The BIBLETEXTS Online Bible Commentary 

Excerpts that are relevant to the Bible Lesson for Sunday, September 6, 1998

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

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<GT> Deuteronomy 14

KJV w/Strong# - {1} Ye [are] the children <01121> of the LORD <03068> your God <0430>:...

NRSV - 1 You are children of the LORD your God...

TEV - "A Forbidden Mourning Practice" - 1 "You are the people of the LORD your God. So when you mourn for the dead, don't gash yourselves or shave the front of your head, as other people do. 2 You belong to the LORD your God; he has chosen you to be his own people from among all the peoples who live on earth.

<RR1> Psalm 100

KJV w/Strong# - {1} A Psalm <04210> of praise <08426>. Make a joyful <07321> noise <07321> unto the LORD <03068>, all <03605> ye lands <0776>. {2} Serve <05647> the LORD <03068> with gladness <08057>: come <0935> before his presence <06440> with singing <07445>. {3} Know <03045> ye that the LORD <03068> he [is] God <0430>: [it is] he [that] hath made <06213> us, and not we ourselves <0587>; [we are] his people <05971>, and the sheep <06629> of his pasture <04830>. {4} Enter <0935> into his gates <08179> with thanksgiving <08426>, [and] into his courts <02691> with praise <08416>: be thankful <03034> unto him, [and] bless <01288> his name <08034>. {5} For the LORD <03068> [is] good <02896>; his mercy <02617> [is] everlasting <05769>; and his truth <0530> [endureth] to all generations <01755>.

NRSV - 1 Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth. 2 Worship the LORD with gladness; come into his presence with singing. 3 Know that the LORD is God. It is he that made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him, bless his name. 5 For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.

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

<RR2> Psalm 149

KJV w/Strong# - {2} Let Israel <03478> rejoice <08055> in him that made <06213> him: let the children <01121> of Zion <06726> be joyful <01523> in their King <04428>. {3} Let them praise <01984> his name <08034> in the dance <04234>: let them sing <02167> praises unto him with the timbrel <08596> and harp <03658>. {4} For the LORD <03068> taketh pleasure <07521> in his people <05971>: he will beautify <06286> the meek <06035> with salvation <03444>. {5} Let the saints <02623> be joyful <05937> in glory <03519>:...

NRSV - 2 Let Israel be glad in its Maker; let the children of Zion rejoice in their King. 3 Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre. 4 For the LORD takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with victory. 5 Let the faithful exult in glory;...

TEV - "A Hymn of Praise" - 1 Praise the LORD! Sing a new song to the LORD; praise him in the assembly of his faithful people! 2 Be glad, Israel, because of your Creator; rejoice, people of Zion, because of your king! 3 Praise his name with dancing; play drums and harps in praise of him. 4 The LORD takes pleasure in his people; he honors the humble with victory. 5 Let God's people rejoice in their triumph and sing joyfully all night long. 6 Let them shout aloud as they praise God, with their sharp swords in their hands 7 to defeat the nations and to punish the peoples; 8 to bind their kings in chains, their leaders in chains of iron; 9 to punish the nations as God has commanded. This is the victory of God's people. Praise the LORD!

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<B1> 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. {28} And God <0430> blessed <01288> them, and God <0430> said <0559> unto them, Be fruitful <06509>, and multiply <07235>, and replenish <04390> the earth <0776>, and subdue <03533> it:...

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. 28 God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it;...

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.

<B2> Isaiah 43

KJV w/Strong# - {10} Ye [are] my witnesses <05707>, saith <05002> the LORD <03068>, and my servant <05650> whom <0834> I have chosen <0977>: that ye may know <03045> and believe <0539> me, and understand <0995> that I [am] he: before <06440> me there was no <03808> God <0410> formed <03335>, neither <03808> shall there be after <0310> me.

{21} This <02098> people <05971> have I formed <03335> for myself; they shall shew <05608> forth my praise <08416>.

NRSV - 10 You are my witnesses, says the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me.

