BIBLETEXTS.COM - Online Bible Commentary
for Sunday, September 2, 2001 (version 2.03)
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<GT> Acts 10- [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]
KJV - 38 …God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
NRSV - 38 ...God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; ...he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.
TEV - "Peter's Speech" - 34 Peter began to speak: "I now realize that it is true that God treats everyone on the same basis. 35 Whoever fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him, no matter what race he belongs to. 36 You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, proclaiming the Good News of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. 37 You know of the great event that took place throughout the land of Israel, beginning in Galilee after John preached his message of baptism. 38 You know about Jesus of Nazareth and how God poured out on him the Holy Spirit and power. He went everywhere, doing good and healing all who were under the power of the Devil, for God was with him.
KJV - 7 Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Behold, I will save my people from the east country, and from the west country; 8 And I will bring them, and they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God, in truth and in righteousness.
20 Thus saith the Lord of hosts; It shall yet come to pass, that there shall come people, and the inhabitants of many cities: 21 And the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, Let us go speedily to pray before the Lord, and to seek the Lord of hosts: I will go also. 22 Yea, many people and strong nations shall come to seek the Lord of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the Lord. 23 Thus saith the Lord of hosts; In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you.
NRSV - 7 Thus says the LORD of hosts: I will save my people from the east country and from the west country; 8 and I will bring them to live in Jerusalem. They shall be my people and I will be their God, in faithfulness and in righteousness.
20 Thus says the LORD of hosts: Peoples shall yet come, the inhabitants of many cities; 21 the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, "Come, let us go to entreat the favor of the LORD, and to seek the LORD of hosts; I myself am going." 22 Many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem, and to entreat the favor of the LORD. 23 Thus says the LORD of hosts: In those days ten men from nations of every language shall take hold of a Jew, grasping his garment and saying, "Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you."
TEV - "The LORD Promises to Restore Jerusalem" - 6 "This may seem impossible to those of the nation who are now left, but it's not impossible for me. 7 I will rescue my people from the lands where they have been taken, 8 and will bring them back from east and west to live in Jerusalem. They will be my people, and I will be their God, ruling over them faithfully and justly.
20 The LORD Almighty says, "The time is coming when people from many cities will come to Jerusalem. 21 Those from one city will say to those from another, "We are going to worship the LORD Almighty and pray for his blessing. Come with us!' 22 Many peoples and powerful nations will come to Jerusalem to worship the LORD Almighty and to pray for his blessing. 23 In those days ten foreigners will come to one Jew and say, "We want to share in your destiny, because we have heard that God is with you."
<B1> Isaiah 7 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]
KJV - 14 …the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. 15 Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good.
NRSV - 14 ...the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel. 15 He shall eat curds and honey by the time he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good.
TEV - "The Sign of Immanuel" - 13 To that Isaiah replied, "Listen, now, descendants of King David. It's bad enough for you to wear out the patience of men -- do you have to wear out God's patience too? 14 Well then, the Lord himself will give you a sign: a young woman who is pregnant will have a son and will name him "Immanuel.' 15 By the time he is old enough to make his own decisions, people will be drinking milk and eating honey. 16 Even before that time comes, the lands of those two kings who terrify you will be deserted.
The life of the children who were born in what was apparently so fortunate a time will be lived in utter contrast to what is implied by their name [Immanuel, God with us]. When they know how to distinguish between good and evil, when their conscious freedom of choice based on personal experience is fully developed, which is the case at about the twentieth year, they shall eat cream and honey (v. 15). Although even for the later Deuteronomic historian milk and honey may have seemed splendid and desirable food for those who lived in the desert (cf. Ex. 3.8, 17; Deut. 6.3; 11.9; etc.), they would not have been so to anything like the same extent for children who had grown up in a cultivated region... The development which was apparently so favourable for Jerusalem, and which led to the giving of the name Immanuel, will first be confirmed in the fate which is to come upon the Aramaean state and the northern kingdom of Israel. Both countries will be devastated before the children who are being born now have reached the twentieth year of their lives (v. 16)... Ahaz still sees in the Assyrians only welcome liberators in his extremity. One day he will recognize what kind of power he has subjected himself to. The whole context leaves no doubt that he was expecting judgment to come soon upon both states... In twenty years at the most, God's judgment upon the king's unbelief will be realized in new wars and terrible defeats. Then the population that remains will be reduced to the level of nomads and shepherds (cf. v. 15). Because Ahaz did not accept the offer of the God of grace, he will not escape his punishment.
