how much more to you, with him both in the flesh and in the Lord. 17So if you consider me as a partner, receive him as you would me. 18And if he has wronged you in any matter or owes you anything, reckon that to me. 19I Paul have written with my own hand, “I will repay” – not to mention to you that you are for your part indebted to me for your own self. 20Yes, brother, let me have the benefit of you being in the Lord: refresh my inner heart in the Lord. 21Trusting in your obedience, I have written to you knowing that you will even do more than what I say. 22At the same time, also prepare me a guest-room, for I hope that through your prayers I will be granted release to you. 23Epaphras my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, 24Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, my fellow workers, greet you. 25The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

Revelation

Revelation Chapter 1

1The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave to him to show his servants the things which must quickly come to pass. And he declared it by delivering it by means of his angel to his servant John, 2who testified that all the things which he saw were the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. 3Blessed is he who reads, and those who hear, the words of the prophecy, and who keep the things written in it, for the time is near. 4From John to the seven churches in Asia, grace to you and peace from God, who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits which are before his throne, 5and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and washed us from our sins by his blood, 6and who made us into a kingdom, priests to his God and father, to him be glory and might throughout the durations of the ages. Amen. 7Behold, he is coming with clouds, and every eye will see him, including those who pierced him, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn for him. Indeed so; amen. 8I am the Alpha and the Omega, says the Lord God, who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty. 9I John, your brother and sharer in the tribulation and in the kingdom and in patience in Christ Jesus, arrived on the island called Patmos for the cause of the word of God and for the cause of the testimony of Jesus Christ. 10I came to be in the power of the spirit on the day of the Lord, and I heard a voice behind me, loud like a trumpet, 11and it said, “Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus, and to Smyrna, and to Pergamum, and to Thyatira, and to Sardis, and to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.” 12And I turned round on the spot to see the voice which was speaking to me, and when I turned round, I saw seven golden lampstands, 13and in the middle of the seven lampstands I saw a figure like the son of man, clothed down to the feet and girded round at the chest with a golden girdle. 14And his head and his hair were as white as white wool, like snow, and his eyes were like a fiery flame. 15And his feet were like refined bronze, as if they had been refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of much water. 16And he was holding seven stars in his right hand, and out of his mouth a sharp double-edged sword was coming, and his appearance was as the sun shining with all its power. 17And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as if dead, but he put his right hand on me and said, “Do not be afraid. I am the first and the last, 18and he who is alive, although I was dead, and behold, I am alive throughout the durations of the ages, truly, and I hold the keys of death and Hades. 19Now write down the things you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which are going to take place after these things. 20Record the mystery of the seven stars which you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

Reference(s) in Chapter 1: v.4 ↔ Exodus 3:14 ● v.6 ↔ Exodus 19:6, Isaiah 61:6 ● v.7 ↔ Daniel 7:13, Zechariah 12:10 ● v.8 ↔ Isaiah 41:4, Isaiah 44:6, Exodus 3:14 ● v.10 ↔ Isaiah 13:6, Isaiah 13:9, Ezekiel 13:5, Joel 1:15, Joel 2:1, Joel 2:11, Amos 5:18, Amos 5:20, Obadiah 1:15, Zephaniah 1:7, Zephaniah 1:14, Malachi 3:23MT (Malachi 4:5AV); Also Isaiah 2:12, Ezekiel 30:3, Zechariah 14:1, Zechariah 14:7 ● v.13 ↔ Daniel 7:13 ● v.16 ↔ Isaiah 49:2 ● v.17 ↔ Isaiah 41:4, Isaiah 44:6.

Revelation Chapter 2

1Write to the angel of the church in Ephesus, ‘He who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks about in the midst of the seven golden lampstands, says this: 2I know your works and your toil and your endurance, and how you cannot bear the wicked, and how you have tested those who say they are apostles but are not, and how you have found them to be false, 3and how you have endurance and have borne up on account of my name and have not become weary. 4But I have something against you, in that you have forsaken your first love. 5So remember where it is you have fallen from, and repent, and do the former works. Otherwise, I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place, if you do not repent. 6But you have this in your favour, that you hate the works of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate.’ 7Let him who has an ear hear what the spirit says to the churches. I will allow him who overcomes to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of my God. 8And write to the angel of the church in Smyrna, ‘The first and the last, who was dead but came to life, says this: 9I know your works and your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy from those who say they are Jews but are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. 10Do not be afraid of any of the things which you are going to suffer. It will transpire that the devil will indeed throw some of you in prison, in order that you be put to the test, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful up to death, and I will give you the crown of life.’ 11Let him who has an ear hear what the spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will certainly not be harmed by the second death. 12And write to the angel of the church in Pergamum, ‘He who holds the sharp double-edged sword says this: 13I know your works and where you live: where Satan's throne is, but you are holding on to my name, and you did not deny my faith in the days when Antipas my faithful martyr was around, who was killed in your location, where Satan dwells. 14But I have a few things against you, in that you have some there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a snare in front of the sons of Israel and to induce them to eat things offered to idols and to commit fornication, 15just as you also have some who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitanes in a similar way. 16So repent. For if you don't, I will come to you quickly and will wage war on them with the sword of my mouth.’ 17Let him who has an ear hear what the spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some hidden manna to eat, and I will give him a white pebble, and on the pebble a new name will be written which no-one will know except him who receives it. 18And write to the angel of the church in Thyatira, ‘The son of God, who has eyes like a fiery flame, and whose feet are like refined bronze, says this: 19I know your works and love and faith and ministry, and your endurance, and that your latest works are greater than the first ones, 20but I have some things against you, in that you condone your wife Jezebel, who says she is a prophetess, and who teaches and leads my servants astray into fornicating and eating things offered to idols. 21And I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her fornication. 22Watch out; I will cast her into a bed, along with those who commit adultery with her, who are heading for great tribulation, if they do not repent of her works. 23And I will kill her children with a death blow, and all the churches will know that I am the one who searches kidneys and hearts, and I will give each of you what is appropriate according to your works. 24But I say to you others in Thyatira, you who do not hold to this doctrine, you who have not known the deep things of Satan, as they say – I am not putting any other burden on you. 25But hold fast to what you are holding to until I come. 26And as for him who overcomes, and him who keeps my works up to the end,

I will give him authority over the nations,

27And he will tend them with an iron rod.

They will be shattered like clay vessels,

as I for my part have received from my father. 28And I will give him the morning star.’ 29Let him who has an ear hear what the spirit says to the churches.

Reference(s) in Chapter 2: v.8 ↔ Isaiah 41:4, Isaiah 44:6 ● v.14 ↔ Numbers 22-24 ● v.16 ↔ Isaiah 49:2 ● v.20 ↔ 1 Kings 16:31, 2 Kings 9:7 ● v.23 ↔ Jeremiah 11:20, Jeremiah 17:10, Jeremiah 20:12, Jeremiah 32:19; 1 Samuel 16:7, 1 Chronicles 28:9, 1 Chronicles 29:17, Psalm 139:13, Psalm 62:13MT (Psalm 62:12AV) ● v.26 ↔ Psalm 2:8 ● v.27 ↔ Psalm 2:9.

