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Bible Lesson Study Aid - Study Edition

for the week of Monday, September 8, through Sunday, September 14, 2003 (version 3.9.7.0)

This Bible Lesson Study Aid is not the Bible Lesson but contains tools for exploring it.

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Bible Lesson Study Aid - Text-only Edition Bible Lesson Study Aid - info about Biblical criticism & MBE's approach to biblical study
Bible Lesson - early articles in CSJ & CSS about Bible Lesson - history of Bible Lesson - resources Sunday School Class webpage
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Sections of the Bible Lesson - and TEV paragraph headings for each citation
GT/RR Section 1 Section 2 Section 3 Section 4 Section 5 Section 6
GT - God's Judgment and Grace B1 - In Praise of God's Goodness B5 - Life Is Useless B9 - Testing and Tempting B13 - Solomon's Proverbs B18 - The Mission of the Twelve B22 - Let Us Come Near to God
RR1 - Conditions for Restoration and Blessing B2 - A Prayer for Help B6 - God's Offer of Mercy B10 - The First Dialogue" B14 - The Widow's Offering B19 - Miracles and Wonders B23 - Paul's Farewell Speech to the Elders of Ephesus
B3 - Elijah and the Drought. Elijah and the Widow in Zarephath B7 - In Praise of God's Goodness B11 - Hebron Is Given to Caleb B15 - Help for Fellow Christians B20 - A Lame Man Is Healed
RR2 - A Good Land to Be Possessed B8 - The Goodness of God B12 - David's Song of Victory B16 - Judging Others. A Tree and Its Fruit B21 - Obedience to the Law of the LORD. A Prayer for Understanding. Trusting the Law of the LORD
RR3 - The Blessings of Obedience B4 - True Fasting B17 - Riches in Heaven B24 - Help for Fellow Christians

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"Questions to explore" and "People mentioned" in this week's Bible Lesson
Questions PEOPLE - Bible dictionary definitions PEOPLE - S&H references
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When using the online "Strong's" lexicon links below, delete any preceding zeros when inputting the Strong's numbers.
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GT - Psa 52 Bible Lesson Bibles online Commentary Bible Terms>> Dict S&H Strong's>> KJV & NAS Heb Gr S&H

KJV - 1 ..the goodness of God endureth continually.

NRSV - 1 Why do you boast, O mighty one, of mischief done against the godly? All day long [2] you are plotting destruction...

TEV - "God's Judgment and Grace" - 1 Why do you boast, great man, of your evil? God's faithfulness is eternal. 2 You make plans to ruin others; your tongue is like a sharp razor. You are always inventing lies. 3 You love evil more than good and falsehood more than truth. 4 You love to hurt people with your words, you liar!

RR1 - Deu 30 Bible Lesson Bibles online Commentary Bible Terms>> Dict S&H Strong's>> KJV & NAS Heb Gr S&H
KJV - 9 …the Lord thy God will make thee plenteous in every work of thine hand, in the fruit of thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy land, for good: for the Lord will again rejoice over thee for good, as he rejoiced over thy fathers:

NRSV - 9 ...the LORD your God will make you abundantly prosperous in all your undertakings, in the fruit of your body, in the fruit of your livestock, and in the fruit of your soil. For the LORD will again take delight in prospering you, just as he delighted in prospering your ancestors,

TEV - "Conditions for Restoration and Blessing" - 9 The LORD will make you prosperous in all that you do; you will have many children and a lot of livestock, and your fields will produce abundant crops. He will be as glad to make you prosperous as he was to make your ancestors prosperous, 10 but you will have to obey him and keep all his laws that are written in this book of his teachings. You will have to turn to him with all your heart.

RR2 - Deu 8 Bible Lesson Bibles online Commentary Bible Terms>> Dict S&H Strong's>> KJV & NAS Heb Gr S&H

KJV - 7 For the Lord thy God bringeth thee into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and depths that spring out of valleys and hills; 8 A land of wheat, and barley, and vines, and fig trees, and pomegranates; a land of oil olive, and honey; 9 A land wherein thou shalt eat bread without scarceness, thou shalt not lack any thing in it; a land whose stones are iron, and out of whose hills thou mayest dig brass. 10 When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the Lord thy God for the good land which he hath given thee.

NRSV - 7 For the LORD your God is bringing you into a good land, a land with flowing streams, with springs and underground waters welling up in valleys and hills, 8 a land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive trees and honey, 9 a land where you may eat bread without scarcity, where you will lack nothing, a land whose stones are iron and from whose hills you may mine copper. 10 You shall eat your fill and bless the LORD your God for the good land that he has given you.

TEV - "A Good Land to Be Possessed" - 5 Remember that the LORD your God corrects and punishes you just as a father disciplines his children. 6 So then, do as the LORD has commanded you: live according to his laws and obey him. 7 The LORD your God is bringing you into a fertile land -- a land that has rivers and springs, and underground streams gushing out into the valleys and hills; 8 a land that produces wheat and barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and honey. 9 There you will never go hungry or ever be in need. Its rocks have iron in them, and from its hills you can mine copper. 10 You will have all you want to eat, and you will give thanks to the LORD your God for the fertile land that he has given you.

RR3 - Deu 28 Bible Lesson Bibles online Commentary Bible Terms>> Dict S&H Strong's>> KJV & NAS Heb Gr S&H
KJV - 12 The Lord shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand:...

NRSV - 12 The LORD will open for you his rich storehouse, the heavens, to give the rain of your land in its season and to bless all your undertakings...

TEV - "The Blessings of Obedience" - 9 "If you obey the LORD your God and do everything he commands, he will make you his own people, as he has promised. 10 Then all the peoples on earth will see that the LORD has chosen you to be his own people, and they will be afraid of you. 11 The LORD will give you many children, many cattle, and abundant crops in the land that he promised your ancestors to give you. 12 He will send rain in season from his rich storehouse in the sky and bless all your work, so that you will lend to many nations, but you will not have to borrow from any. 13 The LORD your God will make you the leader among the nations and not a follower; you will always prosper and never fail if you obey faithfully all his commands that I am giving you today.

Section 1
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B1 - Psa 34 Bible Lesson Bibles online Commentary Bible Terms>> Dict S&H Strong's>> KJV & NAS Heb Gr S&H

KJV - 10 …they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing.

NRSV - 10 ... those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.

