The BIBLETEXTS Online Bible Commentary 

Excerpts that are relevant to the Bible Lesson for Sunday, August 30, 1998

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

Bible Lesson Study Aids: | Current week's study aid in regular font | Current week's study aid in large font | These particular webpages were first posted Saturday, 8/22/98, at 12:45 pm (USA East Coast Time). These webpages are sometimes ready as early as 11 pm on Thursday (9 days before the Sunday for which the corresponding Bible Lesson is intended) or as late as midnight on Sunday. When first posted more than a week early, this particular webpage is browsed by clicking on Next week's study aid in regular font or Next week's study aid in large font. These only become "This week's" on early Sunday morning, US Eastern time.

For biblical cross-references for the current Bible Lesson, including instructions for using downloading/retrieving the references in Concord format, please consult:

How can this Webpage and the Concord text file be helpful to you? This Bible study aid is intended to provide optional resources for the study of the weekly Bible Lesson. To find out more about this page and about the necessary Bible Lesson resources, click here.

Does this Website have any denominational or organizational affliliation? No, the BibleTexts Website is in no way affiliated with or sponsored by any church or any other organization; however, the individual solely responsible for this Website is a very active church member and is united in very genuine and meaningful fellowship with Christians of all denominations.

Acknowledgements of the Bible versions and footnotes regularly used on this Webpage:

<GT> Revelation 22

KJV w/Strong# - {16} ...I am <1510> the root <4491> and the offspring <1085> of David <1138>, [and] the bright <2986> and morning <3720> star <792>.

NRSV - 16 "...I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star."

TEV - "The Coming of Jesus"- 12 "Listen!" says Jesus. "I am coming soon! I will bring my rewards with me, to give to each one according to what he has done. 13 I am the first and the last, the beginning and the end." 14 Happy are those who wash their robes clean and so have the right to eat the fruit from the tree of life and to go through the gates into the city. 15 But outside the city are the perverts and those who practice magic, the immoral and the murderers, those who worship idols and those who are liars both in words and deeds. 16 "I, Jesus, have sent my angel to announce these things to you in the churches. I am descended from the family of David; I am the bright morning star."

<RR1> Isaiah 48

KJV w/Strong# - {17} Thus <03541> saith <0559> the LORD <03068>, thy Redeemer <01350>, the Holy <06918> One of Israel <03478>;...

NRSV - 17 Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:...

TEV - "The LORD's Plan for His People" - 17 The holy God of Israel, the LORD who saves you, says: "I am the LORD your God, the one who wants to teach you for your own good and direct you in the way you should go. 18 "If only you had listened to my commands! Then blessings would have flowed for you like a stream that never goes dry. Victory would have come to you like the waves that roll on the shore. 19 Your descendants would be as numerous as grains of sand, and I would have made sure they were never destroyed."

<RR2> Isaiah 42

KJV w/Strong# - {1} Behold <02005> my servant <05650>, whom I uphold <08551>; mine elect <0972>, [in whom] my soul <05315> delighteth <07521>; I have put <05414> my spirit <07307> upon him: he shall bring <03318> forth <03318> judgment <04941> to the Gentiles <01471>. {2} He shall not cry <06817>, nor <03808> lift <05375> up, nor <03808> cause his voice <06963> to be heard <08085> in the street <02351>. {3} A bruised <07533> reed <07070> shall he not break <07665>, and the smoking <03544> flax <06594> shall he not quench <03518>: he shall bring <03318> forth <03318> judgment <04941> unto truth <0571>. {4} He shall not fail <03543> nor <03808> be discouraged <07533>, till <05704> he have set <07760> judgment <04941> in the earth <0776>: and the isles <0339> shall wait <03176> for his law <08451>. {5} Thus <03541> saith <0559> God <0410> the LORD <03068>, he that created <01254> the heavens <08064>, and stretched <05186> them out; he that spread <07554> forth the earth <0776>, and that which cometh <06631> out of it; he that giveth <05414> breath <05397> unto the people <05971> upon it, and spirit <07307> to them that walk <01980> therein: {6} I the LORD <03068> have called <07121> thee in righteousness <06664>, and will hold <02388> thine hand <03027>, and will keep <05341> thee, and give <05414> thee for a covenant <01285> of the people <05971>, for a light <0216> of the Gentiles <01471>;