Revelation Chapter 3

1And write to the angel of the church in Sardis, ‘He who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars says this: I know your works, that you have fame for being alive, although you are dead. 2Be watchful, and consolidate the remaining things which you were about to cast off. For I have not found your works fulfilled before my God. 3So remember how you received and heard them, and guard them, and repent. For if you are not watchful, I will come upon you like a thief, and you will not know at all at what hour I will come upon you. 4But you have a few individuals in Sardis who have not defiled their clothes, and who will walk with me in white, because they are worthy. 5It is he who overcomes who will be clothed in white garments, and I will certainly not expunge his name from the book of life, and I will vouch for his name before my father and before his angels.’ 6Let him who has an ear hear what the spirit says to the churches. 7And write to the angel of the church in Philadelphia, ‘The holy one, the true one, who holds the key of David, who, when he opens it, no-one can close it, except he who opens (and no-one can open it either) – he says this: 8I know your works. Look, I have put an open door in front of you, which no-one can close. For you have little strength, but you have kept my word, and you have not denied my name. 9You will see how I make some from the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews but are not, but lie – you will see that I will make them come and bow down before your feet and know that I have loved you. 10Because you have kept my charge of endurance, I for my part will keep you from the hour of trial which is going to come on the whole world, to test those who inhabit the earth. 11I am coming quickly. Hold on to what you hold to, so that no-one should take your crown. 12As for him who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the sanctuary of my God, and he will certainly not go out any longer, and I will write the name of my God on him, and the name of the city of my God – the New Jerusalem which descends out of heaven from my God – and my new name.’ 13Let him who has an ear hear what the spirit says to the churches. 14And write to the angel of the church in Laodicea, ‘The amen, the faithful and true witness, the source of God's creation, says this: 15I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. If only you were cold or hot! 16Because you are lukewarm like this, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to spit you out of my mouth. 17This is because you say, «I am rich, and I have become wealthy, and I don't need anything», but you do not know that you are most wretched and most pitiable and poor and blind and naked. 18I advise you to buy gold from me, refined by fire, in order to become rich, and white clothes for you to put on, and so that the shame of your nakedness should not be made manifest, and eye-salve to apply to your eyes in order to see. 19As for me, all whom I love, I reprove and chasten. So be zealous and repent. 20Behold, I am standing at the door and knocking. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, then I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with me. 21As for him who overcomes, I will allow him to sit with me on my throne, as I for my part have overcome and sat with my father on his throne.’ 22Let him who has an ear hear what the spirit says to the churches.”

Reference(s) in Chapter 3: v.7 ↔ Isaiah 22:22, Job 12:14 ● v.19 ↔ Proverbs 3:12.

Revelation Chapter 4

1After these things I observed, and there was an opened door in heaven, and the first voice I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after these things.” 2And I immediately came to be in the power of the spirit, and there was a throne standing in heaven, and on the throne a person was sitting, 3resembling a jasper gemstone in appearance, and a carnelian one, and around the throne was an iridescent sheen like the appearance of emeralds, 4and around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones I saw the twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white garments, and I saw golden crowns on their heads. 5And flashes of lightning and voices and thunderclaps went out from the throne, and there were seven lamps of fire burning in front of his throne, which are the seven spirits of God, 6and in front of the throne was as it were a sea of glass, like crystal, and in the proximity of the throne, and around the throne, were four living beings full of eyes at the front and at the back. 7Now the first living being was like a lion, and the second living being was like a calf, and the third living being had the face of a man, and the fourth living being was like a flying eagle. 8And as for the four living beings, each one had six wings; around and inside they were full of eyes, and they did not have a break day and night from saying,

“Holy, holy, holy,

Lord God the Almighty,

Who was,

And who is,

And who is to come.”

9And when the living beings give glory and honour and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives throughout the durations of the ages, 10the twenty-four elders fall before the one sitting on the throne, and worship him who lives throughout the durations of the ages, and they place their crowns before the throne and say,

11“You are worthy,

O Lord and holy God of ours,

To receive glory and honour and power,

Because you created everything,

And through your will they had existence

And were created.”

Reference(s) in Chapter 4: v.8 ↔ Isaiah 6:3.

Revelation Chapter 5

1And I saw on the right hand side of him who was sitting on the throne a book written on the inside and outside, sealed up with seven seals. 2And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the book and break its seals?” 3But no-one in heaven above or on the earth or below the earth was able to open the book or to look inside it. 4And I wept a lot, because no-one was found worthy to open the book or to look inside it. 5Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah – the root of David – has been victorious and is opening the book and its seven seals.” 6And I saw between the throne, along with the four living beings and the elders, a lamb standing as slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God which are being sent into the whole earth. 7And he came and took it from the right hand of him who was sitting on the throne, 8and when he had taken the book, the four living beings and the twenty-four elders fell down before the lamb, each having a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9And they sang a new song, pronouncing,

“You are worthy to take the book

And open its seals,

Because you were slaughtered

And you redeemed us to God by your blood,

From every tribe and tongue

And people and nation.

10And

You made them kings and priests to our God,

And they will reign over the earth.”

11And I looked, and I heard the sound of many angels around the throne, and of the living beings and of the elders, and the number of them was tens of thousands of tens of thousands and thousands of thousands, 12saying in a loud voice,

“The lamb which was slaughtered is worthy

To receive power and riches

And wisdom and strength

And honour and glory and blessing.”

13And I heard every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and below the earth, and which is on the sea, and the creatures in them, all saying,

“To him who sits on the throne

And to the lamb

Be blessing and honour

And glory and power

Throughout the durations of the ages.

Amen.”

14While the four living beings were saying “Amen”, the elders fell down and worshipped.

Reference(s) in Chapter 5: v.1 ↔ Ezekiel 2:9, Ezekiel 2:10 ● v.5 ↔ Genesis 49:9, Isaiah 11:10 ● v.6 ↔ Zechariah 3:9, Zechariah 4:10 ● v.8 ↔ Psalm 141:2 ● v.10 ↔ Isaiah 61:6, Exodus 19:6 ● v.11 ↔ Daniel 7:10.

