The BIBLETEXTS Online Bible Commentary


Excerpts that are relevant to the Bible Lesson for Sunday, April 5, 1998

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


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<GT> Proverbs 9

KJV w/Strong# - {6} Forsake <05800> the foolish <06612>, and live <02421>; and go <0833> in the way <01870> of understanding <0998>.

NRSV - Lay aside immaturity, and live, and walk in the way of insight.

TEV - 1 Wisdom has built her house and made seven columns for it. 2 She has had an animal killed for a feast, mixed spices in the wine, and set the table. 3 She has sent her servant girls to call out from the highest place in town: 4 "Come in, ignorant people!" And to the foolish man she says, 5 "Come, eat my food and drink the wine that I have mixed. 6 Leave the company of ignorant people, and live. Follow the way of knowledge." 7 If you correct a conceited man, you will only be insulted. If you reprimand an evil man, you will only get hurt. 8 Never correct a conceited man; he will hate you for it. But if you correct a wise man, he will respect you. 9 Anything you say to a wise man will make him wiser. Whatever you tell a righteous man will add to his knowledge.


<RR> Isaiah 52

KJV w/Strong# - {1} Awake <05782>, awake <05782>; put <03847> on thy strength <05797>, O Zion <06726>; put <03847> on thy beautiful <08597> garments <0899>, O Jerusalem <03389>, the holy <06944> city <05892>:...

{2} Shake <05287> thyself from the dust <06083>; arise <06965>, [and] sit <03427> down, O Jerusalem <03389>: loose <06605> thyself from the bands <04147> of thy neck <06677>, O captive <07628> daughter <01323> of Zion <06726>. {3} For thus <03541> saith <0559> the LORD <03068>, Ye have sold <04376> yourselves for nought <02600>; and ye shall be redeemed <01350> without <03808> money <03701>.

{6} Therefore <03651> my people <05971> shall know <03045> my name <08034>: therefore <03651> [they shall know] in that day <03117> that I [am] he that doth speak <01696>: behold <02009>, [it is] I. {7} How <04100> beautiful <04998> upon the mountains <02022> are the feet <07272> of him that bringeth <01319> good <02896> tidings <01319>, that publisheth <08085> peace <07965>; that bringeth <01319> good <02896> tidings <01319> of good <02896>, that publisheth <08085> salvation <03444>; that saith <0559> unto Zion <06726>, Thy God <0430> reigneth <04427>!

{9} Break <06476> forth into joy, sing <07442> together <03162>, ye waste <02723> places of Jerusalem <03389>: for the LORD <03068> hath comforted <05162> his people <05971>, he hath redeemed <01350> Jerusalem <03389>. {10} The LORD <03068> hath made bare <02834> his holy <06944> arm <02220> in the eyes <05869> of all <03605> the nations <01471>; and all <03605> the ends <0657> of the earth <0776> shall see <07200> the salvation <03444> of our God <0430>.

NRSV - 1 Awake, awake, put on your strength, O Zion! Put on your beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city;...

2 Shake yourself from the dust, rise up, O captive Jerusalem; loose the bonds from your neck, O captive daughter Zion! 3 For thus says the Lord: You were sold for nothing, and you shall be redeemed without money.

6 Therefore my people shall know my name; therefore in that day they shall know that it is I who speak; here am I. 7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”

9 Break forth together into singing, you ruins of Jerusalem; for the Lord has comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem. 10 The Lord has bared his holy arm before the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.

TEV - 1 Jerusalem, be strong and great again! Holy city of God, clothe yourself with splendor! The heathen will never enter your gates again. 2 Shake yourself free, Jerusalem! Rise from the dust and sit on your throne! Undo the chains that bind you, captive people of Zion! 3 The Sovereign LORD says to his people, "When you became slaves, no money was paid for you; in the same way nothing will be paid to set you free. 4 When you went to live in Egypt as foreigners, you did so of your own free will; Assyria, however, took you away by force and paid nothing for you. 5 And now in Babylonia the same thing has happened: you are captives, and nothing was paid for you. Those who rule over you boast and brag and constantly show contempt for me. 6 In time to come you will acknowledge that I am God and that I have spoken to you." 7 How wonderful it is to see a messenger coming across the mountains, bringing good news, the news of peace! He announces victory and says to Zion, "Your God is king!" 8 Those who guard the city are shouting, shouting together for joy. They can see with their own eyes the return of the LORD to Zion. 9 Break into shouts of joy, you ruins of Jerusalem! The LORD will rescue his city and comfort his people. 10 The LORD will use his holy power; he will save his people, and all the world will see it.