NRSV - 1 Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. 2 He will not cry or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; 3 a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. 4 He will not grow faint or be crushed until he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for his teaching. 5 Thus says God, the LORD, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people upon it and spirit to those who walk in it: 6 I am the LORD, I have called you in righteousness, I have taken you by the hand and kept you; I have given you as a covenant to the people, a light to the nations,

TEV - "The LORD's Servant" - 1 The LORD says, "Here is my servant, whom I strengthen -- the one I have chosen, with whom I am pleased. I have filled him with my spirit, and he will bring justice to every nation. 2 He will not shout or raise his voice or make loud speeches in the streets. 3 He will not break off a bent reed nor put out a flickering lamp. He will bring lasting justice to all. 4 He will not lose hope or courage; he will establish justice on the earth. Distant lands eagerly wait for his teaching." 5 God created the heavens and stretched them out; he fashioned the earth and all that lives there; he gave life and breath to all its people. And now the LORD God says to his servant, 6 "I, the LORD, have called you and given you power to see that justice is done on earth. Through you I will make a covenant with all peoples; through you I will bring light to the nations. 7 You will open the eyes of the blind and set free those who sit in dark prisons.

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

<B1> Hebrews 1

KJV w/Strong# - {1} God <2316>, who at sundry <4181> times and in divers <4187> manners <4187> spake <2980> in time <3819> past <3819> unto the fathers <3962> by the prophets <4396>, {2} Hath in these <5130> last <2078> days <2250> spoken <2980> unto us by [his] Son <5207>, whom <3739> he hath appointed <5087> heir <2818> of all <3956> things, by whom <3739> also <2532> he made <4160> the worlds <165>; {3} Who being the brightness <541> of [his] glory <1391>, and the express <5481> image <5481> of his person <5287>, and upholding <5342> all <3956> things by the word <4487> of his power <1411>, when he had by himself <1438> purged <2512> our sins <266>, sat <2523> down <2523> on <1722> the right <1188> hand of the Majesty <3172> on <1722> high <5308>; {4} Being made <1096> so <5118> much <5118> better <2909> than the angels <32>, as he hath by inheritance <2816> obtained <2816> a more excellent <1313> name <3686> than <3844> they. {5} For unto which <5101> of the angels <32> said <2036> he at <4218> any <4218> time <4218>, Thou art <1488> my Son <5207>, this <4594> day <4594> have I begotten <1080> thee? And again <3825>, I will be to him a Father <3962>, and he shall be to me a Son <5207>?

{9} Thou hast loved <25> righteousness <1343>, and hated <3404> iniquity <458>; therefore <5124> God <2316>, [even] thy God <2316>, hath anointed <5548> thee with the oil <1637> of gladness <20> above <3844> thy fellows <3353>.

NRSV - 1 Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. 3 He is the reflection of God's glory and the exact imprint of God's very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. 5 For to which of the angels did God ever say, "You are my Son; today I have begotten you"? Or again, "I will be his Father, and he will be my Son"?

9 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions."

TEV - "God's Word through His Son" - 1 In the past God spoke to our ancestors many times and in many ways through the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us through his Son. He is the one through whom God created the universe, the one whom God has chosen to possess all things at the end. 3 He reflects the brightness of God's glory and is the exact likeness of God's own being, sustaining the universe with his powerful word. After achieving forgiveness for the sins of mankind, he sat down in heaven at the right side of God, the Supreme Power.

"The Greatness of God's Son" - 4 The Son was made greater than the angels, just as the name that God gave him is greater than theirs. 5 For God never said to any of his angels, "You are my Son; today I have become your Father." Nor did God say about any angel, "I will be his Father, and he will be my Son." 6 But when God was about to send his first-born Son into the world, he said, "All of God's angels must worship him." 7 But about the angels God said, "God makes his angels winds, and his servants flames of fire." 8 About the Son, however, God said: "Your kingdom, O God, will last forever and ever! You rule over your people with justice. 9 You love what is right and hate what is wrong. That is why God, your God, has chosen you and has given you the joy of an honor far greater than he gave to your companions."

