The BIBLETEXTS Online Bible Commentary

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

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

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<GT> Psalm 70

KJV w/Strong# - {4} Let all <03605> those that seek <01245> thee rejoice <07797> and be glad <08056> in thee: and let such as love <0157> thy salvation <03444> say <0559> continually <08548>, Let God <0430> be magnified <01431>.

NRSV - 4 Let all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you. Let those who love your salvation say evermore, "God is great!"

TEV - "A Prayer for Help" - 4 May all who come to you be glad and joyful. May all who are thankful for your salvation always say, "How great is God!" 5 I am weak and poor; come to me quickly, O God. You are my savior and my LORD -- hurry to my aid!

<RR1> Psalm 9

KJV w/Strong# - {1} I will praise <03034> [thee], O LORD <03068>, with my whole <03605> heart <03820>; I will shew <05608> forth all <03605> thy marvellous <06381> works. {2} I will be glad <08056> and rejoice <05970> in thee: I will sing praise to thy name <08034>, O thou most <05945> High <05945>.

{9} The LORD <03068> also will be a refuge <04869> for the oppressed <01790>, a refuge <04869> in times <06256> of trouble <06869>. {10} And they that know <03045> thy name <08034> will put their trust <0982> in thee: for thou, LORD <03068>, hast not forsaken <05800> them that seek <01875> thee.

NRSV - 1 I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. 2 I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.

9 The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. 10 And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.

TEV - "Thanksgiving to God for His Justice" - 1 I will praise you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all the wonderful things you have done. 2 I will sing with joy because of you. I will sing praise to you, Almighty God.

9 The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a place of safety in times of trouble. 10 Those who know you, LORD, will trust you; you do not abandon anyone who comes to you. 11 Sing praise to the LORD, who rules in Zion! Tell every nation what he has done! 12 God remembers those who suffer; he does not forget their cry, and he punishes those who wrong them.

<RR2> Psalm 19

KJV w/Strong# - {7} The law <08451> of the LORD <03068> [is] perfect <08549>, converting <07725> the soul <05315>: the testimony <05715> of the LORD <03068> [is] sure <0539>, making wise <02449> the simple <06612>. {8} The statutes <06490> of the LORD <03068> [are] right <03477>, rejoicing <08055> the heart <03820>: the commandment <04687> of the LORD <03068> [is] pure <01249>, enlightening <0215> the eyes <05869>. {9} The fear <03374> of the LORD <03068> [is] clean <02889>, enduring <05975> for ever <05703>: the judgments <04941> of the LORD <03068> [are] true <0571> [and] righteous <06663> altogether <03162>. {10} More to be desired <02530> [are they] than gold <02091>, yea, than much <07227> fine gold <06337>: sweeter <04966> also than honey <01706> and the honeycomb. {11} Moreover <01571> by them is thy servant <05650> warned <02094>: [and] in keeping <08104> of them [there is] great <07227> reward <06118>.

{14} Let the words <0561> of my mouth <06310>, and the meditation <01902> of my heart <03820>, be acceptable <07522> in thy sight <06440>, O LORD <03068>, my strength <06697>, and my redeemer <01350>.

NRSV - 7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the LORD are sure, making wise the simple; 8 the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is clear, enlightening the eyes; 9 the fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb. 11 Moreover by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.

TEV - "The Law of the LORD" - 7 The law of the LORD is perfect; it gives new strength. The commands of the LORD are trustworthy, giving wisdom to those who lack it. 8 The laws of the LORD are right, and those who obey them are happy. The commands of the LORD are just and give understanding to the mind. 9 Reverence for the LORD is good; it will continue forever. The judgments of the LORD are just; they are always fair. 10 They are more desirable than the finest gold; they are sweeter than the purest honey. 11 They give knowledge to me, your servant; I am rewarded for obeying them. 12 No one can see his own errors; deliver me, LORD, from hidden faults! 13 Keep me safe, also, from willful sins; don't let them rule over me. Then I shall be perfect and free from the evil of sin. 14 May my words and my thoughts be acceptable to you, O LORD, my refuge and my redeemer!

