BIBLETEXTS.COM - Online Bible Commentary
for Sunday, July 22, 2001 (version 1.00)
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<GT> Psa 31 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]
KJV - 4 …thou art my strength.
NRSV - 4 ...you are my refuge.
TEV - "A Prayer of Trust in God" - 3 You are my refuge and defense; guide me and lead me as you have promised. 4 Keep me safe from the trap that has been set for me; shelter me from danger. 5 I place myself in your care. You will save me, LORD; you are a faithful God. 6 You hate those who worship false gods, but I trust in you. 7 I will be glad and rejoice because of your constant love. You see my suffering; you know my trouble. 8 You have not let my enemies capture me; you have given me freedom to go where I wish.
KJV - 46 The Lord liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted.
NRSV - 46 The LORD lives! Blessed be my rock, and exalted be the God of my salvation,
TEV - "David's Song of Victory" - 46 The LORD lives! Praise my defender! Proclaim the greatness of the God who saves me. 47 He gives me victory over my enemies; he subdues the nations under me 48 and saves me from my foes. O LORD, you give me victory over my enemies and protect me from violent men. 49 And so I praise you among the nations; I sing praises to you. 50 God gives great victories to his king; he shows constant love to the one he has chosen, to David and his descendants forever.
KJV - 2 My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.
5 Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them. 6 Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools. 7 They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God. 8 O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer: give ear, O God of Jacob. 9 Behold, O God our shield, and look upon the face of thine anointed. 10 For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. 11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. 12 O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.
NRSV - 2 My soul longs, indeed it faints for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God.
5 Happy are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion. 6 As they go through the valley of Baca they make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with pools. 7 They go from strength to strength; the God of gods will be seen in Zion. 8 O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer; give ear, O God of Jacob! 9 Behold our shield, O God; look on the face of your anointed. 10 For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than live in the tents of wickedness. 11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield; he bestows favor and honor. No good thing does the LORD withhold from those who walk uprightly. 12 O LORD of hosts, happy is everyone who trusts in you.
TEV - "Longing for God's House" - 1 How I love your Temple, LORD Almighty! 2 How I want to be there! I long to be in the LORD's Temple. With my whole being I sing for joy to the living God. 3 Even the sparrows have built a nest, and the swallows have their own home; they keep their young near your altars, LORD Almighty, my king and my God. 4 How happy are those who live in your Temple, always singing praise to you. 5 How happy are those whose strength comes from you, who are eager to make the pilgrimage to Mount Zion. 6 As they pass through the dry valley of Baca, it becomes a place of springs; the autumn rain fills it with pools. 7 They grow stronger as they go; they will see the God of gods on Zion. 8 Hear my prayer, LORD God Almighty. Listen, O God of Jacob! 9 Bless our king, O God, the king you have chosen. 10 One day spent in your Temple is better than a thousand anywhere else; I would rather stand at the gate of the house of my God than live in the homes of the wicked. 11 The LORD is our protector and glorious king, blessing us with kindness and honor. He does not refuse any good thing to those who do what is right. 12 LORD Almighty, how happy are those who trust in you!
<B1> 1Ch 29 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]
KJV - 11 Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine;…
12 Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.
NRSV - 11 Yours, O LORD, are the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty; for all that is in the heavens and on the earth is yours;...
12 Riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might; and it is in your hand to make great and to give strength to all.
TEV - "David Praises God" - 10 There in front of the whole assembly King David praised the LORD. He said, "LORD God of our ancestor Jacob, may you be praised forever and ever! 11 You are great and powerful, glorious, splendid, and majestic. Everything in heaven and earth is yours, and you are king, supreme ruler over all. 12 All riches and wealth come from you; you rule everything by your strength and power; and you are able to make anyone great and strong. 13 Now, our God, we give you thanks, and we praise your glorious name.
KJV - 8 Thine hands have made me and fashioned me together round about;…
12 Thou hast granted me life and favour, and thy visitation hath preserved my spirit.
NRSV - 8 Your hands fashioned and made me;...