TEV - "In Praise of God's Goodness" - 4 I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me; he freed me from all my fears. 5 The oppressed look to him and are glad; they will never be disappointed. 6 The helpless call to him, and he answers; he saves them from all their troubles. 7 His angel guards those who honor the LORD and rescues them from danger. 8 Find out for yourself how good the LORD is. Happy are those who find safety with him. 9 Honor the LORD, all his people; those who obey him have all they need. 10 Even lions go hungry for lack of food, but those who obey the LORD lack nothing good.

B2 - Psa 143 Bible Lesson Bibles online Commentary Bible Terms>> Dict S&H Strong's>> KJV & NAS Heb Gr S&H

KJV - 1 Hear my prayer, O Lord, give ear to my supplications:…

10 Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.

NRSV - 1 Hear my prayer, O LORD; give ear to my supplications in your faithfulness; answer me in your righteousness.

10 Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. Let your good spirit lead me on a level path.

TEV - "A Prayer for Help" - 1 LORD, hear my prayer! In your righteousness listen to my plea; answer me in your faithfulness! 2 Don't put me, your servant, on trial; no one is innocent in your sight.

7 Answer me now, LORD! I have lost all hope. Don't hide yourself from me, or I will be among those who go down to the world of the dead. 8 Remind me each morning of your constant love, for I put my trust in you. My prayers go up to you; show me the way I should go. 9 I go to you for protection, LORD; rescue me from my enemies. 10 You are my God; teach me to do your will. Be good to me, and guide me on a safe path.

B3 - 1Ki 17 Bible Lesson Bibles online Commentary Bible Terms>> Dict S&H Strong's>> KJV & NAS Heb Gr S&H

KJV - 1 And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the Lord God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.

8 And the word of the Lord came unto him, saying, 9 Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which belongeth to Zidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee. 10 So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, the widow woman was there gathering of sticks: and he called to her, and said, Fetch me, I pray thee, a little water in a vessel, that I may drink. 11 And as she was going to fetch it, he called to her, and said, Bring me, I pray thee, a morsel of bread in thine hand. 12 And she said, As the Lord thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: and, behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die. 13 And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son. 14 For thus saith the Lord God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the Lord sendeth rain upon the earth. 15 And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah: and she, and he, and her house, did eat many days. 16 And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the Lord, which he spake by Elijah.

NRSV - 1 Now Elijah the Tishbite, of Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, "As the LORD the God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word."

8 Then the word of the LORD came to him, saying, 9 "Go now to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and live there; for I have commanded a widow there to feed you." 10 So he set out and went to Zarephath. When he came to the gate of the town, a widow was there gathering sticks; he called to her and said, "Bring me a little water in a vessel, so that I may drink." 11 As she was going to bring it, he called to her and said, "Bring me a morsel of bread in your hand." 12 But she said, "As the LORD your God lives, I have nothing baked, only a handful of meal in a jar, and a little oil in a jug; I am now gathering a couple of sticks, so that I may go home and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it, and die." 13 Elijah said to her, "Do not be afraid; go and do as you have said; but first make me a little cake of it and bring it to me, and afterwards make something for yourself and your son. 14 For thus says the LORD the God of Israel: The jar of meal will not be emptied and the jug of oil will not fail until the day that the LORD sends rain on the earth." 15 She went and did as Elijah said, so that she as well as he and her household ate for many days. 16 The jar of meal was not emptied, neither did the jug of oil fail, according to the word of the LORD that he spoke by Elijah.

TEV - "Elijah and the Drought" - 1 A prophet named Elijah, from Tishbe in Gilead, said to King Ahab, "In the name of the LORD, the living God of Israel, whom I serve, I tell you that there will be no dew or rain for the next two or three years until I say so." 2 Then the LORD said to Elijah, 3 "Leave this place and go east and hide yourself near Cherith Brook, east of the Jordan. 4 The brook will supply you with water to drink, and I have commanded ravens to bring you food there." 5 Elijah obeyed the LORD's command, and went and stayed by Cherith Brook. 6 He drank water from the brook, and ravens brought him bread and meat every morning and every evening. 7 After a while the brook dried up because of the lack of rain.

"Elijah and the Widow in Zarephath" - 8 Then the LORD said to Elijah, 9 "Now go to the town of Zarephath, near Sidon, and stay there. I have commanded a widow who lives there to feed you." 10 So Elijah went to Zarephath, and as he came to the town gate, he saw a widow gathering firewood. "Please bring me a drink of water," he said to her. 11 And as she was going to get it, he called out, "And please bring me some bread, too." 12 She answered, "By the living LORD your God I swear that I don't have any bread. All I have is a handful of flour in a bowl and a bit of olive oil in a jar. I came here to gather some firewood to take back home and prepare what little I have for my son and me. That will be our last meal, and then we will starve to death." 13 "Don't worry," Elijah said to her. "Go on and prepare your meal. But first make a small loaf from what you have and bring it to me, and then prepare the rest for you and your son. 14 For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: "The bowl will not run out of flour or the jar run out of oil before the day that I, the LORD, send rain." 15 The widow went and did as Elijah had told her, and all of them had enough food for many days. 16 As the LORD had promised through Elijah, the bowl did not run out of flour nor did the jar run out of oil.

B4 - Isa 58 Bible Lesson Bibles online Commentary Bible Terms>> Dict S&H Strong's>> KJV & NAS Heb Gr S&H

KJV - 11 And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.

NRSV - 11 The LORD will guide you continually, and satisfy your needs in parched places, and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters never fail.

TEV - "True Fasting" - 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.

Study aids for correlative passages from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures [book review]

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Section 2
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B5 - Ecc 6 Bible Lesson Bibles online Commentary Bible Terms>> Dict S&H Strong's>> KJV & NAS Heb Gr S&H

KJV - 7 All the labour of man is for his mouth, and yet the appetite is not filled.

11 Seeing there be many things that increase vanity, what is man the better?

NRSV - 7 All human toil is for the mouth, yet the appetite is not satisfied.

11 The more words, the more vanity, so how is one the better?

TEV - "Life Is Useless" - 7 A man does all his work just to get something to eat, but he never has enough. 8 How is a wise man better off than a fool? What good does it do a poor man to know how to face life? 9 It is useless; it is like chasing the wind. It is better to be satisfied with what you have than to be always wanting something else. 10 Everything that happens was already determined long ago, and we all know that a man cannot argue with someone who is stronger than he. 11 The longer you argue, the more useless it is, and you are no better off. 12 How can anyone know what is best for a man in this short, useless life of his -- a life that passes like a shadow? How can anyone know what will happen in the world after he dies?