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<B1> Psalm 18

KJV w/Strong# - {1} I will love <07355> thee, O LORD <03068>, my strength <02391>. {2} The LORD <03068> [is] my rock <05553>, and my fortress <04686>, and my deliverer <06403>; my God <0410>, my strength <06697>, in whom I will trust <02620>; my buckler <04043>, and the horn <07161> of my salvation <03468>, [and] my high <04869> tower <04869>.

{31} For who <04310> [is] God <0433> save <01107> the LORD <03068>? or <0176> who <04310> [is] a rock <06697> save <02108> our God <0430>?

NRSV - 1 I love you, O LORD, my strength. 2 The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

31 For who is God except the LORD? And who is a rock besides our God? --

TEV - "David's Song of Victory" - 1 How I love you, LORD! You are my defender. 2 The LORD is my protector; he is my strong fortress. My God is my protection, and with him I am safe. He protects me like a shield; he defends me and keeps me safe. 3 I call to the LORD, and he saves me from my enemies. Praise the LORD!

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

<B2> Deuteronomy 6

KJV w/Strong# - {4} Hear <08085>, O Israel <03478>: The LORD <03068> our God <0430> [is] one <0259> LORD <03068>: {5} And thou shalt love <0157> the LORD <03068> thy God <0430> with all <03605> thine heart <03824>, and with all <03605> thy soul <05315>, and with all <03605> thy might <03966>. {6} And these words <01697>, which <0834> I command <06680> thee this day <03117>, shall be in thine heart <03824>: {7} And thou shalt teach <08150> them diligently <08150> unto thy children <01121>, and shalt talk <01696> of them when thou sittest <03427> in thine house <01004>, and when thou walkest <03212> by the way <01870>, and when thou liest <07901> down <07901>, and when thou risest <06965> up.

{14} Ye shall not go <03212> after <0310> other <0312> gods <0430>, of the gods <0430> of the people <05971> which <0834> [are] round <05439> about you;

{18} And thou shalt do <06213> [that which is] right <03477> and good <02896> in the sight <05869> of the LORD <03068>:...

{24} And the LORD <03068> commanded <06680> us to do <06213> all <03605> these <0428> statutes <02706>, to fear <03372> the LORD <03068> our God <0430>, for our good <02896> always <03605> <03117>, that he might preserve <02421> us alive <02421>, as [it is] at this <02088> day <03117>.

NRSV - 4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD is our God, the LORD alone. 5 You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. 6 Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. 7 Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise.

14 Do not follow other gods, any of the gods of the peoples who are all around you,

18 Do what is right and good in the sight of the LORD,...

24 Then the LORD commanded us to observe all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God, for our lasting good, so as to keep us alive, as is now the case.

TEV - "The Great Commandment" - 4 "Israel, remember this! The LORD -- and the LORD alone -- is our God. 5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. 6 Never forget these commands that I am giving you today. 7 Teach them to your children. Repeat them when you are at home and when you are away, when you are resting and when you are working. 8 Tie them on your arms and wear them on your foreheads as a reminder. 9 Write them on the doorposts of your houses and on your gates.

"Warning against Disobedience" - 10 "Just as the LORD your God promised your ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, he will give you a land with large and prosperous cities which you did not build. 11 The houses will be full of good things which you did not put in them, and there will be wells that you did not dig, and vineyards and olive orchards that you did not plant. When the LORD brings you into this land and you have all you want to eat, 12 make certain that you do not forget the LORD who rescued you from Egypt, where you were slaves. 13 Honor the LORD your God, worship only him, and make your promises in his name alone. 14 Do not worship other gods, any of the gods of the peoples around you.

16 "Do not put the LORD your God to the test, as you did at Massah. 17 Be sure that you obey all the laws that he has given you. 18 Do what the LORD says is right and good, and all will go well with you. You will be able to take possession of the fertile land that the LORD promised your ancestors, 19 and you will drive out your enemies, as he promised.

22 With our own eyes we saw him work miracles and do terrifying things to the Egyptians and to their king and to all his officials. 23 He freed us from Egypt to bring us here and give us this land, as he had promised our ancestors he would. 24 Then the LORD our God commanded us to obey all these laws and to honor him. If we do, he will always watch over our nation and keep it prosperous. 25 If we faithfully obey everything that God has commanded us, he will be pleased with us.'