12 You have granted me life and steadfast love, and your care has preserved my spirit.
TEV - "The First Dialogue" - 8 Your hands formed and shaped me, and now those same hands destroy me. 9 Remember that you made me from clay; are you going to crush me back to dust? 10 You gave my father strength to beget me; you made me grow in my mother's womb. 11 You formed my body with bones and sinews and covered the bones with muscles and skin. 12 You have given me life and constant love, and your care has kept me alive.
KJV - 2 The Lord doth build up Jerusalem: he gathereth together the outcasts of Israel. 3 He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.
6 The Lord lifteth up the meek:…
NRSV - 2 The LORD builds up Jerusalem; he gathers the outcasts of Israel. 3 He heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds.
6 The LORD lifts up the downtrodden;...
TEV - "In Praise of God the Almighty" - 1 Praise the LORD! It is good to sing praise to our God; it is pleasant and right to praise him. 2 The LORD is restoring Jerusalem; he is bringing back the exiles. 3 He heals the broken-hearted and bandages their wounds. 4 He has decided the number of the stars and calls each one by name. 5 Great and mighty is our Lord; his wisdom cannot be measured. 6 He raises the humble, but crushes the wicked to the ground.
KJV - 28 My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word.
30 I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me.
35 Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.
104 Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.
117 Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.
144 The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live.
NRSV - 28 My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.
30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I set your ordinances before me.
35 Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it.
104 Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way.
117 Hold me up, that I may be safe and have regard for your statutes continually.
144 Your decrees are righteous forever; give me understanding that I may live.
TEV - "Determination to Obey the Law of the LORD" - 27 Help me to understand your laws, and I will meditate on your wonderful teachings. 28 I am overcome by sorrow; strengthen me, as you have promised. 29 Keep me from going the wrong way, and in your goodness teach me your law. 30 I have chosen to be obedient; I have paid attention to your judgments. 31 I have followed your instructions, LORD; don't let me be put to shame. 32 I will eagerly obey your commands, because you will give me more understanding.
"A Prayer for Understanding" - 33 Teach me, LORD, the meaning of your laws, and I will obey them at all times. 34 Explain your law to me, and I will obey it; I will keep it with all my heart. 35 Keep me obedient to your commandments, because in them I find happiness. 36 Give me the desire to obey your laws rather than to get rich. 37 Keep me from paying attention to what is worthless; be good to me, as you have promised. 38 Keep your promise to me, your servant -- the promise you make to those who obey you. 39 Save me from the insults I fear; how wonderful are your judgments!
"Love for the Law of the LORD" - 104 I gain wisdom from your laws, and so I hate all bad conduct.
"Safety in the Law of the LORD" - 113 I hate those who are not completely loyal to you, but I love your law. 114 You are my defender and protector; I put my hope in your promise. 115 Go away from me, you sinful people. I will obey the commands of my God. 116 Give me strength, as you promised, and I shall live; don't let me be disappointed in my hope! 117 Hold me, and I will be safe, and I will always pay attention to your commands. 118 You reject everyone who disobeys your laws; their deceitful schemes are useless. 119 You treat all the wicked like rubbish, and so I love your instructions.
"The Justice of the Law of the LORD" - 144 Your instructions are always just; give me understanding, and I shall live.
<B5> Psa 29 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]
KJV - 11 The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace.
NRSV - 11 May the LORD give strength to his people! May the LORD bless his people with peace!
TEV - "The Voice of the LORD in the Storm" - 7 The voice of the LORD makes the lightning flash. 8 His voice makes the desert shake; he shakes the desert of Kadesh. 9 The LORD's voice shakes the oaks and strips the leaves from the trees while everyone in his Temple shouts, "Glory to God!" 10 The LORD rules over the deep waters; he rules as king forever. 11 The LORD gives strength to his people and blesses them with peace.
KJV - 1 My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: 2 For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. 3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: 4 So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. 5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
9 Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: 10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
NRSV - 1 My child, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; 2 for length of days and years of life and abundant welfare they will give you. 3 Do not let loyalty and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 So you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and of people. 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
9 Honor the LORD with your substance and with the first fruits of all your produce; 10 then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.
