BIBLETEXTS.COM - Online Bible Commentary


Bible Lesson Study Aid

for Sunday, October 7, 2001 (version 2.04)


What is included in this Bible Lesson Study Aid and in the actual Bible lesson?

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The weekly Bible Lesson itself has three components: (1) the current Christian Science Quarterly magazine, (2) the Bible, and (3) Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures (by Mary Baker Eddy). All three can be read or purchased at any Christian Science Reading Room. A worldwide listing of Reading Rooms is available at http://168.203.8.11/Church.qry?function=form. The Christian Science Quarterly is published by the Christian Science Publishing Society (Boston, MA, USA) and contains three months of weekly Bible Lessons. Each week's Bible lesson begins with a Golden Text and Responsive Reading and then lists six sections of (a) readings from the Bible and (b) correlative readings from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, which help to explain each section's Bible passages. You can read the entire Bible Lesson at http://www.spirituality.com/dt/studyguide.jhtml.


"The Bible" and the 3 Bible versions used on this webpage

The original Hebrew and Greek texts are what actually constitute "the Bible." All other versions, whether in Latin, English, Chinese, or 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.

Recommended Bible Study Books/Resources - This provides a listing of recommended books (Bibles, commentaries, dictionaries, concordances, etc.) that Bible students should consider for deeper exploration of the Bible, including the Bible Lesson texts. There are also links to BibleTexts.com book reviews for each of the listings. (http://www.bibletexts.com/reviews/index.htm)


Bible Lesson Study Aid

<GT> 2 Samuel 22 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 29 …thou art my lamp, O Lord; and the Lord will lighten my darkness.

NRSV - 29 ...you are my lamp, O LORD, the LORD lightens my darkness.

TEV - "David's Song of Victory" - 26 O LORD, you are faithful to those who are faithful to you, and completely good to those who are perfect. 27 You are pure to those who are pure, but hostile to those who are wicked. 28 You save those who are humble, but you humble those who are proud. 29 You, LORD, are my light; you dispel my darkness. 30 You give me strength to attack my enemies and power to overcome their defenses.


<RR1> Isaiah 50 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 10 Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God.

NRSV - 10 Who among you fears the LORD and obeys the voice of his servant, who walks in darkness and has no light, yet trusts in the name of the LORD and relies upon his God?

TEV - "The Obedience of the LORD's Servant" - 10 All of you that honor the LORD and obey the words of his servant, the path you walk may be dark indeed, but trust in the LORD, rely on your God. 11 All of you that plot to destroy others will be destroyed by your own plots. The LORD himself will make this happen; you will suffer a miserable fate.


<RR2> Isaiah 42 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 5 Thus saith God the Lord, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein: 6 I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles; 7 To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house. 8 I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images. 9 Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them.

16 And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them. 17 They shall be turned back, they shall be greatly ashamed, that trust in graven images, that say to the molten images, Ye are our gods. 18 Hear, ye deaf; and look, ye blind, that ye may see.

NRSV - 5 Thus says God, the LORD, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people upon it and spirit to those who walk in it: 6 I am the LORD, I have called you in righteousness, I have taken you by the hand and kept you; I have given you as a covenant to the people, a light to the nations, 7 to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness. 8 I am the LORD, that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to idols. 9 See, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth, I tell you of them.

16 I will lead the blind by a road they do not know, by paths they have not known I will guide them. I will turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground. These are the things I will do, and I will not forsake them. 17 They shall be turned back and utterly put to shame -- those who trust in carved images, who say to cast images, "You are our gods." 18 Listen, you that are deaf; and you that are blind, look up and see!

TEV - "The LORD's Servant" - 5 God created the heavens and stretched them out; he fashioned the earth and all that lives there; he gave life and breath to all its people. And now the LORD God says to his servant, 6 "I, the LORD, have called you and given you power to see that justice is done on earth. Through you I will make a covenant with all peoples; through you I will bring light to the nations. 7 You will open the eyes of the blind and set free those who sit in dark prisons. 8 "I alone am the LORD your God. No other god may share my glory; I will not let idols share my praise. 9 The things I predicted have now come true. Now I will tell you of new things even before they begin to happen."

