This Bible Lesson study aid includes (1) Bible texts from the KJV, NRSV, and TEV; (2) excerpts from the BibleTexts Online Bible Commentary; plus (3) links to other resources to enrich the study of the current Bible Lesson.

The current week's Bible Lesson itself is available online at http://www.spirituality.com/dt/studyguide.jhtml.

NOTE REGARDING "THE BIBLE" AND THE 3 BIBLE VERSIONS USED HERE: The original Hebrew and Greek texts are what actually constitute "the Bible." All other versions, whether in English or in Chinese or in Aramaic, whether produced in 384 A.D. or in 1611 A.D. or in 1996 A.D., are merely translations indirectly derived from those original Hebrew and Greek texts. The BibleTexts Online Bible Commentary at http://www.bibletexts.com/bt.htm provides verse-by-verse textual corrections that are based upon the most current knowledge of those original Hebrew and Greek texts. Most of those corrections are relevant only to the KJV, because most modern versions such as the NRSV and the TEV were translated from Hebrew and Greek texts that are much more consistent with "the original texts" than those Hebrew and Greek texts from which the 1611 KJV was translated. In the KJV most of the substantive errors are due to the faulty Hebrew and Greek texts from which the KJV was translated. (See S&H 139:15.) For more details on these issues, you can browse http://www.bibletexts.com/kjv-tr.htm.

Wherever there are substantial differences between the wording of the KJV and the NRSV, the NRSV should be considered as more accurately representing the wording of the original texts. Of the three English language Bible versions used below (the KJV, the NRSV, and the TEV), the NRSV gives the best word-for-word representation of the wording of original texts, and the TEV gives the best phrase-by-phrase representation of the originally intended meaning of original texts.

This webpage also includes links to textual commentary and to glossary articles that describe people, places, terms, and books of the Bible. To access those links, just click on "[To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]." To use the Sunday School preparation aid, browse http://www.bibletexts.com/sundayschool.htm.

Previous Bible Lesson study aids on the same subject

• http://www.bibletexts.com/bt/bt980201.htm
• http://www.bibletexts.com/bt/bt980802.htm
• http://www.bibletexts.com/bt/bt990131.htm
• http://www.bibletexts.com/bt/bt9907801.htm
• http://www.bibletexts.com/bt/bt000130.htm
• http://www.bibletexts.com/bt/bt000730.htm

Webpages especially relevant to this week's Bible Lesson

• http://www.bibletexts.com/topics/christianlove.htm
• http://www.bibletexts.com/topics/marriage.htm

KJV - 8 …the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee:...

NRSV - 8 It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you...

TEV - "Joshua Becomes Moses' Successor" - 7 Then Moses called Joshua and said to him in the presence of all the people of Israel, "Be determined and confident; you are the one who will lead these people to occupy the land that the LORD promised to their ancestors. 8 The LORD himself will lead you and be with you. He will not fail you or abandon you, so do not lose courage or be afraid."

KJV - 21 Blessed be the Lord: for he hath shewed me his marvellous kindness in a strong city.

23 O love the Lord, all ye his saints: for the Lord preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer.

NRSV - 21 Blessed be the LORD, for he has wondrously shown his steadfast love to me when I was beset as a city under siege.

23 Love the LORD, all you his saints. The LORD preserves the faithful, but abundantly repays the one who acts haughtily.

TEV - "A Prayer of Trust in God" - 19 How wonderful are the good things you keep for those who honor you! Everyone knows how good you are, how securely you protect those who trust you. 20 You hide them in the safety of your presence from the plots of men; in a safe shelter you hide them from the insults of their enemies. 21 Praise the LORD! How wonderfully he showed his love for me when I was surrounded and attacked! 22 I was afraid and thought that he had driven me out of his presence. But he heard my cry, when I called to him for help. 23 Love the LORD, all his faithful people. The LORD protects the faithful, but punishes the proud as they deserve. 24 Be strong, be courageous, all you that hope in the LORD.

