The BIBLETEXTS Online Bible Commentary


Excerpts that are relevant to the Bible Lesson for Sunday, May 10, 1998

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<GT> Psalm 37

KJV w/Strong# - {18} The LORD <03068> knoweth <03045> the days <03117> of the upright <08549>: and their inheritance <05159> shall be for ever <05769>.

NRSV - 18 The Lord knows the days of the blameless, and their heritage will abide forever;

TEV - 18 The Lord takes care of those who obey him, and the land will be theirs for ever. 19 They will not suffer when times are bad; they will have enough in time of famine. 20 But the wicked will die; the enemies of the Lord will vanish like wild flowers; they will disappear like smoke.


<RR1> Job 33

KJV w/Strong# - {14} For God <0410> speaketh <01696> once <0259>, yea twice <08147>, [yet man] perceiveth <07789> it not.

{18} He keepeth <02820> back <02820> his soul <05315> from the pit <07845>, and his life <02416> from perishing <05674> by the sword <07973>.

{23} If <0518> there be a messenger <04397> with him, an interpreter <03887>, one <0259> among <04480> a thousand <0505>, to shew <05046> unto man <0120> his uprightness <03476>: {24} Then he is gracious <02603> unto him, and saith <0559>, Deliver <06308> him from going <03381> down <03381> to the pit <07845>: I have found <04672> a ransom <03724>.

{26} He shall pray <06279> unto God <0433>, and he will be favourable <07520> unto him: and he shall see <07200> his face <06440> with joy <08643>: for he will render <07725> unto man <0582> his righteousness <06666>. {27} He looketh <07789> upon men <0582>, and [if any] say <0559>, I have sinned <02398>, and perverted <05753> [that which was] right <03477>, and it profited <07737> me not; {28} He will deliver <06299> his soul <05315> from going <05674> into the pit <07845>, and his life <02416> shall see <07200> the light <0216>. {29} Lo <02005>, all <03605> these <0428> [things] worketh <06466> God <0410> oftentimes with man <01397>, {30} To bring <07725> back <07725> his soul <05315> from the pit <07845>, to be enlightened <0215> with the light <0216> of the living <02416>.

NRSV - 14 For God speaks in one way, and in two, though people do not perceive it.

18 to spare their souls from the Pit, their lives from traversing the River.

23 Then, if there should be for one of them an angel, a mediator, one of a thousand, one who declares a person upright, 24 and he is gracious to that person, and says, ‘Deliver him from going down into the Pit; I have found a ransom;

26 then he prays to God, and is accepted by him, he comes into his presence with joy, and God repays him for his righteousness. 27 That person sings to others and says, ‘I sinned, and perverted what was right, and it was not paid back to me. 28 He has redeemed my soul from going down to the Pit, and my life shall see the light.’ 29 “God indeed does all these things, twice, three times, with mortals, 30 to bring back their souls from the Pit, so that they may see the light of life.

TEV - 12 But I tell you, Job, you are wrong. God is greater than any human being. 13 Why do you accuse God of never answering our complaints? 14 Although God speaks again and again, no one pays attention to what he says. 15 At night when people are asleep, God speaks in dreams and visions. 16 He makes them listen to what he says, and they are frightened at his warnings. 17 God speaks to make them stop their sinning and to save them from becoming proud. 18 He will not let them be destroyed; he saves them from death itself. 19 God corrects people by sending sickness and filling their bodies with pain. 20 Those who are sick lose their appetites, and even the finest food looks revolting. 21 Their bodies waste away to nothing; you can see all their bones; 22 they are about to go to the world of the dead.

23 Perhaps an angel may come to their aid— one of God’s thousands of angels, who remind us of our duty. 24 In mercy the angel will say, “Release them! They are not to go down to the world of the dead. Here is the ransom to set them free.” 25 Their bodies will grow young and strong again; 26 when they pray, God will answer; they will worship God with joy; God will set things right for them again. 27 Each one will say in public, “I have sinned. I have not done right, but God spared me. 28 He kept me from going to the world of the dead, and I am still alive.” 29 God does all this again and again; 30 he saves a person’s life, and gives him the joy of living.


