The BIBLETEXTS Online Bible Commentary


Excerpts that are relevant to the Bible Lesson for Sunday, March 22, 1998

plus other biblical resources to enrich the study of the current Bible Lesson


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<GT> Revelation 11

KJV w/Strong# - {15} ...The kingdoms <932> of this <5026> world <2889> are become <1096> [the kingdoms] of our Lord <2962>, and of his Christ <5547>; and he shall reign <936> for ever <165> and ever <165>.

NRSV - 15 ...“The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign forever and ever.”

TEV - 15 Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "The power to rule over the world belongs now to our Lord and his Messiah, and he will rule forever and ever!" 16 Then the twenty-four elders who sit on their thrones in front of God threw themselves face downward and worshiped God, 17 saying: "Lord God Almighty, the one who is and who was! We thank you that you have taken your great power and have begun to rule!


<RR> Matthew 13

KJV w/Strong# - {1} The same <1565> day <2250> went <1831> Jesus <2424> out of the house <3614>, and sat <2521> by the sea <2281> side <3844>. {2} And great <4183> multitudes <3793> were gathered <4863> together <4863> unto him, so <5620> that he went <1684> into <1519> a ship <4143>, and sat <2521>; and the whole <3956> multitude <3793> stood <2476> on <1909> the shore <123>.

{24} Another <243> parable <3850> put <3908> he forth <3908> unto them, saying <3004>, The kingdom <932> of heaven <3772> is likened <3666> unto a man <444> which sowed <4687> good <2570> seed <4690> in his field <68>: {25} But while <3588> men <444> slept <2518>, his enemy <2190> came <2064> and sowed <4687> tares <2215> among <3319> the wheat <4621>, and went <565> his way. {26} But when <3753> the blade <5528> was sprung <985> up, and brought <4160> forth <4160> fruit <2590>, then <5119> appeared <5316> the tares <2215> also <2532>. {27} So <1161> the servants <1401> of the householder <3617> came <4334> and said <2036> unto him, Sir <2962>, didst not thou sow <4687> good <2570> seed <4690> in thy field <68>? from whence <4159> then <3767> hath <2192> it tares <2215>? {28} He said <5346> unto them, An enemy <2190> hath done <4160> this <5124>. The servants <1401> said <2036> unto him, Wilt <2309> thou then <3767> that we go <565> and gather <4816> them up? {29} But he said <5346>, Nay <3756>; lest <3379> while ye gather <4816> up the tares <2215>, ye root <1610> up also <260> the wheat <4621> with them. {30} Let <863> both <297> grow <4885> together <4885> until <3360> the harvest <2326>: and in the time <2540> of harvest <2326> I will say <2046> to the reapers <2327>, Gather <4816> ye together <4816> first <4412> the tares <2215>, and bind <1210> them in bundles <1197> to burn <2618> them: but gather <4863> the wheat <4621> into <1519> my barn <596>.

NRSV - 1 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. 2 Such great crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat there, while the whole crowd stood on the beach.

24 He put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to someone who sowed good seed in his field; 25 but while everybody was asleep, an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and then went away. 26 So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared as well. 27 And the slaves of the householder came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where, then, did these weeds come from?’ 28 He answered, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The slaves said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ 29 But he replied, ‘No; for in gathering the weeds you would uproot the wheat along with them. 30 Let both of them grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Collect the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.’ ”

TEV - 1 That same day Jesus left the house and went to the lakeside, where he sat down to teach. 2 The crowd that gathered around him was so large that he got into a boat and sat in it, while the crowd stood on the shore. 3 He used parables to tell them many things. "Once there was a man who went out to sow grain. 4 As he scattered the seed in the field, some of it fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some of it fell on rocky ground, where there was little soil. The seeds soon sprouted, because the soil wasn't deep.

24 Jesus told them another parable: "The Kingdom of heaven is like this. A man sowed good seed in his field. 25 One night, when everyone was asleep, an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away. 26 When the plants grew and the heads of grain began to form, then the weeds showed up. 27 The man's servants came to him and said, "Sir, it was good seed you sowed in your field; where did the weeds come from?' 28 "It was some enemy who did this,' he answered. "Do you want us to go and pull up the weeds?' they asked him. 29 "No,' he answered, "because as you gather the weeds you might pull up some of the wheat along with them. 30 Let the wheat and the weeds both grow together until harvest. Then I will tell the harvest workers to pull up the weeds first, tie them in bundles and burn them, and then to gather in the wheat and put it in my barn."