21 the people whom I formed for myself so that they might declare my praise.

TEV - "Israel Is the LORD's Witness" - 10 "People of Israel, you are my witnesses; I chose you to be my servant, so that you would know me and believe in me and understand that I am the only God. Besides me there is no other god; there never was and never will be. 11 "I alone am the LORD, the only one who can save you. 12 I predicted what would happen, and then I came to your aid. No foreign god has ever done this; you are my witnesses. 13 I am God and always will be. No one can escape from my power; no one can change what I do."

"Escape from Babylon" - 18 But the LORD says, "Do not cling to events of the past or dwell on what happened long ago. 19 Watch for the new thing I am going to do. It is happening already -- you can see it now! I will make a road through the wilderness and give you streams of water there. 20 Even the wild animals will honor me; jackals and ostriches will praise me when I make rivers flow in the desert to give water to my chosen people. 21 They are the people I made for myself, and they will sing my praises!"

<B3> Psalm 95

KJV w/Strong# - {1} O come <03212>, let us sing <07442> unto the LORD <03068>: let us make a joyful noise to the rock <06697> of our salvation <03468>.

{3} For the LORD <03068> [is] a great <01419> God <0410>, and a great <01419> King <04428> above <05921> all <03605> gods <0430>. {4} In his hand <03027> [are] the deep <04278> places of the earth <0776>: the strength <08443> of the hills <02022> [is] his also.

{6} O come <0935>, let us worship <07812> and bow <03766> down <03766>: let us kneel <01288> before <06440> the LORD <03068> our maker <06213>.

NRSV - 1 O come, let us sing to the LORD; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!

3 For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. 4 In his hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are his also.

6 O come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker!

TEV - "A Song of Praise" - 1 Come, let us praise the LORD! Let us sing for joy to God, who protects us! 2 Let us come before him with thanksgiving and sing joyful songs of praise. 3 For the LORD is a mighty God, a mighty king over all the gods. 4 He rules over the whole earth, from the deepest caves to the highest hills. 5 He rules over the sea, which he made; the land also, which he himself formed. 6 Come, let us bow down and worship him; let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker! 7 He is our God; we are the people he cares for, the flock for which he provides.

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<B4> Romans 8

KJV w/Strong# - {5} For they that are after <2596> the flesh <4561> do mind <5426> the things of the flesh <4561>; but they that are after <2596> the Spirit <4151> the things of the Spirit <4151>.

{8} So then <1161> they that are in the flesh <4561> cannot <1410> please <700> God <2316>. {9} But ye are not in the flesh <4561>, but in the Spirit <4151>, if <1512> so be that the Spirit <4151> of God <2316> dwell <3611> in you...

NRSV - 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.

8 and those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But you are not in the flesh; you are in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God dwells in you...

TEV - "The Conflict in Man" - 5 Those who live as their human nature tells them to, have their minds controlled by what human nature wants. Those who live as the Spirit tells them to, have their minds controlled by what the Spirit wants. 6 To be controlled by human nature results in death; to be controlled by the Spirit results in life and peace. 7 And so a person becomes an enemy of God when he is controlled by his human nature; for he does not obey God's law, and in fact he cannot obey it. 8 Those who obey their human nature cannot please God. 9 But you do not live as your human nature tells you to; instead, you live as the Spirit tells you to -- if, in fact, God's Spirit lives in you. Whoever does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. 10 But if Christ lives in you, the Spirit is life for you because you have been put right with God, even though your bodies are going to die because of sin. 11 If the Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from death, lives in you, then he who raised Christ from death will also give life to your mortal bodies by the presence of his Spirit in you.

<B5> Job 3

KJV w/Strong# - {2} And Job <0347> spake <06030>, and said <0559>, {3} Let the day <03117> perish <06> wherein I was born <03205>, and the night <03915> [in which] it was said <0559>, There is a man <01397> child conceived <02030>. {4} Let that day <03117> be darkness <02822>; let not God <0433> regard <01875> it from above <04605>, neither <0408> let the light <05105> shine <03313> upon it.