Revelation Chapter 6

1Then I saw that the lamb had opened one of the seven seals. And I heard one of the four living beings say with a thundering voice, “Come and see.” 2And there was a white horse, and he who was sitting on it had a bow, and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer. 3And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second living being say, “Come.” 4And another horse went out, a fiery one, and to him who was sitting on it was given authority to take peace away from the earth so that they should slaughter each other. And a large sword was given to him. 5And when he had opened the third seal I heard the third living being say, “Come and see.” And there was a black horse, and he who was sitting on it had a pair of balances in his hand. 6And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living beings say, “A choenix of wheat for a denary”, and, “Three choenixes of barley for a denary”, and, “Do not damage the oil and the wine.” 7And when he had opened the fourth seal I heard the fourth living being say, “Come and see.” 8And there was a pallid horse, and he who was sitting on it had the name of Death, and Hades was following him. And to him was given authority over a quarter of the earth to kill by the sword and by famine and by death and by the wild beasts of the earth. 9And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the lives of those killed on account of the word of God and on account of the testimony of the lamb to which they held. 10And they cried out in a loud voice and said, “How long, O holy and true master, will you not judge and take vengeance for our blood on those dwelling on the earth?” 11And to each of them was given a white robe, and they were told that they should rest a while longer until their fellow servants and their brothers should also fulfil their course, and those who would be killed, as they for their part had been. 12And I looked when he had opened the sixth seal, and a great earthquake took place, and the sun became black like sackcloth made from hair, and the whole moon became like blood. 13And the stars of the sky fell to the earth, like a fig tree shedding its winter figs when shaken by a strong wind, 14and the sky was parted asunder, like a rolled up scroll, and every mountain and island was moved from its place. 15And the kings of the earth and the high-ranking people and the cohort commanders and the rich and the strong, and every slave and free man hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, 16and they said to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us, and hide us from the presence of him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the lamb, 17for the great day of his wrath has come, and who is able to stand fast?”

Reference(s) in Chapter 6: v.12 ↔ Joel 3:4MT (Joel 2:31AV), Joel 4:15MT (Joel 3:15AV) ● v.13 ↔ Isaiah 34:4 ● v.14 ↔ Isaiah 34:4 ● v.15 ↔ Isaiah 2:19 ● v.16 ↔ Hosea 10:8 ● v.17 ↔ Malachi 3:2.

Revelation Chapter 7

1And after this I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth so that no wind should blow on the earth, or blow on the sea, or on any tree. 2And I saw another angel ascending from the east, holding the seal of the living God, and he cried out in a loud voice to the four angels to whom authority had been given to harm the earth and the sea, 3and he said, “Do not harm the earth, or the sea, or the trees, until we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.” 4Then I heard the number of those who had been sealed: one hundred and forty-four thousand sealed, from every tribe of the sons of Israel. 5From the tribe of Judah, twelve thousand sealed; from the tribe of Reuben, twelve thousand; from the tribe of Gad, twelve thousand; 6from the tribe of Asher, twelve thousand; from the tribe of Naphtali, twelve thousand; from the tribe of Manasseh, twelve thousand; 7from the tribe of Simeon, twelve thousand; from the tribe of Levi, twelve thousand; from the tribe of Issachar, twelve thousand; 8from the tribe of Zebulun, twelve thousand; from the tribe of Joseph, twelve thousand; from the tribe of Benjamin, twelve thousand sealed. 9After these things I looked, and there was a large crowd which no-one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the lamb, clothed in white garments and with palms in their hands. 10And they cried out in a loud voice and said,

“Salvation to our God

Who sits on the throne

And to the lamb.”

11And all the angels were standing around the throne, and the elders and the four living beings, and they fell before the throne face down and worshipped God, 12and they said,

“Amen.

Blessing and glory

And wisdom and thanksgiving

And honour and might and strength

Be to our God

Throughout the durations of the ages.

Amen.”

13Then one of the elders engaged me and said to me, “These who are clothed in white garments – who are they, and where have they come from?” 14And I said to him, “My lord, you know.” Then he said to me, “These are those who came out of the great tribulation and washed their garments and whitened them in the blood of the lamb. 15On account of this they are before the throne of God, and they serve him day and night in his sanctuary, and he who sits on the throne will dwell with them.

16They will no longer hunger

Or thirst any longer,

Nor will the sunlight fall on them at all,

Nor any scorching heat,

17For the lamb which is in the middle of the throne

Is a shepherd to them,

And he guides them to the sources of waters of life,

And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

Reference(s) in Chapter 7: v.3 ↔ Ezekiel 9:4 ● v.16 ↔ Isaiah 49:10 ● v.17 ↔ Isaiah 49:10, Isaiah 25:8, Jeremiah 31:9 etc.

Revelation Chapter 8

1And when he had opened the seventh seal, it went silent in heaven for about half an hour. 2And I saw the seven angels who were standing in God's presence, and they were given seven trumpets. 3And another angel came and stood at the altar, holding a golden censer, and he was given much incense, in order that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar which was before the throne, 4and the smoke of the incense went up with the prayers of the saints out of the hand of the angel in the presence of God. 5And the angel took the censer and filled it from the fire of the altar and cast it to the earth. Then there were thunderclaps and voices and lightning flashes and an earthquake. 6And the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound them. 7Then the first one sounded the trumpet, and hail came, and fire mixed with blood, and it was cast to the earth, and one third of the earth was burned up, and one third of the trees were burned up, and all green grass was burned up. 8Then the second angel sounded the trumpet, and a kind of large burning mountain was cast into the sea, and a third of the sea became blood. 9And one third of the creatures which have life in the sea died, and one third of ships were wrecked. 10Then the third angel sounded the trumpet, and a great star burning like a lamp fell out of the sky, and it fell on one third of the rivers, and on the sources of water. 11And the name of the star is Wormwood, and one third of the water became wormwood sap. And many men died from the water, because it had been made bitter. 12Then the fourth angel sounded the trumpet, and one third of the sun and one third of the moon and one third of the stars were struck so that one third of them should become dark, and for a third of the time the day should not have light, and likewise the night. 13And I looked and heard an eagle flying overhead, saying in a loud voice, “Woe, woe, woe to those who dwell on the earth after the remaining soundings of the trumpet of the three angels who are going to sound the trumpet.”

Reference(s) in Chapter 8: v.4 ↔ Psalm 141:2.

Revelation Chapter 9

1Then the fifth angel sounded the trumpet, and I saw a star that had fallen out of the sky to the earth. Then he was given the key to the shaft of the abyss, 2and he opened the shaft of the abyss, and smoke came up out of the shaft, like the smoke of a burning furnace, and the sun was darkened, as was the air, by the smoke of the shaft. 3Then locusts came out of the smoke to the earth, and they were given authority as the scorpions of the earth have authority, 4but they were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any greenery or any tree, nothing except the men who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads. 5But it was not granted to them to kill them, but for them to be tormented for five months. Now their torment is like the torment of a scorpion when it stings a man, 6and in those days men will seek death, but they will not find it at all, and they will long to die, but death will escape them. 7And the appearance of the locusts was like horses prepared for war, and on their heads were kinds of golden crowns, and their faces were like the faces of men, 8and they had hair like women's hair, and their teeth were like those of lions. 9Furthermore they had breast-plates like iron breast-plates, and the sound of their wings was like the sound of many horse-drawn chariots running into battle. 10And they had tails like scorpions with stings, and in their tails they had authority to harm men for five months. 11They had a king over them – the angel of the abyss. His name in Hebraic is Abbadon, and in Greek he has the name Apollyon. 12The first woe has passed. Behold, two more woes are coming after these things. 13Then the sixth angel sounded the trumpet, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God 14say to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river, the Euphrates.” 15So the four angels who had been prepared for the hour and for the day and month and year were released, in order that they should kill one third of men. 16And the number of the cavalry troops was hundreds of millions. I heard the number of them. 17And this is how in the vision I saw the horses and those seated on them: they had fiery and violet and sulphurous breast-plates, and the heads of the horses were like the heads of lions, and fire and smoke and sulphur came out of their mouths. 18One third of men were killed by these three plagues, by the fire and the smoke and the sulphur which came out of their mouths. 19For the instrument of authority of the horses is in their mouth and in their tails. For their tails are like serpents, having heads, and they do harm with them. 20But the rest of men, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, so as not to worship the demons and the golden and silver and bronze and stone and wooden idols, which can neither see nor hear nor walk around. 21And they did not repent of their murders, or of their sorceries, or of their fornication, or of their thefts.