B6 - Isa 55 Bible Lesson Bibles online Commentary Bible Terms>> Dict S&H Strong's>> KJV & NAS Heb Gr S&H

KJV - 1 Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. 2 Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.

NRSV - 1 Ho, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you that have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. 2 Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food.

TEV - "God's Offer of Mercy" - 1 The LORD says, "Come, everyone who is thirsty -- here is water! Come, you that have no money -- buy grain and eat! Come! Buy wine and milk -- it will cost you nothing! 2 Why spend money on what does not satisfy? Why spend your wages and still be hungry? Listen to me and do what I say, and you will enjoy the best food of all.

B7 - Psa 34 Bible Lesson Bibles online Commentary Bible Terms>> Dict S&H Strong's>> KJV & NAS Heb Gr S&H

KJV - 8 O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. 9 O fear the Lord, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.

NRSV - 8 O taste and see that the LORD is good; happy are those who take refuge in him. 9 O fear the LORD, you his holy ones, for those who fear him have no want.

TEV - "In Praise of God's Goodness" - 4 I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me; he freed me from all my fears. 5 The oppressed look to him and are glad; they will never be disappointed. 6 The helpless call to him, and he answers; he saves them from all their troubles. 7 His angel guards those who honor the LORD and rescues them from danger. 8 Find out for yourself how good the LORD is. Happy are those who find safety with him. 9 Honor the LORD, all his people; those who obey him have all they need. 10 Even lions go hungry for lack of food, but those who obey the LORD lack nothing good.

B8 - Psa 36 Bible Lesson Bibles online Commentary Bible Terms>> Dict S&H Strong's>> KJV & NAS Heb Gr S&H

KJV - 7 How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God!…

8 They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.

10 O continue thy lovingkindness unto them that know thee;…

NRSV - 7 How precious is your steadfast love, O God!...

8 They feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your delights.

10 O continue your steadfast love to those who know you,...

TEV - "The Goodness of God" - 7 How precious, O God, is your constant love! We find protection under the shadow of your wings. 8 We feast on the abundant food you provide; you let us drink from the river of your goodness. 9 You are the source of all life, and because of your light we see the light. 10 Continue to love those who know you and to do good to those who are righteous. 11 Do not let proud men attack me or wicked men make me run away.

Study aids for correlative passages from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures [book review]

S&H-based Bible-tools

 

Section 3
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B9 - Jam 1 Bible Lesson Bibles online Commentary Bible Terms>> Dict S&H Strong's>> KJV & NAS Heb Gr S&H

KJV - 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

NRSV - 17 Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

TEV - "Testing and Tempting" - 16 Do not be deceived, my dear brothers! 17 Every good gift and every perfect present comes from heaven; it comes down from God, the Creator of the heavenly lights, who does not change or cause darkness by turning. 18 By his own will he brought us into being through the word of truth, so that we should have first place among all his creatures.

B10 - Job 11 Bible Lesson Bibles online Commentary Bible Terms>> Dict S&H Strong's>> KJV & NAS Heb Gr S&H

KJV - 17 …thine age shall be clearer than the noonday; thou shalt shine forth, thou shalt be as the morning.

NRSV - 17 ...your life will be brighter than the noonday; its darkness will be like the morning.

TEV - "The First Dialogue" - 13 Put your heart right, Job. Reach out to God. 14 Put away evil and wrong from your home. 15 Then face the world again, firm and courageous. 16 Then all your troubles will fade from your memory, like floods that are past and remembered no more. 17 Your life will be brighter than sunshine at noon, and life's darkest hours will shine like the dawn. 18 You will live secure and full of hope; God will protect you and give you rest. 19 You won't be afraid of your enemies; many people will ask you for help.

B11 - Jos 14 Bible Lesson Bibles online Commentary Bible Terms>> Dict S&H Strong's>> KJV & NAS Heb Gr S&H

KJV - 6 Then the children of Judah came unto Joshua in Gilgal: and Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite said unto him, Thou knowest the thing that the Lord said unto Moses the man of God concerning me and thee in Kadeshbarnea. 7 Forty years old was I when Moses the servant of the Lord sent me from Kadeshbarnea to espy out the land; and I brought him word again as it was in mine heart.

9 And Moses sware on that day, saying, Surely the land whereon thy feet have trodden shall be thine inheritance, and thy children's for ever, because thou hast wholly followed the Lord my God. 10 And now, behold, the Lord hath kept me alive, as he said, these forty and five years, even since the Lord spake this word unto Moses, while the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness: and now, lo, I am this day fourscore and five years old. 11 As yet I am as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me:…

NRSV - 6 Then the people of Judah came to Joshua at Gilgal; and Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite said to him, "You know what the LORD said to Moses the man of God in Kadesh-barnea concerning you and me. 7 I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadesh-barnea to spy out the land; and I brought him an honest report.

9 And Moses swore on that day, saying, "Surely the land on which your foot has trodden shall be an inheritance for you and your children forever, because you have wholeheartedly followed the LORD my God.' 10 And now, as you see, the LORD has kept me alive, as he said, these forty-five years since the time that the LORD spoke this word to Moses, while Israel was journeying through the wilderness; and here I am today, eighty-five years old. 11 I am still as strong today as I was on the day that Moses sent me;...

TEV - "Hebron Is Given to Caleb" - 6 One day some people from the tribe of Judah came to Joshua at Gilgal. One of them, Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite, said to him, "You know what the LORD said in Kadesh Barnea about you and me to Moses, the man of God. 7 I was forty years old when the LORD's servant Moses sent me from Kadesh Barnea to spy out this land. I brought an honest report back to him. 8 The men who went with me, however, made our people afraid. But I faithfully obeyed the LORD my God. 9 Because I did, Moses promised me that my children and I would certainly receive as our possession the land which I walked over. 10 But now, look. It has been forty-five years since the LORD said that to Moses. That was when Israel was going through the desert, and the LORD, as he promised, has kept me alive ever since. Look at me! I am eighty-five years old 11 and am just as strong today as I was when Moses sent me out. I am still strong enough for war or for anything else.

B12 - Psa 18 Bible Lesson Bibles online Commentary Bible Terms>> Dict S&H Strong's>> KJV & NAS Heb Gr S&H

KJV - 32 It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.

NRSV - 32 the God who girded me with strength, and made my way safe.