<B1> John 1

KJV w/Strong# - {1} In the beginning <746> was the Word <3056>, and the Word <3056> was with God <2316>, and the Word <3056> was God <2316>. {2} The same <3778> was in the beginning <746> with God <2316>. {3} All <3956> things were made <1096> by him; and without <5565> him was not any <1520> thing made <1096> that was made <1096>.

NRSV - 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being...

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


<B2> Psalm 25

KJV w/Strong# - {4} Shew <03045> me thy ways <01870>, O LORD <03068>; teach <03925> me thy paths <0734>. {5} Lead <01869> me in thy truth <0571>, and teach <03925> me: for thou [art] the God <0430> of my salvation <03468>; on thee do I wait <06960> all <03605> the day <03117>.

{15} Mine eyes <05869> [are] ever <08548> toward <0413> the LORD <03068>; for he shall pluck <03318> my feet <07272> out of the net <07568>.

{22} Redeem <06299> Israel <03478>, O God <0430>, out of all <03605> his troubles <06869>.

NRSV - 4 Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. 5 Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long.

15 My eyes are ever toward the Lord, for he will pluck my feet out of the net.

22 Redeem Israel, O God, out of all its troubles.

TEV - 4 Teach me your ways, O LORD; make them known to me. 5 Teach me to live according to your truth, for you are my God, who saves me. I always trust in you. 6 Remember, O LORD, your kindness and constant love which you have shown from long ago. 7 Forgive the sins and errors of my youth. In your constant love and goodness, remember me, LORD!

15 I look to the LORD for help at all times, and he rescues me from danger. 16 Turn to me, LORD, and be merciful to me, because I am lonely and weak. 17 Relieve me of my worries and save me from all my troubles. 18 Consider my distress and suffering and forgive all my sins. 19 See how many enemies I have; see how much they hate me. 20 Protect me and save me; keep me from defeat. I come to you for safety. 21 May my goodness and honesty preserve me, because I trust in you. 22 From all their troubles, O God, save your people Israel!


<B3> Psalm 112

KJV w/Strong# - {1} Praise <01984> ye the LORD <03050>. Blessed <0835> [is] the man <0376> [that] feareth <03372> the LORD <03068>, [that] delighteth <02654> greatly <03966> in his commandments <04687>.

{7} He shall not be afraid <03372> of evil <07451> tidings <08052>: his heart <03820> is fixed <03559>, trusting <0982> in the LORD <03068>.

NRSV - 1 Praise the Lord! Happy are those who fear the Lord, who greatly delight in his commandments.

7 They are not afraid of evil tidings; their hearts are firm, secure in the Lord.

TEV - 1 Praise the LORD! Happy is the person who honors the LORD, who takes pleasure in obeying his commands. 2 The good man's children will be powerful in the land; his descendants will be blessed. 3 His family will be wealthy and rich, and he will be prosperous forever. 4 Light shines in the darkness for good men, for those who are merciful, kind, and just. 5 Happy is the person who is generous with his loans, who runs his business honestly. 6 A good person will never fail; he will always be remembered. 7 He is not afraid of receiving bad news; his faith is strong, and he trusts in the LORD. 8 He is not worried or afraid; he is certain to see his enemies defeated. 9 He gives generously to the needy, and his kindness never fails; he will be powerful and respected. 10 The wicked see this and are angry; they glare in hate and disappear; their hopes are gone forever.


<B4> Psalm 100

KJV w/Strong# - {1} Make a joyful <07321> noise <07321> unto the LORD <03068>, all <03605> ye lands <0776>.

{5} For the LORD <03068> [is] good <02896>; his mercy <02617> [is] everlasting <05769>; and his truth <0530> [endureth] to all generations <01755>.

NRSV - 1 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth.

5 For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.

TEV - 1 Sing to the LORD, all the world! 2 Worship the LORD with joy; come before him with happy songs! 3 Acknowledge that the LORD is God. He made us, and we belong to him; we are his people, we are his flock. 4 Enter the Temple gates with thanksgiving; go into its courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise him. 5 The LORD is good; his love is eternal and his faithfulness lasts forever.