NRSV - 2 Job said: 3 "Let the day perish in which I was born, and the night that said, "A man-child is conceived.' 4 Let that day be darkness! May God above not seek it, or light shine on it.

TEV - "Job's Complaint to God" - 1 Finally Job broke the silence and cursed the day on which he had been born. Job 2...3 O God, put a curse on the day I was born; put a curse on the night when I was conceived! 4 Turn that day into darkness, God. Never again remember that day; never again let light shine on it. 5 Make it a day of gloom and thick darkness; cover it with clouds, and blot out the sun. 6 Blot that night out of the year, and never let it be counted again; 7 make it a barren, joyless night.

<B6> Job 32

KJV w/Strong# - {6} And Elihu <0453> the son <01121> of Barachel <01292> the Buzite <0940> answered <06030> and said <0559>, I [am] young, and ye [are] very <03453> old <03453>; wherefore I was afraid <02119>, and durst <03372> not shew <02331> you mine opinion <01843>.

{8} But [there is] a spirit <07307> in man <0582>: and the inspiration <05397> of the Almighty <07706> giveth them understanding <0995>.

NRSV - 6 Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite answered: "I am young in years, and you are aged; therefore I was timid and afraid to declare my opinion to you.

8 But truly it is the spirit in a mortal, the breath of the Almighty, that makes for understanding.

TEV - "The Speeches of Elihu" - 4 Because Elihu was the youngest one there, he had waited until everyone finished speaking. 5 When he saw that the three men could not answer Job, he was angry 6 and began to speak. I am young, and you are old, so I was afraid to tell you what I think. 7 I told myself that you ought to speak, that you older men should share your wisdom. 8 But it is the spirit of Almighty God that comes to men and gives them wisdom. 9 It is not growing old that makes men wise or helps them to know what is right. 10 So now I want you to listen to me; let me tell you what I think.

<B7> Job 33

KJV w/Strong# - {1} Wherefore <0199>, Job <0347>, I pray <04994> thee, hear <08085> my speeches <04405>, and hearken <0238> to all <03605> my words <01697>.

{4} The Spirit <07307> of God <0410> hath made <06213> me, and the breath <05397> of the Almighty <07706> hath given me life <02421>.

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

{22} Yea, his soul <05315> draweth near <07126> unto the grave <07845>, and his life <02416> to the destroyers <04191>. {23} If <0518> there be a messenger <04397> with him, an interpreter <03887>, one <0259> among <04480> a thousand <0505>, to shew <05046> unto man <0120> his uprightness <03476>: {24} Then he is gracious <02603> unto him, and saith <0559>, Deliver <06308> him from going <03381> down <03381> to the pit <07845>: I have found <04672> a ransom <03724>.

{26} He shall pray <06279> unto God <0433>, and he will be favourable <07520> unto him: and he shall see <07200> his face <06440> with joy <08643>: for he will render <07725> unto man <0582> his righteousness <06666>.

NRSV - 1 "But now, hear my speech, O Job, and listen to all my words.

4 The spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.

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

22 Their souls draw near the Pit, and their lives to those who bring death. 23 Then, if there should be for one of them an angel, a mediator, one of a thousand, one who declares a person upright, 24 and he is gracious to that person, and says, "Deliver him from going down into the Pit; I have found a ransom;

26 Then he prays to God, and is accepted by him, he comes into his presence with joy, and God repays him for his righteousness.

TEV - "The Speeches of Elihu" - 1 And now, Job, listen carefully to all that I have to say. 2 I am ready to say what's on my mind. 3 All my words are sincere, and I am speaking the truth. 4 God's spirit made me and gave me life. 5 Answer me if you can. Prepare your arguments. 6 You and I are the same in God's sight, both of us were formed from clay. 7 So you have no reason to fear me; I will not overpower you.