Reference(s) in Chapter 9: v.4 ↔ Ezekiel 9:4 ● v.20 ↔ Psalm 115:4-5, Psalm 115:7, Psalm 135:15-16.

Revelation Chapter 10

1Then I saw a mighty angel descending from heaven, clothed in a cloud, with an iridescent sheen on his head, while his face was like the sun, and his legs were like pillars of fire. 2And he had in his hand an open book, and he put his right foot on the sea and his left one on land, 3and he cried out in a loud voice, as when a lion roars. And when he had cried out, the seven thunders uttered their sounds. 4Then when the seven thunders had spoken, I was about to write it down. But I heard a voice from heaven say, “Seal up the things that the seven thunders uttered, and do not write them down.” 5Then the angel whom I saw standing on the sea and on the land raised his right hand towards heaven, 6and he swore by him who lives throughout the durations of the ages, who created heaven and the things in it, and the earth and the things in it, and the sea and the things in it, that there would no longer be any delay, 7but that these things would take place in the days of the sounding of the seventh angel, when he proceeds to sound the trumpet, and the mystery of God has been completed, as he proclaimed to his servants the prophets. 8Then the voice which I heard from heaven spoke with me again and said, “Go and take the book which is open in the hand of the angel standing on the sea and on land.” 9So I set off to the angel to tell him to give me the book, and he said to me, “Take it and consume it, and it will make your stomach bitter, but in your mouth it will be as sweet as honey.” 10So I took the book from the hand of the angel and consumed it, and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I had eaten it, my stomach was made bitter. 11Then they said to me, “You must prophesy again concerning many peoples and nations and tongues and kings.”

Reference(s) in Chapter 10: v.4 ↔ Daniel 8:26, Daniel 12:4 ● v.5 ↔ Daniel 12:7 ● v.9 ↔ Ezekiel 3:1, Ezekiel 3:3.

Revelation Chapter 11

1And I was given a reed like a staff, and he said, “Arise and measure the sanctuary of God and the altar and those who worship in it, 2but omit the courtyard outside the sanctuary, and do not measure it, because it is given to the Gentiles, and they will trample on the holy city for forty-two months. 3But I will empower my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth. 4These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands which stand before the Lord of the earth. 5And if anyone wishes to harm them, fire will come out of their mouth and devour their enemies. So if anyone wishes to harm them, he must be killed in this way. 6These have authority to shut up the sky so that no rain falls for the duration of their prophecy, and they have power over the waters to turn them into blood, and to strike the earth with every kind of plague, as often as they wish. 7And when they complete their testimony, the beast who will come up out of the abyss will wage war on them and will overcome them and will kill them. 8And their corpses will lie on the street of the great city which is spiritually called Sodom and Egypt, where indeed their Lord was crucified. 9And folk from the peoples and tribes and tongues and nations will see their corpses for three and a half days, and they will not permit their corpses to be put in a tomb. 10And those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them, and they will be glad, and they will give gifts to each other because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth.” 11Then after the three and a half days the spirit of life from God entered them, and they stood up on their feet, while a great fear fell on those watching them. 12Then I heard a loud voice from heaven say to them, “Come up here.” And they went up into heaven in a cloud while their enemies watched them. 13And on that day a great earthquake took place, and a tenth of the city collapsed, and seven thousand people in the population were killed in the earthquake, while the remainder became fearful and gave glory to the God of heaven. 14The second woe departed. As for the third woe, behold, it is coming quickly. 15Then the seventh angel sounded the trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, and they said, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and his Christ, and he will reign throughout the durations of the ages.” 16Then the twenty-four elders who sit on their thrones before the throne of God fell face down and worshipped God, 17and they said, “We give you thanks, Lord God the Almighty, who is and who was, because you have taken up your great power and started to reign. 18Then the Gentiles became angry, and your wrath came, as did the time for the dead to be judged, and to give your servants the prophets and the saints and those who fear your name, those small and great, their reward, and to destroy those who are destroying the earth.” 19Then the sanctuary of God, which is in heaven, was opened, and the ark of the Lord's covenant in his sanctuary appeared, and lightning flashes and voices and thunderclaps and a heavy hailstorm took place,

Reference(s) in Chapter 11: v.1 ↔ Ezekiel 40-43 ● v.2 ↔ Daniel 7:25, Daniel 12:7 ● v.3 ↔ Daniel 7:25, Daniel 12:7 ● v.4 ↔ Zechariah 4:3 ● v.6 ↔ 1 Kings 17:1, Exodus 7-12 ● v.7 ↔ Daniel 7:21 ● v.15 ↔ Exodus 15:18, Psalm 146:10.

Revelation Chapter 12

1and a great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed in the sun, while the moon was below her feet, and on her head was a crown of twelve stars. 2Now she was with child, and she was crying out, being with pains of labour and in the agony of giving birth. 3Then another sign appeared in the sky, and there was a large fiery dragon which had seven heads and ten horns, with seven diadems on its heads. 4And its tail swept one third of the stars of the sky aside and cast them down to the earth. Then the dragon stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth in order to devour her child when she had given birth. 5And she bore a son, a male, who was destined to tend all the nations with a rod of iron. Then her child was carried off to God and to his throne. 6And the woman fled into the desert where she had a place prepared by God in order to feed her there for one thousand two hundred and sixty days. 7Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels were to fight against the dragon, and the dragon fought them, as did his angels, 8but he did not prevail, nor was room found for him in heaven any longer. 9And the great dragon, the old serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, who leads the whole world astray, was cast down. He was cast down to the earth, and his angels were cast down with him. 10Then I heard a loud voice in heaven which said, “Now salvation has come about, as have the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ, because the accuser of our brothers, who used to accuse them before our God day and night, has been cast down.” 11And they overcame him by virtue of the blood of the lamb and by virtue of the word of their testimony, when they did not love their life, maintaining that resolve up to death. 12On account of this, “Be jubilant, O heavens, and you who dwell in them. Woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has come down to you, harbouring great wrath, knowing that he has little time.” 13And when the dragon saw that he had been cast down to the earth, he persecuted the woman who had given birth to the male child. 14But the woman was given a pair of a great eagle's wings, in order to fly into the desert, to her place, in order to be fed there for a time, and times, and half a time, away from the presence of the serpent. 15Then the serpent spewed water like a river out of its mouth, chasing after the woman, in order to get her swept away by the river. 16But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed the river which the dragon had spewed out of his mouth. 17Then the dragon became angry with the woman and went away to wage war on the remainder of her seed, those who keep the commandments of God and who have the testimony of Jesus.