[********** 1 **********]

<B1> 2 Timothy 3

KJV w/Strong# - {16} All <3956> scripture <1124> [is] given by inspiration <2315> of God <2315>, and [is] profitable <5624> for doctrine <1319>, for reproof <1650>, for correction <1882>, for instruction <3809> in righteousness <1343>: {17} That the man <444> of God <2316> may be perfect <739>, throughly <1822> furnished <1822> unto all <3956> good <18> works <2041>.

NRSV - 16 All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.

TEV - 10 But you have followed my teaching, my conduct, and my purpose in life; you have observed my faith, my patience, my love, my endurance, 11 my persecutions, and my sufferings. You know all that happened to me in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra, the terrible persecutions I endured! But the Lord rescued me from them all. 12 Everyone who wants to live a godly life in union with Christ Jesus will be persecuted; 13 and evil persons and impostors will keep on going from bad to worse, deceiving others and being deceived themselves. 14 But as for you, continue in the truths that you were taught and firmly believe. You know who your teachers were, 15 and you remember that ever since you were a child, you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching the truth, rebuking error, correcting faults, and giving instruction for right living, 17 so that the person who serves God may be fully qualified and equipped to do every kind of good deed.


<B2> Genesis 1

KJV w/Strong# - {1} In the beginning <07225> God <0430> created <01254> the heaven <08064> and the earth <0776>.

{3} And God <0430> said <0559>, Let there be light <0216>: and there was light <0216>.

{26} And God <0430> said <0559>, Let us make <06213> man <0120> in our image <06754>, after our likeness <01823>: and let them have dominion <07287> over the fish <01710> of the sea <03220>, and over the fowl <05775> of the air <08064>, and over the cattle <0929>, and over all <03605> the earth <0776>, and over every <03605> creeping <07431> thing that creepeth <07430> upon the earth <0776>. {27} So God <0430> created <01254> man <0120> in his [own] image <06754>, in the image <06754> of God <0430> created <01254> he him; male <02145> and female <05347> created <01254> he them.

{31} And God <0430> saw <07200> every <03605> thing that he had made <06213>, and, behold <02009>, [it was] very <03966> good <02896>. And the evening <06153> and the morning <01242> were the sixth <08345> day <03117>.

NRSV - 1 In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth,

3 Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light.

26 Then God said, “Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth,and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.” 27 So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

31 God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good...

TEV - 1 In the beginning, when God created the universe, 2 the earth was formless and desolate. The raging ocean that covered everything was engulfed in total darkness, and the Spirit of God was moving over the water. 3 Then God commanded, “Let there be light”—and light appeared. 4 God was pleased with what he saw. Then he separated the light from the darkness, 5 and he named the light “Day” and the darkness “Night”. Evening passed and morning came—that was the first day.

26 Then God said, “And now we will make human beings; they will be like us and resemble us. They will have power over the fish, the birds, and all animals, domestic and wild, large and small.” 27 So God created human beings, making them to be like himself. He created them male and female, 28 blessed them, and said, “Have many children, so that your descendants will live all over the earth and bring it under their control. I am putting you in charge of the fish, the birds, and all the wild animals. 29 I have provided all kinds of grain and all kinds of fruit for you to eat; 30 but for all the wild animals and for all the birds I have provided grass and leafy plants for food”—and it was done. 31God looked at everything he had made, and he was very pleased. Evening passed and morning came—that was the sixth day.


<B3> Genesis 2

KJV w/Strong# - {1} Thus the heavens <08064> and the earth <0776> were finished <03615>, and all <03605> the host <06635> of them.

{6} But there went <05927> up a mist <0108> from the earth <0776>, and watered <08248> the whole face <06440> of the ground <0127>. {7} And the LORD <03068> God <0430> formed <03335> man <0120> [of] the dust <06083> of the ground <0127>, and breathed <05301> into his nostrils <0639> the breath <05397> of life <02416>; and man <0120> became <01961> a living <02416> soul <05315>.