TEV - "David's Song of Victory" - 30 This God -- how perfect are his deeds! How dependable his words! He is like a shield for all who seek his protection. 31 The LORD alone is God; God alone is our defense. 32 He is the God who makes me strong, who makes my pathway safe. 33 He makes me sure-footed as a deer; he keeps me safe on the mountains. 34 He trains me for battle, so that I can use the strongest bow.

Study aids for correlative passages from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures [book review]

S&H-based Bible-tools

 

Section 4
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B13 - Pro 13 Bible Lesson Bibles online Commentary Bible Terms>> Dict S&H Strong's>> KJV & NAS Heb Gr S&H

KJV - 7 There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.

NRSV - 7 Some pretend to be rich, yet have nothing; others pretend to be poor, yet have great wealth.

TEV - "Solomon's Proverbs" - 1 A wise son pays attention when his father corrects him, but an arrogant person never admits he is wrong. 2 Good people will be rewarded for what they say, but those who are deceitful are hungry for violence. 3 Be careful what you say and protect your life. A careless talker destroys himself. 4 No matter how much a lazy person may want something, he will never get it. A hard worker will get everything he wants. 5 Honest people hate lies, but the words of wicked people are shameful and disgraceful. 6 Righteousness protects the innocent; wickedness is the downfall of sinners. 7 Some people pretend to be rich, but have nothing. Others pretend to be poor, but own a fortune.

B14 - Mar 12 Bible Lesson Bibles online Commentary Bible Terms>> Dict S&H Strong's>> KJV & NAS Heb Gr S&H

KJV - 41 And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. 42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. 43 And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: 44 For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.

NRSV - 41 He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. 42 A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. 43 Then he called his disciples and said to them, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. 44 For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on."

TEV - "The Widow's Offering" - 41 As Jesus sat near the Temple treasury, he watched the people as they dropped in their money. Many rich men dropped in a lot of money; 42 then a poor widow came along and dropped in two little copper coins, worth about a penny. 43 He called his disciples together and said to them, "I tell you that this poor widow put more in the offering box than all the others. 44 For the others put in what they had to spare of their riches; but she, poor as she is, put in all she had -- she gave all she had to live on."

B15 - 2Co 9 Bible Lesson Bibles online Commentary Bible Terms>> Dict S&H Strong's>> KJV & NAS Heb Gr S&H

KJV - 6 …He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

NRSV - 6 ...the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

TEV - "Help for Fellow Christians" - 5 So I thought it was necessary to urge these brothers to go to you ahead of me and get ready in advance the gift you promised to make. Then it will be ready when I arrive, and it will show that you give because you want to, not because you have to. 6 Remember that the person who plants few seeds will have a small crop; the one who plants many seeds will have a large crop. 7 Each one should give, then, as he has decided, not with regret or out of a sense of duty; for God loves the one who gives gladly. 8 And God is able to give you more than you need, so that you will always have all you need for yourselves and more than enough for every good cause.

B16 - Luk 6 Bible Lesson Bibles online Commentary Bible Terms>> Dict S&H Strong's>> KJV & NAS Heb Gr S&H

KJV - 38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good;…

NRSV - 38 give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back."

45 The good person out of the good treasure of the heart produces good, and the evil person out of evil treasure produces evil; for it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks.

TEV - "Judging Others" - 37 "Do not judge others, and God will not judge you; do not condemn others, and God will not condemn you; forgive others, and God will forgive you. 38 Give to others, and God will give to you. Indeed, you will receive a full measure, a generous helping, poured into your hands -- all that you can hold. The measure you use for others is the one that God will use for you." 39 And Jesus told them this parable: "One blind man cannot lead another one; if he does, both will fall into a ditch. 40 No pupil is greater than his teacher; but every pupil, when he has completed his training, will be like his teacher.

"A Tree and Its Fruit" - 43 "A healthy tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a poor tree bear good fruit. 44 Every tree is known by the fruit it bears; you do not pick figs from thorn bushes or gather grapes from bramble bushes. 45 A good person brings good out of the treasure of good things in his heart; a bad person brings bad out of his treasure of bad things. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.

B17 - Luk 12 Bible Lesson Bibles online Commentary Bible Terms>> Dict S&H Strong's>> KJV & NAS Heb Gr S&H

KJV - 34 where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

NRSV - 34 ...where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

TEV - "Riches in Heaven" - 32 "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the Kingdom. 33 Sell all your belongings and give the money to the poor. Provide for yourselves purses that don't wear out, and save your riches in heaven, where they will never decrease, because no thief can get to them, and no moth can destroy them. 34 For your heart will always be where your riches are.

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B18 - Mat 10 Bible Lesson Bibles online Commentary Bible Terms>> Dict S&H Strong's>> KJV & NAS Heb Gr S&H

KJV - 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

NRSV - 8 Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without payment; give without payment.

TEV - "The Mission of the Twelve" - 5 These twelve men were sent out by Jesus with the following instructions: "Do not go to any Gentile territory or any Samaritan towns. 6 Instead, you are to go to the lost sheep of the people of Israel. 7 Go and preach, "The Kingdom of heaven is near!' 8 Heal the sick, bring the dead back to life, heal those who suffer from dreaded skin diseases, and drive out demons. You have received without paying, so give without being paid. 9 Do not carry any gold, silver, or copper money in your pockets; 10 do not carry a beggar's bag for the trip or an extra shirt or shoes or a walking stick. A worker should be given what he needs.

B19 - Act 5 Bible Lesson Bibles online Commentary Bible Terms>> Dict S&H Strong's>> KJV & NAS Heb Gr S&H

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

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

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

B20 - Act 3 Bible Lesson Bibles online Commentary Bible Terms>> Dict S&H Strong's>> KJV & NAS Heb Gr S&H

KJV - 1 Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. 2 And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; 3 Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. 4 And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. 5 And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. 6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. 7 And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ancle bones received strength. 8 And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.

NRSV - 1 One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, at three o'clock in the afternoon. 2 And a man lame from birth was being carried in. People would lay him daily at the gate of the temple called the Beautiful Gate so that he could ask for alms from those entering the temple. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked them for alms. 4 Peter looked intently at him, as did John, and said, "Look at us." 5 And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. 6 But Peter said, "I have no silver or gold, but what I have I give you; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk." 7 And he took him by the right hand and raised him up; and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. 8 Jumping up, he stood and began to walk, and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.