Reference(s) in Chapter 12: v.3 ↔ Daniel 7:19-20 ● v.5 ↔ Psalm 2:9 ● v.6 ↔ Daniel 7:25, Daniel 12:7 ● v.8 ↔ Daniel 2:35 ● v.12 ↔ Psalm 96:11, Isaiah 49:13, 1 Chronicles 16:31 ● v.14 ↔ Daniel 7:25, Daniel 12:7.

Revelation Chapter 13

1Then I stood on the sand of the sea, and I saw a beast come up out of the sea, having ten horns and seven heads, and on his horns were ten diadems, and on his heads were blasphemous names. 2Now the beast whom I saw was like a leopard, but his feet were like those of a bear, whereas his mouth was like the mouth of a lion, and the dragon gave him his power and his throne and great authority. 3And I saw one of his heads apparently fatally struck, but his fatal blow was healed, and the whole earth marvelled at the beast. 4And they worshipped the dragon who had given the authority to the beast, and they worshipped the beast and said, “Who is like the beast? And who can go to war against him?” 5Also, he was given a mouth speaking presumptuous things and blasphemy, and he was given authority to wage war for forty-two months. 6And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name and his tabernacle – those who dwell in heaven. 7And he was granted to wage war against the saints and to overcome them, and he was given authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation. 8And all those who dwell on the earth will worship him, those whose name is not written in the book of life of the lamb slain since the overthrow of the world. 9If anyone has an ear, let him hear. 10If anyone confines to captivity, he will go the same way. If anyone kills by the sword, he must be killed by the sword. This is the patience and the faith of the saints. 11Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like those of a lamb, and he spoke like a dragon, 12and he exercised all the authority of the first beast in his presence. And he made the earth and those who dwell in it worship the first beast, whose fatal wound had been healed. 13Moreover he performed great signs, and he made fire come down from the sky onto the earth in the presence of men. 14And he led those of mine who dwell on the earth astray by the signs which he was granted to perform in the presence of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who had received the strike but lived after the sword strike. 15And he was granted to impart a spirit to the image of the beast so that the image of the beast should both speak and cause any who did not worship the image of the beast to be put to death. 16And he forced everyone, the small and the great, and the rich and the poor, the free and bond-servants, to be given marks on their right hand or on their forehead, 17and he enforced that no-one should be able to buy or sell unless he has the mark, the name of the beast, or the number of his name. 18Here is wisdom. He who is sharp-witted, let him calculate the number of the beast. For it is the number of man, and his number is six hundred and sixty-six.

Reference(s) in Chapter 13: v.1 ↔ Daniel 7:19-20 ● v.5 ↔ Daniel 7:25, Daniel 12:7 ● v.7 ↔ Daniel 7:21 ● v.8 ↔ Psalm 69:29MT (Psalm 69:28AV), Daniel 12:1, Exodus 32:32 ● v.10 ↔ Genesis 9:6.

Revelation Chapter 14

1Then I looked and there was the lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with him were one hundred and forty-four thousand in number having his name and the name of his father written on their foreheads. 2And I heard a sound from heaven like the sound of much water, and like the sound of loud thunder. And the sound which I heard was like harpists playing their harps. 3And they sang a new song before the throne, and before the four living beings and the elders. And no-one could learn the song except the one hundred and forty-four thousand who had been redeemed from the earth. 4These are those who have not been defiled with women, for they are virgins. These are those who follow the lamb wherever he goes. These were redeemed by Jesus from men as a firstfruit to God and the lamb. 5And no falsehood was found in their mouth, for they are without blemish. 6Then I saw an angel flying overhead, having an age-abiding gospel to preach to those dwelling on the earth, and to every nation and tribe and tongue and people, 7saying in a loud voice, “Fear the Lord and give him glory, for the hour of his judgment has come. And worship him who made heaven and earth and the sea and the sources of water.” 8Then another, a second angel, followed and said, “Babylon the great has fallen. It made all the nations drink from the wine of the wrath of her fornication.” 9Then another angel, a third one, followed them and said in a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast or his image or takes a mark on his forehead or on his hand, 10then he will drink from the wine of the wrath of God, poured undiluted in the cup of his anger, and he will be tormented by fire and sulphur before the holy angels and before the lamb. 11And the smoke of their torment will ascend throughout the durations of the ages, and those who worship the beast or his image, or anyone who takes the mark of his name, have no rest day or night.” 12This is the patience of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. 13Then I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write, ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ The spirit says, ‘Yes, let them rest from their toilings, but their works go along with them.’ ” 14And I looked, and there was a white cloud, and on the cloud I saw someone with the appearance of the son of man sitting, having a golden crown on his head, and a sharp sickle in his hand. 15And another angel went out of the sanctuary, crying out in a loud voice to the one sitting on the cloud, “Thrust in your sickle and reap, because the time of reaping has come, because the harvest of the earth has become dry.” 16Then he who was sitting on the cloud thrust his sickle into the earth and the earth was reaped. 17Then another angel went out of the sanctuary which is in heaven, he too having a sharp sickle. 18And another angel went out of the altar, having authority over fire, and he called with a loud shout to the one who had the sharp sickle and said, “Thrust in your sharp sickle and harvest the grapes of the vine of the earth, because its grapes have ripened.” 19So the angel thrust his sickle into the earth and harvested the vine of the earth, and he put it in the great wine press of the wrath of God. 20And the wine press was trodden outside the city, and blood came out of the wine vat up to a horse's bridle height over a radius of one thousand six hundred stades.

Reference(s) in Chapter 14: v.5 ↔ Zephaniah 3:13 ● v.7 ↔ Genesis 1:1, Psalm 33:6, Psalm 124:8 ● v.8 ↔ Isaiah 21:9, Jeremiah 51:8 ● v.11 ↔ Isaiah 34:10 ● v.14 ↔ Daniel 7:13 ● v.15 ↔ Joel 4:13MT (Joel 3:13AV) ● v.20 ↔ Isaiah 63:3.

Revelation Chapter 15

1Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and wondrous, seven angels who had the seven last plagues, because the wrath of God is concluded in them. 2And I saw a kind of sea of glass mixed with fire, and I saw those who had been victorious over the beast and over his image and over the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, having harps of God, 3and they sang the Song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the lamb, which reads,

Great and wondrous are your works,

O Lord God Almighty.

Righteous and true are your ways,

O king of the nations.

4Who can possibly not fear you, O Lord,

And not glorify your name?

For you alone are holy,

For all the nations will come and worship before you,

For your righteous decrees have been made manifest.”