Otto Kaiser continues beyond his exegesis into some very insightful exposition of Isa 7:10-17:
The prophet now pronounces that the sinner does not escape his punishment and that God's word prevails. We are meant to observe that God's time is his own. Man may often think that God's time is finally concluded and that he has lost his control over the world or never possessed it, but he nevertheless still rules and in good or evil holds firm to the word he has once uttered (cf. Hab. 1.3; II Peter 1:19; 3.9). The reality of life and the judgment of God is so hard that there are events, the consequences of which never cease to exist. In the crisis of the Davidic kingdom the end of the old covenant is prophesied. The word of judgment upon the son [Ahaz] who dared not be a son, receiving what was offered, arouses the expectation of one who is the Son [Christ Jesus] (cf. 10.33-11.9)... Thus the Christian knows only that it is better for him in every case to remain faithful to his God rather than to save himself without trust in God and in alleged self-reliance... Faith, as an infinite trust, demands the self-abandonment of the whole man, for in this alone can God be experienced as his helper in the struggle.
KJV - 5 And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins. 6 The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.
10 And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.
NRSV - 5 Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist, and faithfulness the belt around his loins. 6 The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them.
10 On that day the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples; the nations shall inquire of him, and his dwelling shall be glorious.
TEV - "The Peaceful Kingdom" - 1 The royal line of David is like a tree that has been cut down; but just as new branches sprout from a stump, so a new king will arise from among David's descendants. 2 The spirit of the LORD will give him wisdom and the knowledge and skill to rule his people. He will know the LORD's will and honor him, 3 and find pleasure in obeying him. He will not judge by appearance or hearsay; 4 he will judge the poor fairly and defend the rights of the helpless. At his command the people will be punished, and evil persons will die. 5 He will rule his people with justice and integrity. 6 Wolves and sheep will live together in peace, and leopards will lie down with young goats. Calves and lion cubs will feed together, and little children will take care of them. 7 Cows and bears will eat together, and their calves and cubs will lie down in peace. Lions will eat straw as cattle do.
"The Exiled People Will Return" - 10 A day is coming when the new king from the royal line of David will be a symbol to the nations. They will gather in his royal city and give him honor. 11 When that day comes, the Lord will once again use his power and bring back home those of his people who are left in Assyria and Egypt, in the lands of Pathros, Sudan, Elam, Babylonia, and Hamath, and in the coastlands and on the islands of the sea. 12 The Lord will raise a signal flag to show the nations that he is gathering together again the scattered people of Israel and Judah and bringing them back from the four corners of the earth. 13 The kingdom of Israel will not be jealous of Judah any more, and Judah will not be the enemy of Israel.
[10.33-34] ...The king and the people , who do not believe, will not endure (7.9).
[11.1-5] The righteous ruler of the future. But the judgment is not God's last word. Behind it lies his purpose of salvation, his resolve to consummate the work he has begun. Of course the royal house itself is condemned to ruin. but just as David was once chosen in a truly miraculous way from the inginificant family of Jess (cf. I Sam. 16:1-13; II Sam 7:18) to receive the highest honour, once again a new shoot will spring up from the root stump of the family, a second David (v.1). Just as the spirit of Yahweh once rested upon David (cf. I Sam. 16:13; II Sam. 23.2 f.), the second David will also be equipped for his office by the spirit, which will bring about agreement between the will of God and that of the king (v.2). [page 157]
Christian faith has always asserted that the prophetic oracles concerning the future king from the time of David were fufilled in Jesus of Nazareth... Because it is God's creation, it will not relapse into nothingess; it will itself be transformed and consummated (cf. Rom. 8:19-22; Rev. 21:1). [page 162]
KJV - 40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him. 41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. 43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. 44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. 45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. 46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. 47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. 48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. 49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?