NRSV - 1Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all their multitude.

6 but a stream would rise from the earth, and water the whole face of the ground— 7 then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and the man became a living being.

TEV - 1 And so the whole universe was completed. 2 By the seventh day God finished what he had been doing and stopped working. 3 He blessed the seventh day and set it apart as a special day, because by that day he had completed his creation and stopped working. 4a And that is how the universe was created.

4b When the Lord God made the universe, 5 there were no plants on the earth and no seeds had sprouted, because he had not sent any rain, and there was no one to cultivate the land; 6 but water would come up from beneath the surface and water the ground. 7 Then the Lord God took some soil from the ground and formed a man out of it; he breathed life-giving breath into his nostrils and the man began to live.


[********** 2 **********]

<B4> Genesis 2

KJV w/Strong# - {8} And the LORD <03068> God <0430> planted <05193> a garden <01588> eastward <06924> in Eden <05731>; and there <08033> he put <07760> the man <0120> whom <0834> he had formed <03335>. {9} And out of the ground <0127> made the LORD <03068> God <0430> to grow <06779> every <03605> tree <06086> that is pleasant <02530> to the sight <04758>, and good <02896> for food <03978>; the tree <06086> of life <02416> also in the midst <08432> of the garden <01588>, and the tree <06086> of knowledge <01847> of good <02896> and evil <07451>.

{18} And the LORD <03068> God <0430> said <0559>, [It is] not good <02896> that the man <0120> should be alone <0905>; I will make <06213> him an help <05828> meet <05828> for him. {19} And out of the ground <0127> the LORD <03068> God <0430> formed <03335> every <03605> beast <02416> of the field <07704>, and every <03605> fowl <05775> of the air <08064>; and brought <0935> [them] unto Adam <0120> to see <07200> what <04100> he would call <07121> them: and whatsoever Adam <0120> called <07121> every living <02416> creature <05315>, that [was] the name <08034> thereof.

{21} And the LORD <03068> God <0430> caused a deep <08639> sleep <03462> to fall <05307> upon Adam <0121>, and he slept <03462>: and he took <03947> one <0259> of his ribs <06763>, and closed <05462> up the flesh <01320> instead <08478> thereof; {22} And the rib <06763>, which <0834> the LORD <03068> God <0430> had taken <03947> from man <0120>, made <01129> he a woman <0802>, and brought <0935> her unto the man <0120>. {23} And Adam <0120> said <0559>, This <02063> [is] now <06471> bone <06106> of my bones <06106>, and flesh <01320> of my flesh <01320>: she shall be called <07121> Woman <0802>, because <03588> she was taken <03947> out of Man <0376>.

NRSV - 8 And the Lord God planted a garden in Eden, in the east; and there he put the man whom he had formed. 9 Out of the ground the Lord God made to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food, the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

18 Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper as his partner.” 19 So out of the ground the Lord God formed every animal of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name.

21 So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then he took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. 22 And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. 23 Then the man said, “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; this one shall be called Woman, for out of Man this one was taken.”

TEV - 8 Then the Lord God planted a garden in Eden, in the East, and there he put the man he had formed. 9 He made all kinds of beautiful trees grow there and produce good fruit. In the middle of the garden stood the tree that gives life and the tree that gives knowledge of what is good and what is bad.

18 Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to live alone. I will make a suitable companion to help him.” 19 So he took some soil from the ground and formed all the animals and all the birds. Then he brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and that is how they all got their names. 20 So the man named all the birds and all the animals; but not one of them was a suitable companion to help him. 21 Then the Lord God made the man fall into a deep sleep, and while he was sleeping, he took out one of the man’s ribs and closed up the flesh. 22 He formed a woman out of the rib and brought her to him. 23 Then the man said, “At last, here is one of my own kind— Bone taken from my bone, and flesh from my flesh. ‘Woman’ is her name because she was taken out of man.”