5Then after these things I looked, and the sanctuary of the tabernacle of the testimony was opened in heaven, 6and the seven angels who had the seven plagues went out of the sanctuary, and they were clothed in pure bright white linen and were girded around the breast with golden girdles, 7and one of the four living beings gave the seven angels seven golden vials, full of the wrath of God, who lives throughout the durations of the ages, 8and the sanctuary was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from his power, and no-one could enter into the sanctuary until the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed.

Reference(s) in Chapter 15: v.3 ↔ Deuteronomy 32, Psalm 86:9-11, Psalm 145:17 ● v.4 ↔ Jeremiah 10:7 ● v.8 ↔ Exodus 40:34, 1 Kings 8:10, Isaiah 6:4, 2 Chronicles 5:13.

Revelation Chapter 16

1Then I heard a loud voice from the sanctuary saying to the seven angels, “Depart and pour out the seven vials of the wrath of God on the earth.” 2And the first one departed and poured his vial out on the earth. Then a noxious and troublesome ulcer plague came on those men who had the mark of the beast and those who worshipped his image. 3Then the second angel poured his vial out on the sea, and it became blood as of someone dead, and every living soul in the sea died. 4Then the third one poured his vial out on the rivers and on the water-sources, and they became blood.

5And I heard the angel of the waters say,

“You are righteous,

You who are and who were, you who are holy,

Because you have executed judgment in respect of these things.

6Since they have shed the blood of saints and prophets,

So you have given them blood to drink.

Of this they are deserving.”

7And I heard the altar say, “Yes, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are your judgments.” 8Then the fourth angel poured his vial out on the sun, and he was granted to scorch men with fire, 9and men were very severely scorched, and the men blasphemed the name of God, who had authority over these plagues, but they did not repent by giving him glory. 10Then the fifth one poured his vial out on the throne of the beast, at which his kingdom became darkened, and they bit their tongues from the distress, 11and they blasphemed the God of heaven because of their distress, and because of their ulcers, but they did not repent of their works. 12Then the sixth one poured his vial out on the great river, the Euphrates, and its water dried up, so that the way of the kings of the east should be prepared. 13Then I saw three unclean spirits, like frogs, come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet, 14for they are the spirits of demons which perform signs which go out to the kings of the whole world, to gather them to the war of that great day of God the Almighty. 15Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he who watches out and keeps his clothes on, so that he does not walk around naked and they see his indecency. 16And he gathered them in the place called in Hebraic Armageddon. 17Then the seventh one poured his vial out on the air, and a loud voice came from the sanctuary of heaven, from the throne, and it said, “It has taken place.” 18Then lightning flashes and thunderclaps and sounds took place, and a great earthquake such as had never taken place since when men came into existence on earth, so great was such a severe earthquake. 19And the great city became split into three parts, and the cities of the Gentiles collapsed. Then Babylon the great was remembered before God by giving it the cup of the wine of the wrath of his anger. 20And every island fled, and no mountains were to be found. 21And a great hailstorm with stones weighing about a talent each came down from the sky on men. At this the men blasphemed God for the plague of the hail, because its impact was very severe.

Reference(s) in Chapter 16: v.2 ↔ Exodus 9:9 ● v.3 ↔ Exodus 7:20 ● v.19 ↔ Jeremiah 25:15.

Revelation Chapter 17

1Then one of the seven angels who had the seven vials came and spoke with me and said, “Come here, I will show you the judgment on the great whore who sits on much water, 2with whom the kings of the earth committed fornication, while the inhabitants of the earth became drunk with the wine of her fornication.” 3And he carried me away into the desert in the spirit, and I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast, the beast being full of blasphemous names, having seven heads and ten horns. 4Now the woman was clothed in purple and scarlet, gilded with gold and precious gemstones and pearls, holding a golden cup in her hand, full of abominations and the unclean things of her fornication, 5and on her forehead a name was written:

“Mystery, Babylon the Great,

The Mother of the Harlots and the Abominations of the Earth.”

6And I saw the woman drunk with the blood of the saints, with the blood of the witnesses to Jesus, and I marvelled with great wonder as I saw her. 7Then the angel said to me, “Why did you marvel? I will tell you the mystery of the woman and of the beast who is carrying her, who has the seven heads and the ten horns. 8The beast whom you saw was, but is not, but is about to ascend out of the abyss and go away to destruction. And those dwelling on the earth will marvel, those whose names have not been written in the book of life since the overthrow of the world, when they see that the beast was, and is not, but will be present. 9Here is understanding comprising wisdom: the seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sits, 10and they are seven kings. Five have fallen, one is in existence, and the other has not yet come. And when he comes, he must remain for a short time. 11And the beast who was, but is not, is himself both the eighth, and yet is of the seven, and he will go away to destruction. 12And the ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have not yet received their kingdom, but who will receive authority as kings with the beast for one hour. 13These have one purpose, and they give their power and authority to the beast. 14These will wage war on the lamb, but the lamb will overcome them, because he is the Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and elect and faithful.” 15And he said to me, “The water which you saw, where the whore sits, is peoples and populations and nations and tongues. 16And as for the ten horns which you saw, and the beast, these will hate the whore and make her desolate and make her naked, and they will eat her flesh and burn her up with fire. 17For God has put it in their hearts to carry out his purpose, and to make them unanimous, and to give their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled. 18And the woman whom you saw is the great city which has a kingdom over the kings of the earth.”

Reference(s) in Chapter 17: v.3 ↔ Daniel 7:19-20 ● v.7 ↔ Daniel 7:19-20 ● v.8 ↔ Psalm 69:29MT (Psalm 69:28AV); Daniel 12:1, Exodus 32:32 ● v.12 ↔ Daniel 7:20 ● v.16 ↔ Daniel 7:20.