14 Although God speaks again and again, no one pays attention to what he says. 15 At night when men are asleep, God speaks in dreams and visions. 16 He makes them listen to what he says, and they are frightened at his warnings. 17 God speaks to make them stop their sinning and to save them from becoming proud. 18 He will not let them be destroyed; he saves them from death itself. 19 God corrects a man by sending sickness and filling his body with pain. 20 The sick man loses his appetite, and even the finest food looks revolting. 21 His body wastes away to nothing; you can see all his bones; 22 he is about to go to the world of the dead. 23 Perhaps an angel may come to his aid -- one of God's thousands of angels, who remind men of their duty. 24 In mercy the angel will say, "Release him! He is not to go down to the world of the dead. Here is the ransom to set him free." 25 His body will grow young and strong again; 26 when he prays, God will answer him; he will worship God with joy; God will set things right for him again. 27 He will say in public, "I have sinned. I have not done right, but God spared me. 28 He kept me from going to the world of the dead, and I am still alive."

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<B8> 1 John 3

KJV w/Strong# - {7} Little <5040> children <5040>, let no <3367> man <3367> deceive <4105> you: he that doeth <4160> righteousness <1343> is righteous <1342>, even <2531> as he is righteous <1342>. {8} He that committeth <4160> sin <266> is of the devil <1228>; for the devil <1228> sinneth <264> from the beginning <746>. For this <5124> purpose the Son <5207> of God <2316> was manifested <5319>, that he might destroy <3089> the works <2041> of the devil <1228>. {9} Whosoever <3588> is born <1080> of God <2316> doth not commit <4160> sin <266>; for his seed <4690> remaineth <3306> in him: and he cannot <1410> sin <264>, because <3754> he is born <1080> of God <2316>.

NRSV - 7 Little children, let no one deceive you. Everyone who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. 8 Everyone who commits sin is a child of the devil; for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The Son of God was revealed for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil. 9 Those who have been born of God do not sin, because God's seed abides in them; they cannot sin, because they have been born of God.

TEV - "Children of God" - 4 Whoever sins is guilty of breaking God's law, because sin is a breaking of the law. 5 You know that Christ appeared in order to take away sins, and that there is no sin in him. 6 So everyone who lives in union with Christ does not continue to sin; but whoever continues to sin has never seen him or known him. 7 Let no one deceive you, my children! Whoever does what is right is righteous, just as Christ is righteous. 8 Whoever continues to sin belongs to the Devil, because the Devil has sinned from the very beginning. The Son of God appeared for this very reason, to destroy what the Devil had done. 9 Whoever is a child of God does not continue to sin, for God's very nature is in him; and because God is his Father, he cannot continue to sin. 10 Here is the clear difference between God's children and the Devil's children: anyone who does not do what is right or does not love his brother is not God's child.

<B9> Matthew 9

KJV w/Strong# - {10} And it came <1096> to pass, as Jesus <2424> sat <345> at <345> meat in the house <3614>, behold <2400>, many <4183> publicans <5057> and sinners <268> came <2064> and sat <4873> down <4873> with him and his disciples <3101>. {11} And when the Pharisees <5330> saw <1492> [it], they said <2036> unto his disciples <3101>, Why <1302> eateth <2068> your <5216> Master <1320> with publicans <5057> and sinners <268>? {12} But when Jesus <2424> heard <191> [that], he said <2036> unto them, They that be whole <2480> need <5532> not a physician <2395>, but they that are sick <2560>. {13} But go <4198> ye and learn <3129> what <5101> [that] meaneth <2076>, I will <2309> have mercy <1656>, and not sacrifice <2378>: for I am not come <2064> to call <2564> the righteous <1342>, but sinners <268> to repentance <3341>.

NRSV - 10 And as he sat at dinner in the house, many tax collectors and sinners came and were sitting with him and his disciples. 11 When the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" 12 But when he heard this, he said, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13 Go and learn what this means, "I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners."