<B3> 1 Corinthians 8

KJV w/Strong# - {5} For though <1512> there be that are called <3004> gods <2316>, whether <1535> in heaven <3772> or <1535> in earth <1093>, (as there be gods <2316> many <4183>, and lords <2962> many <4183>,) {6} But to us [there is but] one <1520> God <2316>, the Father <3962>, of whom <3739> [are] all <3956> things, and we in him;...

NRSV - 5 Indeed, even though there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth -- as in fact there are many gods and many lords -- 6 yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist,...

TEV - "The Question about Food Offered to Idols" - 4 So then, about eating the food offered to idols: we know that an idol stands for something that does not really exist; we know that there is only the one God. 5 Even if there are so-called "gods," whether in heaven or on earth, and even though there are many of these "gods" and "lords," 6 yet there is for us only one God, the Father, who is the Creator of all things and for whom we live; and there is only one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things were created and through whom we live.

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<B4> Genesis 1

KJV w/Strong# - {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 - 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 - "The Story of Creation" - 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. 31 God looked at everything he had made, and he was very pleased. Evening passed and morning came -- that was the sixth day.

<B5> James 1

KJV w/Strong# - {16} Do not err <4105>, my beloved <27> brethren <80>. {17} Every <3956> good <18> gift <1394> and every <3956> perfect <5046> gift <1394> is from above <509>, and cometh down <2597> from the Father <3962> of lights <5457>, with whom <3739> is no <3756> variableness <3883>, neither <2228> shadow <644> of turning <5157>. {18} Of his own will <1014> begat <616> he us with the word <3056> of truth <225>, that we should be a kind <5100> of firstfruits <536> of his creatures <2938>.

NRSV - 16 Do not be deceived, my beloved. 17 Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. 18 In fulfillment of his own purpose he gave us birth by the word of truth, so that we would become a kind of first fruits of his creatures.

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

<B6> James 4

KJV w/Strong# - {7} Submit <5293> yourselves therefore <3767> to God <2316>...

{10} Humble <5013> yourselves in the sight <1799> of the Lord <2962>, and he shall lift <5312> you up.

NRSV - 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God...

10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

TEV - "Friendship with the World" - 7 So then, submit yourselves to God. Resist the Devil, and he will run away from you. 8 Come near to God, and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners! Purify your hearts, you hypocrites! 9 Be sorrowful, cry, and weep; change your laughter into crying, your joy into gloom! 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

<B7> Ecclesiastes 12

KJV w/Strong# - {13} Let us hear <08085> the conclusion <05490> of the whole <03605> matter <01697>: Fear <03372> God <0430>, and keep <08104> his commandments <04687>: for this <02088> [is] the whole <03605> [duty] of man <0120>.

NRSV - 13 The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God, and keep his commandments; for that is the whole duty of everyone.

TEV - "The Summing Up" - 13 After all this, there is only one thing to say: Have reverence for God, and obey his commands, because this is all that man was created for. 14 God is going to judge everything we do, whether good or bad, even things done in secret.

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<B8> Daniel 6

KJV w/Strong# - {1} It pleased <08232> Darius <01868> to set <03966> over <05922> the kingdom <04437> an hundred <03969> and twenty <06243> princes <0324>, which <01768> should be over the whole <03606> kingdom <04437>; {2} And over <05924> these <04481> three <08532> presidents <05632>; of whom Daniel <01841> [was] first <02298>:...

{4} Then <0116> the presidents <05632> and princes <0324> sought <01158> to find <07912> occasion <05931> against Daniel <01841> concerning <06655> the kingdom <04437>; but they could <03202> find <07912> none <03809> occasion <05931> nor <03809> fault <07844>; forasmuch as he [was] faithful <0540>, neither <03809> was there any <03606> error <07960> or fault <07844> found <07912> in him.

{6} Then <0116> these <0459> presidents <05632> and princes <0324> assembled <07284> together to the king <04430>, and said <0560> thus <03652> unto him, King <04430> Darius <01868>, live <02414> for ever <05757>. {7} All <03606> the presidents <05632> of the kingdom <04437>, the governors <05461>, and the princes <0324>, the counsellors <01907>, and the captains <06347>, have consulted <03272> together to establish <06966> a royal <04430> statute <07010>, and to make a firm <08631> decree <0633>, that whosoever <03605> shall ask <01156> a petition <01159> of any <03606> God <0426> or man <0606> for thirty <08533> days <03118>, save <03861> of thee, O king <04430>, he shall be cast <07412> into the den <01358> of lions <0744>.