NRSV - 40 The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him. 41 Now every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the festival of the Passover. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up as usual for the festival. 43 When the festival was ended and they started to return, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. 44 Assuming that he was in the group of travelers, they went a day's journey. Then they started to look for him among their relatives and friends. 45 When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 When his parents saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him, "Child, why have you treated us like this? Look, your father and I have been searching for you in great anxiety." 49 He said to them, "Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?"
TEV - "The Return to Nazareth" - 39 When Joseph and Mary had finished doing all that was required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to their hometown of Nazareth in Galilee. 40 The child grew and became strong; he was full of wisdom, and God's blessings were upon him.
"The Boy Jesus in the Temple" - 41 Every year the parents of Jesus went to Jerusalem for the Passover Festival. 42 When Jesus was twelve years old, they went to the festival as usual. 43 When the festival was over, they started back home, but the boy Jesus stayed in Jerusalem. His parents did not know this; 44 they thought that he was with the group, so they traveled a whole day and then started looking for him among their relatives and friends. 45 They did not find him, so they went back to Jerusalem looking for him. 46 On the third day they found him in the Temple, sitting with the Jewish teachers, listening to them and asking questions. 47 All who heard him were amazed at his intelligent answers. 48 His parents were astonished when they saw him, and his mother said to him, "Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been terribly worried trying to find you." 49 He answered them, "Why did you have to look for me? Didn't you know that I had to be in my Father's house?" 50 But they did not understand his answer. 51 So Jesus went back with them to Nazareth, where he was obedient to them. His mother treasured all these things in her heart. 52 Jesus grew both in body and in wisdom, gaining favor with God and men.
As in verses 33 and 41, in order to safeguard the doctrine of the virgin birth copyists replaced hoi goneis [his parents] with Ioseph kai he meter [Joseph and his mother].
<B4> 1 Timothy 1 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]
KJV - 15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners;…
NRSV - 15 The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners...
TEV - "Gratitude for God's Mercy" - 15 This is a true saying, to be completely accepted and believed: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. I am the worst of them, 16 but God was merciful to me in order that Christ Jesus might show his full patience in dealing with me, the worst of sinners, as an example for all those who would later believe in him and receive eternal life. 17 To the eternal King, immortal and invisible, the only God -- to him be honor and glory forever and ever! Amen.
KJV - 19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; 20 And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: 21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. 22 For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.
NRSV - 19 Repent therefore, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out, 20 so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Messiah appointed for you, that is, Jesus, 21 who must remain in heaven until the time of universal restoration that God announced long ago through his holy prophets. 22 Moses said, "The Lord your God will raise up for you from your own people a prophet like me. You must listen to whatever he tells you.
TEV - "Peter's Message in the Temple" - 17 "And now, my brothers, I know that what you and your leaders did to Jesus was due to your ignorance. 18 God announced long ago through all the prophets that his Messiah had to suffer; and he made it come true in this way. 19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that he will forgive your sins. If you do, 20 times of spiritual strength will come from the Lord, and he will send Jesus, who is the Messiah he has already chosen for you. 21 He must remain in heaven until the time comes for all things to be made new, as God announced through his holy prophets of long ago. 22 For Moses said, "The Lord your God will send you a prophet, just as he sent me, and he will be one of your own people. You are to obey everything that he tells you to do. 23 Anyone who does not obey that prophet shall be separated from God's people and destroyed.' 24 And all the prophets who had a message, including Samuel and those who came after him, also announced what has been happening these days. 25 The promises of God through his prophets are for you, and you share in the covenant which God made with your ancestors. As he said to Abraham, "Through your descendants I will bless all the people on earth.'
Both the background and the exact meaning of the expression times of spiritual strength are difficult to define. The word translated spiritual strength occurs only here in the New Testament and in the Septuagint (Exodus 8:15). Its meaning is given as "breathing space, relaxation, relief." This expression does not appear in rabbinic literature, and as it stands is evidently not a Semitic idiom. However, most commentaries believe the phrase to mean those periods of refreshment during which God strenghtens the human spirit.