TEV - "Advice to Young Men" - 1 Son, don't forget what I teach you. Always remember what I tell you to do. 2 My teaching will give you a long and prosperous life. 3 Never let go of loyalty and faithfulness. Tie them around your neck; write them on your heart. 4 If you do this, both God and man will be pleased with you. 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know. 6 Remember the LORD in everything you do, and he will show you the right way. 7 Never let yourself think that you are wiser than you are; simply obey the LORD and refuse to do wrong. 8 If you do, it will be like good medicine, healing your wounds and easing your pains. 9 Honor the LORD by making him an offering from the best of all that your land produces. 10 If you do, your barns will be filled with grain, and you will have too much wine to store it all.
KJV - 13 …ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.
NRSV - 13 Brothers and sisters, do not be weary in doing what is right.
TEV - "The Obligation to Work" - 11 We say this because we hear that there are some people among you who live lazy lives and who do nothing except meddle in other people's business. 12 In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ we command these people and warn them to lead orderly lives and work to earn their own living. 13 But you, brothers, must not become tired of doing good. 14 It may be that someone there will not obey the message we send you in this letter. If so, take note of him and have nothing to do with him, so that he will be ashamed. 15 But do not treat him as an enemy; instead, warn him as a brother.
KJV - 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
NRSV - 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power.
TEV - "The Whole Armor of God" - 10 Finally, build up your strength in union with the Lord and by means of his mighty power. 11 Put on all the armor that God gives you, so that you will be able to stand up against the Devil's evil tricks. 12 For we are not fighting against human beings but against the wicked spiritual forces in the heavenly world, the rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers of this dark age. 13 So put on God's armor now! Then when the evil day comes, you will be able to resist the enemy's attacks; and after fighting to the end, you will still hold your ground.
<B9> Psa 27 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]
KJV - 1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
NRSV - 1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
TEV - "A Prayer of Praise" - 1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; I will fear no one. The LORD protects me from all danger; I will never be afraid.
KJV - 17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses. 18 Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins.
NRSV - 17 Relieve the troubles of my heart, and bring me out of my distress. 18 Consider my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins.
TEV - "A Prayer for Guidance and Protection" - 15 I look to the LORD for help at all times, and he rescues me from danger. 16 Turn to me, LORD, and be merciful to me, because I am lonely and weak. 17 Relieve me of my worries and save me from all my troubles. 18 Consider my distress and suffering and forgive all my sins. 19 See how many enemies I have; see how much they hate me. 20 Protect me and save me; keep me from defeat. I come to you for safety. 21 May my goodness and honesty preserve me, because I trust in you.
KJV - 7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. 8 For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.
NRSV - 7 Blessed are those who trust in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. 8 They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green; in the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit.
TEV - "Various Sayings" - 7 "But I will bless the person who puts his trust in me. 8 He is like a tree growing near a stream and sending out roots to the water. It is not afraid when hot weather comes, because its leaves stay green; it has no worries when there is no rain; it keeps on bearing fruit. 9 "Who can understand the human heart? There is nothing else so deceitful; it is too sick to be healed. 10 I, the LORD, search the minds and test the hearts of men. I treat each one according to the way he lives, according to what he does."
KJV - 10 Therefore fear thou not, O my servant Jacob, saith the Lord; neither be dismayed, O Israel: for, lo, I will save thee from afar, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and shall be in rest, and be quiet, and none shall make him afraid. 11 For I am with thee, saith the Lord, to save thee:…
17 For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the Lord;…
22 And ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.
NRSV - 10 But as for you, have no fear, my servant Jacob, says the LORD, and do not be dismayed, O Israel; for I am going to save you from far away, and your offspring from the land of their captivity. Jacob shall return and have quiet and ease, and no one shall make him afraid. 11 For I am with you, says the LORD, to save you;...