KJV - 1 O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me.

3 Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.

7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? 8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. 9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; 10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. 11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.

14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

NRSV - 1 O LORD, you have searched me and known me.

3 You search out my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways.

7 Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence? 8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there. 9 If I take the wings of the morning and settle at the farthest limits of the sea, 10 even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me fast. 11 If I say, "Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light around me become night," 12 even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as the day, for darkness is as light to you.

14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well.

TEV - "God's Complete Knowledge and Care" - 1 LORD, you have examined me and you know me. 2 You know everything I do; from far away you understand all my thoughts. 3 You see me, whether I am working or resting; you know all my actions. 4 Even before I speak, you already know what I will say. 5 You are all around me on every side; you protect me with your power. 6 Your knowledge of me is too deep; it is beyond my understanding. 7 Where could I go to escape from you? Where could I get away from your presence? 8 If I went up to heaven, you would be there; if I lay down in the world of the dead, you would be there. 9 If I flew away beyond the east or lived in the farthest place in the west, 10 you would be there to lead me, you would be there to help me. 11 I could ask the darkness to hide me or the light around me to turn into night, 12 but even darkness is not dark for you, and the night is as bright as the day. Darkness and light are the same to you. 13 You created every part of me; you put me together in my mother's womb. 14 I praise you because you are to be feared; all you do is strange and wonderful. I know it with all my heart. 15 When my bones were being formed, carefully put together in my mother's womb, when I was growing there in secret, you knew that I was there -- 16 you saw me before I was born. The days allotted to me had all been recorded in your book, before any of them ever began.

• Psa 139:1,2
• Psa 7:10
• Jer 17:10
• Psa 139:3 - KJV wording: COMPASSEST - modern translation: discern (or: determine, observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider)
• Psa 139:8 - KJV wording: HELL <07585> - modern translation: Sheol (Hebrew)
• Psa 139:8
• Amo 9:2
• Psa 139:11,12
• In the NRSV and TEV texts for verse 11, I necessarily include verse 12 as part of the Bible Lesson text. This is to enable the "Bible Lesson Study Aid" to more fully reflect what the KJV text of verse 11 says. The fact is that the KJV incorrectly translates the second part of verse 11. Virtually all modern Bible versions (including the 1885 RV, 1902 ASV, 1952 RSV, 1985 NJB, 1989 NRSV, 1992 TEV, 1996 REB) and modern Bible commentaries represent all of verse 11 as part of the same condition that begins with "If I say,..." The NRSV translation of verses 11 and 12 is consistent with most other modern translations:

11 If I say, "Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light around me become night," 12 even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as the day, for darkness is as light to you.

The NAB translates these verses (and adds a footnote):

11 If I say, Surely darkness shall hide me, and night shall be my light" * - 12 Darkness is not dark for you, and night shines as the day. Darkness and light are but one.

* Night shall be my light: night to me is what day is to others.

In the outstanding United Bible Societies' commentary, A Handbook on Psalms (NY: UBS, 1993, page 1126-1127), Robert Bratcher and William Reyburn comment on verses 11 and 12:

Most translations find that the Hebrew text as it is yields a satisfactory sense. In verse 11b instead of the Masoretic Text "and the light around me (become) darkness," the Qumran manuscript has "the night (become) a belt around me"...

Not even the possiblity of changing light into darkness would be of any help to the psalmist, were he to attempt to flee from Yahweh [Jehovah, the Lord God], for with Yahweh there is no difference between darkness and light...

• Psa 139:11,12
• Job 34:22
• Psa 139:14 - KJV wording: MY SOUL <05315> or: I
• The Hebrew word translatable as "soul" is nephesh. To read a commentary on the meaning and use of nephesh, browse of click on http://www.bibletexts.com/terms/soul.htm.

KJV - 2 I have loved you, saith the Lord…

NRSV - 2 I have loved you, says the LORD...