<B5> Jeremiah 23

KJV w/Strong# - {28} The prophet <05030> that hath a dream <02472>, let him tell <05608> a dream <02472>; and he that hath my word <01697>, let him speak <01696> my word <01697> faithfully <0571>. What <04100> [is] the chaff <08401> to the wheat <01250>? saith <05002> the LORD <03068>.

NRSV - 28 Let the prophet who has a dream tell the dream, but let the one who has my word speak my word faithfully. What has straw in common with wheat? 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.


<B6> Isaiah 41

KJV w/Strong# - {11} Behold <02005>, all <03605> they that were incensed <02734> against thee shall be ashamed <0954> and confounded <03637>: they shall be as nothing <0369>; and they that strive <07379> with thee shall perish <06>. {12} Thou shalt seek <01245> them, and shalt not find <04672> them, [even] them that contended <04695> with thee: they that war <04421> against thee shall be as nothing <0369>, and as a thing of nought <0657>.

{15} Behold <02009>, I will make <07760> thee a new <02319> sharp <02742> threshing <04173> instrument having <01167> teeth <06374>: thou shalt thresh <01758> the mountains <02022>, and beat <01854> [them] small <01854>, and shalt make <07760> the hills <01389> as chaff <04671>.

{16} Thou shalt fan <02219> them, and the wind <07307> shall carry <05375> them away, and the whirlwind <05591> shall scatter <06327> them: and thou shalt rejoice <01523> in the LORD <03068>, [and] shalt glory <01984> in the Holy <06918> One of Israel <03478>.

NRSV - 11 Yes, all who are incensed against you shall be ashamed and disgraced; those who strive against you shall be as nothing and shall perish. 12 You shall seek those who contend with you, but you shall not find them; those who war against you shall be as nothing at all.

15 Now, I will make of you a threshing sledge, sharp, new, and having teeth; you shall thresh the mountains and crush them, and you shall make the hills like chaff. 16 You shall winnow them and the wind shall carry them away, and the tempest shall scatter them. Then you shall rejoice in the Lord; in the Holy One of Israel you shall glory.

TEV - 11 "Those who are angry with you will know the shame of defeat. Those who fight against you will die 12 and will disappear from the earth. 13 I am the LORD your God; I strengthen you and tell you, "Do not be afraid; I will help you." 14 The LORD says, "Small and weak as you are, Israel, don't be afraid; I will help you. I, the holy God of Israel, am the one who saves you. 15 I will make you like a threshing board, with spikes that are new and sharp. You will thresh mountains and destroy them; hills will crumble into dust. 16 You will toss them in the air; the wind will carry them off, and they will be scattered by the storm. Then you will be happy because I am your God; you will praise me, the holy God of Israel.


<B7> Matthew 3

KJV w/Strong# - {1} In those <1565> days <2250> came <3854> John <2491> the Baptist <910>, preaching <2784> in the wilderness <2048> of Judaea <2449>, {2} And saying <3004>, Repent <3340> ye: for the kingdom <932> of heaven <3772> is at <1448> hand <1448>.

{11} I indeed <3303> baptize <907> you with water <5204> unto repentance <3341>: but he that cometh <2064> after <3694> me is mightier <2478> than I, whose <3739> shoes <5266> I am <1510> not worthy <2425> to bear <941>: he shall baptize <907> you with the Holy <40> Ghost <4151>, and [with] fire <4442>: {12} Whose <3739> fan <4425> [is] in his hand <5495>, and he will <3195> throughly <1245> purge <1245> his floor <257>, and gather <4863> his wheat <4621> into <1519> the garner <596>; but he will <3195> burn <2618> up the chaff <892> with unquenchable <762> fire <4442>.

NRSV - 1 In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, 2 “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”

11 “I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you withthe Holy Spirit and fire. 12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”

TEV - 1 At that time John the Baptist came to the desert of Judea and started preaching. 2 "Turn away from your sins," he said, "because the Kingdom of heaven is near!" 3 John was the man the prophet Isaiah was talking about when he said, "Someone is shouting in the desert, "Prepare a road for the Lord; make a straight path for him to travel!" 4 John's clothes were made of camel's hair; he wore a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5 People came to him from Jerusalem, from the whole province of Judea, and from all over the country near the Jordan River. 6 They confessed their sins, and he baptized them in the Jordan. 7 When John saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming to him to be baptized, he said to them, "You snakes -- who told you that you could escape from the punishment God is about to send? 8 Do those things that will show that you have turned from your sins. 9 And don't think you can escape punishment by saying that Abraham is your ancestor. I tell you that God can take these rocks and make descendants for Abraham! 10 The ax is ready to cut down the trees at the roots; every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown in the fire. 11 I baptize you with water to show that you have repented, but the one who will come after me will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. He is much greater than I am; and I am not good enough even to carry his sandals. 12 He has his winnowing shovel with him to thresh out all the grain. He will gather his wheat into his barn, but he will burn the chaff in a fire that never goes out."