<B5> Ecclesiastes 7

KJV w/Strong# - {29} Lo <07200>, this <02088> only <0905> have I found <04672>, that God <0430> hath made <06213> man <0120> upright <03477>; but they have sought <01245> out many <07227> inventions <02810>.

NRSV - 29 See, this alone I found, that God made human beings straightforward, but they have devised many schemes.

TEV - 26 I found something more bitter than death—the woman who is like a trap. The love she offers you will catch you like a net; and her arms round you will hold you like a chain. A man who pleases God can get away, but she will catch the sinner. 27 Yes, said the Philosopher, I found this out little by little while I was looking for answers. 28 I have looked for other answers but have found none. I found one man in a thousand that I could respect, but not one woman. 29 This is all that I have learnt: God made us plain and simple, but we have made ourselves very complicated.


[********** 3 **********]

<B6> Genesis 3

KJV w/Strong# - {1} Now the serpent <05175> was more subtil <06175> than any <03605> beast <02416> of the field <07704> which <0834> the LORD <03068> God <0430> had made <06213>. And he said <0559> unto the woman <0802>, Yea, hath God <0430> said <0559>, Ye shall not eat <0398> of every <03605> tree <06086> of the garden <01588>? {2} And the woman <0802> said <0559> unto the serpent <05175>, We may eat <0398> of the fruit <06529> of the trees <06086> of the garden <01588>: {3} But of the fruit <06529> of the tree <06086> which <0834> [is] in the midst <08432> of the garden <01588>, God <0430> hath said <0559>, Ye shall not eat <0398> of it, neither shall ye touch <05060> it, lest <06435> ye die <04191>. {4} And the serpent <05175> said <0559> unto the woman <0802>, Ye shall not surely die <04191>: {5} For God <0430> doth know <03045> that in the day <03117> ye eat <0398> thereof, then your eyes <05869> shall be opened <06491>, and ye shall be as gods <0430>, knowing <03045> good <02896> and evil <07451>. {6} And when the woman <0802> saw <07200> that the tree <06086> [was] good <02896> for food <03978>, and that it [was] pleasant <08378> to the eyes <05869>, and a tree <06086> to be desired <02530> to make [one] wise <07919>, she took <03947> of the fruit <06529> thereof, and did eat <0398>, and gave <05414> also <01571> unto her husband <0376> with her; and he did eat <0398>.

{9} And the LORD <03068> God <0430> called <07121> unto Adam <0120>, and said <0559> unto him, Where <0335> [art] thou? {10} And he said <0559>, I heard <08085> thy voice <06963> in the garden <01588>, and I was afraid <03372>, because <03588> I [was] naked <05903>; and I hid <02244> myself. {11} And he said <0559>, Who <04310> told <05046> thee that thou [wast] naked <05903>? Hast thou eaten <0398> of the tree <06086>, whereof <0834> I commanded <06680> thee that thou shouldest not eat <0398>? {12} And the man <0120> said <0559>, The woman <0802> whom <0834> thou gavest <05414> [to be] with me, she gave <05414> me of the tree <06086>, and I did eat <0398>. {13} And the LORD <03068> God <0430> said <0559> unto the woman <0802>, What <04100> [is] this <02063> [that] thou hast done <06213>? And the woman <0802> said <0559>, The serpent <05175> beguiled <05377> me, and I did eat <0398>.

{17} And unto Adam <0121> he said <0559>, Because <03588> thou hast hearkened <08085> unto the voice <06963> of thy wife <0802>, and hast eaten <0398> of the tree <06086>, of which <0834> I commanded <06680> thee, saying <0559>, Thou shalt not eat <0398> of it: cursed <0779> [is] the ground <0127> for thy sake <05668>; in sorrow <06093> shalt thou eat <0398> [of] it all <03605> the days <03117> of thy life <02416>;

NRSV - 1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any other wild animal that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God say, ‘You shall not eat from any tree in the garden’?” 2 The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden; 3 but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the middle of the garden, nor shall you touch it, or you shall die.’ ” 4 But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not die; 5 for God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate; and she also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate.