TEV - "The LORD's Love for Israel" - 2 The LORD says to his people, "I have always loved you." But they reply, "How have you shown your love for us?" The LORD answers, "Esau and Jacob were brothers, but I have loved Jacob and his descendants, 3 and have hated Esau and his descendants. I have devastated Esau's hill country and abandoned the land to jackals." 4 If Esau's descendants, the Edomites, say, "Our towns have been destroyed, but we will rebuild them," then the LORD will reply, "Let them rebuild -- I will tear them down again. People will call them "The evil country' and "The nation with whom the LORD is angry forever." 5 The people of Israel are going to see this with their own eyes, and they will say, "The LORD is mighty even outside the land of Israel!"

KJV - 6 And Israel was greatly impoverished because of the Midianites; and the children of Israel cried unto the Lord.

11 And there came an angel of the Lord, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained unto Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites. 12 And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him, and said unto him, The Lord is with thee, thou mighty man of valour. 13 And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the Lord be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt? but now the Lord hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites. 14 And the Lord looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee?

17 And he said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, then shew me a sign that thou talkest with me. 18 Depart not hence, I pray thee, until I come unto thee, and bring forth my present, and set it before thee…

19 And Gideon went in, and made ready a kid, and unleavened cakes of an ephah of flour:…

21 Then the angel of the Lord put forth the end of the staff that was in his hand, and touched the flesh and the unleavened cakes;…

22 And when Gideon perceived that he was an angel of the Lord, Gideon said, Alas, O Lord God! for because I have seen an angel of the Lord face to face. 23 And the Lord said unto him, Peace be unto thee; fear not:…

NRSV - 6 Thus Israel was greatly impoverished because of Midian; and the Israelites cried out to the LORD for help.

11 Now the angel of the LORD came and sat under the oak at Ophrah, which belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, as his son Gideon was beating out wheat in the wine press, to hide it from the Midianites. 12 The angel of the LORD appeared to him and said to him, "The LORD is with you, you mighty warrior." 13 Gideon answered him, "But sir, if the LORD is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all his wonderful deeds that our ancestors recounted to us, saying, "Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt?' But now the LORD has cast us off, and given us into the hand of Midian." 14 Then the LORD turned to him and said, "Go in this might of yours and deliver Israel from the hand of Midian; I hereby commission you."

17 Then he said to him, "If now I have found favor with you, then show me a sign that it is you who speak with me. 18 Do not depart from here until I come to you, and bring out my present, and set it before you."...

19 So Gideon went into his house and prepared a kid, and unleavened cakes from an ephah of flour;...

21 Then the angel of the LORD reached out the tip of the staff that was in his hand, and touched the meat and the unleavened cakes;...

22 Then Gideon perceived that it was the angel of the LORD; and Gideon said, "Help me, Lord GOD! For I have seen the angel of the LORD face to face." 23 But the LORD said to him, "Peace be to you; do not fear,..."

TEV - "Gideon" - 1 Once again the people of Israel sinned against the LORD, so he let the people of Midian rule them for seven years. 2 The Midianites were stronger than Israel, and the people of Israel hid from them in caves and other safe places in the hills. 3 Whenever the Israelites would plant their crops, the Midianites would come with the Amalekites and the desert tribes and attack them. 4 They would camp on the land and destroy the crops as far south as the area around Gaza. They would take all the sheep, cattle, and donkeys, and leave nothing for the Israelites to live on. 5 They would come with their livestock and tents, as thick as locusts. They and their camels were too many to count. They came and devastated the land, 6 and Israel was helpless against them. 7 Then the people of Israel cried out to the Lord for help against the Midianites,...

