The BIBLETEXTS Online Bible Commentary


Excerpts that are relevant to the Bible Lesson for Sunday, July 12, 1998

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


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<GT> Matthew 16

KJV w/Strong# - {24} Then <5119> said <2036> Jesus <2424> unto his disciples <3101>, If <1487> any <1536> [man] will <2309> come <2064> after <3694> me, let him deny <533> himself <1438>, and take <142> up his cross <4716>, and follow <190> me.

NRSV - 24 Then Jesus told his disciples, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.

TEV - "Jesus Speaks about His Suffering and Death" - 24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone wants to come with me, he must forget himself, carry his cross, and follow me. 25 For whoever wants to save his own life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 26 Will a person gain anything if he wins the whole world but loses his life? Of course not! There is nothing he can give to regain his life. 27 For the Son of Man is about to come in the glory of his Father with his angels, and then he will reward each one according to his deeds. 28 I assure you that there are some here who will not die until they have seen the Son of Man come as King."


<RR1> John 15

KJV w/Strong# - {1} I am <1510> the true <228> vine <288>, and my Father <3962> is the husbandman <1092>. {2} Every <3956> branch <2814> in me that beareth <5342> not fruit <2590> he taketh <142> away: and every <3956> [branch] that beareth <5342> fruit <2590>, he purgeth <2508> it, that it may bring <5342> forth more <4119> fruit <2590>.

{4} Abide <3306> in me, and I in you. As the branch <2814> cannot <1410> bear <5342> fruit <2590> of itself <1438>, except <3362> it abide <3306> in the vine <288>; no <3761> more <3761> can ye, except <3362> ye abide <3306> in me.

{8} Herein <5129> is my Father <3962> glorified <1392>, that ye bear <5342> much <4183> fruit <2590>; so <2532> shall ye be my disciples <3101>. {9} As the Father <3962> hath loved <25> me, so <2504> have I loved <25> you: continue <3306> ye in my love <26>. {10} If <1437> ye keep <5083> my commandments <1785>, ye shall abide <3306> in my love <26>; even <2531> as I have kept <5083> my Father's <3962> commandments <1785>, and abide <3306> in his love <26>.

{12} This <3778> is my commandment <1785>, That ye love <25> one <240> another <240>, as I have loved <25> you. {13} Greater <3187> love <26> hath <2192> no <3762> man <3762> than this <5026>, that a man <5100> lay <5087> down his life <5590> for his friends <5384>.

NRSV - 1 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. 2 He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit.

4 Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me.

8 My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love.

12 "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends.

TEV - "Jesus the Real Vine" - 1 "I am the real vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He breaks off every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and he prunes every branch that does bear fruit, so that it will be clean and bear more fruit. 3 You have been made clean already by the teaching I have given you. 4 Remain united to me, and I will remain united to you. A branch cannot bear fruit by itself; it can do so only if it remains in the vine. In the same way you cannot bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5 "I am the vine, and you are the branches. Whoever remains in me, and I in him, will bear much fruit; for you can do nothing without me. 6 Whoever does not remain in me is thrown out like a branch and dries up; such branches are gathered up and thrown into the fire, where they are burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, then you will ask for anything you wish, and you shall have it. 8 My Father's glory is shown by your bearing much fruit; and in this way you become my disciples. 9 I love you just as the Father loves me; remain in my love. 10 If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. 11 "I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My commandment is this: love one another, just as I love you. 13 The greatest love a person can have for his friends is to give his life for them. 14 And you are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 I do not call you servants any longer, because a servant does not know what his master is doing. Instead, I call you friends, because I have told you everything I heard from my Father. 16 You did not choose me; I chose you and appointed you to go and bear much fruit, the kind of fruit that endures. And so the Father will give you whatever you ask of him in my name. 17 This, then, is what I command you: love one another.


<RR2> John 14

KJV w/Strong# - {21} He that hath <2192> my commandments <1785>, and keepeth <5083> them, he it is that loveth <25> me: and he that loveth <25> me shall be loved <25> of my Father <3962>, and I will love <25> him, and will manifest <1718> myself <1683> to him.

NRSV - 21 They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them."