<B1> John 4

KJV w/Strong# - {24} God <2316> [is] a Spirit <4151>: and they that worship <4352> him must <1163> worship <4352> [him] in spirit <4151> and in truth <225>.

NRSV - 24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.

TEV - 21 Jesus said to her, "Believe me, woman, the time will come when people will not worship the Father either on this mountain or in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans do not really know whom you worship; but we Jews know whom we worship, because it is from the Jews that salvation comes. 23 But the time is coming and is already here, when by the power of God's Spirit people will worship the Father as he really is, offering him the true worship that he wants. 24 God is Spirit, and only by the power of his Spirit can people worship him as he really is."


<B2> Jeremiah 10

KJV w/Strong# - {1} Hear <08085> ye the word <01697> which <0834> the LORD <03068> speaketh <01696> unto you, O house <01004> of Israel <03478>: {2} Thus <03541> saith <0559> the LORD <03068>, Learn <03925> not the way <01870> of the heathen <01471>, and be not dismayed <02865> at the signs <0226> of heaven <08064>; for the heathen <01471> are dismayed <02865> at them. {3} For the customs <02708> of the people <05971> [are] vain <01892>: for [one] cutteth <03772> a tree <06086> out of the forest <03293>, the work <04639> of the hands <03027> of the workman <02796>, with the axe <04621>. {4} They deck <03302> it with silver <03701> and with gold <02091>; they fasten <02388> it with nails <04548> and with hammers <04717>, that it move <06328> not. {5} They [are] upright <04749> as the palm <08560> tree, but speak <01696> not: they must needs be borne <05375>, because <03588> they cannot <03808> go <06805>. Be not afraid <03372> of them; for they cannot <03808> do evil <07489>, neither also <01571> [is it] in them to do good <03190>. {6} Forasmuch as [there is] none <0369> like <03644> unto thee, O LORD <03068>; thou [art] great <01419>, and thy name <08034> [is] great <01419> in might <01369>. {7} Who <04310> would not fear <03372> thee, O King <04428> of nations <01471>? for to thee doth it appertain <02969>: forasmuch as among all <03605> the wise <02450> [men] of the nations <01471>, and in all <03605> their kingdoms <04467>, [there is] none <0369> like <03644> unto thee.

{11} Thus <01836> shall ye say <0560> unto them, The gods <0426> that have not made <05648> the heavens <08065> and the earth <0778>, [even] they shall perish <07> from the earth <0772>, and from under <08460> these <0429> heavens <08065>. {12} He hath made <06213> the earth <0776> by his power <03581>, he hath established <03559> the world <08398> by his wisdom <02451>, and hath stretched <05186> out the heavens <08064> by his discretion <08394>.

NRSV - 1 Hear the word that the Lord speaks to you, O house of Israel. 2 Thus says the Lord: Do not learn the way of the nations, or be dismayed at the signs of the heavens; for the nations are dismayed at them. 3 For the customs of the peoples are false: a tree from the forest is cut down, and worked with an ax by the hands of an artisan; 4 people deck it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails so that it cannot move. 5 Their idols are like scarecrows in a cucumber field, and they cannot speak; they have to be carried, for they cannot walk. Do not be afraid of them, for they cannot do evil, nor is it in them to do good. 6 There is none like you, O Lord; you are great, and your name is great in might. 7 Who would not fear you, O King of the nations? For that is your due; among all the wise ones of the nations and in all their kingdoms there is no one like you.

11 Thus shall you say to them: The gods who did not make the heavens and the earth shall perish from the earth and from under the heavens. 12 It is he who made the earth by his power, who established the world by his wisdom, and by his understanding stretched out the heavens.