{9} Wherefore king <04430> Darius <01868> signed <07560> the writing <03792> and the decree <0633>.

{11} Then <0116> these <0479> men <01400> assembled <07284>, and found <07912> Daniel <01841> praying <01156> and making supplication <02604> before <06925> his God <0426>.

{16} Then <0116> the king <04430> commanded <0560>, and they brought <0858> Daniel <01841>, and cast <07412> [him] into the den <01358> of lions <0744>. [Now] the king <04430> spake <06032> and said <0560> unto Daniel <01841>, Thy God <0426> whom <01768> thou servest <06399> continually <08411>, he will deliver <07804> thee.

{19} Then <0116> the king <04430> arose <06966> very early <08238> in the morning <05053>, and went <0236> in haste <0927> unto the den <01358> of lions <0744>. {20} And when he came <07127> to the den <01358>, he cried <02200> with a lamentable <06088> voice <07032> unto Daniel <01841>: [and] the king <04430> spake <06032> and said <0560> to Daniel <01841>, O Daniel <01841>, servant <05649> of the living <02417> God <0426>, is thy God <0426>, whom <01768> thou servest <06399> continually <08411>, able <03202> to deliver <07804> thee from the lions <0744>? {21} Then <0116> said <04449> Daniel <01841> unto the king <04430>, O king <04430>, live <02414> for ever <05957>. {22} My God <0426> hath sent <07972> his angel <04398>, and hath shut <05463> the lions <0744>' mouths <06433>, that they have not hurt <02255> me: forasmuch as before <06925> him innocency <02136> was found <07912> in me; and also <0638> before <06925> thee, O king <04430>, have I done <05648> no <03809> hurt <02248>. {23} Then <0116> was the king <04430> exceeding <07689> glad <02868> for him, and commanded <0560> that they should take <05267> Daniel <01841> up out of the den <01358>. So Daniel <01841> was taken <05267> up out of the den <01358>, and no manner of hurt <02257> was found <07912> upon him, because <01768> he believed <0540> in his God <0426>.

NRSV - 1 It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom one hundred twenty satraps, stationed throughout the whole kingdom, 2 and over them three presidents, including Daniel;...

4 So the presidents and the satraps tried to find grounds for complaint against Daniel in connection with the kingdom. But they could find no grounds for complaint or any corruption, because he was faithful, and no negligence or corruption could be found in him.

6 So the presidents and satraps conspired and came to the king and said to him, "O King Darius, live forever! 7 All the presidents of the kingdom, the prefects and the satraps, the counselors and the governors are agreed that the king should establish an ordinance and enforce an interdict, that whoever prays to anyone, divine or human, for thirty days, except to you, O king, shall be thrown into a den of lions.

9 Therefore King Darius signed the document and interdict.

11 The conspirators came and found Daniel praying and seeking mercy before his God.

16 Then the king gave the command, and Daniel was brought and thrown into the den of lions. The king said to Daniel, "May your God, whom you faithfully serve, deliver you!"

19 Then, at break of day, the king got up and hurried to the den of lions. 20 When he came near the den where Daniel was, he cried out anxiously to Daniel, "O Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God whom you faithfully serve been able to deliver you from the lions?" 21 Daniel then said to the king, "O king, live forever! 22 My God sent his angel and shut the lions' mouths so that they would not hurt me, because I was found blameless before him; and also before you, O king, I have done no wrong." 23 Then the king was exceedingly glad and commanded that Daniel be taken up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no kind of harm was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.