TEV - "The Promise of the Holy Spirit" - 21 "Whoever accepts my commandments and obeys them is the one who loves me. My Father will love whoever loves me; I too will love him and reveal myself to him." 22 Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, "Lord, how can it be that you will reveal yourself to us and not to the world?" 23 Jesus answered him, "Whoever loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and my Father and I will come to him and live with him. 24 Whoever does not love me does not obey my teaching. And the teaching you have heard is not mine, but comes from the Father, who sent me.


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<B1> John 4

KJV w/Strong# - {23} ...the hour <5610> cometh <2064>, and now <3568> is, when <3753> the true <228> worshippers <4353> shall worship <4352> the Father <3962> in spirit <4151> and in truth <225>: for the Father <3962> seeketh <2212> such <5108> to worship <4352> him.

NRSV - 23 ...the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such as these to worship him.

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


<B2> Zechariah 7

KJV w/Strong# - {4} Then came <01961> the word <01697> of the LORD <03068> of hosts <06635> unto me, saying <0559>, {5} Speak <0559> unto all <03605> the people <05971> of the land <0776>, and to the priests <03548>, saying <0559>, When <03588> ye fasted <06684> and mourned <05594> in the fifth <02549> and seventh <07637> [month], even those <02088> seventy <07657> years <08141>, did ye at all fast <06684> unto me, [even] to me? {6} And when <03588> ye did eat <0398>, and when <03588> ye did drink <08354>, did not ye eat <0398> [for yourselves], and drink <08354> [for yourselves]?

{8} And the word <01697> of the LORD <03068> came <01961> unto Zechariah <02148>, saying <0559>, {9} Thus <03541> speaketh <0559> the LORD <03068> of hosts <06635>, saying <0559>, Execute <08199> true <0571> judgment <04941>, and shew <06213> mercy <02617> and compassions <07356> every man <0376> to his brother <0251>: {10} And oppress <06231> not the widow <0490>, nor the fatherless <03490>, the stranger <01616>, nor the poor <06041>; and let none <0408> of you imagine <02803> evil <07451> against his brother <0251> in your heart <03824>.

NRSV - 4 Then the word of the LORD of hosts came to me: 5 Say to all the people of the land and the priests: When you fasted and lamented in the fifth month and in the seventh, for these seventy years, was it for me that you fasted? 6 And when you eat and when you drink, do you not eat and drink only for yourselves?

8 The word of the LORD came to Zechariah, saying: 9 Thus says the LORD of hosts: Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another; 10 do not oppress the widow, the orphan, the alien, or the poor; and do not devise evil in your hearts against one another.

TEV - "The LORD Condemns Insincere Fasting" - 4 This is the message of the LORD that came to me. 5 He said, "Tell the people of the land and the priests that when they fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months during these seventy years, it was not in honor of me. 6 And when they ate and drank, it was for their own satisfaction." 7 This is what the LORD said through the earlier prophets at the time when Jerusalem was prosperous and filled with people and when there were many people living not only in the towns around the city but also in the southern region and in the western foothills.

"Disobedience, the Cause of Exile" 8 The LORD gave this message to Zechariah: 9 "Long ago I gave these commands to my people: "You must see that justice is done, and must show kindness and mercy to one another. 10 Do not oppress widows, orphans, foreigners who live among you, or anyone else in need. And do not plan ways of harming one another.' 11 "But my people stubbornly refused to listen. They closed their minds 12 and made their hearts as hard as rock. Because they would not listen to the teaching which I sent through the prophets who lived long ago, I became very angry. 13 Because they did not listen when I spoke, I did not answer when they prayed. 14 Like a storm I swept them away to live in foreign countries. This good land was left a desolate place, with no one living in it."


<B3> James 1

KJV w/Strong# - {27} Pure <2513> religion <2356> and undefiled <283> before <3844> God <2316> and the Father <3962> is this <3778>, To visit <1980> the fatherless <3737> and widows <5503> in their affliction <2347>, [and] to keep <5083> himself <1438> unspotted <784> from the world <2889>.

NRSV - 27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

TEV - "Hearing and Doing" - 26 Does anyone think he is religious? If he does not control his tongue, his religion is worthless and he deceives himself. 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.