"God Promises to Help His People" - 16 "I will lead my blind people by roads they have never traveled. I will turn their darkness into light and make rough country smooth before them. These are my promises, and I will keep them without fail. 17 All who trust in idols, who call images their gods, will be humiliated and disgraced."

"Israel's Failure to Learn" - 18 The LORD says, "Listen, you deaf people! Look closely, you that are blind! 19 Is anyone more blind than my servant, more deaf than the messenger I send? 20 Israel, you have seen so much, but what has it meant to you? You have ears to hear with, but what have you really heard?"


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<B1> John 1 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

NRSV - 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

3 All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4 in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.

TEV - "The Word of Life" - 1 Before the world was created, the Word already existed; he was with God, and he was the same as God. 2 From the very beginning the Word was with God. 3 Through him God made all things; not one thing in all creation was made without him. 4 The Word was the source of life, and this life brought light to mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has never put it out.


<B2> Psalms 18 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 28 …thou wilt light my candle: the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness.

NRSV - 28 It is you who light my lamp; the LORD, my God, lights up my darkness.

TEV - "David's Song of Victory" - 25 O LORD, you are faithful to those who are faithful to you; completely good to those who are perfect. 26 You are pure to those who are pure, but hostile to those who are wicked. 27 You save those who are humble, but you humble those who are proud. 28 O LORD, you give me light; you dispel my darkness. 29 You give me strength to attack my enemies and power to overcome their defenses.


<B3> Psalms 71 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 1 In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion.

3 Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress.

NRSV - 1 In you, O LORD, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame.

3 Be to me a rock of refuge, a strong fortress, to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.

TEV - "An Old Man's Prayer" - 1 LORD, I have come to you for protection; never let me be defeated! 2 Because you are righteous, help me and rescue me. Listen to me and save me! 3 Be my secure shelter and a strong fortress to protect me; you are my refuge and defense.


<B4> Micah 7 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 7 Therefore I will look unto the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me. 8 Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me.

NRSV - 7 But as for me, I will look to the LORD, I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me. 8 Do not rejoice over me, O my enemy; when I fall, I shall rise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD will be a light to me.

TEV - "Israel's Moral Corruption" - 4b The day has come when God will punish the people, as he warned them through their watchmen, the prophets. Now they are in confusion. 5 Don't believe your neighbor or trust your friend. Be careful what you say even to your wife. 6 In these times sons treat their fathers like fools, daughters oppose their mothers, and young women quarrel with their mothers-in-law; a man's enemies are the members of his own family. 7 But I will watch for the LORD; I will wait confidently for God, who will save me. My God will hear me.

"The LORD Brings Salvation" - 8 Our enemies have no reason to gloat over us. We have fallen, but we will rise again. We are in darkness now, but the LORD will give us light. 9 We have sinned against the LORD, so now we must endure his anger for a while. But in the end he will defend us and right the wrongs that have been done to us. He will bring us out to the light; we will live to see him save us. 10 Then our enemies will see this and be disgraced -- the same enemies who taunted us by asking, "Where is the LORD your God?" We will see them defeated, trampled down like mud in the streets.


<B5> Zephaniah 3 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 14 Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all the heart, O daughter of Jerusalem. 15 The Lord hath taken away thy judgments, he hath cast out thine enemy: the king of Israel, even the Lord, is in the midst of thee: thou shalt not see evil any more.

17 The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.

NRSV - 14 Sing aloud, O daughter Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem! 15 The LORD has taken away the judgments against you, he has turned away your enemies. The king of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst; you shall fear disaster no more.

17 The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a warrior who gives victory; he will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in his love; he will exult over you with loud singing

TEV - "A Song of Joy" - 14 Sing and shout for joy, people of Israel! Rejoice with all your heart, Jerusalem! 15 The LORD has stopped your punishment; he has removed all your enemies. The LORD, the king of Israel, is with you; there is no reason now to be afraid. 16 The time is coming when they will say to Jerusalem, "Do not be afraid, city of Zion! Do not let your hands hang limp! 17 The LORD your God is with you; his power gives you victory. The LORD will take delight in you, and in his love he will give you new life. He will sing and be joyful over you, 18 as joyful as people at a festival." The LORD says, "I have ended the threat of doom and taken away your disgrace.