Obviously this passage does not refer to physical rest but to "rest for your spirits."
To those translating the Bible into many languages, A Translator's Handbook on the Acts of the Apostles instructs:
Where it is necessary to make a distinction in the use of Lord when it refers to God or Jesus, it is certainly possible in verse 20a to employ "Lord God."
The second purpose to be accomplished through the repentance and turning to God is God's sending Jesus. This may be made very clear in some languages by saying "Do this so that the Lord will send a time of renewal for your spirits and so that he will also send Jesus." The introduction of "also" is simply a way of indicating that there is a dual purpose.
KJV - 13 And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;
17 And he came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judaea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases; 18 And they that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed. 19 And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all.
NRSV - 13 And when day came, he called his disciples and chose twelve of them, whom he also named apostles:
17 He came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea, Jerusalem, and the coast of Tyre and Sidon. 18 They had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. 19 And all in the crowd were trying to touch him, for power came out from him and healed all of them.
TEV - "Jesus Chooses the Twelve Apostles" - 12 At that time Jesus went up a hill to pray and spent the whole night there praying to God. 13 When day came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he named apostles: 14 Simon (whom he named Peter) and his brother Andrew; James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, 15 Matthew and Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, and Simon (who was called the Patriot), 16 Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became the traitor.
"Jesus Teaches and Heals" - 17 When Jesus had come down from the hill with the apostles, he stood on a level place with a large number of his disciples. A large crowd of people was there from all over Judea and from Jerusalem and from the coast cities of Tyre and Sidon; 18 they had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. Those who were troubled by evil spirits also came and were healed. 19 All the people tried to touch him, for power was going out from him and healing them all.
<B7> John 11 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]
KJV - 1 Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.
5 Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. 6 When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was.
17 Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already.
19 And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.
35 Jesus wept. 36 Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!
39 Jesus said, Take ye away the stone…
41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. 42 And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. 43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. 44 And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.
NRSV - 1 Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha.
5 Accordingly, though Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus, 6 after having heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was.
17 When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days.
19 and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them about their brother.
35 Jesus began to weep. 36 So the Jews said, "See how he loved him!"
39 Jesus said, "Take away the stone."...
41 So they took away the stone. And Jesus looked upward and said, "Father, I thank you for having heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I have said this for the sake of the crowd standing here, so that they may believe that you sent me." 43 When he had said this, he cried with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" 44 The dead man came out, his hands and feet bound with strips of cloth, and his face wrapped in a cloth. Jesus said to them, "Unbind him, and let him go."
TEV - "The Death of Lazarus" - 1 A man named Lazarus, who lived in Bethany, became sick. Bethany was the town where Mary and her sister Martha lived. (2 This Mary was the one who poured the perfume on the Lord's feet and wiped them with her hair; it was her brother Lazarus who was sick.) 3 The sisters sent Jesus a message: "Lord, your dear friend is sick." 4 When Jesus heard it, he said, "The final result of this sickness will not be the death of Lazarus; this has happened in order to bring glory to God, and it will be the means by which the Son of God will receive glory." 5 Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 Yet when he received the news that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was for two more days. 7 Then he said to the disciples, "Let us go back to Judea."
"Jesus the Resurrection and the Life" - 17 When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had been buried four days before. 18 Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, 19 and many Judeans had come to see Martha and Mary to comfort them about their brother's death. 20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed in the house. 21 Martha said to Jesus, "If you had been here, Lord, my brother would not have died! 22 But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask him for." 23 "Your brother will rise to life," Jesus told her. 24 "I know," she replied, "that he will rise to life on the last day."
"Jesus Weeps" - 33 Jesus saw her weeping, and he saw how the people with her were weeping also; his heart was touched, and he was deeply moved. 34 "Where have you buried him?" he asked them. "Come and see, Lord," they answered. 35 Jesus wept. 36 "See how much he loved him!" the people said. 37 But some of them said, "He gave sight to the blind man, didn't he? Could he not have kept Lazarus from dying?"