<B4> James 5

KJV w/Strong# - {15} And the prayer <2171> of faith <4102> shall save <4982> the sick <2577>, and the Lord <2962> shall raise <1453> him up; and if he have committed <4160> sins <266>, they shall be forgiven <863> him. {16} Confess <1843> [your] faults <3900> one <240> to another <240>, and pray <2172> one <240> for another <240>, that ye may be healed <2390>. The effectual <1754> fervent prayer <1162> of a righteous <1342> man availeth <2480> much <4183>.

NRSV - 15 The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up; and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.

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


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<B5> Matthew 4

KJV w/Strong# - {17} From that time <5119> Jesus <2424> began <756> to preach <2784>, and to say <3004>, Repent <3340>: for the kingdom <932> of heaven <3772> is at <1448> hand <1448>.

NRSV - 17 From that time Jesus began to proclaim, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near."

TEV - "Jesus Begins His Work in Galilee" - 17 From that time Jesus began to preach his message: "Turn away from your sins, because the Kingdom of heaven is near!"


<B6> Luke 14

KJV w/Strong# - {16} ...A certain <5100> man <444> made <4160> a great <3173> supper <1173>, and bade <2564> many <4183>: {17} And sent <649> his servant <1401> at supper <1173> time <5610> to say <2036> to them that were bidden <2564>, Come <2064>; for all <3956> things are now <2235> ready <2092>. {18} And they all <3956> with one <3391> [consent] began <756> to make <3868> excuse <3868>. The first <4413> said <2036> unto him, I have bought <59> a piece of ground <68>, and I must <2192> needs <318> go <1831> and see <1492> it: I pray <2065> thee have <2192> me excused <3868>. {19} And another <2087> said <2036>, I have bought <59> five <4002> yoke <2201> of oxen <1016>, and I go <4198> to prove <1381> them: I pray <2065> thee have <2192> me excused. {20} And another <2087> said <2036>, I have married <1060> a wife <1135>, and therefore <5124> I cannot <1410> come <2064>. {21} So <2532> that servant <1401> came <3854>, and shewed <518> his lord <2962> these <5023> things. Then <5119> the master <3617> of the house <3617> being angry <3710> said <2036> to his servant <1401>, Go <1831> out quickly <5030> into <1519> the streets <4113> and lanes <4505> of the city <4172>, and bring <1521> in hither <5602> the poor <4434>, and the maimed <376>, and the halt <5560>, and the blind <5185>. {22} And the servant <1401> said <2036>, Lord <2962>, it is done <1096> as thou hast commanded <2004>, and yet <2089> there is room <5117>. {23} And the lord <2962> said <2036> unto the servant <1401>, Go <1831> out into <1519> the highways <3598> and hedges <5418>, and compel <315> [them] to come <1525> in, that my house <3624> may be filled <1072>. {24} For I say <3004> unto you, That none <3762> of those <1565> men <435> which <3588> were bidden <2564> shall taste <1089> of my supper <1173>.

NRSV - 16 ..."Someone gave a great dinner and invited many. 17 At the time for the dinner he sent his slave to say to those who had been invited, "Come; for everything is ready now.' 18 But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, "I have bought a piece of land, and I must go out and see it; please accept my regrets.' 19 Another said, "I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to try them out; please accept my regrets.' 20 Another said, "I have just been married, and therefore I cannot come.' 21 So the slave returned and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and said to his slave, "Go out at once into the streets and lanes of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.' 22 And the slave said, "Sir, what you ordered has been done, and there is still room.' 23 Then the master said to the slave, "Go out into the roads and lanes, and compel people to come in, so that my house may be filled. 24 For I tell you, none of those who were invited will taste my dinner."'

TEV - "The Parable of the Great Feast" - 15 When one of the men sitting at the table heard this, he said to Jesus, "How happy are those who will sit down at the feast in the Kingdom of God!" 16 Jesus said to him, "There was once a man who was giving a great feast to which he invited many people. 17 When it was time for the feast, he sent his servant to tell his guests, "Come, everything is ready!' 18 But they all began, one after another, to make excuses. The first one told the servant, "I have bought a field and must go and look at it; please accept my apologies.' 19 Another one said, "I have bought five pairs of oxen and am on my way to try them out; please accept my apologies.' 20 Another one said, "I have just gotten married, and for that reason I cannot come.' 21 The servant went back and told all this to his master. The master was furious and said to his servant, "Hurry out to the streets and alleys of the town, and bring back the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.' 22 Soon the servant said, "Your order has been carried out, sir, but there is room for more.' 23 So the master said to the servant, "Go out to the country roads and lanes and make people come in, so that my house will be full. 24 I tell you all that none of those men who were invited will taste my dinner!"