TEV - "A Lame Man Is Healed" - 1 One day Peter and John went to the Temple at three o'clock in the afternoon, the hour for prayer. 2 There at the Beautiful Gate, as it was called, was a man who had been lame all his life. Every day he was carried to the gate to beg for money from the people who were going into the Temple. 3 When he saw Peter and John going in, he begged them to give him something. 4 They looked straight at him, and Peter said, "Look at us!" 5 So he looked at them, expecting to get something from them. 6 But Peter said to him, "I have no money at all, but I give you what I have: in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth I order you to get up and walk!" 7 Then he took him by his right hand and helped him up. At once the man's feet and ankles became strong; 8 he jumped up, stood on his feet, and started walking around. Then he went into the Temple with them, walking and jumping and praising God. 9 The people there saw him walking and praising God, 10 and when they recognized him as the beggar who had sat at the Beautiful Gate, they were all surprised and amazed at what had happened to him.

B21 - Psa 119 Bible Lesson Bibles online Commentary Bible Terms>> Dict S&H Strong's>> KJV & NAS Heb Gr S&H

KJV - 12 Blessed art thou, O Lord: teach me thy statutes.

34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.

44 So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever. 45 And I will walk at liberty:..

NRSV - 12 Blessed are you, O LORD; teach me your statutes.

34 Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart.

44 I will keep your law continually, forever and ever. 45 I shall walk at liberty,...

TEV - "Obedience to the Law of the LORD" - 9 How can a young man keep his life pure? By obeying your commands. 10 With all my heart I try to serve you; keep me from disobeying your commandments. 11 I keep your law in my heart, so that I will not sin against you. 12 I praise you, O LORD; teach me your ways. 13 I will repeat aloud all the laws you have given. 14 I delight in following your commands more than in having great wealth. 15 I study your instructions; I examine your teachings. 16 I take pleasure in your laws; your commands I will not forget.

"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!

"Trusting the Law of the LORD" - 41 Show me how much you love me, LORD, and save me according to your promise. 42 Then I can answer those who insult me because I trust in your word. 43 Enable me to speak the truth at all times, because my hope is in your judgments. 44 I will always obey your law, forever and ever. 45 I will live in perfect freedom, because I try to obey your teachings. 46 I will announce your commands to kings and I will not be ashamed. 47 I find pleasure in obeying your commands, because I love them.

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B22 - Heb 10 Bible Lesson Bibles online Commentary Bible Terms>> Dict S&H Strong's>> KJV & NAS Heb Gr S&H

KJV - 24…let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.

NRSV - 24 ...let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds,

34 For you had compassion for those who were in prison, and you cheerfully accepted the plundering of your possessions, knowing that you yourselves possessed something better and more lasting.

TEV - "Let Us Come Near to God" - 19 We have, then, my brothers, complete freedom to go into the Most Holy Place by means of the death of Jesus. 20 He opened for us a new way, a living way, through the curtain -- that is, through his own body. 21 We have a great priest in charge of the house of God. 22 So let us come near to God with a sincere heart and a sure faith, with hearts that have been purified from a guilty conscience and with bodies washed with clean water. 23 Let us hold on firmly to the hope we profess, because we can trust God to keep his promise. 24 Let us be concerned for one another, to help one another to show love and to do good. 25 Let us not give up the habit of meeting together, as some are doing. Instead, let us encourage one another all the more, since you see that the Day of the Lord is coming nearer.

32 Remember how it was with you in the past. In those days, after God's light had shone on you, you suffered many things, yet were not defeated by the struggle. 33 You were at times publicly insulted and mistreated, and at other times you were ready to join those who were being treated in this way. 34 You shared the sufferings of prisoners, and when all your belongings were seized, you endured your loss gladly, because you knew that you still possessed something much better, which would last forever. 35 Do not lose your courage, then, because it brings with it a great reward.

B23 - Act 20 Bible Lesson Bibles online Commentary Bible Terms>> Dict S&H Strong's>> KJV & NAS Heb Gr S&H

KJV - 32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. 33 I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. 34 Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. 35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. 36 And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.

NRSV - 32 And now I commend you to God and to the message of his grace, a message that is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all who are sanctified. 33 I coveted no one's silver or gold or clothing. 34 You know for yourselves that I worked with my own hands to support myself and my companions. 35 In all this I have given you an example that by such work we must support the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, for he himself said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive."' 36 When he had finished speaking, he knelt down with them all and prayed.

TEV - "Paul's Farewell Speech to the Elders of Ephesus" - 32 "And now I commend you to the care of God and to the message of his grace, which is able to build you up and give you the blessings God has for all his people. 33 I have not wanted anyone's silver or gold or clothing. 34 You yourselves know that I have worked with these hands of mine to provide everything that my companions and I have needed. 35 I have shown you in all things that by working hard in this way we must help the weak, remembering the words that the Lord Jesus himself said, "There is more happiness in giving than in receiving." 36 When Paul finished, he knelt down with them and prayed. 37 They were all crying as they hugged him and kissed him good-bye. 38 They were especially sad because he had said that they would never see him again. And so they went with him to the ship.

B24 - 2Co 9 Bible Lesson Bibles online Commentary Bible Terms>> Dict S&H Strong's>> KJV & NAS Heb Gr S&H

KJV - 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.

NRSV - 8 And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work.

11 You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us;

TEV - "Help for Fellow Christians" - 5 So I thought it was necessary to urge these brothers to go to you ahead of me and get ready in advance the gift you promised to make. Then it will be ready when I arrive, and it will show that you give because you want to, not because you have to. 6 Remember that the person who plants few seeds will have a small crop; the one who plants many seeds will have a large crop. 7 Each one should give, then, as he has decided, not with regret or out of a sense of duty; for God loves the one who gives gladly. 8 And God is able to give you more than you need, so that you will always have all you need for yourselves and more than enough for every good cause. 9 As the scripture says, "He gives generously to the needy; his kindness lasts forever." 10 And God, who supplies seed for the sower and bread to eat, will also supply you with all the seed you need and will make it grow and produce a rich harvest from your generosity. 11 He will always make you rich enough to be generous at all times, so that many will thank God for your gifts which they receive from us. 12 For this service you perform not only meets the needs of God's people, but also produces an outpouring of gratitude to God.