<B8> Matthew 4

KJV w/Strong# - {23} And Jesus <2424> went <4013> about <4013> all <3650> Galilee <1056>, teaching <1321> in their synagogues <4864>, and preaching <2784> the gospel <2098> of the kingdom <932>, and healing <2323> all <3956> manner of sickness <3554> and all <3956> manner of disease <3119> among <1722> the people <2992>.

NRSV - 23 Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good newsof the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people.

TEV - 23 Jesus went all over Galilee, teaching in the synagogues, preaching the Good News about the Kingdom, and healing people who had all kinds of disease and sickness. 24 The news about him spread through the whole country of Syria, so that people brought to him all those who were sick, suffering from all kinds of diseases and disorders: people with demons, and epileptics, and paralytics -- and Jesus healed them all. 25 Large crowds followed him from Galilee and the Ten Towns, from Jerusalem, Judea, and the land on the other side of the Jordan.


<B9> II Corinthians 10

KJV w/Strong# - {7} Do ye look <991> on <991> things after <2596> the outward <4383> appearance <4383>?...

NRSV - Look at what is before your eyes...

TEV - 7 You are looking at the outward appearance of things. Is there someone there who reckons himself to belong to Christ? Well, let him think again about himself, because we belong to Christ just as much as he does. 8 For I am not ashamed, even if I have boasted somewhat too much about the authority that the Lord has given us -- authority to build you up, not to tear you down. 9 I do not want it to appear that I am trying to frighten you with my letters. 10 Someone will say, "Paul's letters are severe and strong, but when he is with us in person, he is weak, and his words are nothing!" 11 Such a person must understand that there is no difference between what we write in our letters when we are away and what we will do when we are there with you.


<B10> John 8

KJV w/Strong# - {1} Jesus <2424> went <4198> unto the mount <3735> of Olives <1636>. {2} And early <3722> in the morning he came <3854> again <3825> into <1519> the temple <2411>, and all <3956> the people <2992> came <2064> unto him; and he sat <2523> down <2523>, and taught <1321> them.

{12} Then <3767> spake <2980> Jesus <2424> again <3825> unto them, saying <3004>, I am <1510> the light <5457> of the world <2889>: he that followeth <190> me shall not walk <4043> in darkness <4653>, but shall have <2192> the light <5457> of life <2222>. {13} The Pharisees <5330> therefore <3767> said <2036> unto him, Thou bearest <3140> record <3140> of thyself <4572>; thy record <3141> is not true <227>. {14} Jesus <2424> answered <611> and said <2036> unto them, Though <2579> I bear <3140> record <3140> of myself <1683>, [yet] my record <3141> is true <227>: for I know <1492> whence <4159> I came <2064>, and whither <4226> I go <5217>; but ye cannot <1492> tell <1492> whence <4159> I come <2064>, and whither <4226> I go <5217>. {15} Ye judge <2919> after <2596> the flesh <4561>; I judge <2919> no <3762> man <3762>. {16} And yet if <1437> I judge <2919>, my judgment <2920> is true <227>: for I am <1510> not alone <3441>, but I and the Father <3962> that sent <3992> me.

{19} Then <3767> said <3004> they unto him, Where <4226> is thy Father <3962>? Jesus <2424> answered <611>, Ye neither <3777> know <1492> me, nor <3777> my Father <3962>: if <1487> ye had known <1492> me, ye should have known <1492> my Father <3962> also <2532>.

NRSV - 1 while Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2 Early in the morning he came again to the temple. All the people came to him and he sat down and began to teach them.

12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” 13 Then the Pharisees said to him, “You are testifying on your own behalf; your testimony is not valid.” 14 Jesus answered, “Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid because I know where I have come from and where I am going, but you do not know where I come from or where I am going. 15 You judge by human standards; I judge no one. 16 Yet even if I do judge, my judgment is valid; for it is not I alone who judge, but I and the Father who sent me.

19 Then they said to him, “Where is your Father?” Jesus answered, “You know neither me nor my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also.”