<B7> Mark 8

KJV w/Strong# - {34} And when he had called <4341> the people <3793> [unto him] with his disciples <3101> also, he said <2036> unto them, Whosoever <3748> will <2309> come <2064> after <3694> me, let him deny <533> himself <1438>, and take <142> up his cross <4716>, and follow <190> me.

NRSV - 34 He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.

TEV - "Jesus Speaks about His Suffering and Death" - 34 Then Jesus called the crowd and his disciples to him. "If anyone wants to come with me," he told them, "he must forget himself, carry his cross, and follow me. 35 For whoever wants to save his own life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. 36 Does a person gain anything if he wins the whole world but loses his life? Of course not! 37 There is nothing he can give to regain his life. 38 If a person is ashamed of me and of my teaching in this godless and wicked day, then the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels."


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<B8> Matthew 15

KJV w/Strong# - {30} And great <4183> multitudes <3793> came <4334> unto him, having <2192> with them [those that were] lame <5560>, blind <5185>, dumb <2974>, maimed <2948>, and many <4183> others <2087>, and cast <4496> them down <4496> at <3844> Jesus <2424>' feet <4228>; and he healed <2323> them: {31} Insomuch <5620> that the multitude <3793> wondered <2296>, when they saw <991> the dumb <2974> to speak <2980>, the maimed <2948> to be whole <5199>, the lame <5560> to walk <4043>, and the blind <5185> to see <991>: and they glorified <1392> the God <2316> of Israel <2474>.

NRSV - 30 Great crowds came to him, bringing with them the lame, the maimed, the blind, the mute, and many others. They put them at his feet, and he cured them, 31 so that the crowd was amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the maimed whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel.

TEV - "Jesus Heals Many People" - 29 Jesus left there and went along by Lake Galilee. He climbed a hill and sat down. 30 Large crowds came to him, bringing with them the lame, the blind, the crippled, the dumb, and many other sick people, whom they placed at Jesus' feet; and he healed them. 31 The people were amazed as they saw the dumb speaking, the crippled made whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing; and they praised the God of Israel.


<B9> Matthew 26

KJV w/Strong# - {3} Then <5119> assembled <4863> together <4863> the chief <749> priests <749>, and the scribes <1122>, and the elders <4245> of the people <2992>, unto the palace <833> of the high <749> priest <749>, who <3588> was called <3004> Caiaphas <2533>, {4} And consulted <4823> that they might take <2902> Jesus <2424> by subtilty <1388>, and kill <615> [him].

{17} Now <1161> the first <4413> [day] of the [feast of] unleavened <106> bread the disciples <3101> came <4334> to Jesus <2424>, saying <3004> unto him, Where <4226> wilt <2309> thou that we prepare <2090> for thee to eat <5315> the passover <3957>? {18} And he said <2036>, Go <5217> into <1519> the city <4172> to such <1170> a man, and say <2036> unto him, The Master <1320> saith <3004>, My time <2540> is at <1451> hand <1451>; I will keep <4160> the passover <3957> at <4314> thy house with my disciples <3101>.

{26} And as they were eating <2068>, Jesus <2424> took <2983> bread <740>, and blessed <2127> [it], and brake <2806> [it], and gave <1325> [it] to the disciples <3101>, and said <2036>, Take <2983>, eat <5315>; this <5124> is my body <4983>. {27} And he took <2983> the cup <4221>, and gave <1325> thanks <2168>, and gave <1325> [it] to them, saying <3004>, Drink <4095> ye all <3956> of it; {28} For this <5124> is my blood <129> of the new <2537> testament <1242>, which <3588> is shed <1632> for many <4183> for the remission <859> of sins <266>. {29} But I say <3004> unto you, I will not drink <4095> henceforth <737> of this <5127> fruit <1081> of the vine <288>, until <2193> that day <2250> when <3752> I drink <4095> it new <2537> with you in my Father's <3962> kingdom <932>.