TEV - "Jesus Calls Matthew" - 9 Jesus left that place, and as he walked along, he saw a tax collector, named Matthew, sitting in his office. He said to him, "Follow me." Matthew got up and followed him. 10 While Jesus was having a meal in Matthew's house, many tax collectors and other outcasts came and joined Jesus and his disciples at the table. 11 Some Pharisees saw this and asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with such people?" 12 Jesus heard them and answered, "People who are well do not need a doctor, but only those who are sick. 13 Go and find out what is meant by the scripture that says: "It is kindness that I want, not animal sacrifices.' I have not come to call respectable people, but outcasts."

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<B10> Mark 5

KJV w/Strong# - {25} And a certain <5100> woman <1135>, which had <1510> an issue <4511> of blood <129> twelve <1427> years <2094>, {26} And had suffered <3958> many <4183> things of many <4183> physicians <2395>, and had spent <1159> all <3956> that she had <3844>, and was nothing <3367> bettered <5623>, but rather <3123> grew <2064> worse <5501>, {27} When she had heard <191> of Jesus <2424>, came <2064> in the press <3793> behind <3693>, and touched <680> his garment <2440>. {28} For she said <3004>, If <2579> I may touch <680> but his clothes <2440>, I shall be whole <4982>. {29} And straightway <2112> the fountain <4077> of her blood <129> was dried <3583> up; and she felt <1097> in [her] body <4983> that she was healed <2390> of that plague <3148>. {30} And Jesus <2424>, immediately <2112> knowing <1921> in himself <1438> that virtue <1411> had gone <1831> out of him, turned <1994> him about <1994> in the press <3793>, and said <3004>, Who <5101> touched <680> my clothes <2440>? {31} And his disciples <3101> said <3004> unto him, Thou seest <991> the multitude <3793> thronging <4918> thee, and sayest <3004> thou, Who <5101> touched <680> me? {32} And he looked <4017> round <4017> about <4017> to see <1492> her that had done <4160> this <5124> thing. {33} But the woman <1135> fearing <5399> and trembling <5141>, knowing <1492> what <3739> was done <1096> in her, came <2064> and fell <4363> down before <4363> him, and told <2036> him all <3956> the truth <225>. {34} And he said <2036> unto her, Daughter <2364>, thy faith <4102> hath made <4982> thee whole <4982>; go <5217> in peace <1515>, and be whole <5199> of thy plague <3148>.

NRSV - 25 Now there was a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years. 26 She had endured much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had; and she was no better, but rather grew worse. 27 She had heard about Jesus, and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, 28 for she said, "If I but touch his clothes, I will be made well." 29 Immediately her hemorrhage stopped; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. 30 Immediately aware that power had gone forth from him, Jesus turned about in the crowd and said, "Who touched my clothes?" 31 And his disciples said to him, "You see the crowd pressing in on you; how can you say, "Who touched me?"' 32 He looked all around to see who had done it. 33 But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling, fell down before him, and told him the whole truth. 34 He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease."

TEV - "Jairus' Daughter and the Woman Who Touched Jesus' Cloak" - 25 There was a woman who had suffered terribly from severe bleeding for twelve years, 26 even though she had been treated by many doctors. She had spent all her money, but instead of getting better she got worse all the time. 27 She had heard about Jesus, so she came in the crowd behind him, 28 saying to herself, "If I just touch his clothes, I will get well." 29 She touched his cloak, and her bleeding stopped at once; and she had the feeling inside herself that she was healed of her trouble. 30 At once Jesus knew that power had gone out of him, so he turned around in the crowd and asked, "Who touched my clothes?" 31 His disciples answered, "You see how the people are crowding you; why do you ask who touched you?" 32 But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. 33 The woman realized what had happened to her, so she came, trembling with fear, knelt at his feet, and told him the whole truth. 34 Jesus said to her, "My daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your trouble." 35 While Jesus was saying this, some messengers came from Jairus' house and told him, "Your daughter has died. Why bother the Teacher any longer?"

<B11> Romans 8

KJV w/Strong# - {12} ...brethren <80>, we are debtors <3781>, not to the flesh <4561>, to live <2198> after <2596> the flesh <4561>.

