The BIBLETEXTS Online Bible Commentary 

Excerpts that are relevant to the Bible Lesson for Sunday, September 20, 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 Sunday, 9/13/98, at 9:15 am (USA East Coast Time); revised 9/13/98, at 8:15 pm. 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> 1 John

KJV w/Strong# - {21} Little <5040> children <5040>, keep <5442> yourselves <1438> from idols <1497>...

NRSV - 21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols.

TEV - "Eternal Life" - 18 We know that no child of God keeps on sinning, for the Son of God keeps him safe, and the Evil One cannot harm him. 19 We know that we belong to God even though the whole world is under the rule of the Evil One. 20 We know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we know the true God. We live in union with the true God -- in union with his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and this is eternal life. 21 My children, keep yourselves safe from false gods!

<RR1> 2 Timothy 2

KJV w/Strong# - {15} Study <4704> to shew <3936> thyself <4572> approved <1384> unto God <2316>, a workman <2040> that needeth <422> not to be ashamed <422>, rightly dividing <3718> the word <3056> of truth <225>. {16} But shun <4026> profane <952> [and] vain <2757> babblings <2757>: for they will increase <4298> unto more <4119> ungodliness <763>.

{19} Nevertheless <3305> the foundation <2310> of God <2316> standeth <2476> sure <4731>, having <2192> this <5026> seal <4973>, The Lord <2962> knoweth <1097> them that are his. And, Let every <3956> one that nameth <3687> the name <3686> of Christ <5547> depart <868> from iniquity <93>.

{22} Flee <5343> also <1161> youthful <3512> lusts <1939>: but follow <1377> righteousness <1343>, faith <4102>, charity <26>, peace <1515>, with them that call <1941> on <1941> the Lord <2962> out of a pure <2513> heart <2588>.

NRSV - 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved by him, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly explaining the word of truth. 16 Avoid profane chatter, for it will lead people into more and more impiety,

19 But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Let everyone who calls on the name of the Lord turn away from wickedness."

22 Shun youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

TEV - "An Approved Worker" - 14 Remind your people of this, and give them a solemn warning in God's presence not to fight over words. It does no good, but only ruins the people who listen. 15 Do your best to win full approval in God's sight, as a worker who is not ashamed of his work, one who correctly teaches the message of God's truth. 16 Keep away from profane and foolish discussions, which only drive people farther away from God. 17 Such teaching is like an open sore that eats away the flesh. Two men who have taught such things are Hymenaeus and Philetus. 18 They have left the way of truth and are upsetting the faith of some believers by saying that our resurrection has already taken place. 19 But the solid foundation that God has laid cannot be shaken; and on it are written these words: "The Lord knows those who are his" and "Whoever says that he belongs to the Lord must turn away from wrongdoing." 20 In a large house there are dishes and bowls of all kinds: some are made of silver and gold, others of wood and clay; some are for special occasions, others for ordinary use. 21 If anyone makes himself clean from all those evil things, he will be used for special purposes, because he is dedicated and useful to his Master, ready to be used for every good deed. 22 Avoid the passions of youth, and strive for righteousness, faith, love, and peace, together with those who with a pure heart call out to the Lord for help. 23 But keep away from foolish and ignorant arguments; you know that they end up in quarrels.

<RR2> 2 Timothy 3

KJV w/Strong# - {12} Yea <1161>, and all <3956> that will <2309> live <2198> godly <2153> in Christ <5547> Jesus <2424> shall suffer <1377> persecution <1377>.

{14} But continue <3306> thou in the things which <3739> thou hast learned <3129> and hast been assured <4104> of, knowing <1492> of whom <5101> thou hast learned <3129> [them]; {15} And that from a child <1025> thou hast known <1492> the holy <2413> scriptures <1121>, which <3588> are able <1410> to make <4679> thee wise <4679> unto salvation <4991> through <1223> faith <4102> which <3588> is in Christ <5547> Jesus <2424>.

NRSV - 12 Indeed, all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it, 15 and how from childhood you have known the sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

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

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

<B1> Ecclesiastes 1

KJV w/Strong# - {12} I the Preacher <06953> was king <04428> over <05921> Israel <03478> in Jerusalem <03389>. {13} And I gave <05414> my heart <03820> to seek <01875> and search <08446> out by wisdom <02451> concerning <05921> all <03605> [things] that are done <06466> under <08478> heaven <08064>:...

NRSV - 12 I, the Teacher, when king over Israel in Jerusalem, 13 applied my mind to seek and to search out by wisdom all that is done under heaven;...