NRSV - 3 Then the chief priests and the elders of the people gathered in the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas, 4 and they conspired to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him.

17 On the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Where do you want us to make the preparations for you to eat the Passover?" 18 He said, "Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, "The Teacher says, My time is near; I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples."'

26 While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, "Take, eat; this is my body." 27 Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you; 28 for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you, I will never again drink of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom."

TEV - "The Plot against Jesus" - 1 When Jesus had finished teaching all these things, he said to his disciples, 2 "In two days, as you know, it will be the Passover Festival, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified." 3 Then the chief priests and the elders met together in the palace of Caiaphas, the High Priest, 4 and made plans to arrest Jesus secretly and put him to death. 5 "We must not do it during the festival," they said, "or the people will riot."

"Jesus Eats the Passover Meal with His Disciples" 17 On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus and asked him, "Where do you want us to get the Passover meal ready for you?" 18 "Go to a certain man in the city," he said to them, "and tell him: "The Teacher says, My hour has come; my disciples and I will celebrate the Passover at your house." 19 The disciples did as Jesus had told them and prepared the Passover meal.

"The Lord's Supper" 26 While they were eating, Jesus took a piece of bread, gave a prayer of thanks, broke it, and gave it to his disciples. "Take and eat it," he said; "this is my body." 27 Then he took a cup, gave thanks to God, and gave it to them. "Drink it, all of you," he said; 28 "this is my blood, which seals God's covenant, my blood poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you, I will never again drink this wine until the day I drink the new wine with you in my Father's Kingdom." 30 Then they sang a hymn and went out to the Mount of Olives.


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<B10> Mark 15

KJV w/Strong# - {1} And straightway <2112> in the morning <4404> the chief <749> priests <749> held <4160> a consultation <4824> with the elders <4245> and scribes <1122> and the whole <3650> council <4892>, and bound <1210> Jesus <2424>, and carried <667> [him] away <667>, and delivered <3860> [him] to Pilate <4091>.

{25} And it was the third <5154> hour <5610>, and they crucified <4717> him.

{27} And with him they crucify <4717> two <1417> thieves <3027>; the one <1520> on <1537> his right <1188> hand, and the other <1520> on <1537> his left <2176>. {28} And the scripture <1124> was fulfilled <4137>, which <3588> saith <3004>, And he was numbered <3049> with the transgressors <459>.

NRSV - 1 As soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council. They bound Jesus, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate.

25 It was nine o'clock in the morning when they crucified him.

27 And with him they crucified two bandits, one on his right and one on his left. 28 [Omitted in NRSV]

TEV - "Jesus before Pilate" - 1 Early in the morning the chief priests met hurriedly with the elders, the teachers of the Law, and the whole Council, and made their plans. They put Jesus in chains, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate. 2 Pilate questioned him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" Jesus answered, "So you say." 3 The chief priests were accusing Jesus of many things, 4 so Pilate questioned him again, "Aren't you going to answer? Listen to all their accusations!" 5 Again Jesus refused to say a word, and Pilate was amazed.

"Jesus Is Crucified" 21 On the way they met a man named Simon, who was coming into the city from the country, and the soldiers forced him to carry Jesus' cross. (Simon was from Cyrene and was the father of Alexander and Rufus.) 22 They took Jesus to a place called Golgotha, which means "The Place of the Skull." 23 There they tried to give him wine mixed with a drug called myrrh, but Jesus would not drink it. 24 Then they crucified him and divided his clothes among themselves, throwing dice to see who would get which piece of clothing. 25 It was nine o'clock in the morning when they crucified him. 26 The notice of the accusation against him said: "The King of the Jews." 27 They also crucified two bandits with Jesus, one on his right and the other on his left. 28 {TEV omitteds this verse. TEV footnote: "Some manuscripts add verse 28: In this way the scripture came true which says, 'He shared the fate of criminals' (see Lk 22:37)."}


<B11> Mark 16

KJV w/Strong# - {9} Now <1161> when [Jesus] was risen <450> early <4404> the first <4413> [day] of the week <4521>, he appeared <5316> first <4412> to Mary <3137> Magdalene <3094>, out of whom <3739> he had cast <1544> seven <2033> devils <1140>.