11 Then the LORD's angel came to the village of Ophrah and sat under the oak tree that belonged to Joash, a man of the clan of Abiezer. His son Gideon was threshing some wheat secretly in a wine press, so that the Midianites would not see him. 12 The LORD's angel appeared to him there and said, "The LORD is with you, brave and mighty man!" 13 Gideon said to him, "If I may ask, sir, why has all this happened to us if the LORD is with us? What happened to all the wonderful things that our fathers told us the LORD used to do -- how he brought them out of Egypt? The LORD has abandoned us and left us to the mercy of the Midianites." 14 Then the LORD ordered him, "Go with all your great strength and rescue Israel from the Midianites. I myself am sending you." 15 Gideon replied, "But Lord, how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least important member of my family." 16 The LORD answered, "You can do it because I will help you. You will crush the Midianites as easily as if they were only one man." 17 Gideon replied, "If you are pleased with me, give me some proof that you are really the LORD. 18 Please do not leave until I bring you an offering of food." He said, "I will stay until you come back." 19 So Gideon went into his house and cooked a young goat and used a bushel of flour to make bread without any yeast. He put the meat in a basket and the broth in a pot, brought them to the LORD's angel under the oak tree, and gave them to him. 20 The angel told him, "Put the meat and the bread on this rock, and pour the broth over them." Gideon did so. 21 Then the LORD's angel reached out and touched the meat and the bread with the end of the stick he was holding. Fire came out of the rock and burned up the meat and the bread. Then the angel disappeared. 22 Gideon then realized that it was the LORD's angel he had seen, and he said in terror, "Sovereign LORD! I have seen your angel face-to-face!" 23 But the LORD told him, "Peace. Don't be afraid. You will not die." 24 Gideon built an altar to the LORD there and named it "The LORD is Peace." (It is still standing at Ophrah, which belongs to the clan of Abiezer.)

KJV - 9 …Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

NRSV - 9 ...Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."

TEV - "God Commands Joshua to Conquer Canaan" - 9 Remember that I have commanded you to be determined and confident! Do not be afraid or discouraged, for I, the LORD your God, am with you wherever you go."

• "God is Love..."
• To further explore this topic, browse:
• "God is Love"at http://www.bibletexts.com/topics/g.htm

KJV - 1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul:…

NRSV - 1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; 3 he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name's sake.

TEV - "The LORD Our Shepherd" - 1 The LORD is my shepherd; I have everything I need. 2 He lets me rest in fields of green grass and leads me to quiet pools of fresh water. 3 He gives me new strength. He guides me in the right paths, as he has promised. 4 Even if I go through the deepest darkness, I will not be afraid, LORD, for you are with me. Your shepherd's rod and staff protect me.

• Psa 23:1
• Gen 48,15
• Isa 40:11
• Joh 10:11-30
• S&H 578:5
• Psa 23:2
• Eze 34:13,14
• Rev 7:17
• S&H 514:13
• S&H 578:5
• Mis 206:32
• Mis 322:15
• My 162:26
• Psa 23:3
• S&H 578:5
• Un 30:11

KJV - 1 Then spake Elisha unto the woman, whose son he had restored to life, saying, Arise, and go thou and thine household, and sojourn wheresoever thou canst sojourn: for the Lord hath called for a famine; and it shall also come upon the land seven years. 2 And the woman arose, and did after the saying of the man of God: and she went with her household, and sojourned in the land of the Philistines seven years. 3 And it came to pass at the seven years' end, that the woman returned out of the land of the Philistines: and she went forth to cry unto the king for her house and for her land. 4 And the king talked with Gehazi the servant of the man of God, saying, Tell me, I pray thee, all the great things that Elisha hath done. 5 And it came to pass, as he was telling the king how he had restored a dead body to life, that, behold, the woman, whose son he had restored to life, cried to the king for her house and for her land. And Gehazi said, My lord, O king, this is the woman, and this is her son, whom Elisha restored to life. 6 And when the king asked the woman, she told him. So the king appointed unto her a certain officer, saying, Restore all that was hers, and all the fruits of the field since the day that she left the land, even until now.