9 But the Lord God called to the man, and said to him, “Where are you?” 10 He said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.” 11 He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” 12 The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit from the tree, and I ate.” 13 Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this that you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent tricked me, and I ate.”

17 And to the man he said, “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife, and have eaten of the tree about which I commanded you, ‘You shall not eat of it,’ cursed is the ground because of you; in toil you shall eat of it all the days of your life;

TEV - 1 Now the snake was the most cunning animal that the Lord God had made. The snake asked the woman, “Did God really tell you not to eat fruit from any tree in the garden?” 2 “We may eat the fruit of any tree in the garden,” the woman answered, 3 “except the tree in the middle of it. God told us not to eat the fruit of that tree or even touch it; if we do, we will die.” 4 The snake replied, “That’s not true; you will not die. 5 God said that, because he knows that when you eat it you will be like God and know what is good and what is bad.” 6 The woman saw how beautiful the tree was and how good its fruit would be to eat, and she thought how wonderful it would be to become wise. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, and he also ate it. 7 As soon as they had eaten it, they were given understanding and realized that they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and covered themselves. 8 That evening they heard the Lord God walking in the garden, and they hid from him among the trees. 9 But the Lord God called out to the man, “Where are you?” 10 He answered, “I heard you in the garden; I was afraid and hid from you, because I was naked.” 11 “Who told you that you were naked?” God asked. “Did you eat the fruit that I told you not to eat?” 12 The man answered, “The woman you put here with me gave me the fruit, and I ate it.” 13 The Lord God asked the woman, “Why did you do this?” She replied, “The snake tricked me into eating it.”

14 Then the Lord God said to the snake, “You will be punished for this; you alone of all the animals must bear this curse: from now on you will crawl on your belly, and you will have to eat dust as long as you live. 15 I will make you and the woman hate each other; her offspring and yours will always be enemies. Her offspring will crush your head, and you will bite her offspring’s heel.” 16 And he said to the woman, “I will increase your trouble in pregnancy and your pain in giving birth. In spite of this, you will still have desire for your husband, yet you will be subject to him.” 17 And he said to the man, “You listened to your wife and ate the fruit which I told you not to eat. Because of what you have done, the ground will be under a curse. You will have to work hard all your life to make it produce enough food for you. 18 It will produce weeds and thorns, and you will have to eat wild plants. 19 You will have to work hard and sweat to make the soil produce anything, until you go back to the soil from which you were formed. You were made from soil, and you will become soil again.”


[********** 4 **********]

<B7> Isaiah 59

KJV w/Strong# - {20} And the Redeemer <01350> shall come <0935> to Zion <06726>, and unto them that turn <07725> from transgression <06588> in Jacob <03290>, saith <05002> the LORD <03068>.

NRSV - 20 And he will come to Zion as Redeemer, to those in Jacob who turn from transgression, says the Lord.

TEV - 20 The Lord says to his people, “I will come to Jerusalem to defend you and to save all of you that turn from your sins. 21 And I make a covenant with you: I have given you my power and my teachings to be yours for ever, and from now on you are to obey me and teach your children and your descendants to obey me for all time to come.”


<B8> John 10

KJV w/Strong# - {23} And Jesus <2424> walked <4043> in the temple <2411> in Solomon's <4672> porch <4745>. {24} Then <3767> came <2944> the Jews <2453> round <2944> about <2944> him, and said <3004> unto him, How <2193> long <2193> dost thou make <142> us to doubt <5590>? If <1487> thou be the Christ <5547>, tell <2036> us plainly <3954>. {25} Jesus <2424> answered <611> them, I told <2036> you, and ye believed <4100> not: the works <2041> that I do <4160> in my Father's <3962> name <3686>, they bear <3140> witness <3140> of me. {30} I and [my] Father <3962> are one <1520>.