NRSV - THE LONGER ENDING OF MARK [[9 Now after he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons.]]

TEV - "AN OLD ENDING TO THE GOSPEL" - [9 After Jesus rose from death early on Sunday, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had driven out seven demons. 10 She went and told his companions. They were mourning and crying; 11 and when they heard her say that Jesus was alive and that she had seen him, they did not believe her.] {TEV footnote: "Some manuscripts and anscient translations do not have this ending to the Gospel (verses 9-20)."}


<B12> John 21

KJV w/Strong# - {1} After <3326> these <5023> things Jesus <2424> shewed <5319> himself <1438> again <3825> to the disciples <3101> at <1909> the sea <2281> of Tiberias <5085>;...

{12} Jesus <2424> saith <3004> unto them, Come <1205> [and] dine <709>. And none <3762> of the disciples <3101> durst <5111> ask <1833> him, Who <5101> art <1488> thou? knowing <1492> that it was the Lord <2962>. {13} Jesus <2424> then <3767> cometh <2064>, and taketh <2983> bread <740>, and giveth <1325> them, and fish <3795> likewise <3668>. {14} This <5124> is now <2235> the third <5154> time that Jesus <2424> shewed <5319> himself to his disciples <3101>, after that he was risen <1453> from the dead <3498>. {15} So <3767> when <3753> they had dined <709>, Jesus <2424> saith <3004> to Simon <4613> Peter <4074>, Simon <4613>, [son] of Jonas <2495>, lovest <25> thou me more <4119> than these <5130>? He saith <3004> unto him, Yea <3483>, Lord <2962>; thou knowest <1492> that I love <5368> thee. He saith <3004> unto him, Feed <1006> my lambs <721>.

NRSV - 1 After these things Jesus showed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias; and he showed himself in this way.

12 Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, "Who are you?" because they knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. 14 This was now the third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead. 15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my lambs."

TEV - "Jesus Appears to Seven Disciples" - 1 After this, Jesus appeared once more to his disciples at Lake Tiberias. This is how it happened. 2 Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael (the one from Cana in Galilee), the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples of Jesus were all together. 3 Simon Peter said to the others, "I am going fishing." "We will come with you," they told him. So they went out in a boat, but all that night they did not catch a thing. 4 As the sun was rising, Jesus stood at the water's edge, but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Then he asked them, "Young men, haven't you caught anything?" "Not a thing," they answered.

11 Simon Peter went aboard and dragged the net ashore full of big fish, a hundred and fifty-three in all; even though there were so many, still the net did not tear. 12 Jesus said to them, "Come and eat." None of the disciples dared ask him, "Who are you?" because they knew it was the Lord. 13 So Jesus went over, took the bread, and gave it to them; he did the same with the fish. 14 This, then, was the third time Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from death.

"Jesus and Peter" 15 After they had eaten, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you love me more than these others do?" "Yes, Lord," he answered, "you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Take care of my lambs." 16 A second time Jesus said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" "Yes, Lord," he answered, "you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Take care of my sheep." 17 A third time Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter became sad because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" and so he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you!" Jesus said to him, "Take care of my sheep.


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

<B13> 1 John 3

KJV w/Strong# - {18} My little <5040> children <5040>, let us not love <25> in word <3056>, neither <3366> in tongue <1100>; but in deed <2041> and in truth <225>.

NRSV - 18 Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action.

TEV - "Love One Another" - 13 So do not be surprised, my brothers, if the people of the world hate you. 14 We know that we have left death and come over into life; we know it because we love our brothers. Whoever does not love is still under the power of death. 15 Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that a murderer does not have eternal life in him. 16 This is how we know what love is: Christ gave his life for us. We too, then, ought to give our lives for our brothers! 17 If a rich person sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against his brother, how can he claim that he loves God? 18 My children, our love should not be just words and talk; it must be true love, which shows itself in action.