<B2> John 3

KJV w/Strong# - {16} For God <2316> so <3779> loved <25> the world <2889>, that he gave <1325> his only <3439> begotten <3439> Son <5207>, that whosoever <3588> believeth <4100> in him should not perish <622>, but have <2192> everlasting <166> life <2222>. {17} For God <2316> sent <649> not his Son <5207> into <1519> the world <2889> to condemn <2919> the world <2889>; but that the world <2889> through <1223> him might be saved <4982>.

NRSV - 16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. 17 "Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

TEV - "Jesus and Nicodemus" - 14 As Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the desert, in the same way the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. 16 For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to be its judge, but to be its savior.

<B3> 1 Timothy 2

KJV w/Strong# - {5} For [there is] one <1520> God <2316>, and one <1520> mediator <3316> between God <2316> and men <444>, the man <444> Christ <5547> Jesus <2424>;

NRSV - 5 For there is one God; there is also one mediator between God and humankind, Christ Jesus, himself human,

TEV - "Church Worship" - 1 First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, requests, and thanksgivings be offered to God for all people; 2 for kings and all others who are in authority, that we may live a quiet and peaceful life with all reverence toward God and with proper conduct. 3 This is good and it pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to come to know the truth. 5 For there is one God, and there is one who brings God and mankind together, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself to redeem all mankind. That was the proof at the right time that God wants everyone to be saved, 7 and that is why I was sent as an apostle and teacher of the Gentiles, to proclaim the message of faith and truth. I am not lying; I am telling the truth!

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

<B4> Matthew 3

KJV w/Strong# - {13} Then <5119> cometh <3854> Jesus <2424> from Galilee <1056> to Jordan <2446> unto John <2491>, to be baptized <907> of him.

{16} And Jesus <2424>, when he was baptized <907>, went <305> up straightway <2117> out of the water <5204>: and, lo <2400>, the heavens <3772> were opened <455> unto him, and he saw <1492> the Spirit <4151> of God <2316> descending <2597> like <5616> a dove <4058>, and lighting <2064> upon him: {17} And lo <2400> a voice <5456> from heaven <3772>, saying <3004>, This <3778> is my beloved <27> Son <5207>, in whom <3739> I am well <2106> pleased <2106>.

NRSV - 13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him.

16 And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased."

TEV - "The Baptism of Jesus" - 13 At that time Jesus arrived from Galilee and came to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. 14 But John tried to make him change his mind. "I ought to be baptized by you," John said, "and yet you have come to me!" 15 But Jesus answered him, "Let it be so for now. For in this way we shall do all that God requires." So John agreed. 16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he came up out of the water. Then heaven was opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God coming down like a dove and lighting on him. 17 Then a voice said from heaven, "This is my own dear Son, with whom I am pleased."

<B5> Matthew 4

KJV w/Strong# - {1} Then <5119> was Jesus <2424> led <321> up of the Spirit <4151> into <1519> the wilderness <2048> to be tempted <3985> of the devil <1228>. {2} And when he had fasted <3522> forty <5062> days <2250> and forty <5062> nights <3571>, he was afterward <5305> an hungred <3983>. {3} And when the tempter <3985> came <4334> to him, he said <2036>, If <1487> thou be the Son <5207> of God <2316>, command <2036> that these <3778> stones <3037> be made <1096> bread <740>. {4} But he answered <611> and said <2036>, It is written <1125>, Man <444> shall not live <2198> by bread <740> alone <3441>, but by every <3956> word <4487> that proceedeth <1607> out of the mouth <4750> of God <2316>. {5} Then <5119> the devil <1228> taketh <3880> him up into <1519> the holy <40> city <4172>, and setteth <2476> him on <1909> a pinnacle <4419> of the temple <2411>, {6} And saith <3004> unto him, If <1487> thou be the Son <5207> of God <2316>, cast <906> thyself <4572> down <2736>: for it is written <1125>, He shall give his angels <32> charge <1781> concerning <4012> thee: and in [their] hands <5495> they shall bear <142> thee up, lest <3379> at <3379> any <3379> time <3379> thou dash <4350> thy foot <4228> against <4314> a stone <3037>. {7} Jesus <2424> said <5346> unto him, It is written <1125> again <3825>, Thou shalt not tempt <1598> the Lord <2962> thy God <2316>. {8} Again <3825>, the devil <1228> taketh <3880> him up into <1519> an exceeding <3029> high <5308> mountain <3735>, and sheweth <1166> him all <3956> the kingdoms <932> of the world <2889>, and the glory <1391> of them; {9} And saith <3004> unto him, All <3956> these <5023> things will <3195> I give <1325> thee, if <1437> thou wilt fall <4098> down <4098> and worship <4352> me. {10} Then <5119> saith <3004> Jesus <2424> unto him, Get <5217> thee hence <5217>, Satan <4567>: for it is written <1125>, Thou shalt worship <4352> the Lord <2962> thy God <2316>, and him only <3441> shalt thou serve <3000>. {11} Then <5119> the devil <1228> leaveth <863> him, and, behold <2400>, angels <32> came <4334> and ministered <1247> unto him.