Revelation Chapter 18

1After these things I saw another angel descending from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was lit up by his glory, 2and he cried out in a strong voice and said, “Babylon the great has fallen, and it has become an abode of demons, and a prison of every unclean spirit, and a prison of every unclean and detested bird, 3because all the nations have fallen because of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. And the kings of the earth have fornicated with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich from the profitability of her wantonness.” 4Then I heard another voice from heaven say, “My people, get out of her, so that you don't become party to her sins, and so you don't receive any of her plagues, 5because her sins have amassed themselves up to heaven, and God has remembered her unrighteous deeds. 6Requite her as she for her part requited others, and pay her back double according to her works. In the cup in which she made a mixture, mix her double. 7Give her the equivalent torment and mourning of the extent to which she glorified herself and lived voluptuously, for she says in her heart, ‘I sit as a queen, and I am not a widow, and I will never see mourning.’ 8This is why her plagues will come in one day, death and mourning and famine, and she will be burned up with fire, for mighty is the Lord God who has judged her. 9And the kings of the earth who committed fornication with her and lived voluptuously will weep, and they will mourn for her, when they see the smoke of her being burnt, 10as they stand at a distance for fear of her torment and say, ‘Alas, alas, O great city of Babylon, O mighty city, for your judgment came in one hour.’ 11And the merchants of the earth will bewail her and mourn for her, for no-one will buy their merchandise any more, 12merchandise of gold and silver and precious gemstones and pearls, and fine linen and purple and silk and scarlet, and all fragrant cedar wood, and every ivory vessel and every vessel of most precious wood, and of copper and iron and marble, 13and cinnamon and incense and ointment and frankincense, and wine and olive oil, and fine wheat flour and wheat, and sheep and cattle, and horses and carriages, and slaves and trafficked people. 14And the fruit which you longed for has become unavailable to you, and all the luxurious and splendid things are lost to you, and you will certainly not find them any more. 15The merchants in these things who became rich from her will stand at a distance for fear of her torment, wailing and mourning, 16and they will say, ‘Alas, alas for the great city, clothed in fine linen and purple and scarlet, and gilded in gold and precious gemstones and pearls, 17for in one hour such great wealth was made valueless.’ And every helmsman and every passenger, and sailors, and whoever has seafaring work, stood at a distance, 18and they cried out as they saw the smoke of her being burnt, and they said, ‘What city is comparable to the great city?’ 19And they threw dust on their heads and cried out wailing and mourning and saying, ‘Alas, alas, for the great city by which all those who had boats on the sea became rich from her profitability, because she was made desolate in one hour.’ 20Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you saints and you apostles and you prophets, because God has passed judgment in your favour against her.” 21Then one strong angel lifted up a stone like a large millstone and cast it into the sea and said, “In this way Babylon the great city will be cast away with a heave and will not be found any more at all. 22And no sound of harpists and musicians and flautists and trumpet-players will be heard in you any more at all, and no craftsmen of any craft will be found in you any more at all, nor will the sound of the millstone ever be heard in you any more, 23and no light of a lamp will shine in you any more at all, and no sound of a bridegroom and bride will be heard in you any more at all, because your merchants were the magnates of the earth, for all the nations were led astray by your sorcery.” 24And in her the blood of the prophets and saints was found, and of all those slaughtered on the earth.

Reference(s) in Chapter 18: v.2 ↔ Isaiah 21:9, Jeremiah 51:8; Isaiah 13:21, Jeremiah 50:39; Isaiah 34:11 etc. ● v.4 ↔ Isaiah 48:20, Isaiah 52:11, Jeremiah 51:6 ● v.6 ↔ Psalm 62:13MT (Psalm 62:12AV), Jeremiah 17:10, Jeremiah 32:19 ● v.7 ↔ Isaiah 47:8 ● v.13 ↔ Ezekiel 27:13 ● v.21 ↔ Jeremiah 51:61-64 ● v.22 ↔ Ezekiel 26:13, Jeremiah 25:10 ● v.23 ↔ Jeremiah 7:34, Jeremiah 16:9.

Revelation Chapter 19

1After these things I heard a loud sound like a large crowd in heaven, saying,

“Alleluia,

Salvation and power and glory

Are characteristic of our God,

2For his judgments are true and righteous,

For he has judged the great whore,

Who brought the earth to ruin with her fornication,

And he has avenged the blood of his servants

Which was shed at her instigation.”

3And he spoke a second time: “Alleluia. And her smoke will ascend throughout the durations of the ages.” 4Then the twenty-four elders and the four living beings fell down and worshipped God, who was sitting on the throne, and they said, “Amen. Alleluia.” 5And a voice went out from the throne and said, “Praise our God all you servants of his, and you who fear him, small and great.” 6And I heard a voice as of a great crowd and a voice as of great waters and a voice as of mighty thunderclaps, which said, “Alleluia, for the Lord our God, the Almighty, has started to reign. 7Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to him, because the marriage feast of the lamb has come, and his wife has made herself ready.” 8And she was granted to put on shining and pure fine linen, for fine linen stands for the righteous observances of the saints. 9And he said to me, “Write, ‘Blessed are those who have been invited to the marriage feast of the lamb.’ ” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.” 10And I fell down before his feet to worship him, but he said to me, “Watch out that you do not do that. I am your fellow servant, and I am one of your brothers who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God, for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” 11Then I saw heaven opened, and there was a white horse, and one who was sitting on it, called Faithful and True, and he judges and wages war in righteousness. 12And his eyes were a fiery flame, and on his head were many diadems. He has names written, including a name written which no-one knows except himself, 13and he was clothed in a garment dipped in blood, and his name was The Word of God. 14And the armies in heaven were following him on white horses, clothed in fine white pure linen. 15And out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword with which to strike the nations. And he himself will tend them with an iron rod, and he himself treads the wine vat of the wine of the wrath of the anger of God the Almighty. 16And he has on his cloak and on his thigh a name written: King of kings and Lord of lords. 17Then I saw an angel standing on the sun, and he cried out in a loud voice and said to all the birds that fly high overhead, “Come and congregate at the great supper of God, 18to eat the flesh of kings and the flesh of cohort commanders and the flesh of the mighty, and the flesh of horses and of those sitting on them, and the flesh of all, both free and in bond-service, and both small and great.” 19And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered to wage war on him who was sitting on the horse, and on his army. 20But the beast was seized, as was the false prophet with him, who performed the signs in his presence by which he deceived those who took the mark of the beast and those who worshipped his image. The two were thrown alive into the lake of fire which was burning with sulphur. 21And the rest were killed by the sword of him who was sitting on the horse, the sword which came out of his mouth. And all the birds were filled with their flesh.

Reference(s) in Chapter 19: v.2 ↔ Deuteronomy 32:43 ● v.3 ↔ Isaiah 34:10 ● v.13 ↔ Isaiah 63:1, Isaiah 63:3 ● v.15 ↔ Isaiah 49:2, Psalm 2:9, Isaiah 63:3 ● v.17 ↔ Ezekiel 39:17 ● v.18 ↔ Ezekiel 39:17 ● v.20 ↔ Daniel 7:11.

Revelation Chapter 20

1Then I saw an angel descending from heaven holding the key to the abyss with a great chain in his hand. 2And he took hold of the dragon, the old serpent, who is the devil and Satan, who leads the whole world astray, and he bound him for a thousand years, 3and he cast him into the abyss and shut it and sealed it above him, so that he should not deceive the nations any more until the thousand years should be completed. Then after these things he must be released for a short time. 4Then I saw thrones, and people were sitting on them, and they were invested with judgment, and I saw the lives of those beheaded on account of the testimony of Jesus and on account of the word of God, and those who had not worshipped the beast or his image, and who had not taken the mark on their forehead or on their hand. Then they came to life and reigned with Christ for the thousand years. 5But the rest of the dead did not live until the thousand years were completed. This is the first resurrection. 6Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection; the second death has no authority over these, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years. 7Then when the thousand years are completed, Satan will be released from his prison, 8and he will go out to lead astray the nations who are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them to the war, whose number is as the sand of the sea. 9And they went through the breadth of the land, and they surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. Then fire came down out of heaven from God and devoured them. 10And the devil who led them astray was cast into the lake of fire and sulphur where both the beast and the false prophet are, and they will be tormented day and night throughout the durations of the ages. 11And I saw a great white throne and him who sits on it, from whose presence the earth and heaven fled, and no place was found for them. 12And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and the books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by the things written in the books according to their works. 13And the sea gave up the dead in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead in them, and each one was judged according to his works. 14And death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. 15And if anyone was not found written in the book of life, he was cast into the lake of fire.