TEV - "Daniel in the Pit of Lions" - 1 Darius decided to appoint a hundred and twenty governors to hold office throughout his empire. 2 In addition, he chose Daniel and two others to supervise the governors and to look after the king's interests. 3 Daniel soon showed that he could do better work than the other supervisors or the governors. Because he was so outstanding, the king considered putting him in charge of the whole empire. 4 Then the other supervisors and the governors tried to find something wrong with the way Daniel administered the empire, but they couldn't, because Daniel was reliable and did not do anything wrong or dishonest. 5 They said to each other, "We are not going to find anything of which to accuse Daniel unless it is something in connection with his religion." 6 So they went to see the king and said, "King Darius, may Your Majesty live forever! 7 All of us who administer your empire -- the supervisors, the governors, the lieutenant governors, and the other officials -- have agreed that Your Majesty should issue an order and enforce it strictly. Give orders that for thirty days no one be permitted to request anything from any god or from any man except from Your Majesty. Anyone who violates this order is to be thrown into a pit filled with lions. 8 So let Your Majesty issue this order and sign it, and it will be in force, a law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be changed." 9 And so King Darius signed the order.

11 When Daniel's enemies observed him praying to God, 12 all of them went together to the king to accuse Daniel. They said, "Your Majesty, you signed an order that for the next thirty days anyone who requested anything from any god or from any man except you, would be thrown into a pit filled with lions." The king replied, "Yes, that is a strict order, a law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be changed." 13 Then they said to the king, "Daniel, one of the exiles from Judah, does not respect Your Majesty or obey the order you issued. He prays regularly three times a day." 14 When the king heard this, he was upset and did his best to find some way to rescue Daniel. He kept trying until sunset. 15 Then the men came back to the king and said to him, "Your Majesty knows that according to the laws of the Medes and Persians no order which the king issues can be changed." 16 So the king gave orders for Daniel to be taken and thrown into the pit filled with lions. He said to Daniel, "May your God, whom you serve so loyally, rescue you." 17 A stone was put over the mouth of the pit, and the king placed his own royal seal and the seal of his noblemen on the stone, so that no one could rescue Daniel. 18 Then the king returned to the palace and spent a sleepless night, without food or any form of entertainment. 19 At dawn the king got up and hurried to the pit. 20 When he got there, he called out anxiously, "Daniel, servant of the living God! Was the God you serve so loyally able to save you from the lions?" 21 Daniel answered, "May Your Majesty live forever! 22 God sent his angel to shut the mouths of the lions so that they would not hurt me. He did this because he knew that I was innocent and because I have not wronged you, Your Majesty." 23 The king was overjoyed and gave orders for Daniel to be pulled up out of the pit. So they pulled him up and saw that he had not been hurt at all, for he trusted God. 24 Then the king gave orders to arrest all the men who had accused Daniel, and he had them thrown, together with their wives and children, into the pit filled with lions. Before they even reached the bottom of the pit, the lions pounced on them and broke all their bones.

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<B9> Mark 1

KJV w/Strong# - {14} ...Jesus <2424> came <2064> into <1519> Galilee <1056>, preaching <2784> the gospel <2098> of the kingdom <932> of God <2316>, {15} And saying <3004>, The time <2540> is fulfilled <4137>, and the kingdom <932> of God <2316> is at <1448> hand <1448>: repent <3340> ye, and believe <1722> the gospel <2098>.

NRSV - 14 ...Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, 15 and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news."

TEV - "Jesus Calls Four Fishermen" - 14 After John had been put in prison, Jesus went to Galilee and preached the Good News from God. 15 "The right time has come," he said, "and the Kingdom of God is near! Turn away from your sins and believe the Good News!" 16 As Jesus walked along the shore of Lake Galilee, he saw two fishermen, Simon and his brother Andrew, catching fish with a net. 17 Jesus said to them, "Come with me, and I will teach you to catch men." 18 At once they left their nets and went with him.