NRSV - 1 Now Elisha had said to the woman whose son he had restored to life, "Get up and go with your household, and settle wherever you can; for the LORD has called for a famine, and it will come on the land for seven years." 2 So the woman got up and did according to the word of the man of God; she went with her household and settled in the land of the Philistines seven years. 3 At the end of the seven years, when the woman returned from the land of the Philistines, she set out to appeal to the king for her house and her land. 4 Now the king was talking with Gehazi the servant of the man of God, saying, "Tell me all the great things that Elisha has done." 5 While he was telling the king how Elisha had restored a dead person to life, the woman whose son he had restored to life appealed to the king for her house and her land. Gehazi said, "My lord king, here is the woman, and here is her son whom Elisha restored to life." 6 When the king questioned the woman, she told him. So the king appointed an official for her, saying, "Restore all that was hers, together with all the revenue of the fields from the day that she left the land until now."

TEV - "The Woman from Shunem Returns" - 1 Now Elisha had told the woman who lived in Shunem, whose son he had brought back to life, that the LORD was sending a famine on the land, which would last for seven years, and that she should leave with her family and go and live somewhere else. 2 She had followed his instructions and had gone with her family to live in Philistia for the seven years. 3 At the end of the seven years she returned to Israel and went to the king to ask that her house and her land be restored to her. 4 She found the king talking with Gehazi, Elisha's servant; the king wanted to know about Elisha's miracles. 5 While Gehazi was telling the king how Elisha had brought a dead person back to life, the woman made her appeal to the king. Gehazi said to him, "Your Majesty, here is the woman and here is her son whom Elisha brought back to life!" 6 In answer to the king's question, she confirmed Gehazi's story, and so the king called an official and told him to give back to her everything that was hers, including the value of all the crops that her fields had produced during the seven years she had been away.

KJV - 24 …let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord.

NRSV - 24 ...let those who boast boast in this, that they understand and know me, that I am the LORD; I act with steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth, for in these things I delight, says the LORD.

TEV - "The People of Jerusalem Cry Out for Help" - 23 The LORD says, "Wise men should not boast of their wisdom, nor strong men of their strength, nor rich men of their wealth. 24 If anyone wants to boast, he should boast that he knows and understands me, because my love is constant, and I do what is just and right. These are the things that please me. I, the LORD, have spoken."

• "God is all..."
• 1Co 12:6
• 1Co 15:28
• Eph 1:23
• see also
• Eph 4:6
• Col 3:11

KJV - 5 Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God: 6 Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever:

NRSV - 5 Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD their God, 6 who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them; who keeps faith forever;

TEV - "In Praise of God the Savior" - 5 Happy is the man who has the God of Jacob to help him and who depends on the LORD his God, 6 the Creator of heaven, earth, and sea, and all that is in them. He always keeps his promises; 7 he judges in favor of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets prisoners free 8 and gives sight to the blind. He lifts those who have fallen; he loves his righteous people.

• Psa 146:5
• Jer 17:7

KJV - 14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: 15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;

NRSV - 14 Pursue peace with everyone, and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springs up and causes trouble, and through it many become defiled.

TEV - "Instructions and Warnings" - 14 Try to be at peace with everyone, and try to live a holy life, because no one will see the Lord without it. 15 Guard against turning back from the grace of God. Let no one become like a bitter plant that grows up and causes many troubles with its poison. 16 Let no one become immoral or unspiritual like Esau, who for a single meal sold his rights as the older son. 17 Afterward, you know, he wanted to receive his father's blessing; but he was turned back, because he could not find any way to change what he had done, even though in tears he looked for it.

KJV - 5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

NRSV - 5 Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, "I will never leave you or forsake you."

TEV - "How to Please God" - 5 Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, "I will never leave you; I will never abandon you." 6 Let us be bold, then, and say, "The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?" 7 Remember your former leaders, who spoke God's message to you. Think back on how they lived and died, and imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 9 Do not let all kinds of strange teachings lead you from the right way. It is good to receive inner strength from God's grace, and not by obeying rules about foods; those who obey these rules have not been helped by them.