TEV - 1 {Then everyone went home, but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2 Early the next morning he went back to the Temple. All the people gathered around him, and he sat down and began to teach them. 3 The teachers of the Law and the Pharisees brought in a woman who had been caught committing adultery, and they made her stand before them all. 4 "Teacher," they said to Jesus, "this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. 5 In our Law Moses commanded that such a woman must be stoned to death. Now, what do you say?" 6 They said this to trap Jesus, so that they could accuse him. But he bent over and wrote on the ground with his finger.

12 Jesus spoke to the Pharisees again. "I am the light of the world," he said. "Whoever follows me will have the light of life and will never walk in darkness." 13 The Pharisees said to him, "Now you are testifying on your own behalf; what you say proves nothing." 14 "No," Jesus answered, "even though I do testify on my own behalf, what I say is true, because I know where I came from and where I am going. You do not know where I came from or where I am going. 15 You make judgments in a purely human way; I pass judgment on no one. 16 But if I were to do so, my judgment would be true, because I am not alone in this; the Father who sent me is with me. 17 It is written in your Law that when two witnesses agree, what they say is true. 18 I testify on my own behalf, and the Father who sent me also testifies on my behalf." 19 "Where is your father?" they asked him. "You know neither me nor my Father," Jesus answered. "If you knew me, you would know my Father also."


<B11> John 9

KJV w/Strong# - {39} And Jesus <2424> said <2036>, For judgment <2917> I am come <2064> into <1519> this <5126> world <2889>, that they which see <991> not might see <991>; and that they which see <991> might be made <1096> blind <5185>. {40} And [some] of the Pharisees <5330> which <3588> were with him heard <191> these <5023> words, and said <2036> unto him, Are we blind <5185> also <2532>? {41} Jesus <2424> said <2036> unto them, If <1487> ye were blind <5185>, ye should have <2192> no <3756> sin <266>: but now <3568> ye say <3004>, We see <991>; therefore <3767> your <5216> sin <266> remaineth <3306>.

NRSV - 39 Jesus said, “I came into this world for judgment so that those who do not see may see, and those who do see may become blind.” 40 Some of the Pharisees near him heard this and said to him, “Surely we are not blind, are we?” 41 Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would not have sin. But now that you say, ‘We see,’ your sin remains.

TEV - 35 When Jesus heard what had happened, he found the man and asked him, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?" 36 The man answered, "Tell me who he is, sir, so that I can believe in him!" 37 Jesus said to him, "You have already seen him, and he is the one who is talking with you now." 38 "I believe, Lord!" the man said, and knelt down before Jesus. 39 Jesus said, "I came to this world to judge, so that the blind should see and those who see should become blind." 40 Some Pharisees who were there with him heard him say this and asked him, "Surely you don't mean that we are blind, too?" 41 Jesus answered, "If you were blind, then you would not be guilty; but since you claim that you can see, this means that you are still guilty."


<B12> Luke 4

KJV w/Strong# - {15} And he taught <1321> in their synagogues <4864>, being glorified <1392> of all <3956>. {16} And he came <2064> to Nazareth <3478>, where <3757> he had been brought <5142> up:...

{24} And he said <2036>, Verily <281> I say <3004> unto you, No <3762> prophet <4396> is accepted <1184> in his own country <3968>. {25} But I tell <3004> you of a truth <225>, many <4183> widows <5503> were in Israel <2474> in the days <2250> of Elias <2243>, when <3753> the heaven <3772> was shut <2808> up three <5140> years <2094> and six <1803> months <3376>, when <5613> great <3173> famine <3042> was throughout <1909> all <3956> the land <1093>; {26} But unto none <3762> of them was Elias <2243> sent <3992>, save <1508> unto Sarepta <4558>, [a city] of Sidon <4605>, unto a woman <1135> [that was] a widow <5503>.

{28} And all <3956> they in the synagogue <4864>, when they heard <191> these <5023> things, were filled <4130> with wrath <2372>, {29} And rose <450> up, and thrust <1544> him out of the city <4172>, and led <71> him unto the brow <3790> of the hill <3735> whereon <3739> their city <4172> was built <3618>, that they might cast <2630> him down <2630> headlong <2630>. {30} But he passing <1330> through <1223> the midst <3319> of them went <4198> his way, {31} And came <2718> down <2718> to Capernaum <2584>, a city <4172> of Galilee <1056>, and taught <1321> them on <1722> the sabbath <4521> days.

NRSV - 15 He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone. 16 ...He came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up,...