<B10> Luke 13

KJV w/Strong# - {10} And he was teaching <1321> in one <3391> of the synagogues <4864> on <1722> the sabbath <4521>. {11} And, behold <2400>, there was a woman <1135> which had <2192> a spirit <4151> of infirmity <769> eighteen <1176> <3638> years <2094>, and was bowed <4794> together <4794>, and could <1410> in no <3361> wise <3838> lift <352> up [herself]. {12} And when Jesus <2424> saw <1492> her, he called <4377> [her to him], and said <2036> unto her, Woman <1135>, thou art loosed <630> from thine <4675> infirmity <769>. {13} And he laid <2007> [his] hands <5495> on <2007> her: and immediately <3916> she was made <461> straight <461>, and glorified <1392> God <2316>. {14} And the ruler <752> of the synagogue <752> answered <611> with indignation <23>, because <3754> that Jesus <2424> had healed <2323> on the sabbath <4521> day, and said <3004> unto the people <3793>, There are six <1803> days <2250> in which <3739> men ought <1163> to work <2038>: in them <5025> therefore <3767> come <2064> and be healed <2323>, and not on the sabbath <4521> day <2250>. {15} The Lord <2962> then <3767> answered <611> him, and said <2036>, [Thou] hypocrite <5273>, doth not each <1538> one of you on the sabbath <4521> loose <3089> his ox <1016> or <2228> [his] ass <3688> from the stall <5336>, and lead <520> [him] away <520> to watering <4222>? {16} And ought <1163> not this <5026> woman, being <5607> a daughter <2364> of Abraham <11>, whom <3739> Satan <4567> hath bound <1210>, lo <2400>, these eighteen <1176> <3638> years <2094>, be loosed <3089> from this <5127> bond <1199> on the sabbath <4521> day <2250>? {17} And when he had said <3004> these <5023> things, all <3956> his adversaries <480> were ashamed <2617>: and all <3956> the people <3793> rejoiced <5463> for all <3956> the glorious <1741> things that were done <1096> by him.

NRSV - 10 Now he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. 11 And just then there appeared a woman with a spirit that had crippled her for eighteen years. She was bent over and was quite unable to stand up straight. 12 When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said, "Woman, you are set free from your ailment." 13 When he laid his hands on her, immediately she stood up straight and began praising God. 14 But the leader of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had cured on the sabbath, kept saying to the crowd, "There are six days on which work ought to be done; come on those days and be cured, and not on the sabbath day." 15 But the Lord answered him and said, "You hypocrites! Does not each of you on the sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the manger, and lead it away to give it water? 16 And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen long years, be set free from this bondage on the sabbath day?" 17 When he said this, all his opponents were put to shame; and the entire crowd was rejoicing at all the wonderful things that he was doing.

TEV - "Jesus Heals a Crippled Woman on the Sabbath" - 10 One Sabbath Jesus was teaching in a synagogue. 11 A woman there had an evil spirit that had kept her sick for eighteen years; she was bent over and could not straighten up at all. 12 When Jesus saw her, he called out to her, "Woman, you are free from your sickness!" 13 He placed his hands on her, and at once she straightened herself up and praised God. 14 The official of the synagogue was angry that Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, so he spoke up and said to the people, "There are six days in which we should work; so come during those days and be healed, but not on the Sabbath!" 15 The Lord answered him, "You hypocrites! Any one of you would untie his ox or his donkey from the stall and take it out to give it water on the Sabbath. 16 Now here is this descendant of Abraham whom Satan has kept in bonds for eighteen years; should she not be released on the Sabbath?" 17 His answer made his enemies ashamed of themselves, while the people rejoiced over all the wonderful things that he did.

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

<B11> Mark 12

KJV w/Strong# - {28} And one <1520> of the scribes <1122> came <4334>, and having heard <191> them reasoning <4802> together <4802>, and perceiving <1492> that he had answered <611> them well <2573>, asked <1905> him, Which <4169> is the first <4413> commandment <1785> of all <3956>? {29} And Jesus <2424> answered <611> him, The first <4413> of all <3956> the commandments <1785> [is], Hear <191>, O Israel <2474>; The Lord <2962> our God <2316> is one <1520> Lord <2962>: {30} And thou shalt love <25> the Lord <2962> thy God <2316> with all <3650> thy heart <2588>, and with all <3650> thy soul <5590>, and with all <3650> thy mind <1271>, and with all <3650> thy strength <2479>: this <3778> [is] the first <4413> commandment <1785>. {31} And the second <1208> [is] like <3664>, [namely] this <3778>, Thou shalt love <25> thy neighbour <4139> as thyself <4572>. There is none <3756> other <243> commandment <1785> greater <3187> than these <5130>. {32} And the scribe <1122> said <2036> unto him, Well <2573>, Master <1320>, thou hast said <2036> the truth <225>: for there is one <1520> God <2316>; and there is none <3756> other <243> but <4133> he: {33} And to love <25> him with all <3650> the heart <2588>, and with all <3650> the understanding <4907>, and with all <3650> the soul <5590>, and with all <3650> the strength <2479>, and to love <25> [his] neighbour <4139> as himself <1438>, is more <4119> than all <3956> whole <3646> burnt <3646> offerings <3646> and sacrifices <2378>. {34} And when Jesus <2424> saw <1492> that he answered <611> discreetly <3562>, he said <2036> unto him, Thou art <1488> not far <3112> from the kingdom <932> of God <2316>. And no <3762> man <3762> after <3765> that durst <5111> ask <1905> him [any question].