<B14> Acts 9

KJV w/Strong# - {36} Now <1161> there was at <1722> Joppa <2445> a certain <5100> disciple <3102> named <3686> Tabitha <5000>, which <3739> by interpretation <1329> is called <3004> Dorcas <1393>: this <3778> woman was full <4134> of good <18> works <2041> and almsdeeds <1654> which <3739> she did <4160>. {37} And it came <1096> to pass in those <1565> days <2250>, that she was sick <770>, and died <599>: whom when they had washed <3068>, they laid <5087> [her] in an upper <5253> chamber <5253>. {38} And forasmuch <5607> as Lydda <3069> was nigh <1451> to Joppa <2445>, and the disciples <3101> had heard <191> that Peter <4074> was there <846>, they sent <649> unto him two <1417> men <435>, desiring <3870> [him] that he would not delay <3635> to come <1330> to them. {39} Then <1161> Peter <4074> arose <450> and went <4905> with them. When he was come <3854>, they brought <321> him into <1519> the upper <5253> chamber <5253>: and all <3956> the widows <5503> stood <3936> by him weeping <2799>, and shewing <1925> the coats <5509> and garments <2440> which <3745> Dorcas <1393> made <4160>, while she was with them. {40} But Peter <4074> put <1544> them all <3956> forth <1854>, and kneeled <5087> <1119> down, and prayed <4336>; and turning <1994> [him] to the body <4983> said <2036>, Tabitha <5000>, arise <450>. And she opened <455> her eyes <3788>: and when she saw <1492> Peter <4074>, she sat <339> up. {41} And he gave <1325> her [his] hand <5495>, and lifted <450> her up, and when he had called <5455> the saints <40> and widows <5503>, presented <3936> her alive <2198>. {42} And it was known <1110> throughout <2596> all <3650> Joppa <2445>; and many <4183> believed <4100> in the Lord <2962>.

NRSV - 36 Now in Joppa there was a disciple whose name was Tabitha, which in Greek is Dorcas. She was devoted to good works and acts of charity. 37 At that time she became ill and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in a room upstairs. 38 Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, who heard that Peter was there, sent two men to him with the request, "Please come to us without delay." 39 So Peter got up and went with them; and when he arrived, they took him to the room upstairs. All the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing tunics and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was with them. 40 Peter put all of them outside, and then he knelt down and prayed. He turned to the body and said, "Tabitha, get up." Then she opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, she sat up. 41 He gave her his hand and helped her up. Then calling the saints and widows, he showed her to be alive. 42 This became known throughout Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.

TEV - "Peter in Lydda and Joppa" - 36 In Joppa there was a woman named Tabitha, who was a believer. (Her name in Greek is Dorcas, meaning "a deer.") She spent all her time doing good and helping the poor. 37 At that time she got sick and died. Her body was washed and laid in a room upstairs. 38 Joppa was not very far from Lydda, and when the believers in Joppa heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him with the message, "Please hurry and come to us." 39 So Peter got ready and went with them. When he arrived, he was taken to the room upstairs, where all the widows crowded around him, crying and showing him all the shirts and coats that Dorcas had made while she was alive. 40 Peter put them all out of the room, and knelt down and prayed; then he turned to the body and said, "Tabitha, get up!" She opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 41 Peter reached over and helped her get up. Then he called all the believers, including the widows, and presented her alive to them. 42 The news about this spread all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. 43 Peter stayed on in Joppa for many days with a tanner of leather named Simon.


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

<B15> Micah 6

KJV w/Strong# - {8} He hath shewed <05046> thee, O man <0120>, what <04100> [is] good <02896>; and what <04100> doth the LORD <03068> require <01875> of thee, but to do <06213> justly <04941>, and to love <0160> mercy <02617>, and to walk <03212> humbly <06800> with thy God <0430>?

NRSV - 8 He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

TEV - "What the LORD Requires" - 6 What shall I bring to the LORD, the God of heaven, when I come to worship him? Shall I bring the best calves to burn as offerings to him? 7 Will the LORD be pleased if I bring him thousands of sheep or endless streams of olive oil? Shall I offer him my first-born child to pay for my sins? 8 No, the LORD has told us what is good. What he requires of us is this: to do what is just, to show constant love, and to live in humble fellowship with our God.