<S&H> - The Christian Science Quarterly contains citations from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures that help explain the Bible passages in this section of the Bible Lesson. You can read the entire Bible Lesson at http://www.spirituality.com/dt/studyguide.jhtml. To use additional research tools to further explore the citations from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, browse "Bible cross-references in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" at http://www.bibletexts.com/glossary.


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<B6> Psalms 119 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 89 For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven.

105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

NRSV - 89 The LORD exists forever; your word is firmly fixed in heaven.

105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

TEV - "Faith in the Law of the LORD" - 89 Your word, O LORD, will last forever; it is eternal in heaven. 90 Your faithfulness endures through all the ages; you have set the earth in place, and it remains. 91 All things remain to this day because of your command, because they are all your servants. 92 If your law had not been the source of my joy, I would have died from my sufferings. 93 I will never neglect your instructions, because by them you have kept me alive. 94 I am yours -- save me! I have tried to obey your commands. 95 Wicked men are waiting to kill me, but I will meditate on your laws.

"Light from the Law of the LORD" - 105 Your word is a lamp to guide me and a light for my path. 106 I will keep my solemn promise to obey your just instructions. 107 My sufferings, LORD, are terrible indeed; keep me alive, as you have promised. 108 Accept my prayer of thanks, O LORD, and teach me your commands.


<B7> Psalms 27 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 11 Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.

14 Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.

NRSV - 11 Teach me your way, O LORD, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies.

14 Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!

TEV - "A Prayer of Praise" - 11 Teach me, LORD, what you want me to do, and lead me along a safe path, because I have many enemies. 12 Don't abandon me to my enemies, who attack me with lies and threats. 13 I know that I will live to see the LORD's goodness in this present life. 14 Trust in the LORD. Have faith, do not despair. Trust in the LORD.


<B8> Proverbs 4 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 12 When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble. 13 Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life. 14 Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. 15 Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.

25 Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. 26 Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. 27 Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.

NRSV - 12 When you walk, your step will not be hampered; and if you run, you will not stumble. 13 Keep hold of instruction; do not let go; guard her, for she is your life. 14 Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evildoers. 15 Avoid it; do not go on it; turn away from it and pass on.

25 Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. 26 Keep straight the path of your feet, and all your ways will be sure. 27 Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.

TEV - "The Benefits of Wisdom" - 10 Listen to me, son. Take seriously what I am telling you, and you will live a long life. 11 I have taught you wisdom and the right way to live. 12 Nothing will stand in your way if you walk wisely, and you will not stumble when you run. 13 Always remember what you have learned. Your education is your life -- guard it well. 14 Do not go where evil men go. Do not follow the example of the wicked. 15 Don't do it! Keep away from evil! Refuse it and go on your way. 16 Wicked people cannot sleep unless they have done something wrong. They lie awake unless they have hurt someone. 17 Wickedness and violence are like food and drink to them.

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.


<B9> Isaiah 2 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 5 O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the Lord.

NRSV - 5 O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the LORD!

TEV - "Everlasting Peace" - 4 He will settle disputes among great nations. They will hammer their swords into plows and their spears into pruning knives. Nations will never again go to war, never prepare for battle again. 5 Now, descendants of Jacob, let us walk in the light which the LORD gives us!


<S&H> - The Christian Science Quarterly contains citations from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures that help explain the Bible passages in this section of the Bible Lesson. You can read the entire Bible Lesson at http://www.spirituality.com/dt/studyguide.jhtml. To use additional research tools to further explore the citations from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, browse "Bible cross-references in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" at http://www.bibletexts.com/glossary.


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<B10> Psalms 103 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 6 The Lord executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.

NRSV - 6 The LORD works vindication and justice for all who are oppressed.