"Lazarus Is Brought to Life" - 38 Deeply moved once more, Jesus went to the tomb, which was a cave with a stone placed at the entrance. 39 "Take the stone away!" Jesus ordered. Martha, the dead man's sister, answered, "There will be a bad smell, Lord. He has been buried four days!" 40 Jesus said to her, "Didn't I tell you that you would see God's glory if you believed?" 41 They took the stone away. Jesus looked up and said, "I thank you, Father, that you listen to me. 42 I know that you always listen to me, but I say this for the sake of the people here, so that they will believe that you sent me." 43 After he had said this, he called out in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" 44 He came out, his hands and feet wrapped in grave cloths, and with a cloth around his face. "Untie him," Jesus told them, "and let him go."
<B8> Psalms 118 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]
KJV - 26 Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the Lord:…
NRSV - 26 Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the LORD...
TEV - "A Prayer of Thanks for Victory" - 22 The stone which the builders rejected as worthless turned out to be the most important of all. 23 This was done by the LORD; what a wonderful sight it is! 24 This is the day of the LORD's victory; let us be happy, let us celebrate! 25 Save us, LORD, save us! Give us success, O LORD! 26 May God bless the one who comes in the name of the LORD! From the Temple of the LORD we bless you. 27 The LORD is God; he has been good to us. With branches in your hands, start the festival and march around the altar.
KJV - 11 And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve. 12 And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry: 13 And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find anything thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet. 14 And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it. 15 And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves; 16 And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple. 17 And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer?…
NRSV - 11 Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve. 12 On the following day, when they came from Bethany, he was hungry. 13 Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see whether perhaps he would find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. 14 He said to it, "May no one ever eat fruit from you again." And his disciples heard it. 15 Then they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who were selling and those who were buying in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves; 16 and he would not allow anyone to carry anything through the temple. 17 He was teaching and saying, "Is it not written, "My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations'?...
TEV - "The Triumphant Entry into Jerusalem" - 6 They answered just as Jesus had told them, and the men let them go. 7 They brought the colt to Jesus, threw their cloaks over the animal, and Jesus got on. 8 Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches in the field and spread them on the road. 9 The people who were in front and those who followed behind began to shout, "Praise God! God bless him who comes in the name of the Lord! 10 God bless the coming kingdom of King David, our father! Praise be to God!" 11 Jesus entered Jerusalem, went into the Temple, and looked around at everything. But since it was already late in the day, he went out to Bethany with the twelve disciples.
"Jesus Curses the Fig Tree" - 12 The next day, as they were coming back from Bethany, Jesus was hungry. 13 He saw in the distance a fig tree covered with leaves, so he went to see if he could find any figs on it. But when he came to it, he found only leaves, because it was not the right time for figs. 14 Jesus said to the fig tree, "No one shall ever eat figs from you again!" And his disciples heard him.
"Jesus Goes to the Temple" - 15 When they arrived in Jerusalem, Jesus went to the Temple and began to drive out all those who were buying and selling. He overturned the tables of the moneychangers and the stools of those who sold pigeons, 16 and he would not let anyone carry anything through the Temple courtyards. 17 He then taught the people: "It is written in the Scriptures that God said, "My Temple will be called a house of prayer for the people of all nations.' But you have turned it into a hideout for thieves!" 18 The chief priests and the teachers of the Law heard of this, so they began looking for some way to kill Jesus. They were afraid of him, because the whole crowd was amazed at his teaching.
ACCS has some very interesting commentary from early Christians such as Augustine, Hilary of Poitiers, Ephrem the Syrian, Gregory the Great, and Cyril of Jerusalem. Cyril's comments (page 160), whether or not consistent with what Jesus actually had in mind, provide considerable food for thought:
Remember at the time of the sin of Adam and Eve they clothed themselves -- with what? Fig leaves. That was their first act after the fall. So now Jesus is making the same figure of the fig tree the very last of his wondrous signs. Just as he was headed toward the cross, he cursed the fig tree -- not every fig tree, but that one alone for its symbolic significance -- saying: "May no one ever eat fruit of you again." In this way the curse laid upon Adam and Even was being reversed. For they had clothed themselves with fig leaves.