• Heb 13:5 - KJV wording: COVETOUSNESS <866> - correct translation: love of money
• Heb 13:5
• Exo 18:21
• Psa 119:36
• Pro 28:16
• Mar 7:22
• Luk 12:15
• Rom 1:29
• Eph 5:3
• Col 3:5
• 1Th 2:5
• 2Pe 2:3
• Mis 19:2

KJV - 5 For thy Maker is thine husband; the Lord of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.

10 For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee.

NRSV - 5 For your Maker is your husband, the LORD of hosts is his name; the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer, the God of the whole earth he is called.

10 For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed, says the LORD, who has compassion on you.

TEV - "The LORD's Love for Israel" - 4 Do not be afraid -- you will not be disgraced again; you will not be humiliated. You will forget your unfaithfulness as a young wife, and your desperate loneliness as a widow. 5 Your Creator will be like a husband to you -- the LORD Almighty is his name. The holy God of Israel will save you -- he is the ruler of all the world.

9 "In the time of Noah I promised never again to flood the earth. Now I promise not to be angry with you again; I will not reprimand or punish you. 10 The mountains and hills may crumble, but my love for you will never end; I will keep forever my promise of peace." So says the LORD who loves you.

• "Husbands and wives..."
• To further explore this topic, browse
• "Divorce as understood by the earliest Christians" at http://www.bibletexts.com/terms/divorce.htm
• "Marriage" at http://www.bibletexts.com/topics/marriage.htm

• "self-abnegation..."
• To further explore this topic, browse
• "Deny self..." at http://www.bibletexts.com/topics/d.htm
• "Deny self" at http://www.bibletexts.com/terms/prayer.htm

KJV - 5 And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, 6 And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. 7 And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. 8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.

13 And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.

NRSV - 5 When he entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, appealing to him 6 and saying, "Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, in terrible distress." 7 And he said to him, "I will come and cure him." 8 The centurion answered, "Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; but only speak the word, and my servant will be healed.

13 And to the centurion Jesus said, "Go; let it be done for you according to your faith." And the servant was healed in that hour.

TEV - "Jesus Heals a Roman Officer's Servant" - 5 When Jesus entered Capernaum, a Roman officer met him and begged for help: 6 "Sir, my servant is sick in bed at home, unable to move and suffering terribly." 7 "I will go and make him well," Jesus said. 8 "Oh no, sir," answered the officer. "I do not deserve to have you come into my house. Just give the order, and my servant will get well. 9 I, too, am a man under the authority of superior officers, and I have soldiers under me. I order this one, "Go!' and he goes; and I order that one, "Come!' and he comes; and I order my slave, "Do this!' and he does it." 10 When Jesus heard this, he was surprised and said to the people following him, "I tell you, I have never found anyone in Israel with faith like this. 11 I assure you that many will come from the east and the west and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the feast in the Kingdom of heaven. 12 But those who should be in the Kingdom will be thrown out into the darkness, where they will cry and gnash their teeth." 13 Then Jesus said to the officer, "Go home, and what you believe will be done for you." And the officer's servant was healed that very moment.

• Mat 8:5-13 - Christian healing
• To further explore Christian healing, browse http://www.bibletexts.com/topics/christianhealing.htm.
• Mat 8:6 - KJV wording: SICK OF THE PALSY <3885>, GRIEVOUSLY TORMENTED - modern translation: paralyzed, in terrible suffering
• For additional references, see "PALSY" at http://www.bibletexts.com/topics/p.htm., including Un 11:3-27.

KJV - 16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, 17 Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.

NRSV - 16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, 17 comfort your hearts and strengthen them in every good work and word.

TEV - "You Are Chosen for Salvation" - 16 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and in his grace gave us unfailing courage and a firm hope, 17 encourage you and strengthen you to always do and say what is good.

• Christian healing
• To further explore this topic, browse
• "Christian healing" at http://www.bibletexts.com/topics/christianhealing.htm

KJV - 7 Beloved, let us love one another:…

NRSV - 7 Beloved, let us love one another,...