NRSV - 1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished. 3 The tempter came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread." 4 But he answered, "It is written, "One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God."' 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 saying to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written, "He will command his angels concerning you,' and "On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone."' 7 Jesus said to him, "Again it is written, "Do not put the Lord your God to the test."' 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor; 9 and he said to him, "All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me." 10 Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! for it is written, "Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him."' 11 Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him.

TEV - "The Temptation of Jesus" - 1 Then the Spirit led Jesus into the desert to be tempted by the Devil. 2 After spending forty days and nights without food, Jesus was hungry. 3 Then the Devil came to him and said, "If you are God's Son, order these stones to turn into bread." 4 But Jesus answered, "The scripture says, "Man cannot live on bread alone, but needs every word that God speaks." 5 Then the Devil took Jesus to Jerusalem, the Holy City, set him on the highest point of the Temple, 6 and said to him, "If you are God's Son, throw yourself down, for the scripture says, "God will give orders to his angels about you; they will hold you up with their hands, so that not even your feet will be hurt on the stones." 7 Jesus answered, "But the scripture also says, "Do not put the Lord your God to the test." 8 Then the Devil took Jesus to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in all their greatness. 9 "All this I will give you," the Devil said, "if you kneel down and worship me." 10 Then Jesus answered, "Go away, Satan! The scripture says, "Worship the Lord your God and serve only him!" 11 Then the Devil left Jesus; and angels came and helped him.

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

<B6> Matthew 9

KJV w/Strong# - {35} And Jesus <2424> went <4013> about <4013> all <3956> the cities <4172> and villages <2968>, teaching <1321> in their synagogues <4864>, and preaching <2784> the gospel <2098> of the kingdom <932>, and healing <2323> every <3956> sickness <3554> and every <3956> disease <3119> among <1722> the people <2992>.

NRSV - 35 Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness.

TEV - "Jesus Has Pity for the People" - 35 Jesus went around visiting all the towns and villages. He taught in the synagogues, preached the Good News about the Kingdom, and healed people with every kind of disease and sickness. 36 As he saw the crowds, his heart was filled with pity for them, because they were worried and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 So he said to his disciples, "The harvest is large, but there are few workers to gather it in. 38 Pray to the owner of the harvest that he will send out workers to gather in his harvest."

<B7> John 8

KJV w/Strong# - {28} Then <5119> said <2036> Jesus <2424> unto them, When <3752> ye have lifted <5312> up the Son <5207> of man <444>, then <3767> shall ye know <1097> that I am <1510> [he], and [that] I do <4160> nothing <3762> of myself <1683>; but as my Father <3962> hath taught <1321> me, I speak <2980> these <5023> things. {29} And he that sent <3992> me is with me: the Father <3962> hath not left <863> me alone <3441>; for I do <4160> always <3842> those <3588> things that please <701> him.

NRSV - 28 So Jesus said, "When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will realize that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own, but I speak these things as the Father instructed me. 29 And the one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what is pleasing to him."

TEV - "You Cannot Go Where I Am Going" - 27 They did not understand that Jesus was talking to them about the Father. 28 So he said to them, "When you lift up the Son of Man, you will know that "I Am Who I Am'; then you will know that I do nothing on my own authority, but I say only what the Father has instructed me to say. 29 And he who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, because I always do what pleases him." 30 Many who heard Jesus say these things believed in him.