NRSV - 28 One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, he asked him, "Which commandment is the first of all?" 29 Jesus answered, "The first is, "Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; 30 you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.' 31 The second is this, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these." 32 Then the scribe said to him, "You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that "he is one, and besides him there is no other'; 33 and "to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength,' and "to love one's neighbor as oneself,' -- this is much more important than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices." 34 When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." After that no one dared to ask him any question.

TEV - "The Great Commandment" - 28 A teacher of the Law was there who heard the discussion. He saw that Jesus had given the Sadducees a good answer, so he came to him with a question: "Which commandment is the most important of all?" 29 Jesus replied, "The most important one is this: "Listen, Israel! The Lord our God is the only Lord. 4 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.' 31 The second most important commandment is this: "Love your neighbor as you love yourself.' There is no other commandment more important than these two." 32 The teacher of the Law said to Jesus, "Well done, Teacher! It is true, as you say, that only the Lord is God and that there is no other god but he. 33 And man must love God with all his heart and with all his mind and with all his strength; and he must love his neighbor as he loves himself. It is more important to obey these two commandments than to offer on the altar animals and other sacrifices to God." 34 Jesus noticed how wise his answer was, and so he told him, "You are not far from the Kingdom of God." After this nobody dared to ask Jesus any more questions.

<B12> Romans 13

KJV w/Strong# - {8} Owe <3784> no <3367> man <3367> any <3367> thing <3367>, but to love <25> one <240> another <240>: for he that loveth <25> another <2087> hath fulfilled <4137> the law <3551>. {9} For this <3588>, Thou shalt not commit <3431> adultery <3431>, Thou shalt not kill <5407>, Thou shalt not steal <2813>, Thou shalt not bear <5576> false <5576> witness <5576>, Thou shalt not covet <1937>; and if <1487> [there be] any <1536> other <2087> commandment <1785>, it is briefly <346> comprehended <346> in this <5129> saying <3056>, namely <1722>, Thou shalt love <25> thy neighbour <4139> as thyself <1438>.

NRSV - 8 Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9 The commandments, "You shall not commit adultery; You shall not murder; You shall not steal; You shall not covet"; and any other commandment, are summed up in this word, "Love your neighbor as yourself."

TEV - "Duties toward One Another" - 8 Be under obligation to no one -- the only obligation you have is to love one another. Whoever does this has obeyed the Law. 9 The commandments, "Do not commit adultery; do not commit murder; do not steal; do not desire what belongs to someone else" -- all these, and any others besides, are summed up in the one command, "Love your neighbor as you love yourself." 10 If you love someone, you will never do him wrong; to love, then, is to obey the whole Law.

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

<B13> Acts 12

KJV w/Strong# - {1} Now <1161> about <2596> that time <2540> Herod <2264> the king <935> stretched <1911> forth <1911> [his] hands <5495> to vex <2559> certain <5100> of the church <1577>.

{5} Peter <4074> therefore <3767> was kept <5083> in prison <5438>: but prayer <4335> was made <1096> without <1618> ceasing <1618> of the church <1577> unto God <2316> for him. {6} And when <3753> Herod <2264> would <3195> have brought <4254> him forth <4254>, the same <1565> night <3571> Peter <4074> was sleeping <2837> between <3342> two <1417> soldiers <4757>, bound <1210> with two <1417> chains <254>: and the keepers <5441> before <4253> the door <2374> kept <5083> the prison <5438>. {7} And, behold <2400>, the angel <32> of the Lord <2962> came <2186> upon [him], and a light <5457> shined <2989> in the prison <3612>: and he smote <3960> Peter <4074> on the side <4125>, and raised <1453> him up, saying <3004>, Arise <450> up quickly <5034>. And his chains <254> fell <1601> off <1601> from [his] hands <5495>. {8} And the angel <32> said <2036> unto him, Gird <4024> thyself, and bind <5265> on <5265> thy sandals <4547>. And so <3779> he did <4160>. And he saith <3004> unto him, Cast <4016> thy garment <2440> about <4016> thee, and follow <190> me.