TEV - "The Philosopher's Experience" - 12 I, the Philosopher, have been king over Israel in Jerusalem. 13 I determined that I would examine and study all the things that are done in this world. God has laid a miserable fate upon us. 14 I have seen everything done in this world, and I tell you, it is all useless. It is like chasing the wind. 15 You can't straighten out what is crooked; you can't count things that aren't there.

<B2> Ecclesiastes 2

KJV w/Strong# - {4} I made me great <01431> works <04639>; I builded <01129> me houses <01004>; I planted <05193> me vineyards <03754>: {5} I made <06213> me gardens <01593> and orchards <06508>, and I planted <05193> trees <06086> in them of all <03605> [kind of] fruits <06529>:

{10} And whatsoever mine eyes <05869> desired <07592> I kept <0680> not from them, I withheld <04513> not my heart <03820> from any <03605> joy <08057>; for my heart <03820> rejoiced <08055> in all <03605> my labour <05999>: and this <02088> was my portion <02506> of all <03605> my labour <05999>. {11} Then I looked <06437> on all <03605> the works <04639> that my hands <03027> had wrought <06213>, and on the labour <05999> that I had laboured <05998> to do <06213>: and, behold <02009>, all <03605> [was] vanity <01892> and vexation <07469> of spirit <07307>, and [there was] no <0369> profit <03504> under <08478> the sun <08121>.

NRSV - 4 I made great works; I built houses and planted vineyards for myself; 5 I made myself gardens and parks, and planted in them all kinds of fruit trees.

10 Whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them; I kept my heart from no pleasure, for my heart found pleasure in all my toil, and this was my reward for all my toil. 11 Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had spent in doing it, and again, all was vanity and a chasing after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun.

TEV - "The Philosopher's Experience" - 4 I accomplished great things. I built myself houses and planted vineyards. 5 I planted gardens and orchards, with all kinds of fruit trees in them; 6 I dug ponds to irrigate them. 7 I bought many slaves, and there were slaves born in my household. I owned more livestock than anyone else who had ever lived in Jerusalem. 8 I also piled up silver and gold from the royal treasuries of the lands I ruled. Men and women sang to entertain me, and I had all the women a man could want.

10 Anything I wanted, I got. I did not deny myself any pleasure. I was proud of everything I had worked for, and all this was my reward. 11 Then I thought about all that I had done and how hard I had worked doing it, and I realized that it didn't mean a thing. It was like chasing the wind -- of no use at all. 12 After all, a king can only do what previous kings have done. So I started thinking about what it meant to be wise or reckless or foolish. 13 Oh, I know, "Wisdom is better than foolishness, just as light is better than darkness. 14 Wise men can see where they are going, and fools cannot." But I also know that the same fate is waiting for us all.

<B3> Ecclesiastes 3

KJV w/Strong# - {14} I know <03045> that, whatsoever God <0430> doeth <06213>, it shall be for ever <05769>: nothing <0369> can be put <03254> to it, nor <0369> any thing taken <01639> from it: and God <0430> doeth <06213> [it], that [men] should fear <03372> before <06440> him.

NRSV - 14 I know that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it; God has done this, so that all should stand in awe before him.

TEV - "A Time for Everything" - 9 What do we gain from all our work? 10 I know the heavy burdens that God has laid on us. 11 He has set the right time for everything. He has given us a desire to know the future, but never gives us the satisfaction of fully understanding what he does. 12 So I realized that all we can do is be happy and do the best we can while we are still alive. 13 All of us should eat and drink and enjoy what we have worked for. It is God's gift. 14 I know that everything God does will last forever. You can't add anything to it or take anything away from it. And one thing God does is to make us stand in awe of him. 15 Whatever happens or can happen has already happened before. God makes the same thing happen again and again.

<B4> 1 John 2

KJV w/Strong# - {16} For all <3956> that [is] in the world <2889>, the lust <1939> of the flesh <4561>, and the lust <1939> of the eyes <3788>, and the pride <212> of life <979>, is not of the Father <3962>, but is of the world <2889>. {17} And the world <2889> passeth <3855> away, and the lust <1939> thereof <846>: but he that doeth <4160> the will <2307> of God <2316> abideth <3306> for ever <165>.

NRSV - 16 for all that is in the world -- the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, the pride in riches -- comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 And the world and its desire are passing away, but those who do the will of God live forever.

TEV - "The New Command" - 14 I write to you, my children, because you know the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you know him who has existed from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong; the word of God lives in you, and you have defeated the Evil One. 15 Do not love the world or anything that belongs to the world. If you love the world, you do not love the Father. 16 Everything that belongs to the world -- what the sinful self desires, what people see and want, and everything in this world that people are so proud of -- none of this comes from the Father; it all comes from the world. 17 The world and everything in it that people desire is passing away; but he who does the will of God lives forever.