<B8> John 10

KJV w/Strong# - {30} I and [my] Father <3962> are one <1520>.

NRSV - 30 The Father and I are one."

TEV - "Jesus Is Rejected" - 25 Jesus answered, "I have already told you, but you would not believe me. The deeds 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 14

KJV w/Strong# - {8} Philip <5376> saith <3004> unto him, Lord <2962>, shew <1166> us the Father <3962>, and it sufficeth <714> us. {9} Jesus <2424> saith <3004> unto him, Have I been <1510> so <5118> long <5118> time <5550> with you, and yet hast thou not known <1097> me, Philip <5376>? he that hath seen <3708> me hath seen <3708> the Father <3962>; and how <4459> sayest <3004> thou [then], Shew <1166> us the Father <3962>? {10} Believest <4100> thou not that I am in the Father <3962>, and the Father <3962> in me? the words <4487> that I speak <2980> unto you I speak <2980> not of myself <1683>: but the Father <3962> that dwelleth <3306> in me, he doeth <4160> the works <2041>.

NRSV - 8 Philip said to him, "Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied." 9 Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, "Show us the Father'? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works.

TEV - "Jesus the Way to the Father" - 5 Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going; so how can we know the way to get there?" 6 Jesus answered him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one goes to the Father except by me. 7 Now that you have known me," he said to them, "you will know my Father also, and from now on you do know him and you have seen him." 8 Philip said to him, "Lord, show us the Father; that is all we need." 9 Jesus answered, "For a long time I have been with you all; yet you do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. Why, then, do you say, "Show us the Father'? 10 Do you not believe, Philip, that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I have spoken to you," Jesus said to his disciples, "do not come from me. The Father, who remains in me, does his own work. 11 Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. If not, believe because of the things I do. 12 I am telling you the truth: whoever believes in me will do what I do -- yes, he will do even greater things, because I am going to the Father.

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

<B10> Isaiah 60

KJV w/Strong# - {1} Arise <06965>, shine <0215>; for thy light <0216> is come <0935>, and the glory <03519> of the LORD <03068> is risen <02224> upon thee.

NRSV - 1 Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you.

TEV - "The Future Glory of Jerusalem" - 1 Arise, Jerusalem, and shine like the sun; The glory of the LORD is shining on you! 2 Other nations will be covered by darkness, But on you the light of the LORD will shine; The brightness of his presence will be with you. 3 Nations will be drawn to your light, And kings to the dawning of your new day. 4 Look around you and see what is happening: Your people are gathering to come home! Your sons will come from far away; Your daughters will be carried like children. 5 You will see this and be filled with joy; You will tremble with excitement. The wealth of the nations will be brought to you; From across the sea their riches will come.

<B11> John 8

KJV w/Strong# - {31} Then <3767> said <3004> Jesus <2424> to those <3588> Jews <2453> which <3588> believed <4100> on him, If <1437> ye continue <3306> in my word <3056>, [then] are ye my disciples <3101> indeed <230>; {32} And ye shall know <1097> the truth <225>, and the truth <225> shall make <1659> you free <1659>.

NRSV - 31 Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free."

TEV - "Free Men and Slaves" - 31 So Jesus said to those who believed in him, "If you obey my teaching, you are really my disciples; 32 you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." 33 "We are the descendants of Abraham," they answered, "and we have never been anybody's slaves. What do you mean, then, by saying, "You will be free'?"

<B12> John 9

KJV w/Strong# - {1} And as [Jesus] passed <3855> by, he saw <1492> a man <444> which was blind <5185> from [his] birth <1079>. {2} And his disciples <3101> asked <2065> him, saying <3004>, Master <4461>, who <5101> did sin <264>, this <3778> man, or <2228> his parents <1118>, that he was born <1080> blind <5185>? {3} Jesus <2424> answered <611>, Neither <3777> hath this <3778> man sinned <264>, nor <3777> his parents <1118>: but that the works <2041> of God <2316> should be made manifest <5319> in him.