{10} When they were past <1330> the first <4413> and the second <1208> ward <5438>, they came <2064> unto the iron <4603> gate <4439> that leadeth <5342> unto the city <4172>; which <3748> opened <455> to them of his own <848> accord <844>: and they went <1831> out, and passed <4281> on through one <3391> street <4505>; and forthwith <2112> the angel <32> departed <868> from him.

NRSV - 1 About that time King Herod laid violent hands upon some who belonged to the church.

5 While Peter was kept in prison, the church prayed fervently to God for him. 6 The very night before Herod was going to bring him out, Peter, bound with two chains, was sleeping between two soldiers, while guards in front of the door were keeping watch over the prison. 7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and woke him, saying, "Get up quickly." And the chains fell off his wrists. 8 The angel said to him, "Fasten your belt and put on your sandals." He did so. Then he said to him, "Wrap your cloak around you and follow me."

10 After they had passed the first and the second guard, they came before the iron gate leading into the city. It opened for them of its own accord, and they went outside and walked along a lane, when suddenly the angel left him.

TEV - "More Persecution" - 1 About this time King Herod began to persecute some members of the church. 2 He had James, the brother of John, put to death by the sword. 3 When he saw that this pleased the Jews, he went ahead and had Peter arrested. (This happened during the time of the Festival of Unleavened Bread.) 4 After his arrest Peter was put in jail, where he was handed over to be guarded by four groups of four soldiers each. Herod planned to put him on trial in public after Passover. 5 So Peter was kept in jail, but the people of the church were praying earnestly to God for him.

"Peter Is Set Free from Prison" - 6 The night before Herod was going to bring him out to the people, Peter was sleeping between two guards. He was tied with two chains, and there were guards on duty at the prison gate. 7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord stood there, and a light shone in the cell. The angel shook Peter by the shoulder, woke him up, and said, "Hurry! Get up!" At once the chains fell off Peter's hands. 8 Then the angel said, "Tighten your belt and put on your sandals." Peter did so, and the angel said, "Put your cloak around you and come with me." 9 Peter followed him out of the prison, not knowing, however, if what the angel was doing was real; he thought he was seeing a vision. 10 They passed by the first guard station and then the second, and came at last to the iron gate that opens into the city. The gate opened for them by itself, and they went out. They walked down a street, and suddenly the angel left Peter.

<B14> Romans 8

KJV w/Strong# - {15} For ye have not received <2983> the spirit <4151> of bondage <1397> again <3825> to fear <5401>; but ye have received <2983> the Spirit <4151> of adoption <5206>, whereby <3739> we cry <2896>, Abba <5>, Father <3962>. {16} The Spirit <4151> itself <846> beareth <4828> witness <4828> with our spirit <4151>, that we are the children <5043> of God <2316>:

{28} And we know <1492> that all <3956> things work <4903> together <4903> for good <18> to them that love <25> God <2316>, to them who are the called <2822> according <2596> to [his] purpose <4286>.

NRSV - 15 For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, "Abba! Father!" 16 it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God,

28 We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.

TEV - "The Conflict in Man" - 12 So then, my brothers, we have an obligation, but it is not to live as our human nature wants us to. 13 For if you live according to your human nature, you are going to die; but if by the Spirit you put to death your sinful actions, you will live. 14 Those who are led by God's Spirit are God's sons. 15 For the Spirit that God has given you does not make you slaves and cause you to be afraid; instead, the Spirit makes you God's children, and by the Spirit's power we cry out to God, "Father! my Father!" 16 God's Spirit joins himself to our spirits to declare that we are God's children. 17 Since we are his children, we will possess the blessings he keeps for his people, and we will also possess with Christ what God has kept for him; for if we share Christ's suffering, we will also share his glory.

"The Future Glory" - 28 We know that in all things God works for good with those who love him, those whom he has called according to his purpose. 29 Those whom God had already chosen he also set apart to become like his Son, so that the Son would be the first among many brothers. 30 And so those whom God set apart, he called; and those he called, he put right with himself, and he shared his glory with them.

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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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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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