24 And he said, “Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in the prophet’s hometown. 25 But the truth is, there were many widows in Israel in the time of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, and there was a severe famine over all the land; 26 yet Elijah was sent to none of them except to a widow at Zarephath in Sidon.

28 When they heard this, all in the synagogue were filled with rage. 29 They got up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they might hurl him off the cliff. 30 But he passed through the midst of them and went on his way. 31 He went down to Capernaum, a city in Galilee, and was teaching them on the sabbath.

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. 16 Then Jesus went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath he went as usual to the synagogue. He stood up to read the Scriptures 17 and was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it is written, 18 "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has chosen me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free the oppressed 19 and announce that the time has come when the Lord will save his people."

23 He said to them, "I am sure that you will quote this proverb to me, "Doctor, heal yourself.' You will also tell me to do here in my hometown the same things you heard were done in Capernaum. 24 I tell you this," Jesus added, "a prophet is never welcomed in his hometown. 25 Listen to me: it is true that there were many widows in Israel during the time of Elijah, when there was no rain for three and a half years and a severe famine spread throughout the whole land. 26 Yet Elijah was not sent to anyone in Israel, but only to a widow living in Zarephath in the territory of Sidon. 27 And there were many people suffering from a dreaded skin disease who lived in Israel during the time of the prophet Elisha; yet not one of them was healed, but only Naaman the Syrian." 28 When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were filled with anger. 29 They rose up, dragged Jesus out of town, and took him to the top of the hill on which their town was built. They meant to throw him over the cliff, 30 but he walked through the middle of the crowd and went his way. 31 Then Jesus went to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, where he taught the people on the Sabbath. 32 They were all amazed at the way he taught, because he spoke with authority. 33 In the synagogue was a man who had the spirit of an evil demon in him; he screamed out in a loud voice, 34 "Ah! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Are you here to destroy us? I know who you are: you are God's holy messenger!" 35 Jesus ordered the spirit, "Be quiet and come out of the man!" The demon threw the man down in front of them and went out of him without doing him any harm.


<B13> Psalm 56

KJV w/Strong# - {11} In God <0430> have I put my trust <0982>: I will not be afraid <03372> what <04100> man <0120> can do <06213> unto me.

NRSV - in God I trust; I am not afraid. What can a mere mortal do to me?

TEV - 8 You know how troubled I am; you have kept a record of my tears. Aren't they listed in your book? 9 The day I call to you, my enemies will be turned back. I know this: God is on my side -- 10 the LORD, whose promises I praise. 11 In him I trust, and I will not be afraid. What can a mere human being do to me?


<B14> Psalm 37

KJV w/Strong# - {39} ...the salvation <08668> of the righteous <06662> [is] of the LORD <03068>: [he is] their strength <04581> in the time <06256> of trouble <06869>. {40} And the LORD <03068> shall help <05826> them, and deliver <06403> them: he shall deliver <06403> them from the wicked <07563>, and save <03467> them, because <03588> they trust <02620> in him.

NRSV - 39 The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; he is their refuge in the time of trouble. 40 The Lord helps them and rescues them; he rescues them from the wicked, and saves them, because they take refuge in him.

TEV - 39 The LORD saves righteous men and protects them in times of trouble. 40 He helps them and rescues them; he saves them from the wicked, because they go to him for protection.


<B15> Acts 28

KJV w/Strong# - {8} And it came <1096> to pass, that the father <3962> of Publius <4196> lay <2621> sick <4912> of a fever <4446> and of a bloody <1420> flux <1420>: to whom <3739> Paul <3972> entered <1525> in, and prayed <4336>, and laid <2007> his hands <5495> on <2007> him, and healed <2390> him. {9} So <3767> when this <5127> was done <1096>, others <3062> also <2532>, which <3588> had <2192> diseases <769> in the island <3520>, came <4334>, and were healed <2323>:

NRSV - 8 It so happened that the father of Publius lay sick in bed with fever and dysentery. Paul visited him and cured him by praying and putting his hands on him. 9 After this happened, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases also came and were cured.

TEV - 7 Not far from that place were some fields that belonged to Publius, the chief of the island. He welcomed us kindly and for three days we were his guests. 8 Publius' father was in bed, sick with fever and dysentery. Paul went into his room, prayed, placed his hands on him, and healed him. 9 When this happened, all the other sick people on the island came and were healed. 10 They gave us many gifts, and when we sailed, they put on board what we needed for the voyage.