{5} As long <3752> as I am <1510> in the world <2889>, I am <1510> the light <5457> of the world <2889>. {6} When he had thus <5023> spoken <2036>, he spat <4429> on <5476> the ground <5476>, and made <4160> clay <4081> of the spittle <4427>, and he anointed <2025> <1909> the eyes <3788> of the blind <5185> man with the clay <4081>, {7} And said <2036> unto him, Go <5217>, wash <3538> in the pool <2861> of Siloam <4611>, (which is by interpretation <2059>, Sent <649>.) He went <565> his way therefore <3767>, and washed <3538>, and came <2064> seeing <991>.

{18} But the Jews <2453> did not believe <4100> concerning <4012> him, that he had been <2258> blind <5185>, and received <308> his sight <308>, until <2193> they called <5455> the parents <1118> of him that had received <308> his sight <308>.

{24} Then <3767> again <1208> called <5455> they the man <444> that was blind <5185>, and said <2036> unto him, Give <1325> God <2316> the praise <1391>: we know <1492> that this <3778> man <444> is a sinner <268>. {25} He answered <611> and said <2036>, Whether <1487> he be a sinner <268> [or no], I know <1492> not: one <1520> thing I know <1492>, that, whereas I was blind <5185>, now <737> I see <991>.

NRSV - 1 As he walked along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" 3 Jesus answered, "Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God's works might be revealed in him.

5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world." 6 When he had said this, he spat on the ground and made mud with the saliva and spread the mud on the man's eyes, 7 saying to him, "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam" (which means Sent). Then he went and washed and came back able to see.

18 The Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they called the parents of the man who had received his sight

24 So for the second time they called the man who had been blind, and they said to him, "Give glory to God! We know that this man is a sinner." 25 He answered, "I do not know whether he is a sinner. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see."

TEV - "Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind" - 1 As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been born blind. 2 His disciples asked him, "Teacher, whose sin caused him to be born blind? Was it his own or his parents' sin?" 3 Jesus answered, "His blindness has nothing to do with his sins or his parents' sins. He is blind so that God's power might be seen at work in him. 4 As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me; night is coming when no one can work. 5 While I am in the world, I am the light for the world." 6 After he said this, Jesus spat on the ground and made some mud with the spittle; he rubbed the mud on the man's eyes 7 and told him, "Go and wash your face in the Pool of Siloam." (This name means "Sent.") So the man went, washed his face, and came back seeing.

"The Pharisees Investigate the Healing" - 18 The Jewish authorities, however, were not willing to believe that he had been blind and could now see, until they called his parents 19 and asked them, "Is this your son? You say that he was born blind; how is it, then, that he can now see?" 20 His parents answered, "We know that he is our son, and we know that he was born blind. 21 But we do not know how it is that he is now able to see, nor do we know who cured him of his blindness. Ask him; he is old enough, and he can answer for himself!" 22 His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jewish authorities, who had already agreed that anyone who said he believed that Jesus was the Messiah would be expelled from the synagogue. 23 That is why his parents said, "He is old enough; ask him!" 24 A second time they called back the man who had been born blind, and said to him, "Promise before God that you will tell the truth! We know that this man who cured you is a sinner." 25 "I do not know if he is a sinner or not," the man replied. "One thing I do know: I was blind, and now I see." 26 "What did he do to you?" they asked. "How did he cure you of your blindness?" 27 "I have already told you," he answered, "and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Maybe you, too, would like to be his disciples?"

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

<B13> Matthew 5

KJV w/Strong# - {1} And seeing <1492> the multitudes <3793>, he went <305> up into <1519> a mountain <3735>: and when he was set <2523>, his disciples <3101> came <4334> unto him: {2} And he opened <455> his mouth <4750>, and taught <1321> them, saying <3004>,

NRSV - 1 When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:

TEV - "The Sermon on the Mount" - 1 Jesus saw the crowds and went up a hill, where he sat down. His disciples gathered around him, 2 and he began to teach them:

<B14> Matthew 7

KJV w/Strong# - {13} Enter <1525> ye in at <1223> the strait <4728> gate <4439>: for wide <4116> [is] the gate <4439>, and broad <2149> [is] the way <3598>, that leadeth <520> to destruction <684>, and many <4183> there be which <3588> go <1525> in thereat <846>: {14} Because <3754> strait <4728> [is] the gate <4439>, and narrow <2346> [is] the way <3598>, which <3588> leadeth <520> unto life <2222>, and few <3641> there be that find <2147> it.