<B5> John 4

KJV w/Strong# - {24} God <2316> [is] a Spirit <4151>: and they that worship <4352> him must <1163> worship <4352> [him] in spirit <4151> and in truth <225>.

NRSV - 24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth."

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."

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

<B6> Ezekiel 18

KJV w/Strong# - {1} The word <01697> of the LORD <03068> came <01961> unto me again, saying <0559>, {2} What <04100> mean ye, that ye use <04911> this <02088> proverb <04911> concerning <05921> the land <0127> of Israel <03478>, saying <0559>, The fathers <01> have eaten <0398> sour <01155> grapes <01154>, and the children's <01121> teeth <08127> are set on edge <06949>? {3} [As] I live <02416>, saith <05002> the Lord <0136> GOD <03069>, ye shall not have [occasion] any more <05750> to use <04911> this <02088> proverb <04911> in Israel <03478>. {4} Behold <02005>, all <03605> souls <05315> are mine; as the soul <05315> of the father <01>, so also the soul <05315> of the son <01121> is mine:...

NRSV - 1 The word of the LORD came to me: 2 What do you mean by repeating this proverb concerning the land of Israel, "The parents have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge"? 3 As I live, says the Lord GOD, this proverb shall no more be used by you in Israel. 4 Know that all lives are mine; the life of the parent as well as the life of the child is mine:...

TEV - "Individual Responsibility" - 1 The LORD spoke to me 2 and said, "What is this proverb people keep repeating in the land of Israel? "The parents ate the sour grapes, But the children got the sour taste.' 3 "As surely as I am the living God," says the Sovereign LORD, "you will not repeat this proverb in Israel any more. 4 The life of every person belongs to me, the life of the parent as well as that of the child. The person who sins is the one who will die.

<B7> 1 Kings 17

KJV w/Strong# - {1} And Elijah <0452> the Tishbite <08664>, [who was] of the inhabitants <08453> of Gilead <01568>, said <0559> unto Ahab <0256>, [As] the LORD <03068> God <0430> of Israel <03478> liveth <02416>, before <06440> whom <0834> I stand <05975>, there shall not be dew <02919> nor rain <04306> these <0428> years <08141>, but according <06310> to my word <01697>.

{8} And the word <01697> of the LORD <03068> came <01961> unto him, saying <0559>, {9} Arise <06965>, get <03212> thee to Zarephath <06886>, which <0834> [belongeth] to Zidon <06721>, and dwell <03427> there <08033>: behold <02009>, I have commanded <06680> a widow <0490> woman <0802> there <08033> to sustain <03557> thee.

{17} And it came <01961> to pass after <0310> these <0428> things <01697>, [that] the son <01121> of the woman <0802>, the mistress <01172> of the house <01004>, fell sick <02470>; and his sickness <02483> was so <03966> sore <02389>, that there was no <03808> breath <05397> left <03498> in him. {18} And she said <0559> unto Elijah <0452>, What <04100> have I to do with thee, O thou man <0376> of God <0430>? art thou come <0935> unto me to call <02142> my sin <05771> to remembrance <02142>, and to slay <04191> my son <01121>? {19} And he said <0559> unto her, Give <05414> me thy son <01121>. And he took <03947> him out of her bosom <02436>, and carried <05927> him up into <0413> a loft <05944>, where he abode <03427>, and laid <07901> him upon his own bed <04296>.

{22} And the LORD <03068> heard <08085> the voice <06963> of Elijah <0452>; and the soul <05315> of the child <03206> came <07725> into <05921> him again <07725>, and he revived <02421>.

NRSV - 1 Now Elijah the Tishbite, of Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, "As the LORD the God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word."

8 Then the word of the LORD came to him, saying, 9 "Go now to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and live there; for I have commanded a widow there to feed you."

17 After this the son of the woman, the mistress of the house, became ill; his illness was so severe that there was no breath left in him. 18 She then said to Elijah, "What have you against me, O man of God? You have come to me to bring my sin to remembrance, and to cause the death of my son!" 19 But he said to her, "Give me your son." He took him from her bosom, carried him up into the upper chamber where he was lodging, and laid him on his own bed.

22 The LORD listened to the voice of Elijah; the life of the child came into him again, and he revived.

TEV - "Elijah and the Drought" - 1 A prophet named Elijah, from Tishbe in Gilead, said to King Ahab, "In the name of the LORD, the living God of Israel, whom I serve, I tell you that there will be no dew or rain for the next two or three years until I say so." 2 Then the LORD said to Elijah, 3 "Leave this place and go east and hide yourself near Cherith Brook, east of the Jordan. 4 The brook will supply you with water to drink, and I have commanded ravens to bring you food there." 5 Elijah obeyed the LORD's command, and went and stayed by Cherith Brook. 6 He drank water from the brook, and ravens brought him bread and meat every morning and every evening. 7 After a while the brook dried up because of the lack of rain.