<B16> 1 Corinthians 1

KJV w/Strong# - {9} God <2316> [is] faithful <4103>, by whom <3739> ye were called <2564> unto the fellowship <2842> of his Son <5207> Jesus <2424> Christ <5547> our Lord <2962>. {10} Now <1161> I beseech <3870> you, brethren <80>, by the name <3686> of our Lord <2962> Jesus <2424> Christ <5547>, that ye all <3956> speak <3004> the same <846> thing, and [that] there be no <3361> divisions <4978> among <1722> you; but [that] ye be perfectly <2675> joined <2675> together <2675> in the same <846> mind <3563> and in the same <846> judgment <1106>.

{17} For Christ <5547> sent <649> me not to baptize <907>, but to preach <2097> the gospel <2097>: not with wisdom <4678> of words <3056>, lest <3361> the cross <4716> of Christ <5547> should be made <2758> of none <2758> effect <2758>. {18} For the preaching <3056> of the cross <4716> is to them that perish <622> foolishness <3472>; but unto us which are saved <4982> it is the power <1411> of God <2316>.

NRSV - 9 God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 10 Now I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in agreement and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same purpose.

17 For Christ did not send me to baptize but to proclaim the gospel, and not with eloquent wisdom, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its power. 18 For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

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

"Divisions in the Church" 10 By the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ I appeal to all of you, my brothers, to agree in what you say, so that there will be no divisions among you. Be completely united, with only one thought and one purpose. 11 For some people from Chloe's family have told me quite plainly, my brothers, that there are quarrels among you. 12 Let me put it this way: each one of you says something different. One says, "I follow Paul"; another, "I follow Apollos"; another, "I follow Peter"; and another, "I follow Christ." Christ has been divided into groups! Was it Paul who died on the cross for you? Were you baptized as Paul's disciples? 14 I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius. 15 No one can say, then, that you were baptized as my disciples. (16 Oh yes, I also baptized Stephanas and his family; but I can't remember whether I baptized anyone else.) 17 Christ did not send me to baptize. He sent me to tell the Good News, and to tell it without using the language of human wisdom, in order to make sure that Christ's death on the cross is not robbed of its power.

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


<B17> 1 Corinthians 2

KJV w/Strong# - {1} And I, brethren <80>, when I came <2064> to you, came <2064> not with excellency <5247> of speech <3056> or <2228> of wisdom <4678>, declaring <2605> unto you the testimony <3142> of God <2316>.

{4} And my speech <3056> and my preaching <2782> [was] not with enticing <3981> words <3056> of man's <442> wisdom <4678>, but in demonstration <585> of the Spirit <4151> and of power <1411>: {5} That your <5216> faith <4102> should not stand <1510> in the wisdom <4678> of men <444>, but in the power <1411> of God <2316>.

NRSV - 1 When I came to you, brothers and sisters, I did not come proclaiming the mystery of God to you in lofty words or wisdom.

4 My speech and my proclamation were not with plausible words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God.

TEV - "The Message about the Crucified Christ" - 1 When I came to you, my brothers, to preach God's secret truth, I did not use big words and great learning. 2 For while I was with you, I made up my mind to forget everything except Jesus Christ and especially his death on the cross. 3 So when I came to you, I was weak and trembled all over with fear, 4 and my teaching and message were not delivered with skillful words of human wisdom, but with convincing proof of the power of God's Spirit. 5 Your faith, then, does not rest on human wisdom but on God's power.


<B18> Philippians 1

KJV w/Strong# - {9} And this <5124> I pray <4336>, that your <5216> love <26> may abound <4052> yet <2089> more <3123> and more <3123> in knowledge <1922> and [in] all <3956> judgment <144>; {10} That ye may approve <1381> things that are excellent <1308>; that ye may be sincere <1506> and without <677> offence <677> till <1519> the day <2250> of Christ <5547>; {11} Being filled <4137> with the fruits <2590> of righteousness <1343>, which <3588> are by Jesus <2424> Christ <5547>, unto the glory <1391> and praise <1868> of God <2316>.

NRSV - 9 And this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight 10 to help you to determine what is best, so that in the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, 11 having produced the harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God.

TEV - "Paul's Prayer for His Readers" - 9 I pray that your love will keep on growing more and more, together with true knowledge and perfect judgment, 10 so that you will be able to choose what is best. Then you will be free from all impurity and blame on the Day of Christ. 11 Your lives will be filled with the truly good qualities which only Jesus Christ can produce, for the glory and praise of God.


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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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