{21} Not every <3956> one that saith <3004> unto me, Lord <2962>, Lord <2962>, shall enter <1525> into <1519> the kingdom <932> of heaven <3772>; but he that doeth <4160> the will <2307> of my Father <3962> which <3588> is in heaven <3772>.

{24} Therefore <3767> whosoever <3748> heareth <191> these <5128> sayings <3056> of mine <3450>, and doeth <4160> them, I will liken <3666> him unto a wise <5429> man <435>, which <3748> built <3618> his house <3614> upon a rock <4073>: {25} And the rain <1028> descended <2597>, and the floods <4215> came <2064>, and the winds <417> blew <4154>, and beat <4363> upon that house <3614>; and it fell <4098> not: for it was founded <2311> upon a rock <4073>. {26} And every <3956> one that heareth <191> these <5128> sayings <3056> of mine <3450>, and doeth <4160> them not, shall be likened <3666> unto a foolish <3474> man <435>, which <3748> built <3618> his house <3614> upon the sand <285>: {27} And the rain <1028> descended <2597>, and the floods <4215> came <2064>, and the winds <417> blew <4154>, and beat <4350> upon that house <3614>; and it fell <4098>: and great <3173> was the fall <4431> of it.

NRSV - 13 "Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easy that leads to destruction, and there are many who take it. 14 For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it.

21 "Not everyone who says to me, "Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.

24 "Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. 25 The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell -- and great was its fall!"

TEV - "The Narrow Gate" - 13 "Go in through the narrow gate, because the gate to hell is wide and the road that leads to it is easy, and there are many who travel it. 14 But the gate to life is narrow and the way that leads to it is hard, and there are few people who find it.

"I Never Knew You" - 21 "Not everyone who calls me "Lord, Lord' will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only those who do what my Father in heaven wants them to do. 22 When the Judgment Day comes, many will say to me, "Lord, Lord! In your name we spoke God's message, by your name we drove out many demons and performed many miracles!' 23 Then I will say to them, "I never knew you. Get away from me, you wicked people!'

"The Two House Builders" - 24 "So then, anyone who hears these words of mine and obeys them is like a wise man who built his house on rock. 25 The rain poured down, the rivers flooded over, and the wind blew hard against that house. But it did not fall, because it was built on rock. 26 "But anyone who hears these words of mine and does not obey them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain poured down, the rivers flooded over, the wind blew hard against that house, and it fell. And what a terrible fall that was!"

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

<B15> 2 Peter 1

KJV w/Strong# - {2} Grace <5485> and peace <1515> be multiplied <4129> unto you through <1722> the knowledge <1922> of God <2316>, and of Jesus <2424> our Lord <2962>, {3} According <5613> as his divine <2304> power <1411> hath given <1433> unto us all <3956> things that [pertain] unto life <2222> and godliness <2150>, through <1223> the knowledge <1922> of him that hath called <2564> us to glory <1391> and virtue <703>: {4} Whereby <3739> are given <1433> unto us exceeding great <3176> and precious <5093> promises <1862>: that by these <5130> ye might be partakers <2844> of the divine <2304> nature <5449>, having escaped <668> the corruption <5356> that is in the world <2889> through <1722> lust <1939>. {5} And beside <846> this <5124>, giving <3923> all diligence <4710>, add <2023> to your <5216> faith <4102> virtue <703>; and to virtue <703> knowledge <1108>; {6} And to knowledge <1108> temperance <1466>; and to temperance <1466> patience <5281>; and to patience <5281> godliness <2150>; {7} And to godliness <2150> brotherly <5360> kindness <5360>; and to brotherly <5360> kindness <5360> charity <26>. {8} For if these <5023> things be in you, and abound <4121>, they make <2525> [you that ye shall] neither <3756> [be] barren <692> nor <3761> unfruitful <175> in the knowledge <1922> of our Lord <2962> Jesus <2424> Christ <5547>.

{16} For we have not followed <1811> cunningly <4679> devised <4679> fables <3454>, when we made <1107> known <1107> unto you the power <1411> and coming <3952> of our Lord <2962> Jesus <2424> Christ <5547>, but were eyewitnesses <2030> of his majesty <3168>.