TEV - "The Love of God" - 6 The LORD judges in favor of the oppressed and gives them their rights. 7 He revealed his plans to Moses and let the people of Israel see his mighty deeds. 8 The LORD is merciful and loving, slow to become angry and full of constant love. 9 He does not keep on rebuking; he is not angry forever. 10 He does not punish us as we deserve or repay us according to our sins and wrongs.


<B11> Psalms 119 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 174 I have longed for thy salvation, O Lord; and thy law is my delight.

NRSV - 174 I long for your salvation, O LORD, and your law is my delight.

TEV - "A Prayer for Help" - 169 Let my cry for help reach you, LORD! Give me understanding, as you have promised. 170 Listen to my prayer, and save me according to your promise! 171 I will always praise you, because you teach me your laws. 172 I will sing about your law, because your commands are just. 173 Always be ready to help me, because I follow your commands. 174 How I long for your saving help, O LORD! I find happiness in your law. 175 Give me life, so that I may praise you; may your instructions help me.


<B12> Isaiah 49 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 8 Thus saith the Lord, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages; 9 That thou mayest say to the prisoners, Go forth;...

NRSV - 8 Thus says the LORD: In a time of favor I have answered you, on a day of salvation I have helped you; I have kept you and given you as a covenant to the people, to establish the land, to apportion the desolate heritages; 9 saying to the prisoners, "Come out,"...

TEV - "The Restoration of Jerusalem" - 8 The LORD says to his people, "When the time comes to save you, I will show you favor and answer your cries for help. I will guard and protect you and through you make a covenant with all peoples. I will let you settle once again in your land that is now laid waste. 9 I will say to the prisoners, "Go free!' and to those who are in darkness, "Come out to the light!' They will be like sheep that graze on the hills; 10 they will never be hungry or thirsty. Sun and desert heat will not hurt them, for they will be led by one who loves them. He will lead them to springs of water.


<B13> Isaiah 58 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 6 Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?

8 Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rereward.

NRSV - 6 Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?

8 Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up quickly; your vindicator shall go before you, the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.

TEV - "True Fasting" - 6 "The kind of fasting I want is this: Remove the chains of oppression and the yoke of injustice, and let the oppressed go free. 7 Share your food with the hungry and open your homes to the homeless poor. Give clothes to those who have nothing to wear, and do not refuse to help your own relatives. 8 "Then my favor will shine on you like the morning sun, and your wounds will be quickly healed. I will always be with you to save you; my presence will protect you on every side. 9 When you pray, I will answer you. When you call to me, I will respond. "If you put an end to oppression, to every gesture of contempt, and to every evil word; 10 if you give food to the hungry and satisfy those who are in need, then the darkness around you will turn to the brightness of noon. 11 And I will always guide you and satisfy you with good things. I will keep you strong and well. You will be like a garden that has plenty of water, like a spring of water that never goes dry.


<B14> Jeremiah 30 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 17 For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the Lord;...

NRSV - 17 For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, says the LORD,...

TEV - "The LORD's Promises to His People" - 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."


<S&H> - The Christian Science Quarterly contains citations from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures that help explain the Bible passages in this section of the Bible Lesson. You can read the entire Bible Lesson at http://www.spirituality.com/dt/studyguide.jhtml. To use additional research tools to further explore the citations from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, browse "Bible cross-references in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" at http://www.bibletexts.com/glossary.


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<B15> Psalms 19 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 8 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.

NRSV - 8 the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is clear, enlightening the eyes;

TEV - "The Law of the LORD" - 7 The law of the LORD is perfect; it gives new strength. The commands of the LORD are trustworthy, giving wisdom to those who lack it. 8 The laws of the LORD are right, and those who obey them are happy. The commands of the LORD are just and give understanding to the mind. 9 Reverence for the LORD is good; it will continue forever. The judgments of the LORD are just; they are always fair. 10 They are more desirable than the finest gold; they are sweeter than the purest honey.


<B16> Matthew 20 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 30 And, behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David. 31 And the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace: but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David. 32 And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you? 33 They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened. 34 So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.