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Appendix A

Matthew 10:8 and the Cross and Crown Seal of Christian Science

 

    Bible Version Date Translation of Matthew 10:8 Translation of Greek word daimonia
    King James Version: word order incorrect. 1611 Heale the sicke, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out deuils... deuils
    King James Version (Blaney's1769 revision): word order still incorrect. 1769 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils... devils
    Revised Version (RV): correction of word order in the RV and in subsequent modern versions; correction of translation of daimonia as "devils" in the appendix of the RV and in the text of subsequent modern versions. 1881, 1885 Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out devils... devils
    "The seal of Christian Science" on Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, etc. 1881 to present Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons... demons
    American Standard Version 1901 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons... demons
    Revised Standard Version 1946, 1952 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons... demons
    New Revised Standard Version 1989 Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons... demons
    Today's English Version 1966, 1971, 1976, 1992 Heal the sick, bring the dead back to life, heal those who suffer from dreaded skin diseases, and drive out demons... demons

Commentary

The "seal of Christian Science," which includes the trademarked "Cross and the Crown" design, has the words, "Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons." This wording is not from the King James Version [KJV]. The wording is identical with the 1901 American Standard Version [ASV] translation of Matthew 10:8. This quotation is on the cover of every authorized copy of Mary Baker. Eddy's writings and on or within the cover of all the Christian Science periodicals. This is one of two very prominent places where Mrs. Eddy chose not to use the KJV. Instead she used the wording preferred by the American scholars in the RV translation project, as ultimately represented in the American Standard Version [ASV]. (See the above table of translations of Matthew 10:8.)

The other very prominant place was on the editorial page of the very first issue of The Christian Science Monitor in 1908. That editorial page carried the 1901 ASV translation of Mark 4:28, "First the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear." It still remains on the editorial page of today's Monitor.

    Note: The American Standard Version [ASV] Bible was first published in 1901. It is basically the American version of the RV. Though the RV was actually initiated by the English, it almost immediately became a joint English-American project. For the most part the ASV is the RV with American spellings and American idiomatic expressions, but there are some differences from the RV in interpretation and in word usage. The ASV is essentially based upon the same documents and research data that were used for the RV.

In both Matthew 10:8 and Mark 4:28, the ASV differs from both the RV and the KJV. The wordings in the RV verses are almost identical with the KJV wordings, except for one significant difference. The KJV word order for Matthew 10:8 reflects the errors of the Greek word order in the TR. On the other hand, the word order on the "seal of Christian Science," in the RV, and in the ASV all agree with the Greek word order in Westcott and Hort's Greek text, upon which the RV and ASV were based.

    Note: At that time Westcott and Hort's Greek text was the most reliable version publicly available.

Curiously, when the "seal of Christian Science" first appeared, in the 1881 Third Edition of Science and Health, Mrs. Eddy used exactly the same Matthew 10:8 wording that ultimately appeared in the ASV, but the ASV Bible was not published until 1901! American biblical scholarship, which ultimately published the ASV, had been part of the RV translation effort since 1870.

In that original 1881 edition of the Revised Version of the New Testament, the English scholars agreed to publish the American Committee's preferred "readings and renderings" in an Appendix for a fourteen year period, and the American Committee agreed not to publish an American edition of the Revised Version (which was to include textual changes reflecting the American Committee's preferences) for the same fourteen year period.

    {Note: The "Preface to the American Version" [ASV, 1901, page iii] stated: }

      In the course of the joint labors of the English and American Revisors it was agreed that, respecting all points of ultimate difference, the English Companies, who had the initiative in the work of revision, should have the decisive vote. But as an offset to this, it was proposed on the British side that the American preferences should be published as an Appendix in every copy of the Revised Bible during a term of fourteen years. The American Committee on their part pledged themselves to give, for the same limited period, no sanction to the publication of any other editions of the Revised Version than those issued by the University Presses of England.

Less than two months after the initial publication of the RV in England in 1881, Mrs. Eddy not only had obtained a copy of that brand-new RV New Testament, but she also had used that RV New Testament to determine the text on the first appearance the "seal of Christian Science" in the 1881 edition of Science and Health. However, the text of the RV read as follows:

    Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out 3devils:

What Mrs. Eddy did was to use the basic text of the RV but also to substitute "demons" in the place of "devils." In the RV's margin, immediately to the right of that text of Matthew 10:8 is the marginal note,

    3Gr. demons.

This marginal note indicates that the meaning of the Greek word translated as "devils" in the RV is actually "demons." And in the appendix, the RV's "List of readings and renderings preferred by the American Committee" stated,

    VIII. Substitute for "devil" ("devils") the word "demon" ("demons") wherever the latter word is given in the margin (or represents the Greek words daimon, daimonion)...

In Matthew 8:10, "demons" was the rendering of daimonia (the accusative plural form of daimonion), which was preferred by the American scholars who had collaborated on the RV translation. This is exactly the wording that the American scholars used when in 1901 they published the ASV. The ASV reads: "Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons:..." This is also exactly the text that Mrs. Eddy had used on "the seal of Christian Science" twenty years earlier in 1881, when she had followed the recommendations of the RV's American scholars.

All of this attests both to Mrs. Eddy's honesty in representing the Scriptures and to her vision, willingness, and courage to use wording that not only was different from the much maligned RV but different from the revered King James Version itself. The inspiring conclusion on this matter is that the wording of the Matthew 10:8 text that Mrs. Eddy chose for the "seal of Christian Science" and the wording for the Mark 4:28 text that she chose for The Christian Science Monitor were enduringly accurate, and their textual basis and language appear destined to stand the test of time. This brings to mind an interesting comment that Mrs. Eddy made in 1886 (Miscellaneous Writings, page 363:27-5):

    The Bible is the learned man's masterpiece, the ignorant man's dictionary, the wise man's directory. I foresee and foresay that every advancing epoch of Truth will be characterized by a more spiritual apprehension of the Scriptures, that will show their marked consonance with the textbook of Christian Science Mind-healing, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." Interpreting the Word in the "new tongue," whereby the sick are healed, naturally evokes new paraphrase from the world of letters.

And in 1891 Mrs. Eddy wrote (No and Yes, page 15:7-12):

    Fatiguing Bible translations and voluminous commentaries are employed to explain and prop old creeds, and they have the civil and religious arms in their defense; then why should not these be equally extended to support the Christianity that heals the sick?

For more information about the Greek text from which the KJV New Testament was translated, and its impact on the accuracy of the KJV translation, browse http://www.bibletexts.com/kjv-tr.htm.

For more information about the history of the use of other, non-KJV English versions in the Christian Science Quarterly Bible Lessons and in Christian Science church services, browse http://www.bibletexts.com/bl-ver.htm.