TEV - 1 People of Israel, listen to the message that the LORD has for you. 2 He says, "Do not follow the ways of other nations; do not be disturbed by unusual sights in the sky, even though other nations are terrified. 3 The religion of these people is worthless. A tree is cut down in the forest; it is carved by the tools of the woodworker 4 and decorated with silver and gold. It is fastened down with nails to keep it from falling over. 5 Such idols are like scarecrows in a field of melons; they cannot speak; they have to be carried because they cannot walk. Do not be afraid of them: they can cause you no harm, and they can do you no good." 6 LORD, there is no one like you; you are mighty, and your name is great and powerful. 7 Who would not honor you, the king of all nations? You deserve to be honored. There is no one like you among all the wise men of the nations or among any of their kings.

(11 You people must tell them that the gods who did not make the earth and the sky will be destroyed. They will no longer exist anywhere on earth.) 12 The LORD made the earth by his power; by his wisdom he created the world and stretched out the heavens. 13 At his command the waters above the sky roar; he brings clouds from the ends of the earth. He makes lightning flash in the rain and sends the wind from his storeroom.


<B3> Jeremiah 23

KJV w/Strong# - {23} [Am] I a God <0430> at hand <07138>, saith <05002> the LORD <03068>, and not a God <0430> afar <07350> off? {24} Can any <0376> hide <05641> himself in secret <04565> places that I shall not see <07200> him? saith <05002> the LORD <03068>. Do not I fill <04390> heaven <08064> and earth <0776>? saith <05002> the LORD <03068>.

NRSV - 23 Am I a God near by, says the Lord, and not a God far off? 24 Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them? says the Lord. Do I not fill heaven and earth? says the Lord.

TEV - 23 "I am a God who is everywhere and not in one place only. 24 No one can hide where I cannot see him. Do you not know that I am everywhere in heaven and on earth? 25 I know what those prophets have said who speak lies in my name and claim that I have given them my messages in their dreams. 26 How much longer will those prophets mislead my people with the lies they have invented? 27 They think that the dreams they tell will make my people forget me, just as their fathers forgot me and turned to Baal. 28 The prophet who has had a dream should say it is only a dream, but the prophet who has heard my message should proclaim that message faithfully. What good is straw compared with wheat? 29 My message is like a fire and like a hammer that breaks rocks in pieces.


<B4> Matthew 13

KJV w/Strong# - {33} ...The kingdom <932> of heaven <3772> is like <3664> unto leaven <2219>, which <3739> a woman <1135> took <2983>, and hid <1470> in three <5140> measures <4568> of meal <224>, till <2193> the whole <3650> was leavened <2220>.

NRSV - 33 ...“The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.”

TEV - 33 Jesus told them still another parable: "The Kingdom of heaven is like this. A woman takes some yeast and mixes it with a bushel of flour until the whole batch of dough rises."


<B5> I Corinthians 1

KJV w/Strong# - {4} I thank <2168> my God <2316> always <3842> on <4012> your <5216> behalf <4012>, for the grace <5485> of God <2316> which <3588> is given <1325> you by Jesus <2424> Christ <5547>; {5} That in every <3956> thing ye are enriched <4148> by him, in all <3956> utterance <3056>, and [in] all <3956> knowledge <1108>;

{20} Where <4226> [is] the wise <4680>? where <4226> [is] the scribe <1122>? where <4226> [is] the disputer <4804> of this <5127> world <165>? hath not God <2316> made <3471> foolish <3471> the wisdom <4678> of this <5127> world <2889>?

{26} For ye see <991> your <5216> calling <2821>, brethren <80>, how that not many <4183> wise <4680> men after <2596> the flesh <4561>, not many <4183> mighty <1415>, not many <4183> noble <2104>, [are called]: {27} But God <2316> hath chosen <1586> the foolish <3474> things of the world <2889> to confound <2617> the wise <4680>; and God <2316> hath chosen <1586> the weak <772> things of the world <2889> to confound <2617> the things which are mighty <2478>;

{29} That no <3956> flesh <4561> should glory <2744> in his presence <1799>.

NRSV - 4 I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, 5 for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind—

20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?

26 Consider your own call, brothers and sisters: not many of you were wise by human standards,not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong;

29 so that no one might boast in the presence of God.

TEV - 4 I always give thanks to my God for you because of the grace he has given you through Christ Jesus. 5 For in union with Christ you have become rich in all things, including all speech and all knowledge. 6 The message about Christ has become so firmly established in you 7 that you have not failed to receive a single blessing, as you wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. 8 He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be faultless on the Day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is to be trusted, the God who called you to have fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ, our Lord.