NRSV - 23 and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. 24 So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” 25 Jesus answered, “I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name testify to me;

30 The Father and I are one.”

TEV - 22 It was winter, and the Festival of the Dedication of the Temple was being celebrated in Jerusalem. 23 Jesus was walking in Solomon’s Porch in the Temple, 24 when the people gathered round him and asked, “How long are you going to keep us in suspense? Tell us the plain truth: are you the Messiah?” 25 Jesus answered, “I have already told you, but you would not believe me. The things I do by my Father’s authority speak on my behalf; 26 but you will not believe, for you are not my sheep. 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never die. No one can snatch them away from me. 29 What my Father has given me is greater than everything, and no one can snatch them away from the Father’s care. 30 The Father and I are one.”


<B9> John 5

KJV w/Strong# - {19} Then <3767> answered <611> Jesus <2424> and said <2036> unto them, Verily <281>, verily <281>, I say <3004> unto you, The Son <5207> can <1410> do <4160> nothing <3762> of himself <1438>, but <3362> what <5100> he seeth <991> the Father <3962> do <4160>: for what <5100> things soever <302> he doeth <4160>, these <5023> also <2532> doeth <4160> the Son <5207> likewise <3668>.

{30} I can <1410> of mine <1683> own self <1683> do <4160> nothing <3762>: as I hear <191>, I judge <2919>: and my judgment <2920> is just <1342>; because <3754> I seek <2212> not mine <1699> own will <2307>, but the will <2307> of the Father <3962> which <3739> hath sent <3992> me.

NRSV - 19 Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing on his own, but only what he sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise.

30 “I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge; and my judgment is just, because I seek to do not my own will but the will of him who sent me.

TEV - 19 So Jesus answered them, “I am telling you the truth: the Son can do nothing on his own; he does only what he sees his Father doing. What the Father does, the Son also does. 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing. He will show him even greater things to do than this, and you will all be amazed. 21 Just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, in the same way the Son gives life to those he wants to. 22 Nor does the Father himself judge anyone. He has given his Son the full right to judge, 23 so that all will honour the Son in the same way as they honour the Father. Whoever does not honour the Son does not honour the Father who sent him.

30 “I can do nothing on my own authority; I judge only as God tells me, so my judgement is right, because I am not trying to do what I want, but only what he who sent me wants.


<B10> Romans 5

KJV w/Strong# - {19} For as by one <1520> man's <444> disobedience <3876> many <4183> were made <2525> sinners <268>, so <3779> by the obedience <5218> of one <1520> shall many <4183> be made <2525> righteous <1342>. {20} Moreover <1161> the law <3551> entered <3922>, that the offence <3900> might abound <4121>. But where <3757> sin <266> abounded <4121>, grace <5485> did much <5248> more abound <5248>: {21} That as sin <266> hath reigned <936> unto death <2288>, even <2532> so <3779> might grace <5485> reign <936> through <1223> righteousness <1343> unto eternal <166> life <2222> by Jesus <2424> Christ <5547> our Lord <2962>.

NRSV - 19 For just as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous. 20 But law came in, with the result that the trespass multiplied; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, 21 so that, just as sin exercised dominion in death, so grace might also exercise dominion through justification leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

TEV - 18 So then, as the one sin condemned all people, in the same way the one righteous act sets all people free and gives them life. 19 And just as the mass of people were made sinners as the result of the disobedience of one man, in the same way the mass of people will all be put right with God as the result of the obedience of the one man. 20 Law was introduced in order to increase wrongdoing; but where sin increased, God’s grace increased much more. 21 So then, just as sin ruled by means of death, so also God’s grace rules by means of righteousness, leading us to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.


[********** 5 **********]

<B11> Psalm 27

KJV w/Strong# - {7} Hear <08085>, O LORD <03068>, [when] I cry <07121> with my voice <06963>: have mercy <02603> also upon me, and answer <06030> me. {8} [When thou saidst <0559>], Seek <01245> ye my face <06440>; my heart <03820> said <0559> unto thee, Thy face <06440>, LORD <03068>, will I seek <01245>.

NRSV - 7 Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud, be gracious to me and answer me! 8 “Come,” my heart says, “seek his face!” Your face, Lord, do I seek.