17 For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, says the LORD,...
22 And you shall be my people, and I will be your God.
TEV - "The LORD's Promises to His People" - 8 The LORD Almighty says, "When that day comes, I will break the yoke that is around their neck and remove their chains, and they will no longer be the slaves of foreigners. 9 Instead, they will serve me, the LORD their God, and a descendant of David, whom I will enthrone as king. 10 "My people, do not be afraid; people of Israel, do not be terrified. I will rescue you from that faraway land, from the land where you are prisoners. You will come back home and live in peace; you will be secure, and no one will make you afraid. 11 I will come to you and save you. I will destroy all the nations where I have scattered you, but I will not destroy you. I will not let you go unpunished; but when I punish you, I will be fair. I, the LORD, have spoken." 12 The LORD says to his people, "Your wounds are incurable, your injuries cannot be healed. 13 There is no one to take care of you, no remedy for your sores, no hope of healing for you.
16 But now, all who devour you will be devoured, and all your enemies will be taken away as prisoners. All who oppress you will be oppressed, and all who plunder you will be plundered. 17 I will make you well again; I will heal your wounds, though your enemies say, "Zion is an outcast; no one cares about her.' I, the LORD, have spoken."
21...22 Their ruler will come from their own nation, their prince from their own people. He will approach me when I invite him, for who would dare come uninvited? They will be my people, and I will be their God. I, the LORD, have spoken."
<B13> Pro 4 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]
KJV - 23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. 24 Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.
NRSV - 23 Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. 24 Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you.
TEV - "The Benefits of Wisdom" - 20 Son, pay attention to what I say. Listen to my words. 21 Never let them get away from you. Remember them and keep them in your heart. 22 They will give life and health to anyone who understands them. 23 Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts. 24 Never say anything that isn't true. Have nothing to do with lies and misleading words. 25 Look straight ahead with honest confidence; don't hang your head in shame. 26 Plan carefully what you do, and whatever you do will turn out right. 27 Avoid evil and walk straight ahead. Don't go one step off the right way.
KJV - 4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.
NRSV - 4 A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.
TEV - "Solomon's Proverbs" - 1 A gentle answer quiets anger, but a harsh one stirs it up. 2 When wise people speak, they make knowledge attractive, but stupid people spout nonsense. 3 The LORD sees what happens everywhere; he is watching us, whether we do good or evil. 4 Kind words bring life, but cruel words crush your spirit. 5 It is foolish to ignore what your father taught you; it is wise to accept his correction. 6 Righteous men keep their wealth, but wicked men lose theirs when hard times come. 7 Knowledge is spread by people who are wise, not by fools.
KJV - 4 By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life.
NRSV - 4 The reward for humility and fear of the LORD is riches and honor and life.
TEV - "Solomon's Proverbs" - 1 If you have to choose between a good reputation and great wealth, choose a good reputation. 2 The rich and the poor have this in common: the LORD made them both. 3 Sensible people will see trouble coming and avoid it, but an unthinking person will walk right into it and regret it later. 4 Obey the LORD, be humble, and you will get riches, honor, and a long life. 5 If you love your life, stay away from the traps that catch the wicked along the way. 6 Teach a child how he should live, and he will remember it all his life. 7 Poor people are the rich man's slaves. Borrow money and you are the lender's slave.
KJV - 29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. 30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
NRSV - 29 Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with which you were marked with a seal for the day of redemption. 31 Put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together with all malice,
TEV - "The New Life in Christ" - 28 The man who used to rob must stop robbing and start working, in order to earn an honest living for himself and to be able to help the poor. 29 Do not use harmful words, but only helpful words, the kind that build up and provide what is needed, so that what you say will do good to those who hear you. 30 And do not make God's Holy Spirit sad; for the Spirit is God's mark of ownership on you, a guarantee that the Day will come when God will set you free. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, passion, and anger. No more shouting or insults, no more hateful feelings of any sort. 32 Instead, be kind and tender-hearted to one another, and forgive one another, as God has forgiven you through Christ.
KJV - 12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
NRSV - 12 As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. 13 Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful.