Reference(s) in Chapter 20: v.6 ↔ Exodus 19:6. Isaiah 61:6 ● v.8 ↔ Ezekiel 38:2 ● v.10 ↔ Daniel 7:11 ● v.12 ↔ Psalm 69:29MT (Psalm 69:28AV), Daniel 12:1, Exodus 32:32; Psalm 62:13MT (Psalm 62:12AV), Jeremiah 17:10, Jeremiah 32:19 ● v.13 ↔ Psalm 62:13MT (Psalm 62:12AV), Jeremiah 17:10, Jeremiah 32:19 ● v.15 ↔ Psalm 69:29MT (Psalm 69:28AV), Daniel 12:1, Exodus 32:32; Daniel 7:11.

Revelation Chapter 21

1Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2And I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3And I heard a loud voice from heaven say, “Behold, God's home is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and he will be God with them. 4And he will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death, nor mourning, nor wailing, nor will there be any toil any more, for the former things will have passed away.” 5And he who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I am making everything afresh.” And he said to me, “Write it down, for these words are true and faithful.” 6And he said to me, “I have become the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to him who is thirsty drink from the source of the water of life, freely. 7He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be God to him, and he will be a son to me. 8But the fearful and unbelieving, and sinners and the abominated and murderers and fornicators and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars have their part in the lake burning with fire and sulphur, which is the second death.” 9Then one of the seven angels who had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues came and spoke with me and said, “Come, I will show you the wife, the bride of the lamb.” 10And he carried me away in the spirit to a great high mountain and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, 11having the glory of God. Its brilliance was like a most precious gemstone, like a jasper gem, as clear as crystal, 12having a great and high wall, having twelve gates, and on the gates twelve angels, with names inscribed which are the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel. 13On the east, three gates, and on the north, three gates, and on the south, three gates, and on the west, three gates, 14with the wall of the city having twelve foundations, and on them are the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the lamb. 15And he who spoke with me had a golden measuring reed for him to measure the city and its gates and its wall. 16And the city was laid out square, and the length of it is as the breadth. And he measured the city with the reed as twelve thousand and twelve stades; the length and the breadth and the height of it are equal. 17And he measured its wall as one hundred and forty-four cubits, by the measure of a man, that is, of an angel. 18And the construction of its wall was of jasper, and the city was of pure gold, like pure glass. 19The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with every precious gemstone. The first foundation was jasper; the second was sapphire; the third was chalcedony; the fourth was emerald; 20the fifth was sardonyx; the sixth was carnelian; the seventh was chrysolite; the eighth was beryl; the ninth was topaz; the tenth was chrysoprase; the eleventh was jacinth; the twelfth was amethyst. 21And the twelve gates were twelve pearls. Each one of the gates individually was from one pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass. 22And I saw no sanctuary in it, for the Lord God Almighty is its sanctuary, as is the lamb. 23And the city did not need the sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God illuminated it, and its lamp is the lamb. 24And the nations will walk through its light, and the kings of the earth will bring into it to him the glory and honour of the nations. 25And its gates will not be closed at all by day – for there will be no night there – 26and they will bring the glory and honour of the nations to it. 27And nothing profane or anyone committing an abomination or lie will enter into it at all, but rather those written in the book of life of the lamb.

Reference(s) in Chapter 21: v.1 ↔ Isaiah 65:17, Isaiah 66:22 ● v.3 ↔ Ezekiel 43:7, Hosea 2:1MT (Hosea 1:10AV) ● v.4 ↔ Isaiah 25:8 ● v.5 ↔ Isaiah 43:19 ● v.6 ↔ Isaiah 41:4, Isaiah 44:6; Isaiah 55:1 ● v.7 ↔ Zechariah 8:8 ● v.15 ↔ Zechariah 2:5MT (Zechariah 2:1AV) ● v.23 ↔ Isaiah 60:19 ● v.24 ↔ Isaiah 60:3 ● v.25 ↔ Isaiah 60:11 ● v.27 ↔ Psalm 69:29MT (Psalm 69:28AV), Daniel 12:1, Exodus 32:32.

Revelation Chapter 22

1And he showed me the pure river of water of life, as bright as crystal, issuing out of the throne of God and of the lamb. 2In the middle of its street, with the river on either side, was the tree of life, yielding twelve kinds of fruit every month, in each month yielding its fruit, whereas the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3And there will not be any curse any more, and the throne of God and of the lamb will be in it, and his servants will serve him. 4And they will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5And there will not be any night there, and they will not need a lamp or sunlight, because the Lord God will illuminate them, and they will reign throughout the durations of the ages. 6And he said to me, “These words are faithful and true, and the Lord God of the spirits of the prophets has sent his angel to show his servants what must happen shortly. 7And behold, I am coming quickly. Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” 8And I John am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who was showing me these things. 9But he said to me, “Watch out that you do not do that. I am your fellow servant, and one of your brothers the prophets, and those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.” 10And he said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near. 11Let him who acts unjustly act all the more unjustly, and let him who is sordid act all the more sordidly, and let him who is righteous work all the more righteousness, and let him who is holy be all the more sanctified. 12Behold, I am coming quickly, and my reward is with me, to give what is due to each one as his work proves to be. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. 14Blessed are those who carry out his commandments, so that the right to the tree of life may be theirs, and that they may enter the city by the gates. 15Outside are the dogs and the sorcerers and the fornicators and the murderers and the idolaters and everyone who loves and perpetrates falsehood.” 16“I Jesus have sent my angel to testify these things to you concerning the churches. I am the root and offspring of David, the bright morning star. 17And the spirit and the bride say, ‘Come.’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come.’ And let him who is thirsty come; let him who wishes take the water of life freely. 18I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, may God add to him the plagues written in this book, 19and if anyone removes anything from the words of the book of this prophecy, may God remove his part from the tree of life and from the holy city – the things written in this book.” 20He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming quickly.” Amen. Yes, come Lord Jesus. 21The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with all the saints. Amen.

Reference(s) in Chapter 22: v.1 ↔ Ezekiel 47:1, Zechariah 14:8 ● v.5 ↔ Isaiah 60:19 ● v.10 ↔ Daniel 8:26, Daniel 12:4 ● v.12 ↔ Psalm 62:13MT (Psalm 62:12AV), Jeremiah 17:10, Jeremiah 32:19 ● v.13 ↔ Isaiah 41:4, Isaiah 44:6, Isaiah 48:12 ● v.16 ↔ Isaiah 11:10 ● v.17 ↔ Isaiah 55:1 ● v.18 ↔ Deuteronomy 4:2, Deuteronomy 13:1MT (Deuteronomy 12:32AV), Deuteronomy 13:1, Proverbs 30:6 ● v.19 ↔ Deuteronomy 4:2, Deuteronomy 13:1MT (Deuteronomy 12:32AV), Deuteronomy 13:1.