18 For the message about Christ's death on the cross is nonsense to those who are being lost; but for us who are being saved it is God's power. 19 The scripture says, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and set aside the understanding of the scholars." 20 So then, where does that leave the wise? or the scholars? or the skillful debaters of this world? God has shown that this world's wisdom is foolishness!

26 Now remember what you were, my brothers, when God called you. From the human point of view few of you were wise or powerful or of high social standing. 27 God purposely chose what the world considers nonsense in order to shame the wise, and he chose what the world considers weak in order to shame the powerful. 28 He chose what the world looks down on and despises and thinks is nothing, in order to destroy what the world thinks is important. 29 This means that no one can boast in God's presence. 30 But God has brought you into union with Christ Jesus, and God has made Christ to be our wisdom. By him we are put right with God; we become God's holy people and are set free. 31 So then, as the scripture says, "Whoever wants to boast must boast of what the Lord has done."


<B6> Habakkuk 2

KJV w/Strong# - {14} For the earth <0776> shall be filled <04390> with the knowledge <03045> of the glory <03519> of the LORD <03068>, as the waters <04325> cover <03680> the sea <03220>.

NRSV - But the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.

TEV - 9 You are doomed! You have made your family rich with what you took by violence, and have tried to make your own home safe from harm and danger! 10 But your schemes have brought shame on your family; by destroying many nations you have only brought ruin on yourself. 11 Even the stones of the walls cry out against you, and the rafters echo the cry. 12 You are doomed! You founded a city on crime and built it up by murder. 13 The nations you conquered wore themselves out in useless labor, and all they have built goes up in flames. The LORD Almighty has done this. 14 But the earth will be as full of the knowledge of the LORD's glory as the seas are full of water.


<B7> Psalm 119

KJV w/Strong# - {12} Blessed <01288> [art] thou, O LORD <03068>: teach <03925> me thy statutes <02706>.

{18} Open <01540> thou mine eyes <05869>, that I may behold <05027> wondrous <06381> things out of thy law <08451>.

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

18 Open my eyes, so that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.

TEV - 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. 17 Be good to me, your servant, so that I may live and obey your teachings. 18 Open my eyes, so that I may see the wonderful truths in your law. 19 I am here on earth for just a little while; do not hide your commands from me. 20 My heart aches with longing; I want to know your judgments at all times. 21 You reprimand the proud; cursed are those who disobey your commands. 22 Free me from their insults and scorn, because I have kept your laws. 23 The rulers meet and plot against me, but I will study your teachings.


<B8> Psalm 97

KJV w/Strong# - {1} The LORD <03068> reigneth <04427>; let the earth <0776> rejoice <01523>; let the multitude <07227> of isles <0339> be glad <08056> [thereof].

{9} For thou, LORD <03068>, [art] high <05945> above <05921> all <03605> the earth <0776>: thou art exalted <05927> far <03966> above <05921> all <03605> gods <0430>.

NRSV - 1 The Lord is king! Let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad!

9 For you, O Lord, are most high over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods.

TEV - 1 The LORD is king! Earth, be glad! Rejoice, you islands of the seas! 2 Clouds and darkness surround him; he rules with righteousness and justice. 3 Fire goes in front of him and burns up his enemies around him. 4 His lightning lights up the world; the earth sees it and trembles. 5 The hills melt like wax before the LORD, before the Lord of all the earth. 6 The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the nations see his glory. 7 Everyone who worships idols is put to shame; all the gods bow down before the LORD. 8 The people of Zion are glad, and the cities of Judah rejoice because of your judgments, O LORD. 9 LORD Almighty, you are ruler of all the earth; you are much greater than all the gods.


<B9> Luke 4

KJV w/Strong# - {14} And Jesus <2424> returned <5290> in the power <1411> of the Spirit <4151> into <1519> Galilee <1056>: and there went <1831> out a fame <5345> of him through <2596> all <3650> the region <4066> round <4066> about <4066>.

NRSV - 14 Then Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country.

TEV - 14 Then Jesus returned to Galilee, and the power of the Holy Spirit was with him. The news about him spread throughout all that territory. 15 He taught in the synagogues and was praised by everyone.