TEV - "The Old Life and the New" - 12 You are the people of God; he loved you and chose you for his own. So then, you must clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Be tolerant with one another and forgive one another whenever any of you has a complaint against someone else. You must forgive one another just as the Lord has forgiven you. 14 And to all these qualities add love, which binds all things together in perfect unity. 15 The peace that Christ gives is to guide you in the decisions you make; for it is to this peace that God has called you together in the one body. And be thankful. 16 Christ's message in all its richness must live in your hearts. Teach and instruct one another with all wisdom. Sing psalms, hymns, and sacred songs; sing to God with thanksgiving in your hearts.
<B18> Joh 3 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]
KJV - 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
NRSV - 16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.
TEV - "Jesus and Nicodemus" - 14 As Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the desert, in the same way the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. 16 For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to be its judge, but to be its savior.
KJV - 37 And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, 38 And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.
44 And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. 45 Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. 46 My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. 47 Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.
50 And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.
NRSV - 37 And a woman in the city, who was a sinner, having learned that he was eating in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster jar of ointment. 38 She stood behind him at his feet, weeping, and began to bathe his feet with her tears and to dry them with her hair. Then she continued kissing his feet and anointing them with the ointment.
44 Then turning toward the woman, he said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has bathed my feet with her tears and dried them with her hair. 45 You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not stopped kissing my feet. 46 You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. 47 Therefore, I tell you, her sins, which were many, have been forgiven; hence she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little."
50 And he said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."
TEV - "Jesus at the Home of Simon the Pharisee" - 36 A Pharisee invited Jesus to have dinner with him, and Jesus went to his house and sat down to eat. 37 In that town was a woman who lived a sinful life. She heard that Jesus was eating in the Pharisee's house, so she brought an alabaster jar full of perfume 38 and stood behind Jesus, by his feet, crying and wetting his feet with her tears. Then she dried his feet with her hair, kissed them, and poured the perfume on them. 39 When the Pharisee saw this, he said to himself, "If this man really were a prophet, he would know who this woman is who is touching him; he would know what kind of sinful life she lives!" 40 Jesus spoke up and said to him, "Simon, I have something to tell you." "Yes, Teacher," he said, "tell me." 41 There were two men who owed money to a moneylender, Jesus began. One owed him five hundred silver coins, and the other owed him fifty. 42 Neither of them could pay him back, so he cancelled the debts of both. Which one, then, will love him more? 43 "I suppose," answered Simon, "that it would be the one who was forgiven more." "You are right," said Jesus. 44 Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I came into your home, and you gave me no water for my feet, but she has washed my feet with her tears and dried them with her hair. 45 You did not welcome me with a kiss, but she has not stopped kissing my feet since I came. 46 You provided no olive oil for my head, but she has covered my feet with perfume. 47 I tell you, then, the great love she has shown proves that her many sins have been forgiven. But whoever has been forgiven little shows only a little love." 48 Then Jesus said to the woman, "Your sins are forgiven." 49 The others sitting at the table began to say to themselves, "Who is this, who even forgives sins?" 50 But Jesus said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."
A sinner probably means "a prostitute."
<B20> Act 6 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]
KJV - 4 …we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
NRSV - 4 ...we ... will devote ourselves to prayer and to serving the word."
TEV - "The Seven Helpers" - 1 Some time later, as the number of disciples kept growing, there was a quarrel between the Greek-speaking Jews and the native Jews. The Greek-speaking Jews claimed that their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of funds. 2 So the twelve apostles called the whole group of believers together and said, "It is not right for us to neglect the preaching of God's word in order to handle finances. 3 So then, brothers, choose seven men among you who are known to be full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, and we will put them in charge of this matter. 4 We ourselves, then, will give our full time to prayer and the work of preaching."
KJV - 9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; 10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; 11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
NRSV - 9 And this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight 10 to help you to determine what is best, so that in the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, 11 having produced the harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God.
TEV - "Paul's Prayer for His Readers" - 9 I pray that your love will keep on growing more and more, together with true knowledge and perfect judgment, 10 so that you will be able to choose what is best. Then you will be free from all impurity and blame on the Day of Christ. 11 Your lives will be filled with the truly good qualities which only Jesus Christ can produce, for the glory and praise of God.
KJV - 2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. 3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. 4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 5 For every man shall bear his own burden.