 

Appendix B

Sharing -- examples of the teachings and practices of the earliest Christians

 

Jesus

    Matthew 25, New Revised Standard Version [NRSV] - 34 ...'Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 For I was hungry, and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.' 37 Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? 38 And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? 39 And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?' 40 And the king will answer them, 'Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are are members of my family, you did it to me.'

    Luke 6, Today's English Version [TEV] 38 Give to others, and God will give to you. Indeed, you will receive a full measure, a generous helping, poured into your hands--all that you can hold. The measure you use for others is the one that God will use for you."

Paul

    Romans 12, TEV - 8 ...Whoever shares with others should do it generously; ...whoever shows kindness to others should do it cheerfully. 9 Love must be completely sincere... 10 Love one another warmly as Christian brothers, and be eager to show respect for one another... 13 Share your belongings with your needy fellow Christians, and open your homes to strangers... 16 Have the same concern for everyone. Do not be proud, but accept humble duties... 18 Do everything possible on your part to live in peace with everybody... 20...as the scripture says: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for by doing this you will make him burn with shame." {Proverbs 25:21,22} 21 Do not let evil defeat you; instead, conquer evil with good.

Others

    1 Timothy 6, TEV [9]...those who want to get rich fall into temptation and are caught in the trap of many foolish and harmful desires, which pull them down to ruin and destruction. [10]For the love of money is a source of all kinds of evil. Some have been so eager to have it that they have wandered away from the faith and have broken their hearts with many sorrows. [11] But you, man of God, avoid all these things. Strive for righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. [12] Run your best in the race of faith, and win eternal life for yourself;...

    Hebrews 13:16, NRSV - 16 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.

    James 2:12-18, TEV - 12 Speak and act as people who will be judged by the law that sets us free. 13 For God will not show mercy when he judges the person who has not been merciful; but mercy triumphs over judgement. 14 My brothers and sisters, what good is it for people to say that they have faith if their actions do not prove it? Can that faith save them? 15 Suppose there are brothers or sisters who need clothes and don’t have enough to eat. 16 What good is there in your saying to them, “God bless you! Keep warm and eat well!”—if you don’t give them the necessities of life? 17 So it is with faith: if it is alone and includes no actions, then it is dead. 18 But someone will say, “One person has faith, another has actions.” My answer is, “Show me how anyone can have faith without actions. I will show you my faith by my actions.”

    1 John 3:16-18, TEV - 16 This is how we know what love is: Christ gave his life for us. We too, then, ought to give our lives for our brothers and sisters! 17 Rich people who see a brother or sister in need, yet close their hearts against them, cannot claim that they love God. 18 My children, our love should not be just words and talk; it must be true love, which shows itself in action.

    Revelation 3, TEV [14]"To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: "This is the message from the Amen, the faithful and true witness, who is the origin of all that God has created. [15]I know what you have done; I know that you are neither cold nor hot. How I wish you were either one or the other! [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. [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. [22]"If you have ears, then, listen to what the Spirit says to the churches!"

MODERN BIBLICAL HISTORIANS AND OTHER CHRISTIAN WRITERS

Hans Conzelmann (History of Primitive Christianity, translated by John E. Steely, Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1973)

    ...Possessions are not ascetically renounced. Jesus had warned against wealth. But he did not demand general surrender of property even of his closest followers.  This holds true even in the community... When possessions and property are spoken of, the thoughts go far beyond material circumstances: what is involved is the whole of the attitude toward the world, whether man is lord over his possesions or is possessed by them. It is true that occasionally also possessions are regarded as bringing woe, and poverty as bringing blessedness (in the story of poor Lazarus), but this thought serves as illustration; it does not become a program... [pages 47-48]

Mary Baker Eddy

    Church Manual 45:4 It shall be the duty of the members of The Mother Church and of its branches to promote peace on earth and good will toward men;... and they shall strive to promote the welfare of all mankind by demonstrating the rules of divine Love

    Church Manual 46:26 A Christian Scientist is a humanitarian; he is benevolent, forgiving, long-suffering, and seeks to overcome evil with good.

    Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures [S&H] 8:22 If we turn away from the poor, we are not ready to receive the reward of Him who blesses the poor. We confess to having a very wicked heart and ask that it may be laid bare before us, but do we not already know more of this heart than we are willing to have our neighbor see?

    S&H 142:11-24 If the soft palm, upturned to a lordly salary, and architectural skill, making dome and spire tremulous with beauty, turn the poor and the stranger from the gate, they at the same time shut the door on progress. In vain do the manger and the cross tell their story to pride and fustian. Sensuality palsies the right hand, and causes the left to let go its grasp on the divine. As in Jesus' time, so to-day, tyranny and pride need to be whipped out of the temple, and humility and divine Science to be welcomed in. The strong cords of scientific demonstration, as twisted and wielded by Jesus, are still needed to purge the temples of their vain traffic in worldly worship and to make them meet dwelling-places for the Most High.

    S&H 239:5 Take away wealth, fame, and social organizations, which weigh not one jot in the balance of God, and we get clearer views of Principle. Break up cliques, level wealth with honesty, let worth be judged according to wisdom, and we get better views of humanity.

    S&H 206:15 In the scientific relation of God to man, we find that whatever blesses one blesses all, as Jesus showed with the loaves and the fishes,--Spirit, not matter, being the source of supply.

    S&H 571:19 The cement of a higher humanity will unite all interests in the one divinity.

    S&H 224:22 A higher and more practical Christianity, demonstrating justice and meeting the needs of mortals in sickness and in health, stands at the door of this age, knocking for admission. Will you open or close the door upon this angel visitant, who cometh in the quiet of meekness, as he came of old to the patriarch at noonday?

    S&H 475:13 Man is... that which possesses no life, intelligence, nor creative power of his own, but reflects spiritually all that belongs to his maker. (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, page 475)

    S&H 518:13 God gives the lesser idea of Himself for a link to the greater, and in return, the higher always protects the lower. The rich in spirit help the poor in one grand brotherhood, all having the same Principle, or Father; and blessed is that man who seeth his brother's need and supplieth it, seeking his own in another's good. Love giveth to the least spiritual idea might, immortality, and goodness, which shine through all as the blossom shines through the bud. All the varied expressions of God reflect health, holiness, immortality--infinite Life, Truth, and Love.

    Robert Peel (Mary Baker Eddy: The Years of Authority, New York: Holt, Rinehart, Winston, 1977, page 505, note 17. [Mrs. Eddy said,] "I have always declared against the display of material things & said the less we have of them the better. Since God taught me that matter is unreal and Spirit is the only reality any other position is unscientific."