TEV - "God Is Love" - 7 Dear friends, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Whoever loves is a child of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. 9 And God showed his love for us by sending his only Son into the world, so that we might have life through him. 10 This is what love is: it is not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the means by which our sins are forgiven. 11 Dear friends, if this is how God loved us, then we should love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God, but if we love one another, God lives in union with us, and his love is made perfect in us.

• 1Jo 4:7 - LOVE ONE ANOTHER
• To explore additional references, browse LOVE ONE ANOTHER at http://www.bibletexts.com/topics/l.htm.

KJV - 1 …speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: 2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.

6 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. 7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, 8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned;…

NRSV - 1 ...teach what is consistent with sound doctrine. 2 Tell the older men to be temperate, serious, prudent, and sound in faith, in love, and in endurance.

6 Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. 7 Show yourself in all respects a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, gravity, 8 and sound speech that cannot be censured; then any opponent will be put to shame, having nothing evil to say of us.

TEV - "Sound Doctrine" - 1 But you must teach what agrees with sound doctrine. 2 Instruct the older men to be sober, sensible, and self-controlled; to be sound in their faith, love, and endurance. 3 In the same way instruct the older women to behave as women should who live a holy life. They must not be slanderers or slaves to wine. They must teach what is good, 4 in order to train the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled and pure, and to be good housewives who submit themselves to their husbands, so that no one will speak evil of the message that comes from God. 6 In the same way urge the young men to be self-controlled. 7 In all things you yourself must be an example of good behavior. Be sincere and serious in your teaching. 8 Use sound words that cannot be criticized, so that your enemies may be put to shame by not having anything bad to say about us. 9 Slaves are to submit themselves to their masters and please them in all things. They must not talk back to them 10 or steal from them. Instead, they must show that they are always good and faithful, so as to bring credit to the teaching about God our Savior in all they do.

• Tit 2:4-5 - "train the younger women... to be good housewives who submit themselves to their husbands"
• Though Tit 2:4-5 is not in this week's Bible Lesson, this commentary has been included, because Tit 2:4-5 is in the same context as the above passages that are in the Bible Lesson. This commentary is intended specifically to address questions that may arise from reading the entire TEV paragraph above, which includes Tit 2:1-10.
• It should be noted that most scholars do not believe that Paul wrote "Pastoral Epistles," which include 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus.
• For dictionary descriptions of authorship of Titus, browse http://www.bibletexts.com/glossary/tit.htm
• For a description of the impact of misrepresenting Paul's teachings on women, browse http://www.bibletexts.com/qa/qa078.htm. That webpage has five sections:
1. The Christian standand: Jesus' non-descriminatory treatment of women
2. An illustration of repeated need for correction of an early church leader
3. Paul (a champion of women's participation) and later writings attributed to him that misrepresented him
4. Conclusion regarding the fallibility of early church leaders
5. What we can do to make things right
• To explore the active leadership roles of women in the first century Christian church, browse http://www.bibletexts.com/women.htm.

KJV - 1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, 2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. 3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. 4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

NRSV - 1 Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show every courtesy to everyone. 3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, despicable, hating one another. 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. 6 This Spirit he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

TEV - "Christian Conduct" - 1 Remind your people to submit to rulers and authorities, to obey them, and to be ready to do good in every way. 2 Tell them not to speak evil of anyone, but to be peaceful and friendly, and always to show a gentle attitude toward everyone. 3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, and wrong. We were slaves to passions and pleasures of all kinds. We spent our lives in malice and envy; others hated us and we hated them. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior was revealed, 5 he saved us. It was not because of any good deeds that we ourselves had done, but because of his own mercy that he saved us, through the Holy Spirit, who gives us new birth and new life by washing us. 6 God poured out the Holy Spirit abundantly on us through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that by his grace we might be put right with God and come into possession of the eternal life we hope for. 8 This is a true saying. I want you to give special emphasis to these matters, so that those who believe in God may be concerned with giving their time to doing good deeds, which are good and useful for everyone. 9 But avoid stupid arguments, long lists of ancestors, quarrels, and fights about the Law. They are useless and worthless. 10 Give at least two warnings to the person who causes divisions, and then have nothing more to do with him. 11 You know that such a person is corrupt, and his sins prove that he is wrong.