9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
NRSV - 2 Bear one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if those who are nothing think they are something, they deceive themselves. 4 All must test their own work; then that work, rather than their neighbor's work, will become a cause for pride. 5 For all must carry their own loads.
9 So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest-time, if we do not give up.
TEV - "Bear One Another's Burdens" - 1 My brothers, if someone is caught in any kind of wrongdoing, those of you who are spiritual should set him right; but you must do it in a gentle way. And keep an eye on yourselves, so that you will not be tempted, too. 2 Help carry one another's burdens, and in this way you will obey the law of Christ. 3 If someone thinks he is something when he really is nothing, he is only deceiving himself. 4 Each one should judge his own conduct. If it is good, then he can be proud of what he himself has done, without having to compare it with what someone else has done. 5 For everyone has to carry his own load. 6 The man who is being taught the Christian message should share all the good things he has with his teacher. 7 Do not deceive yourselves; no one makes a fool of God. A person will reap exactly what he plants. 8 If he plants in the field of his natural desires, from it he will gather the harvest of death; if he plants in the field of the Spirit, from the Spirit he will gather the harvest of eternal life. 9 So let us not become tired of doing good; for if we do not give up, the time will come when we will reap the harvest. 10 So then, as often as we have the chance, we should do good to everyone, and especially to those who belong to our family in the faith.
KJV - 4 And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: 5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; 6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.
NRSV - 4 Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. 5 Not that we are competent of ourselves to claim anything as coming from us; our competence is from God, 6 who has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant, not of letter but of spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
TEV - "Servants of the New Covenant" - 4 We say this because we have confidence in God through Christ. 5 There is nothing in us that allows us to claim that we are capable of doing this work. The capacity we have comes from God; 6 it is he who made us capable of serving the new covenant, which consists not of a written law but of the Spirit. The written law brings death, but the Spirit gives life.
for the Christian Science Quarterly Bible Lesson for Sunday, July 22, 2001
The answers to all of these questions can be found (1) in the Bible Lesson itself, (2) in the Bible Lesson Study Aid , or (3) in other webpages on the BibleTexts.com website, the homepage of which is at http://www.bibletexts.com.
Note: To explore Christ Jesus' guidance in such a daily pilgramage and celebration, browse http://www.bibletexts.com/terms/prayer.htm.
Note: For a thorough examination of this topic, browse http://www.bibletexts.com/terms/adultery.htm.
Note: To explore "Christian healing and failure/difficulty in healing" and "Christian healing and success in healing," browse http://www.bibletexts.com/topics/c.htm.
Weekly Question
"The Golden Text may be said to contain the fundamental thought with which the sermon deals.... The responsive reading, while entirely separate from the sermon, deals with the same subject... Usually, the first Science and Health reference in each section hints the leading thought in that section, which the Bible selections and the other Science and Health selections in the section develop." (TCSJ, Vol 40, p 483-487.)
SOME NOTES ON THE HISTORY OF THE BIBLE LESSON
In 1898 when Mary Baker Eddy chose the 26 subjects for an entirely new Christian Science Quarterly Bible Lesson format, the Reverend Irving Tomlinson was one of the original members of the newly constituted Christian Science Bible Lesson Committee.
From 1888 to 1899 the Christian Science Bible Lesson Committee simply had directly copied to the Christian Science Quarterly the Bible citations that had been prepared by the multi-denominational International Lesson Committee [ILC] for the weekly International Sunday School Lessons used by Protestant churches. (The Church of Christ, Scientist, had no representation on that committee.) To those Bible Lessons the Christian Science Bible Lesson Committee added correlative citations from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, which provided explanations of the Bible texts chosen by the ILC. Until 1898 the ILC-based Bible Lessons were a key component of both Christian Science church services and Christian Science Sunday School, which until 1895 included adult Sunday School classes.]
To read the Rev. Tomlinson's complete article, browse http://www.bibletexts.com/articles/j040p483.htm. To read more about the history of the Christian Science Quarterly Bible Lessons, including the official use of other translations in addition to -- and for one entire year replacing -- the King James Version, browse http://www.bibletexts.com/bl-ver.htm.)]
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