<B10> Luke 8

KJV w/Strong# - {22} Now <2532> it came <1096> to pass on <1722> a <3391> certain <3391> day <2250>, that he went <1684> into <1519> a ship <4143> with his disciples <3101>: and he said <2036> unto them, Let us go <1330> over <1330> unto the other <4008> side <4008> of the lake <3041>. And they launched <321> forth <321>. {23} But as they sailed <4126> he fell asleep <879>: and there came <2597> down <2597> a storm <2978> of wind <417> on <1519> the lake <3041>; and they were filled <4845> [with water], and were in jeopardy <2793>. {24} And they came <4334> to him, and awoke <1326> him, saying <3004>, Master <1988>, master <1988>, we perish <622>. Then <1161> he arose <1453>, and rebuked <2008> the wind <417> and the raging <2830> of the water <5204>: and they ceased <3973>, and there was a calm <1055>. {25} And he said <2036> unto them, Where <4226> is your <5216> faith <4102>? And they being afraid <5399> wondered <2296>, saying <3004> one <240> to another <240>, What <686> manner <686> of man is this <3778>! for he commandeth <2004> even <2532> the winds <417> and water <5204>, and they obey <5219> him.

NRSV - 22 One day he got into a boat with his disciples, and he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side of the lake.” So they put out, 23 and while they were sailing he fell asleep. A windstorm swept down on the lake, and the boat was filling with water, and they were in danger. 24 They went to him and woke him up, shouting, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And he woke up and rebuked the wind and the raging waves; they ceased, and there was a calm. 25 He said to them, “Where is your faith?” They were afraid and amazed, and said to one another, “Who then is this, that he commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him?”

TEV - 22 One day Jesus got into a boat with his disciples and said to them, "Let us go across to the other side of the lake." So they started out. 23 As they were sailing, Jesus fell asleep. Suddenly a strong wind blew down on the lake, and the boat began to fill with water, so that they were all in great danger. 24 The disciples went to Jesus and woke him up, saying, "Master, Master! We are about to die!" Jesus got up and gave an order to the wind and to the stormy water; they quieted down, and there was a great calm. 25 Then he said to the disciples, "Where is your faith?" But they were amazed and afraid, and said to one another, "Who is this man? He gives orders to the winds and waves, and they obey him!"


<B11> Colossians 2

KJV w/Strong# - {8} Beware <991> lest <3361> any <5100> man spoil <4812> you through <1223> philosophy <5385> and vain <2756> deceit <539>, after <2596> the tradition <3862> of men <444>, after <2596> the rudiments <4747> of the world <2889>, and not after <2596> Christ <5547>.

NRSV - 8 See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the universe, and not according to Christ.

TEV - 6 Since you have accepted Christ Jesus as Lord, live in union with him. 7 Keep your roots deep in him, build your lives on him, and become stronger in your faith, as you were taught. And be filled with thanksgiving. 8 See to it, then, that no one enslaves you by means of the worthless deceit of human wisdom, which comes from the teachings handed down by men and from the ruling spirits of the universe, and not from Christ. 9 For the full content of divine nature lives in Christ, in his humanity, 10 and you have been given full life in union with him. He is supreme over every spiritual ruler and authority.


<B12> Luke 6

KJV w/Strong# - {12} And it came <1096> to pass in those <5025> days <2250>, that he went <1831> out into <1519> a mountain <3735> to pray <4336>, and continued <1273> all <1273> night <1273> in prayer <4335> to God <2316>. {13} And when <3753> it was day <2250>, he called <4377> [unto him] his disciples <3101>: and of them he chose <1586> twelve <1427>, whom <3739> also <2532> he named <3687> apostles <652>;

{17} And he came <2597> down <2597> with them, and stood <2476> in the plain <3977> <5117>, and the company <3793> of his disciples <3101>, and a great <4183> multitude <4128> of people <2992> out of all <3956> Judaea <2449> and Jerusalem <2419>, and from the sea <3882> coast <3882> of Tyre <5184> and Sidon <4605>, which <3739> came <2064> to hear <191> him, and to be healed <2390> of their diseases <3554>; {18} And they that were vexed <3791> with unclean <169> spirits <4151>: and they were healed <2323>. {19} And the whole <3956> multitude <3793> sought <2212> to touch <680> him: for there went <1831> virtue <1411> out of him, and healed <2390> [them] all <3956>. {20} And he lifted <1869> up his eyes <3788> on <1519> his disciples <3101>, and said <3004>, Blessed <3107> [be ye] poor <4434>: for yours <5212> is the kingdom <932> of God <2316>.