<B16> Psalm 30

KJV w/Strong# - {1} I will extol <07311> thee, O LORD <03068>; for thou hast lifted <01802> me up, and hast not made my foes <0341> to rejoice <08055> over me. {2} O LORD <03068> my God <0430>, I cried <07768> unto thee, and thou hast healed <07495> me. {3} O LORD <03068>, thou hast brought <05927> up my soul <05315> from the grave <07585>: thou hast kept me alive <02421>, that I should not go <03381> down <03381> to the pit <0953>.

{11} Thou hast turned <02015> for me my mourning <04553> into dancing <04234>: thou hast put <06605> off my sackcloth <08242>, and girded <0247> me with gladness <08057>; {12} To the end <04616> that [my] glory <03519> may sing <02167> praise to thee, and not be silent <01826>. O LORD <03068> my God <0430>, I will give thanks <03034> unto thee for ever <05769>.

NRSV - 1 I will extol you, O Lord, for you have drawn me up, and did not let my foes rejoice over me. 2 O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me. 3 O Lord, you brought up my soul from Sheol, restored me to life from among those gone down to the Pit.

11 You have turned my mourning into dancing; you have taken off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, 12 so that my soul may praise you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever.

TEV - 1 I praise you, LORD, because you have saved me and kept my enemies from gloating over me. 2 I cried to you for help, O LORD my God, and you healed me; 3 you kept me from the grave. I was on my way to the depths below, but you restored my life.

8 I called to you, LORD; I begged for your help: 9 "What will you gain from my death? What profit from my going to the grave? Are dead people able to praise you? Can they proclaim your unfailing goodness? 10 Hear me, LORD, and be merciful! Help me, LORD!" 11 You have changed my sadness into a joyful dance; you have taken away my sorrow and surrounded me with joy. 12 So I will not be silent; I will sing praise to you. LORD, you are my God; I will give you thanks forever.


<B17> Psalm 56

KJV w/Strong# - {3} What time <03117> I am afraid <03372>, I will trust <0982> in thee. {4} In God <0430> I will praise <01984> his word <01697>, in God <0430> I have put my trust <0982>; I will not fear <03372> what <04100> flesh <01320> can do <06213> unto me.

NRSV - 3 when I am afraid, I put my trust in you. 4 In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I am not afraid; what can flesh do to me?

TEV - 1 Be merciful to me, O God, because I am under attack; my enemies persecute me all the time. 2 All day long my opponents attack me. There are so many who fight against me. 3 When I am afraid, O LORD Almighty, I put my trust in you. 4 I trust in God and am not afraid; I praise him for what he has promised. What can a mere human being do to me?


<B18> Revelation 12

{7} And there was war <4171> in heaven <3772>: Michael <3413> and his angels <32> fought <4170> against <2596> the dragon <1404>; and the dragon <1404> fought <4170> and his angels <32>, {8} And prevailed <2480> not; neither <3777> was their place <5117> found <2147> any <2089> more <2089> in heaven <3772>. {9} And the great <3173> dragon <1404> was cast <906> out, that old <744> serpent <3789>, called <2564> the Devil <1228>, and Satan <4567>, which <3588> deceiveth <4105> the whole <3650> world <3625>: he was cast <906> out into <1519> the earth <1093>, and his angels <32> were cast <906> out with him. {10} And I heard <191> a loud <3173> voice <5456> saying <3004> in heaven <3772>, Now <737> is come <1096> salvation <4991>, and strength <1411>, and the kingdom <932> of our God <2316>, and the power <1849> of his Christ <5547>: for the accuser <2723> of our brethren <80> is cast <2598> down <2598>, which <3588> accused <2725> them before <1799> our God <2316> day <2250> and night <3571>.

NRSV - 7 And war broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels fought against the dragon. The dragon and his angels fought back, 8 but they were defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. 9 The great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the Devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. 10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, proclaiming, “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Messiah, for the accuser of our comrades has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God.

TEV - 7 Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, who fought back with his angels; 8 but the dragon was defeated, and he and his angels were not allowed to stay in heaven any longer. 9 The huge dragon was thrown out -- that ancient serpent, named the Devil, or Satan, that deceived the whole world. He was thrown down to earth, and all his angels with him. 10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven saying, "Now God's salvation has come! Now God has shown his power as King! Now his Messiah has shown his authority! For the one who stood before our God and accused our brothers day and night has been thrown out of heaven. 11 Our brothers won the victory over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the truth which they proclaimed; and they were willing to give up their lives and die. 12 And so be glad, you heavens, and all you that live there! But how terrible for the earth and the sea! For the Devil has come down to you, and he is filled with rage, because he knows that he has only a little time left."