{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>.

NRSV - 12 ...brothers and sisters, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh --

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!"

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.

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<B12> Acts 10

KJV w/Strong# - {1} There was a certain <5100> man <435> in Caesarea <2542> called <3686> Cornelius <2883>, a centurion <1543> of the band <4686> called <2564> the Italian <2483> [band], {2} [A] devout <2152> [man], and one that feared <5399> God <2316> with all <3956> his house <3624>, which gave <4160> much <4183> alms <1654> to the people <2992>, and prayed <1189> to God <2316> alway <1275>. {3} He saw <1492> in a vision <3705> evidently <5320> about <5616> the ninth <1766> hour <5610> of the day <2250> an angel <32> of God <2316> coming <1525> in to him, and saying <2036> unto him, Cornelius <2883>. {4} And when he looked <816> on him, he was afraid <1719>, and said <2036>, What <5101> is it, Lord <2962>? And he said <2036> unto him, Thy prayers <4335> and thine <3588> alms <1654> are come <305> up for a memorial <3422> before <1799> God <2316>. {5} And now <3568> send <3992> men <435> to Joppa <2445>, and call <3343> for [one] Simon <4613>, whose <3739> surname <1941> is Peter <4074>:

{21} Then <1161> Peter <4074> went <2597> down <2597> to the men <435> which <3588> were sent <649> unto him from Cornelius <2883>; and said <2036>, Behold <2400>, I am <1510> he whom <3739> ye seek <2212>: what <5101> [is] the cause <156> wherefore <3739> ye are come <3918>? {22} And they said <2036>, Cornelius <2883> the centurion <1543>, a just <1342> man <435>, and one that feareth <5399> God <2316>, and of good <3140> report <3140> among <5259> all <3650> the nation <1484> of the Jews <2453>, was warned <5537> from God by an holy <40> angel <32> to send <3343> for thee into <1519> his house <3624>, and to hear <191> words <4487> of thee. {23} Then <3767> called <1528> he them in, and lodged <3579> [them]. And on the morrow <1887> Peter <4074> went <1831> away <1831> with them, and certain <5100> brethren <80> from Joppa <2445> accompanied <4905> him.

{25} And as Peter <4074> was coming <1525> in, Cornelius <2883> met <4876> him, and fell <4098> down at <1909> his feet <4228>, and worshipped <4352> [him]. {26} But Peter <4074> took <1453> him up, saying <3004>, Stand <450> up; I myself also <2504> am <1510> a man <444>. {27} And as he talked <4926> with him, he went <1525> in, and found <2147> many <4183> that were come <4905> together <4905>. {28} And he said <5346> unto them, Ye know <1987> how <5613> that it is an unlawful <111> thing for a man <435> that is a Jew <2453> to keep <2853> company <2853>, or <2228> come <4334> unto one of another <246> nation <246>; but God <2316> hath shewed <1166> me that I should not <3367> call <3004> any <3367> man <444> common <2839> or <2228> unclean <169>.

{34} Then <1161> Peter <4074> opened <455> [his] mouth <4750>, and said <2036>, Of a truth <225> I perceive <2638> that God <2316> is no <3756> respecter <4381> of persons <4381>: {35} But in every <3956> nation <1484> he that feareth <5399> him, and worketh <2038> righteousness <1343>, is accepted <1184> with him.

NRSV - 1 In Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of the Italian Cohort, as it was called. 2 He was a devout man who feared God with all his household; he gave alms generously to the people and prayed constantly to God. 3 One afternoon at about three o'clock he had a vision in which he clearly saw an angel of God coming in and saying to him, "Cornelius." 4 He stared at him in terror and said, "What is it, Lord?" He answered, "Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God. 5 Now send men to Joppa for a certain Simon who is called Peter;

21 So Peter went down to the men and said, "I am the one you are looking for; what is the reason for your coming?" 22 They answered, "Cornelius, a centurion, an upright and God-fearing man, who is well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation, was directed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house and to hear what you have to say." 23 So Peter invited them in and gave them lodging. The next day he got up and went with them, and some of the believers from Joppa accompanied him.