{40} The disciple <3101> is not above <5228> his master <1320>: but every <3956> one that is perfect <2675> shall be as his master <1320>.

NRSV - 12 Now during those days he went out to the mountain to pray; and he spent the night in prayer to God. 13 And when day came, he called his disciples and chose twelve of them, whom he also named apostles:

17 He came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea, Jerusalem, and the coast of Tyre and Sidon. 18 They had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. 19 And all in the crowd were trying to touch him, for power came out from him and healed all of them. 20 Then he looked up at his disciples and said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.

40 A disciple is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully qualified will be like the teacher.

TEV - 12 At that time Jesus went up a hill to pray and spent the whole night there praying to God. 13 When day came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he named apostles: 14 Simon (whom he named Peter) and his brother Andrew; James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, 15 Matthew and Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, and Simon (who was called the Patriot), 16 Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became the traitor. 17 When Jesus had come down from the hill with the apostles, he stood on a level place with a large number of his disciples. A large crowd of people was there from all over Judea and from Jerusalem and from the coast cities of Tyre and Sidon; 18 they had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. Those who were troubled by evil spirits also came and were healed. 19 All the people tried to touch him, for power was going out from him and healing them all. 20 Jesus looked at his disciples and said, "Happy are you poor; the Kingdom of God is yours! 21 "Happy are you who are hungry now; you will be filled! "Happy are you who weep now; you will laugh!

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.


<B13> Luke 9

KJV w/Strong# - {2} And he sent <649> them to preach <2784> the kingdom <932> of God <2316>, and to heal <2390> the sick <770>.

NRSV - 2 and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal.

TEV - 1 Jesus called the twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases. 2 Then he sent them out to preach the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick, 3 after saying to them, "Take nothing with you for the trip: no walking stick, no beggar's bag, no food, no money, not even an extra shirt. 4 Wherever you are welcomed, stay in the same house until you leave that town; 5 wherever people don't welcome you, leave that town and shake the dust off your feet as a warning to them." 6 The disciples left and traveled through all the villages, preaching the Good News and healing people everywhere.


<B14> James 5

KJV w/Strong# - {14} Is any <5100> sick <770> among <1722> you? let him call <4341> for the elders <4245> of the church <1577>; and let them pray <4336> over <1909> him, anointing <218> him with oil <1637> in the name <3686> of the Lord <2962>: {15} And the prayer <2171> of faith <4102> shall save <4982> the sick <2577>, and the Lord <2962> shall raise <1453> him up;...

NRSV - 14 Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up;...

TEV - 13 Is anyone among you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? He should sing praises. 14 Is there anyone who is sick? He should send for the church elders, who will pray for him and rub olive oil on him in the name of the Lord. 15 This prayer made in faith will heal the sick person; the Lord will restore him to health, and the sins he has committed will be forgiven. 16 So then, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you will be healed. The prayer of a good person has a powerful effect. 17 Elijah was the same kind of person as we are. He prayed earnestly that there would be no rain, and no rain fell on the land for three and a half years. 18 Once again he prayed, and the sky poured out its rain and the earth produced its crops.