NRSV - 30 There were two blind men sitting by the roadside. When they heard that Jesus was passing by, they shouted, "Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!" 31 The crowd sternly ordered them to be quiet; but they shouted even more loudly, "Have mercy on us, Lord, Son of David!" 32 Jesus stood still and called them, saying, "What do you want me to do for you?" 33 They said to him, "Lord, let our eyes be opened." 34 Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes. Immediately they regained their sight and followed him.

TEV - "Jesus Heals Two Blind Men" - 29 As Jesus and his disciples were leaving Jericho, a large crowd was following. 30 Two blind men who were sitting by the road heard that Jesus was passing by, so they began to shout, "Son of David! Have mercy on us, sir!" 31 The crowd scolded them and told them to be quiet. But they shouted even more loudly, "Son of David! Have mercy on us, sir!" 32 Jesus stopped and called them. "What do you want me to do for you?" he asked them. 33 "Sir," they answered, "we want you to give us our sight!" 34 Jesus had pity on them and touched their eyes; at once they were able to see, and they followed him.


<S&H> - The Christian Science Quarterly contains citations from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures that help explain the Bible passages in this section of the Bible Lesson. You can read the entire Bible Lesson at http://www.spirituality.com/dt/studyguide.jhtml. To use additional research tools to further explore the citations from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, browse "Bible cross-references in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" at http://www.bibletexts.com/glossary.


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<B17> Psalms 119 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 151 Thou art near, O Lord; and all thy commandments are truth.

165 Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.

NRSV - 151 Yet you are near, O LORD, and all your commandments are true.

165 Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble.

TEV - "A Prayer for Deliverance" - 145 With all my heart I call to you; answer me, LORD, and I will obey your commands! 146 I call to you; save me, and I will keep your laws. 147 Before sunrise I call to you for help; I place my hope in your promise. 148 All night long I lie awake, to meditate on your instructions. 149 Because your love is constant, hear me, O LORD; show your mercy, and preserve my life! 150 My cruel persecutors are coming closer, people who never keep your law. 151 But you are near to me, LORD, and all your commands are permanent.

"Dedication to the Law of the LORD" - 161 Powerful men attack me unjustly, but I respect your law. 162 How happy I am because of your promises -- as happy as someone who finds rich treasure. 163 I hate and detest all lies, but I love your law. 164 Seven times each day I thank you for your righteous judgments. 165 Those who love your law have perfect security, and there is nothing that can make them fall. 166 I wait for you to save me, LORD, and I do what you command. 167 I obey your teachings; I love them with all my heart.


<B18> Philippians 2 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings: 15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

NRSV - 14 Do all things without murmuring and arguing, 15 so that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine like stars in the world.

TEV - "Shining as Lights in the World" - 12 So then, dear friends, as you always obeyed me when I was with you, it is even more important that you obey me now while I am away from you. Keep on working with fear and trembling to complete your salvation, 13 because God is always at work in you to make you willing and able to obey his own purpose. 14 Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15 so that you may be innocent and pure as God's perfect children, who live in a world of corrupt and sinful people. You must shine among them like stars lighting up the sky, 16 as you offer them the message of life. If you do so, I shall have reason to be proud of you on the Day of Christ, because it will show that all my effort and work have not been wasted.


<B19> Acts 11 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 1 And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.

NRSV - 1 Now the apostles and the believers who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also accepted the word of God.

TEV - "Peter's Report to the Church at Jerusalem" - 1 The apostles and the other believers throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. 2 When Peter went to Jerusalem, those who were in favor of circumcising Gentiles criticized him, saying, 3 "You were a guest in the home of uncircumcised Gentiles, and you even ate with them!" 4 So Peter gave them a complete account of what had happened from the very beginning:


<B20> Acts 15 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. 8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; 9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.

12 Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.

NRSV - 7 After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, "My brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that I should be the one through whom the Gentiles would hear the message of the good news and become believers. 8 And God, who knows the human heart, testified to them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he did to us; 9 and in cleansing their hearts by faith he has made no distinction between them and us.