{19} We have <2192> also <2532> a more sure <949> word <3056> of prophecy <4397>; whereunto <3739> ye do <4160> well <2573> that ye take heed <4337>, as unto a light <3088> that shineth <5316> in a dark <850> place <5117>, until <2193> the day <2250> dawn <1306>, and the day <5459> star <5459> arise <393> in your <5216> hearts <2588>:

NRSV - 2 May grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. 3 His divine power has given us everything needed for life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Thus he has given us, through these things, his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may escape from the corruption that is in the world because of lust, and may become participants of the divine nature. 5 For this very reason, you must make every effort to support your faith with goodness, and goodness with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with endurance, and endurance with godliness, 7 and godliness with mutual affection, and mutual affection with love. 8 For if these things are yours and are increasing among you, they keep you from being ineffective and unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

16 For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty.

19 So we have the prophetic message more fully confirmed. You will do well to be attentive to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.

TEV - "Greeting" - 1 From Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ -- To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have been given a faith as precious as ours: 2 May grace and peace be yours in full measure through your knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

"God's Call and Choice" - 3 God's divine power has given us everything we need to live a truly religious life through our knowledge of the one who called us to share in his own glory and goodness. 4 In this way he has given us the very great and precious gifts he promised, so that by means of these gifts you may escape from the destructive lust that is in the world, and may come to share the divine nature. 5 For this very reason do your best to add goodness to your faith; to your goodness add knowledge; 6 to your knowledge add self-control; to your self-control add endurance; to your endurance add godliness; 7 to your godliness add brotherly affection; and to your brotherly affection add love.8 These are the qualities you need, and if you have them in abundance, they will make you active and effective in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But whoever does not have them is so shortsighted that he cannot see and has forgotten that he has been purified from his past sins.

"Eyewitnesses of Christ's Glory" - 16 We have not depended on made-up stories in making known to you the mighty coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. With our own eyes we saw his greatness. 17 We were there when he was given honor and glory by God the Father, when the voice came to him from the Supreme Glory, saying, "This is my own dear Son, with whom I am pleased!" 18 We ourselves heard this voice coming from heaven, when we were with him on the holy mountain. 19 So we are even more confident of the message proclaimed by the prophets. You will do well to pay attention to it, because it is like a lamp shining in a dark place until the Day dawns and the light of the morning star shines in your hearts. 20 Above all else, however, remember that no one can explain by himself a prophecy in the Scriptures. 21 For no prophetic message ever came just from the will of man, but men were under the control of the Holy Spirit as they spoke the message that came from God.

<B16> Matthew 5

KJV w/Strong# - {16} Let your <5216> light <5457> so <3779> shine <2989> before <1715> men <444>, that they may see <1492> your <5216> good <2570> works <2041>, and glorify <1392> your <5216> Father <3962> which <3588> is in heaven <3772>.

NRSV - 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

TEV - "Salt and Light" - 13 "You are like salt for all mankind. But if salt loses its saltiness, there is no way to make it salty again. It has become worthless, so it is thrown out and people trample on it. 14 "You are like light for the whole world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. 15 No one lights a lamp and puts it under a bowl; instead he puts it on the lampstand, where it gives light for everyone in the house. 16 In the same way your light must shine before people, so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven.

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

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

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

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

BIBLIOGRAPHY OF BIBLE RESEARCH MATERIALS - This is a listing and description of 200 of the1500 biblical resources used for this commentary. (http://www.bibletexts.com/bibliogr.htm)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHY THE KING JAMES VERSION DIFFERS WITH MODERN VERSIONS? This thoroughly researched document addresses in detail three topics: Part 1. The King James Version and its dependence on the Textus Receptus; Part 2. Descriptions of four significant Bible study aids used by this website; Part 3. The importance of the original texts to Mary Baker Eddy, and the use of non-KJV Bible versions in the writings of Mary Baker Eddy (from at least 1881) and in the Christian Science Quarterly Bible Lessons (from 1890-1914). (http://www.bibletexts.com/kjv-mod.htm)

EMAIL THE BIBLETEXTS WEBSITE ADMINISTRATOR - You are welcome to email comments and/or recommendations to the BibleTexts website administrator. (support@bibletexts.com)

Copyright 1996-1998 Robert Nguyen Cramer