<B19> Psalm 46

KJV w/Strong# - {1} God <0430> [is] our refuge <04268> and strength <05797>, a very <03966> present <04672> help <05833> in trouble <06869>. {2} Therefore will not we fear <03372>, though the earth <0776> be removed <04171>, and though the mountains <02022> be carried <04131> into the midst <03820> of the sea <03220>; {3} [Though] the waters <04325> thereof roar <01993> [and] be troubled <02560>, [though] the mountains <02022> shake <07493> with the swelling <01346> thereof.

{6} The heathen <01471> raged <01993>, the kingdoms <04467> were moved <04131>: he uttered <05414> his voice <06963>, the earth <0776> melted <04127>.

{10} Be still <07503>, and know <03045> that I [am] God <0430>: I will be exalted <07311> among the heathen <01471>, I will be exalted <07311> in the earth <0776>.

NRSV - 1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; 3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult. Selah

6 The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts.

10 “Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth.”

TEV - 1 God is our shelter and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. 2 So we will not be afraid, even if the earth is shaken and mountains fall into the ocean depths; 3 even if the seas roar and rage, and the hills are shaken by the violence. 4 There is a river that brings joy to the city of God, to the sacred house of the Most High. 5 God is in that city, and it will never be destroyed; at early dawn he will come to its aid. 6 Nations are terrified, kingdoms are shaken; God thunders, and the earth dissolves. 7 The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. 8 Come and see what the LORD has done. See what amazing things he has done on earth. 9 He stops wars all over the world; he breaks bows, destroys spears, and sets shields on fire. 10 "Stop fighting," he says, "and know that I am God, supreme among the nations, supreme over the world." 11 The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.


LINKS TO SOME OTHER USEFUL BIBLE-LESSON-RELATED WEB PAGES

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)

BIBLETEXTS HOMEPAGE - This is the homepage for the entire BibleTexts Website. (http://www.bibletexts.com)

BIBLETEXTS ONLINE BIBLE COMMENTARY - THE UNABRIDGED EDITION (http://www.bibletexts.com/bt.htm)

BIBLIOGRAPHY OF BIBLE RESEARCH MATERIALS - This is a listing and description of 200 of the biblical resources used for this commentary. (http://www.bibletexts.com/bibliogr.htm)

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)

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE QUARTERLY BIBLE LESSONS - OFFICIAL WEBPAGE - This is a link to an official Webpage that describes and gives textual and audio examples of the actual Christian Science Quarterly Bible Lessons. (http://168.203.8.7/GV/CSPS/Quarterly.html)

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE QUARTERLY BIBLE LESSONS - ESSENTIAL STUDY MATERIALS - This is a link to a webpage describing the essential Bible Lesson study materials (theBible, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, and the Christian Science Quarterly) and how to obtain them, as well as how to obtain some optional Bible Lesson study aids. (http://www.bibletexts.com/bl-components.htm)

CHURCHES OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST, AND READING ROOMS - OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF LISTINGS - This is an official Website listing all of the churches, societies, and Reading Rooms listed in The Christian Science Journal. (http://168.203.8.11/Church.qry?function=form)

DAILY RELIGIOUS ARTICLE from today's issue of The Christian Science Monitor. (http://www.csmonitor.com/todays_paper/graphical/today/home/relarticle.1.html)

STRONG'S-BASED BIBLE STUDY AIDS - This is a Webpage that describes various  Bible study aids that are keyed to the Strong's number system. These materials will enable you to use the above "KJV/Strong's" texts and <numbers> to explore the actual meaning of the Hebrew and Greek words from which the English wording was translated. (http://www.bibletexts.com/strongs.htm)

TOPICAL INDEX OF CROSS-REFERENCES AND COMMENTARIES (http://www.bibletexts.com/topical.htm)

WHY THE KING JAMES VERSION DIFFERS WITH MODERN VERSIONS? The three topics addressed in this article are: (1) the King James Version and its dependence on the Textus Receptus, (2) descriptions of three of the many helpful modern Bible study aids, and (3) the importance of the original texts and various Bible versions to Mary Baker Eddy and The Church of Christ, Scientist. (http://www.bibletexts.com/kjv-mod.htm)

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