TEV - 4 I have asked the Lord for one thing; one thing only do I want: to live in the Lord’s house all my life, to marvel there at his goodness, and to ask for his guidance. 5 In times of trouble he will shelter me; he will keep me safe in his Temple and make me secure on a high rock. 6 So I will triumph over my enemies around me. With shouts of joy I will offer sacrifices in his Temple; I will sing, I will praise the Lord. 7 Hear me, Lord, when I call to you! Be merciful and answer me! 8 When you said, “Come and worship me,” I answered, “I will come, Lord; 9 don’t hide yourself from me!”


<B12> Psalm 17

KJV w/Strong# - {15} As for me, I will behold <02372> thy face <06440> in righteousness <06664>: I shall be satisfied <07646>, when I awake <06974>, with thy likeness <08544>.

NRSV - 15 As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake I shall be satisfied, beholding your likeness.

TEV - 15 But I will see you, because I have done no wrong; and when I awake, your presence will fill me with joy.


<B13> 1 Corinthians 15

KJV w/Strong# - {45} And so <3779> it is written <1125>, The first <4413> man <444> Adam <76> was made <1096> a living <2198> soul <5590>; the last <2078> Adam <76> [was made] a quickening <2227> spirit <4151>.

{47} The first <4413> man <444> [is] of the earth <1093>, earthy <5517>: the second <1208> man <444> [is] the Lord <2962> from heaven <3772>. {48} As [is] the earthy <5517>, such <5108> [are] they also <2532> that are earthy <5517>: and as [is] the heavenly <2032>, such <5108> [are] they also <2532> that are heavenly <2032>. {49} And as we have borne <5409> the image <1504> of the earthy <5517>, we shall also <2532> bear <5409> the image <1504> of the heavenly <2032>.

NRSV - 45 Thus it is written, “The first man, Adam, became a living being”; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit.

47 The first man was from the earth, a man of dust; the second man is from heaven. 48 As was the man of dust, so are those who are of the dust; and as is the man of heaven, so are those who are of heaven. 49 Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we will also bear the image of the man of heaven.

TEV - 42 This is how it will be when the dead are raised to life. When the body is buried, it is mortal; when raised, it will be immortal. 43 When buried, it is ugly and weak; when raised, it will be beautiful and strong. 44 When buried, it is a physical body; when raised, it will be a spiritual body. There is, of course, a physical body, so there has to be a spiritual body. 45 For the scripture says, “The first man, Adam, was created a living being”; but the last Adam is the life-giving Spirit. 46 It is not the spiritual that comes first, but the physical, and then the spiritual. 47 The first Adam, made of earth, came from the earth; the second Adam came from heaven. 48 Those who belong to the earth are like the one who was made of earth; those who are of heaven are like the one who came from heaven. 49 Just as we wear the likeness of the man made of earth, so we will wear the likeness of the Man from heaven.


<B14> James 1

KJV w/Strong# - {22} But be ye doers <4163> of the word <3056>, and not hearers <202> only <3440>, deceiving <3884> your <1438> own selves <846>. {23} For if <1487> any <1536> be a hearer <202> of the word <3056>, and not a doer <4163>, he is like <1503> unto a man <435> beholding <2657> his natural <1078> face <4383> in a glass <2072>: {24} For he beholdeth <2657> himself <1438>, and goeth <565> his way, and straightway <2112> forgetteth <1950> what <3697> manner <3697> of man he was. {25} But whoso <3588> looketh <3879> into <1519> the perfect <5046> law <3551> of liberty <1657>, and continueth <3887> [therein], he being <1096> not a forgetful <1953> hearer <202>, but a doer <4163> of the work <2041>, this <3778> man shall be blessed <3107> in his deed <4162>.

NRSV - 22 But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves. 23 For if any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are like those who look at themselves in a mirror; 24 for they look at themselves and, on going away, immediately forget what they were like. 25 But those who look into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and persevere, being not hearers who forget but doers who act—they will be blessed in their doing.