Everett Ferguson (Early Christians Speak -- Faith and Life in the First Three Centuries, Revised Edition (Abilene, Texas: Abilene Christian University Press, 1981, 1987)

    The sharing of food by the wealthier with the poorer was an important means of charity. The host provided food for those chosen who sometimes did not eat at his house but received the food at home or accepted it to take home. The recipients were expected to pray for the their benefactor, so sharing spiritual blessings in return for material ones.[page 133]

    C\lement of Rome [1st Century]:

      Let the strong take care of the weak; let the weak respect the strong. Let the rich man minister to the poor man; let the poor man give thanks to God that he gave him one through whom his need might be satisfied. Let the wise man manifest his wisdom not in words but in good deeds... [page 208]
       

    Ignatius [35-107 AD]:

      Widows are not to be neglected. You, after the Lord, be their protector... [page 208]
       

    Aristides [early 2nd century AD]:

      They [Christians] love one another. They do not overlook the widow, and they save the orphan. He who has ministers ungrudgingly to him who does not have. When they see strangers, they take him under their own roof and rejoice over him as a true brother, for they do not call themselves brothers according to the flesh but according to the soul... [page 207]
       

    Lucian of Samosata [115-200 AD]:

      Then Proteus was apprehended as a Christian and thrown into prison.... The Christians, regarding the affair as a great misfortune, set in motion every effort to rescue him. Then, when this was impossible, every other attention was paid him, not cursorily but diligently. At dawn there were to be seen waiting at the prison aged widows and orphan children, and their officials even slept inside with him, having bribed the guards. Varied meals were brought in, and their sacred words were spoken... There were some even from the cities in Asia who came, the Christians sending them from their common fund to succour, defend, and encourage the man. They exhibit extraordinary haste whenever one of them becomes such a public victim, for in no time they lavish their all. [page 208]
       

    Irenaeus [130-200 AD]:

      And instead of the tithes which the law commanded, the Lord said to divide everthing we have with the poor. And he said to love not only our neighbors but also our enemies, and to be givers and sharers not only with the good but also to be liberal givers toward those who take away our possessions. (Against Heresies IV.xiv.3) , [page 209]
       

Floyd V. Filson (A New Testament History: The Story of the Emerging Church, Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1966)

    Possessions Jesus saw to be a special temptation. They could make one self-centered and callous to the needs of others (Luke 16:19-31), and for Jesus whatever makes one indifferent to the needs of others is spiritually ruinous. He puts this danger in another way; possessions, "mammon" or wealth, can and often do become the grim rival of God for man's loyalty. Man can become so obsessed with physical needs and the gaining of wealth that God is croeweded out of his life. But God tolerates no rival; he claims complete loyalty; man cannot serve both God and mammon (Matt. 6:24; Luke 16:13). Man is a fool not to see this, for in the end, if he fails to see it, he will lose both his possessions and his own soul; true wealth is to be "rich toward God" (Luke 12:13-21). [page 103]

Martin Hengel (Property and Riches in the Early Church, Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1974)

    In cases of castrophe, readiness to help knew no bounds. When barbarian nomads laid waste Numidia in AD 253 and made many Christians homeless, Cyprian collected a spontaneous contribution of 100,000 sesterces for those who had been affected. This was from the relatively small community in Carthage... We hear of similar generous help -- even towards pagans -- in epidemics of plague in Carthage, Alexandria and elsewhere... Even in the fourth century the emperor Julian the Apostate (361-363), an enemy of the Christians, told the pagan high priest Arsacius of Galatia 'the the godless Galileans feed not only their (poor) but ours also', whereas the pagan cult, in the revival of which the ruler was so interested, was a complete failure in the welfare of the poor. In this way the early Christian communities abolished complete penury among their own members and at the same time made a very good impression on outsiders, since such comprehensive care was alien to the pagan world. [pages 44-45]
     

      [BibleTexts editorial note: Cyprian was a Christian martyr beheaded at Carthage in 258. Emperor Julian, who was himself a pagan referred to the Christians as "godless Galileans," because the Christians did not worship the pagan gods.]

    Clement of Alexandria [150-215 AD] ... who wrote a treatise..., The Rich Man's Salvation... Possessions, rightly understood, are an instrument given by God..., indeed they are God's gift, which we receive for our brother's sake and not for our own... Everything depends on using riches to supply the need of one's fellow-men:

      For he who holds possessions... and houses, as the gifts of God; and ministers from them to the God who gives them for the salvation of men; and knows that he possesses them more for the sake of the brethren than his own; and is superior to the possession of them, not the slave of the things he possesses; and does not carry them about in his soul, nor bind and circumscribe his life with them, but is ever labouring at some good and divine work, even should he be necessarily some time or other deprived of them, is able with cheerful mind to bear their removal equally with their abundance. This is he who is blessed by the Lord, and called poor in spirit, a meet heir of the kingdom of heaven... [pages 74-75]

Joachim Jeremias (New Testament Theology: The Proclamation of Jesus, New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1971)

    A loving understanding of the poor permeates the gospel accounts: this is so in the parables of the lost coin and the unjust judge, or in the story of the widow's mite. Jesus himself was one of the poor. The tradition records that his parents, too, were poor... It is without question a correct observation that social distress comes further to the fore with Jesus than it does with the Rabbis. Again and again Jesus appeals for money to be given to the poor (Mark 10.21 par.; Matt. 6.4, 20; Luke 12.33); here we should remember that in the east 'almsgiving' is not support for beggary, but the dominant form of social help...

    Jesus made discipleship quite generally dependent on the renunciation of possessions..., however, the sacrifice is limited to those followers of Jesus who accompany him, and that will be the original meaning. For it seems as if Jesus has followers who remain in their homes and probably also retain their possessions...

    For all the disciples of Jesus, regardless of whether they leave everything and accompany Jesus or remain in their homes, it follows that by experiencing salvation they have been shaken out of the security of their possessions (Luke 19.8). They have experienced a revision of all values... [pages 221-223]

Joseph B. Tyson (A Study of Early Christianity, New York: Macmillan Publishing, 1973)

    Several practices in the primitive communities deserve our attention. Luke has said that they practiced a sharing of possessions, and this must be historically correct. Those who were able donated money for the support of those who were not able to work. This practice must have been continued in the Gentile churches... [page 285]

Other BibleTexts.com resources on sharing
Christian caring Christian love Giving to the poor Paul on sharing Love in action

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