Sherman E. Johnson in his The Gospel according to Mark, by (London: Adam and Charles Black, 1977, page 188) represents many scholars when he writes:
This is the only curse miracle attributed to Jesus in the gospels, it reminds one of the apocryphal infancy stories (e.g., Greek Gospel of Thomas iii-v...), and it seems to conflict with Jesus' character. The simplest explanation is that the parable of the barren fig tree (Luke xiii. 6-9) has been turned into a miracle which symbolizes the rejection of Israel or of the priesthood.
Schweizer concludes his commentary on this section with the following insightful summary:
The development is interesting. The cursing of the fig tree was originally interpreted as a prophetic sign of the judgment of God upon stubborn Israel (similar to Luke 13:6-9). When this was no longer an immediate concern in the Gentile-Christian church, they found its general relevance in the demonstration of the power of prayer, and added vss. 22-24. Finally, Mark used it as a framework for the cleansing of the temple, thereby strongly emphasizing the great and crucial transition from a temple which was open only to Israel to one open to all nations. This, in essence, is what Jesus' Passion means to Mark.
Nineham points out (pages 300-301):
St. Mark's understanding of the temple cleansing emerges in part from the way he has sandwiched it betweeen the two parts of the fig tree story. The temple and its worship stand for Jewish life and religion; the Messiah comes to it and when he finds that the outward foliage of ceremony hides no fruit of righteousness, his only possible reaction is one of judgement and cleansing... Jesus' action is therefore seen as that of the messianic king on his great final visit to his Father's house and people, and as such, it embodies God's ultimate judgment upon the life and religion of Israel... It would appear that what Jeus objected to was the 'secularization ' of a place which should have been kept holy for worship.
KJV - 13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
NRSV - 13 Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches.
19 I reprove and discipline those whom I love. Be earnest, therefore, and repent.
21 To the one who conquers I will give a place with me on my throne, just as I myself conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.
TEV - "The Message to Philadelphia" - 13 "If you have ears, then, listen to what the Spirit says to the churches!
"The Message to Laodicea" - 16 But because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I am going to spit you out of my mouth! 17 You say, "I am rich and well off; I have all I need.' But you do not know how miserable and pitiful you are! You are poor, naked, and blind. 18 I advise you, then, to buy gold from me, pure gold, in order to be rich. Buy also white clothing to dress yourself and cover up your shameful nakedness. Buy also some ointment to put on your eyes, so that you may see. 19 I rebuke and punish all whom I love. Be in earnest, then, and turn from your sins. 20 Listen! I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into his house and eat with him, and he will eat with me.
"The Message to Laodicea" - 21 To those who win the victory I will give the right to sit beside me on my throne, just as I have been victorious and now sit by my Father on his throne.
<B11> 1 Peter 3 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]
KJV - 12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers:…
17 For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. 18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
NRSV - 12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer...
17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if suffering should be God's will, than to suffer for doing evil. 18 For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit,
TEV - "Suffering for Doing Right" - 12 For the Lord watches over the righteous and listens to their prayers; but he opposes those who do evil." 13 Who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for doing what is right, how happy you are! Do not be afraid of anyone, and do not worry. 15 But have reverence for Christ in your hearts, and honor him as Lord. Be ready at all times to answer anyone who asks you to explain the hope you have in you, 16 but do it with gentleness and respect. Keep your conscience clear, so that when you are insulted, those who speak evil of your good conduct as followers of Christ will become ashamed of what they say. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if this should be God's will, than for doing evil. 18 For Christ died for sins once and for all, a good man on behalf of sinners, in order to lead you to God. He was put to death physically, but made alive spiritually, 19 and in his spiritual existence he went and preached to the imprisoned spirits.
KJV - 1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; 2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.
12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
NRSV - 1 Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same intention (for whoever has suffered in the flesh has finished with sin), 2 so as to live for the rest of your earthly life no longer by human desires but by the will of God.
12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you are sharing Christ's sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed.