25 On Peter's arrival Cornelius met him, and falling at his feet, worshiped him. 26 But Peter made him get up, saying, "Stand up; I am only a mortal." 27 And as he talked with him, he went in and found that many had assembled; 28 and he said to them, "You yourselves know that it is unlawful for a Jew to associate with or to visit a Gentile; but God has shown me that I should not call anyone profane or unclean.

34 Then Peter began to speak to them: "I truly understand that God shows no partiality, 35 but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.

TEV - "Peter and Cornelius" - 1 There was a man in Caesarea named Cornelius, who was a captain in the Roman army regiment called "The Italian Regiment." 2 He was a religious man; he and his whole family worshiped God. He also did much to help the Jewish poor people and was constantly praying to God. 3 It was about three o'clock one afternoon when he had a vision, in which he clearly saw an angel of God come in and say to him, "Cornelius!" 4 He stared at the angel in fear and said, "What is it, sir?" The angel answered, "God is pleased with your prayers and works of charity, and is ready to answer you. 5 And now send some men to Joppa for a certain man whose full name is Simon Peter. 6 He is a guest in the home of a tanner of leather named Simon, who lives by the sea." 7 Then the angel went away, and Cornelius called two of his house servants and a soldier, a religious man who was one of his personal attendants. 8 He told them what had happened and sent them off to Joppa.

17 While Peter was wondering about the meaning of this vision, the men sent by Cornelius had learned where Simon's house was, and they were now standing in front of the gate. 18 They called out and asked, "Is there a guest here by the name of Simon Peter?" 19 Peter was still trying to understand what the vision meant, when the Spirit said, "Listen! Three men are here looking for you. 20 So get ready and go down, and do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them." 21 So Peter went down and said to the men, "I am the man you are looking for. Why have you come?" 22 "Captain Cornelius sent us," they answered. "He is a good man who worships God and is highly respected by all the Jewish people. An angel of God told him to invite you to his house, so that he could hear what you have to say." 23 Peter invited the men in and had them spend the night there. The next day he got ready and went with them; and some of the believers from Joppa went along with him. 24 The following day he arrived in Caesarea, where Cornelius was waiting for him, together with relatives and close friends that he had invited. 25 As Peter was about to go in, Cornelius met him, fell at his feet, and bowed down before him. 26 But Peter made him rise. "Stand up," he said, "I myself am only a man." 27 Peter kept on talking to Cornelius as he went into the house, where he found many people gathered. 28 He said to them, "You yourselves know very well that a Jew is not allowed by his religion to visit or associate with Gentiles. But God has shown me that I must not consider any person ritually unclean or defiled. 29 And so when you sent for me, I came without any objection. I ask you, then, why did you send for me?"

"Peter's Speech" - 34 Peter began to speak: "I now realize that it is true that God treats everyone on the same basis. 35 Whoever fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him, no matter what race he belongs to. 36 You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, proclaiming the Good News of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. 37 You know of the great event that took place throughout the land of Israel, beginning in Galilee after John preached his message of baptism. 38 You know about Jesus of Nazareth and how God poured out on him the Holy Spirit and power. He went everywhere, doing good and healing all who were under the power of the Devil, for God was with him.

<B13> Malachi 2

KJV w/Strong# - {10} Have we not all <03605> one <0259> father <02>? hath not one <0259> God <0410> created <01254> us?...

NRSV - 10 Have we not all one father? Has not one God created us?...

TEV - "The People's Unfaithfulness to God" - 10 Don't we all have the same father? Didn't the same God create us all? Then why do we break our promises to one another, and why do we despise the covenant that God made with our ancestors? 11 The people of Judah have broken their promise to God and done a horrible thing in Jerusalem and all over the country. They have defiled the Temple which the LORD loves. Men have married women who worship foreign gods. 12 May the LORD remove from the community of Israel those who did this, and never again let them participate in the offerings our nation brings to the LORD Almighty.