• "prayer"
• To further explore this topic, browse
• "Some of the many aspects of prayer taught in the Bible" at http://www.bibletexts.com/topics/prayer.htm

KJV - 8 …the Lord will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life.

NRSV - 8 By day the LORD commands his steadfast love, and at night his song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life.

TEV - "The Prayer of a Man in Exile" - 6...7 Here in exile my heart is breaking, and so I turn my thoughts to him. He has sent waves of sorrow over my soul; chaos roars at me like a flood, like waterfalls thundering down to the Jordan from Mount Hermon and Mount Mizar. 8 May the LORD show his constant love during the day, so that I may have a song at night, a prayer to the God of my life.

KJV - 12 And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people;…

NRSV - 12 Now many signs and wonders were done among the people through the apostles...

TEV - "Miracles and Wonders" - 12 Many miracles and wonders were being performed among the people by the apostles. All the believers met together in Solomon's Porch. 13 Nobody outside the group dared join them, even though the people spoke highly of them. 14 But more and more people were added to the group -- a crowd of men and women who believed in the Lord. 15 As a result of what the apostles were doing, sick people were carried out into the streets and placed on beds and mats so that at least Peter's shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. 16 And crowds of people came in from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing those who were sick or who had evil spirits in them; and they were all healed.

KJV - 16 And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: 17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. 18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour. 19 And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers, 20 And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city, 21 And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans.

23 And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:

25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. 26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.

NRSV - 16 One day, as we were going to the place of prayer, we met a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners a great deal of money by fortune-telling. 17 While she followed Paul and us, she would cry out, "These men are slaves of the Most High God, who proclaim to you a way of salvation." 18 She kept doing this for many days. But Paul, very much annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, "I order you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her." And it came out that very hour. 19 But when her owners saw that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace before the authorities. 20 When they had brought them before the magistrates, they said, "These men are disturbing our city; they are Jews 21 and are advocating customs that are not lawful for us as Romans to adopt or observe."

23 After they had given them a severe flogging, they threw them into prison and ordered the jailer to keep them securely.

25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was an earthquake, so violent that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone's chains were unfastened.

TEV - "In Prison at Philippi" - 16 One day as we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had an evil spirit that enabled her to predict the future. She earned a lot of money for her owners by telling fortunes. 17 She followed Paul and us, shouting, "These men are servants of the Most High God! They announce to you how you can be saved!" 18 She did this for many days, until Paul became so upset that he turned around and said to the spirit, "In the name of Jesus Christ I order you to come out of her!" The spirit went out of her that very moment. 19 When her owners realized that their chance of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them to the authorities in the public square. 20 They brought them before the Roman officials and said, "These men are Jews, and they are causing trouble in our city. 21 They are teaching customs that are against our law; we are Roman citizens, and we cannot accept these customs or practice them." 22 And the crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas. Then the officials tore the clothes off Paul and Silas and ordered them to be whipped. 23 After a severe beating, they were thrown into jail, and the jailer was ordered to lock them up tight. 24 Upon receiving this order, the jailer threw them into the inner cell and fastened their feet between heavy blocks of wood. 25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was a violent earthquake, which shook the prison to its foundations. At once all the doors opened, and the chains fell off all the prisoners. 27 The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he thought that the prisoners had escaped; so he pulled out his sword and was about to kill himself. 28 But Paul shouted at the top of his voice, "Don't harm yourself! We are all here!" 29 The jailer called for a light, rushed in, and fell trembling at the feet of Paul and Silas. 30 Then he led them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"

• "Abuse of the motives and religion of St. Paul..."
• To further explore this topic, browse
• "1Corinthians 14:33-36 - 'Women should be silent in the churches' - Did Paul really write this?" at http://www.bibletexts.com/women.htm