<B15> Matthew 17

KJV w/Strong# - {14} And when they were come <2064> to the multitude <3793>, there came <4334> to him a [certain] man <444>, kneeling <1120> down to him, and saying <3004>, {15} Lord <2962>, have mercy <1653> on my son <5207>: for he is lunatick <4583>, and sore <2560> vexed <3958>: for ofttimes <4178> he falleth <4098> into <1519> the fire <4442>, and oft <4178> into <1519> the water <5204>. {16} And I brought <4374> him to thy disciples <3101>, and they could <1410> not cure <2323> him. {17} Then <1161> Jesus <2424> answered <611> and said <2036>, O faithless <571> and perverse <1294> generation <1074>, how <2193> long <2193> shall I be with you? how <4219> long <2193> shall I suffer <430> you? bring <5342> him hither <5602> to me. {18} And Jesus <2424> rebuked <2008> the devil <1140>; and he departed <1831> out of him: and the child <3816> was cured <2323> from that very <1565> hour <5610>. {19} Then <5119> came <4334> the disciples <3101> to Jesus <2424> apart <2398>, and said <2036>, Why <1302> could <1410> not we cast <1544> him out? {20} And Jesus <2424> said <2036> unto them, Because <1223> of your <5216> unbelief <570>: for verily <281> I say <3004> unto you, If <1437> ye have <2192> faith <4102> as a grain <2848> of mustard <4615> seed, ye shall say <2046> unto this <5129> mountain <3735>, Remove <3327> hence <1782> to yonder <1563> place; and it shall remove <3327>; and nothing <3762> shall be impossible <101> unto you. {21} Howbeit this <5124> kind <1085> goeth <1607> not out but by prayer <4335> and fasting <3521>.

NRSV - 14 When they came to the crowd, a man came to him, knelt before him, 15 and said, “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and he suffers terribly; he often falls into the fire and often into the water. 16 And I brought him to your disciples, but they could not cure him.” 17 Jesus answered, “You faithless and perverse generation, how much longer must I be with you? How much longer must I put up with you? Bring him here to me.” 18 And Jesus rebuked the demon, and itcame out of him, and the boy was cured instantly. 19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” 20 He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.” 21 [omitted]

TEV - 14 When they returned to the crowd, a man came to Jesus, knelt before him, 15 and said, "Sir, have mercy on my son! He is an epileptic and has such terrible attacks that he often falls in the fire or into water. 16 I brought him to your disciples, but they could not heal him." 17 Jesus answered, "How unbelieving and wrong you people are! How long must I stay with you? How long do I have to put up with you? Bring the boy here to me!" 18 Jesus gave a command to the demon, and it went out of the boy, and at that very moment he was healed. 19 Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked him, "Why couldn't we drive the demon out?" 20 "It was because you do not have enough faith," answered Jesus. "I assure you that if you have faith as big as a mustard seed, you can say to this hill, "Go from here to there!' and it will go. You could do anything!" 21 [omitted]


<B16> John 6

KJV w/Strong# - {63} It is the spirit <4151> that quickeneth <2227>; the flesh <4561> profiteth <5623> nothing <3762>:...

NRSV - 63 It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless...

TEV - 61 Without being told, Jesus knew that they were grumbling about this, so he said to them, "Does this make you want to give up? 62 Suppose, then, that you should see the Son of Man go back up to the place where he was before? 63 What gives life is God's Spirit; man's power is of no use at all. The words I have spoken to you bring God's life-giving Spirit. 64 Yet some of you do not believe." (Jesus knew from the very beginning who were the ones that would not believe and which one would betray him.) 65 And he added, "This is the very reason I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father makes it possible for him to do so."


<B17> Matthew 6

KJV w/Strong# - {24} No <3762> man <3762> can <1410> serve <1398> two <1417> masters <2962>: for either <2228> he will hate <3404> the one <1520>, and love <25> the other <2087>; or <2228> else he will hold <472> to the one <1520>, and despise <2706> the other <2087>. Ye cannot <1410> serve <1398> God <2316> and mammon <3126>.

NRSV - 24 "No one can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.

TEV - 24 "No one can be a slave of two masters; he will hate one and love the other; he will be loyal to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. 25 "This is why I tell you: do not be worried about the food and drink you need in order to stay alive, or about clothes for your body. After all, isn't life worth more than food? And isn't the body worth more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds: they do not plant seeds, gather a harvest and put it in barns; yet your Father in heaven takes care of them! Aren't you worth much more than birds? 27 Can any of you live a bit longer by worrying about it?


<B18> I Peter 1

KJV w/Strong# - {24} For all <3956> flesh <4561> [is] as grass <5528>, and all <3956> the glory <1391> of man <444> as the flower <438> of grass <5528>. The grass <5528> withereth <3583>, and the flower <438> thereof <846> falleth <1601> away <1601>: {25} But the word <4487> of the Lord <2962> endureth <3306> for ever <165>. And this <5124> is the word <4487> which <3588> by the gospel <2097> is preached <2097> unto you.