12 The whole assembly kept silence, and listened to Barnabas and Paul as they told of all the signs and wonders that God had done through them among the Gentiles.

TEV - "The Meeting at Jerusalem" - 6 The apostles and the elders met together to consider this question. 7 After a long debate Peter stood up and said, "My brothers, you know that a long time ago God chose me from among you to preach the Good News to the Gentiles, so that they could hear and believe. 8 And God, who knows the thoughts of everyone, showed his approval of the Gentiles by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he had to us. 9 He made no difference between us and them; he forgave their sins because they believed. 10 So then, why do you now want to put God to the test by laying a load on the backs of the believers which neither our ancestors nor we ourselves were able to carry? 11 No! We believe and are saved by the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they are." 12 The whole group was silent as they heard Barnabas and Paul report all the miracles and wonders that God had performed through them among the Gentiles. 13 When they had finished speaking, James spoke up: "Listen to me, my brothers! 14 Simon has just explained how God first showed his care for the Gentiles by taking from among them a people to belong to him. 15 The words of the prophets agree completely with this. As the scripture says,


<B21> Colossians 3 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

NRSV - 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God.

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.


<S&H> - The Christian Science Quarterly contains citations from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures that help explain the Bible passages in this section of the Bible Lesson. You can read the entire Bible Lesson at http://www.spirituality.com/dt/studyguide.jhtml. To use additional research tools to further explore the citations from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, browse "Bible cross-references in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" at http://www.bibletexts.com/glossary.


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<B22> Isaiah 60 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 1 Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. 2 For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. 3 And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. 4 Lift up thine eyes round about, and see: all they gather themselves together, they come to thee: thy sons shall come from far, and thy daughters shall be nursed at thy side.

18 Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise. 19 The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory. 20 Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself: for the Lord shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended. 21 Thy people also shall be all righteous: they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified.

NRSV - 1 Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. 2 For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you. 3 Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. 4 Lift up your eyes and look around; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from far away, and your daughters shall be carried on their nurses' arms.

18 Violence shall no more be heard in your land, devastation or destruction within your borders; you shall call your walls Salvation, and your gates Praise. 19 The sun shall no longer be your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give light to you by night; but the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. 20 Your sun shall no more go down, or your moon withdraw itself; for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your days of mourning shall be ended. 21 Your people shall all be righteous; they shall possess the land forever. They are the shoot that I planted, the work of my hands, so that I might be glorified.

TEV - "The Future Glory of Jerusalem" - 1 Arise, Jerusalem, and shine like the sun; The glory of the LORD is shining on you! 2 Other nations will be covered by darkness, But on you the light of the LORD will shine; The brightness of his presence will be with you. 3 Nations will be drawn to your light, And kings to the dawning of your new day. 4 Look around you and see what is happening: Your people are gathering to come home! Your sons will come from far away; Your daughters will be carried like children. 5 You will see this and be filled with joy; You will tremble with excitement. The wealth of the nations will be brought to you; From across the sea their riches will come.

17 "I will bring you gold instead of bronze, Silver and bronze instead of iron and wood, And iron instead of stone. Your rulers will no longer oppress you; I will make them rule with justice and peace. 18 The sounds of violence will be heard no more; Destruction will not shatter your country again. I will protect and defend you like a wall; You will praise me because I have saved you. 19 "No longer will the sun be your light by day Or the moon be your light by night; I, the LORD, will be your eternal light; The light of my glory will shine on you. 20 Your days of grief will come to an end. I, the LORD, will be your eternal light, More lasting than the sun and moon. 21 Your people will all do what is right, And will possess the land forever. I planted them, I made them, To reveal my greatness to all.


<S&H> - The Christian Science Quarterly contains citations from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures that help explain the Bible passages in this section of the Bible Lesson. You can read the entire Bible Lesson at http://www.spirituality.com/dt/studyguide.jhtml. To use additional research tools to further explore the citations from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, browse "Bible cross-references in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" at http://www.bibletexts.com/glossary.


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