TEV - 22 Do not deceive yourselves by just listening to his word; instead, put it into practice. 23 Whoever listens to the word but does not put it into practice is like a man who looks in a mirror and sees himself as he is. 24 He takes a good look at himself and then goes away and at once forgets what he looks like. 25 But those who look closely into the perfect law that sets people free, who keep on paying attention to it and do not simply listen and then forget it, but put it into practice—they will be blessed by God in what they do. 26 Do any of you think you are religious? If you do not control your tongue, your religion is worthless and you deceive yourselves. 27 What God the Father considers to be pure and genuine religion is this: to take care of orphans and widows in their suffering and to keep oneself from being corrupted by the world.


[********** 6 **********]

<B15> Acts 3

KJV w/Strong# - {1} Now <1161> Peter <4074> and John <2491> went <305> up together <846> into <1519> the temple <2411> at <1909> the hour <5610> of prayer <4335>, [being] the ninth <1766> [hour]. {2} And a certain <5100> man <435> lame <5560> from his mother's <3384> womb <2836> was carried <941>, whom <3739> they laid <5087> daily <2250> at <4314> the gate <2374> of the temple <2411> which <3588> is called <3004> Beautiful <5611>, to ask <154> alms <1654> of them that entered <1531> into <1519> the temple <2411>; {3} Who <3739> seeing <1492> Peter <4074> and John <2491> about <3195> to go <1524> into <1519> the temple <2411> asked <2065> an alms <1654>. {4} And Peter <4074>, fastening <816> his eyes <816> upon him with John <2491>, said <2036>, Look <991> on <1519> us. {5} And he gave <1907> heed <1907> unto them, expecting <4328> to receive <2983> something <5100> of them. {6} Then <1161> Peter <4074> said <2036>, Silver <694> and gold <5553> have <5225> I none <3756>; but such as I have <2192> give <1325> I thee: In the name <3686> of Jesus <2424> Christ <5547> of Nazareth <3480> rise <1453> up and walk <4043>. {7} And he took <4084> him by the right <1188> hand <5495>, and lifted <1453> [him] up: and immediately <3916> his feet <939> and ankle <4974> bones <4974> received <4732> strength <4732>. {8} And he leaping <1814> up stood <2476>, and walked <4043>, and entered <1525> with them into <1519> the temple <2411>, walking <4043>, and leaping <242>, and praising <134> God <2316>.

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 - 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.


<B16> Ephesians 1

KJV w/Strong# - {3} Blessed <2128> [be] the God <2316> and Father <3962> of our Lord <2962> Jesus <2424> Christ <5547>, who <3588> hath blessed <2127> us with all <3956> spiritual <4152> blessings <2129> in heavenly <2032> [places] in Christ <5547>: {4} According <2531> as he hath chosen <1586> us in him before <4253> the foundation <2602> of the world <2889>, that we should be holy <40> and without <299> blame <299> before <2714> him in love <26>:

NRSV - 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love.

TEV - 3 Let us give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! For in our union with Christ he has blessed us by giving us every spiritual blessing in the heavenly world. 4 Even before the world was made, God had already chosen us to be his through our union with Christ, so that we would be holy and without fault before him. Because of his love 5 God had already decided that through Jesus Christ he would make us his sons and daughters—this was his pleasure and purpose. 6 Let us praise God for his glorious grace, for the free gift he gave us in his dear Son! 7 For by the blood of Christ we are set free, that is, our sins are forgiven. How great is the grace of God, 8 which he gave to us in such large measure!...


<B17> Psalm 37

KJV w/Strong# - {37} Mark <08104> the perfect <08535> [man], and behold <07200> the upright <03477>: for the end <0319> of [that] man <0376> [is] peace <07965>.

NRSV - 37 Mark the blameless, and behold the upright, for there is posterity for the peaceable.

TEV - 37 Notice good people, observe the righteous; peaceful people have descendants, 38 but sinners are completely destroyed, and their descendants are wiped out.


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)

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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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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)

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