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<B14> Psalm 145

KJV w/Strong# - {9} The LORD <03068> [is] good <02896> to all <03605>: and his tender mercies <07356> [are] over <05921> all <03605> his works <04639>. {10} All <03605> thy works <04639> shall praise <03034> thee, O LORD <03068>; and thy saints <02623> shall bless <01288> thee. {11} They shall speak <0559> of the glory <03519> of thy kingdom <04438>, and talk <01696> of thy power <01369>; {12} To make known <03045> to the sons <01121> of men <0120> his mighty <01369> acts, and the glorious <03519> majesty <01926> of his kingdom <04438>. {13} Thy kingdom <04438> [is] an everlasting <05769> kingdom <04438>, and thy dominion <04475> [endureth] throughout all generations <01755>.

NRSV - 9 The LORD is good to all, and his compassion is over all that he has made. 10 All your works shall give thanks to you, O LORD, and all your faithful shall bless you. 11 They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom, and tell of your power, 12 to make known to all people your mighty deeds, and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. 13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations. The LORD is faithful in all his words, and gracious in all his deeds.

TEV - "A Hymn of Praise" - 4 What you have done will be praised from one generation to the next; they will proclaim your mighty acts. 5 They will speak of your glory and majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds. 6 People will speak of your mighty deeds, and I will proclaim your greatness. 7 They will tell about all your goodness and sing about your kindness. 8 The LORD is loving and merciful, slow to become angry and full of constant love. 9 He is good to everyone and has compassion on all he made. 10 All your creatures, LORD, will praise you, and all your people will give you thanks. 11 They will speak of the glory of your royal power and tell of your might, 12 so that everyone will know your mighty deeds and the glorious majesty of your kingdom. 13 Your rule is eternal, and you are king forever. The LORD is faithful to his promises; he is merciful in all his acts. 14 He helps those who are in trouble; he lifts those who have fallen.

<B15> Psalm 8

KJV w/Strong# - {3} When <03588> I consider <07200> thy heavens <08064>, the work <04639> of thy fingers <0676>, the moon <03394> and the stars <03556>, which <0834> thou hast ordained <03559>; {4} What <04100> is man <0582>, that thou art mindful <02142> of him? and the son <01121> of man <0120>, that thou visitest <06485> him? {5} For thou hast made him a little <04592> lower <02637> than the angels <0430>, and hast crowned <05849> him with glory <03519> and honour <01926>. {6} Thou madest him to have dominion <04910> over the works <04639> of thy hands <03027>; thou hast put <07896> all <03605> [things] under <08478> his feet <07272>:

{9} O LORD <03068> our Lord <0113>, how <04100> excellent <0117> [is] thy name <08034> in all <03605> the earth <0776>!

NRSV - 3 When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have established; 4 what are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them? 5 Yet you have made them a little lower than God, and crowned them with glory and honor. 6 You have given them dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under their feet,

9 O LORD, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

TEV - "God's Glory and Man's Dignity" - 3 When I look at the sky, which you have made, at the moon and the stars, which you set in their places -- 4 what is man, that you think of him; mere man, that you care for him? 5 Yet you made him inferior only to yourself; you crowned him with glory and honor. 6 You appointed him ruler over everything you made; you placed him over all creation: 7 sheep and cattle, and the wild animals too; 8 the birds and the fish and the creatures in the seas. 9 O LORD, our Lord, your greatness is seen in all the world!

<B16> Psalm 126

KJV w/Strong# - {3} The LORD <03068> hath done <06213> great <01431> things for us; [whereof] we are glad <08056>.

NRSV - 3 The LORD has done great things for us, and we rejoiced.

TEV - "A Prayer for Deliverance" - 1 When the LORD brought us back to Jerusalem, it was like a dream! 2 How we laughed, how we sang for joy! Then the other nations said about us, "The LORD did great things for them." 3 Indeed he did great things for us; how happy we were!

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