NRSV - 24 For “All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, 25 but the word of the Lord endures forever.” That word is the good news that was announced to you.

TEV - 22 Now that by your obedience to the truth you have purified yourselves and have come to have a sincere love for your fellow believers, love one another earnestly with all your heart. 23 For through the living and eternal word of God you have been born again as the children of a parent who is immortal, not mortal. 24 As the scripture says, "All mankind are like grass, and all their glory is like wild flowers. The grass withers, and the flowers fall, 25 but the word of the Lord remains forever." This word is the Good News that was proclaimed to you.


<B19> Ephesians 4

KJV w/Strong# - {17} This <5124> I say <3004> therefore <3767>, and testify <3143> in the Lord <2962>, that ye henceforth <3371> walk <4043> not <3371> as other <3062> Gentiles <1484> walk <4043>, in the vanity <3153> of their mind <3563>, {18} Having the understanding <1271> darkened <4654>, being <5607> alienated <526> from the life <2222> of God <2316> through <1223> the ignorance <52> that is in them, because <1223> of the blindness <4457> of their heart <2588>: {20} But ye have not so <3779> learned <3129> Christ <5547>; {21} If <1489> so <3779> be that ye have heard <191> him, and have been taught <1321> by him, as the truth <225> is in Jesus <2424>: {22} That ye put <659> off <659> concerning <2596> the former <4387> conversation <391> the old <3820> man <444>, which <3588> is corrupt <5351> according <2596> to the deceitful <539> lusts <1939>; {23} And be renewed <365> in the spirit <4151> of your <5216> mind <3563>;

NRSV - 17 Now this I affirm and insist on in the Lord: you must no longer live as the Gentiles live, in the futility of their minds. 18 They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of their ignorance and hardness of heart.

20 That is not the way you learned Christ! 21 For surely you have heard about him and were taught in him, as truth is in Jesus. 22 You were taught to put away your former way of life, your old self, corrupt and deluded by its lusts, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds,

TEV - 17 In the Lord's name, then, I warn you: do not continue to live like the heathen, whose thoughts are worthless 18 and whose minds are in the dark. They have no part in the life that God gives, for they are completely ignorant and stubborn. 19 They have lost all feeling of shame; they give themselves over to vice and do all sorts of indecent things without restraint. 20 That was not what you learned about Christ! 21 You certainly heard about him, and as his followers you were taught the truth that is in Jesus. 22 So get rid of your old self, which made you live as you used to -- the old self that was being destroyed by its deceitful desires. 23 Your hearts and minds must be made completely new, 24 and you must put on the new self, which is created in God's likeness and reveals itself in the true life that is upright and holy.


<B20> Ephesians 5

KJV w/Strong# - {8} For ye were sometimes <4218> darkness <4655>, but now <3568> [are ye] light <5457> in the Lord <2962>: walk <4043> as children <5043> of light <5457>: {9} (For the fruit <2590> of the Spirit <4151> [is] in all <3956> goodness <19> and righteousness <1343> and truth <225>;) {10} Proving <1381> what <5101> is acceptable <2101> unto the Lord <2962>.

NRSV - 8 For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light— 9 for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true. 10 Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord.

TEV - 8 You yourselves used to be in the darkness, but since you have become the Lord's people, you are in the light. So you must live like people who belong to the light, 9 for it is the light that brings a rich harvest of every kind of goodness, righteousness, and truth. 10 Try to learn what pleases the Lord.


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ABBREVIATIONS USED IN THIS COMMENTARY (such as a/r=alternate rendering, c/m=changed meaning since KJV translation, omit=omit wording not found in the Hebrew or Greek texts from which the KJV was translated but not in the original Hebrew or Greek texts, add=add wording that was omitted from the KJV's Hebrew or Greek texts but were found in the original Hebrew or Greek texts). Also other information about this commentary. (http://www.bibletexts.com/abbrev.htm)

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CHRISTIAN SCIENCE QUARTERLY BIBLE LESSONS - HISTORICAL INSIGHTS - This is a link to a Webpage that lists articles from early issues of the Christian Science periodical -- articles that give insights on how Mary Baker Eddy and early Bible Lesson Committee members viewed the Bible Lessons. (http://www.bibletexts.com/articles/bl.htm)

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