TEV - "Changed Lives" - 1 Since Christ suffered physically, you too must strengthen yourselves with the same way of thinking that he had; because whoever suffers physically is no longer involved with sin. 2 From now on, then, you must live the rest of your earthly lives controlled by God's will and not by human desires. 3 You have spent enough time in the past doing what the heathen like to do. Your lives were spent in indecency, lust, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and the disgusting worship of idols. 4 And now the heathen are surprised when you do not join them in the same wild and reckless living, and so they insult you. 5 But they will have to give an account of themselves to God, who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
"Suffering as a Christian" - 12 My dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful test you are suffering, as though something unusual were happening to you. 13 Rather be glad that you are sharing Christ's sufferings, so that you may be full of joy when his glory is revealed. 14 Happy are you if you are insulted because you are Christ's followers; this means that the glorious Spirit, the Spirit of God, is resting on you. 15 If any of you suffers, it must not be because he is a murderer or a thief or a criminal or a meddler in other people's affairs. 16 However, if you suffer because you are a Christian, don't be ashamed of it, but thank God that you bear Christ's name.
<B13> Psalms 72 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]
KJV - 1 Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king's son.
4 He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor.
6 He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers that water the earth. 7 In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth. 8 He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth. 9 They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him; and his enemies shall lick the dust.
12 For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper.
17 His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and men shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed.
NRSV - 1 Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to a king's son.
4 May he defend the cause of the poor of the people, give deliverance to the needy, and crush the oppressor.
6 May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass, like showers that water the earth. 7 In his days may righteousness flourish and peace abound, until the moon is no more. 8 May he have dominion from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth. 9 May his foes bow down before him, and his enemies lick the dust.
12 For he delivers the needy when they call, the poor and those who have no helper.
17 May his name endure forever, his fame continue as long as the sun. May all nations be blessed in him; may they pronounce him happy.
TEV - "A Prayer for the King" - 1 Teach the king to judge with your righteousness, O God; share with him your own justice, 2 so that he will rule over your people with justice and govern the oppressed with righteousness. 3 May the land enjoy prosperity; may it experience righteousness. 4 May the king judge the poor fairly; may he help the needy and defeat their oppressors. 5 May your people worship you as long as the sun shines, as long as the moon gives light, for ages to come. 6 May the king be like rain on the fields, like showers falling on the land. 7 May righteousness flourish in his lifetime, and may prosperity last as long as the moon gives light. 8 His kingdom will reach from sea to sea, from the Euphrates to the ends of the earth. 9 The peoples of the desert will bow down before him; his enemies will throw themselves to the ground. 10 The kings of Spain and of the islands will offer him gifts; the kings of Sheba and Seba will bring him offerings. 11 All kings will bow down before him; all nations will serve him. 12 He rescues the poor who call to him, and those who are needy and neglected. 13 He has pity on the weak and poor; he saves the lives of those in need. 14 He rescues them from oppression and violence; their lives are precious to him.
17 May the king's name never be forgotten; may his fame last as long as the sun. May all nations ask God to bless them as he has blessed the king.
KJV - 18 ...grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.
NRSV - 18 ...grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.
TEV - "The Promise of the Lord's Coming" - 17 But you, my friends, already know this. Be on your guard, then, so that you will not be led away by the errors of lawless people and fall from your safe position. 18 But continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory, now and forever! Amen.
for the Christian Science Quarterly Bible Lesson for Sunday, September 2, 2001
The answers to all of these questions can be found (1) in the Bible Lesson itself, (2) in this Bible Lesson Study Aid [BLSA], (3) in other webpages on the BibleTexts.com website, the homepage of which is at http://www.bibletexts.com, or (4) in Recommended Bible Study Books/Resources that are listed at http://www.bibletexts.com/reviews/index.htm.
The devil: The term Devil is synonymous with Satan, the Accuser, the Slanderer, the Prosecuting Attorney. (http://www.bibletexts.com/glossary/satan.htm)
The Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit (KJV: Holy Ghost) is also known in Joh 15:26 as the Spirit of truth and the Comforter (the Advocate, the Counselor, the Paraclete, the Defense Attorney). (http://www.bibletexts.com/terms/comforter.htm)
See also section 2.d.3. at http://www.bibletexts.com/terms/prayer2.htm.
"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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