"Elijah and the Widow in Zarephath" 8 Then the LORD said to Elijah, 9 "Now go to the town of Zarephath, near Sidon, and stay there. I have commanded a widow who lives there to feed you." 10 So Elijah went to Zarephath, and as he came to the town gate, he saw a widow gathering firewood. "Please bring me a drink of water," he said to her. 11 And as she was going to get it, he called out, "And please bring me some bread, too." 12 She answered, "By the living LORD your God I swear that I don't have any bread. All I have is a handful of flour in a bowl and a bit of olive oil in a jar. I came here to gather some firewood to take back home and prepare what little I have for my son and me. That will be our last meal, and then we will starve to death."

17 Some time later the widow's son got sick; he got worse and worse, and finally he died. 18 She said to Elijah, "Man of God, why did you do this to me? Did you come here to remind God of my sins and so cause my son's death?" 19 "Give the boy to me," Elijah said. He took the boy from her arms, carried him upstairs to the room where he was staying, and laid him on the bed. 20 Then he prayed aloud, "O LORD my God, why have you done such a terrible thing to this widow? She has been kind enough to take care of me, and now you kill her son!" 21 Then Elijah stretched himself out on the boy three times and prayed, "O LORD my God, restore this child to life!" 22 The LORD answered Elijah's prayer; the child started breathing again and revived.

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

<B8> John 6

KJV w/Strong# - {63} It is the spirit <4151> that quickeneth <2227>; the flesh <4561> profiteth <5623> nothing <3762>:...

NRSV - 63 It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless...

TEV - "The Words of Eternal Life" - 61 Without being told, Jesus knew that they were grumbling about this, so he said to them, "Does this make you want to give up? 62 Suppose, then, that you should see the Son of Man go back up to the place where he was before? 63 What gives life is God's Spirit; man's power is of no use at all. The words I have spoken to you bring God's life-giving Spirit. 64 Yet some of you do not believe." (Jesus knew from the very beginning who were the ones that would not believe and which one would betray him.) 65 And he added, "This is the very reason I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father makes it possible for him to do so."

<B9> Proverbs 22

KJV w/Strong# - {17} Bow <05186> down <05186> thine ear <0241>, and hear <08085> the words <01697> of the wise <02450>, and apply <07896> thine heart <03820> unto my knowledge <01847>.

{19} That thy trust <04009> may be in the LORD <03068>, I have made known <03045> to thee this day <03117>, even <0637> to thee.

{24} Make no <0408> friendship <07462> with an angry <0639> man <01167>; and with a furious <02534> man <0376> thou shalt not go <0935>:

NRSV - 17 The words of the wise: Incline your ear and hear my words, and apply your mind to my teaching;

19 So that your trust may be in the LORD, I have made them known to you today -- yes, to you.

24 Make no friends with those given to anger, and do not associate with hotheads,

TEV - "The Thirty Wise Sayings" - 17 Listen, and I will teach you what wise men have said. Study their teachings, 18 and you will be glad if you remember them and can quote them. 19 I want you to put your trust in the LORD; that is why I am going to tell them to you now. 20 I have written down thirty sayings for you. They contain knowledge and good advice, 21 and will teach you what the truth really is. Then when you are sent to find it out, you will bring back the right answer.

"Saying #2" - 24 Don't make friends with people who have hot, violent tempers. 25 You might learn their habits and not be able to change.

<B10> Proverbs 23

KJV w/Strong# - {4} Labour <03021> not to be rich <06238>: cease <02308> from thine own wisdom <0998>.

{19} Hear <08085> thou, my son <01121>, and be wise <02449>, and guide <0833> thine heart <03820> in the way <01870>. {20} Be not among winebibbers; among riotous <02151> eaters <02151> of flesh <01320>: {21} For the drunkard <05435> and the glutton <02151> shall come to poverty <03423>: and drowsiness <05124> shall clothe <03847> [a man] with rags <07168>.

{23} Buy <07069> the truth <0571>, and sell <04376> [it] not; [also] wisdom <02451>, and instruction <04148>, and understanding <0998>.

NRSV - 4 Do not wear yourself out to get rich; be wise enough to desist.

19 Hear, my child, and be wise, and direct your mind in the way. 20 Do not be among winebibbers, or among gluttonous eaters of meat; 21 for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe them with rags.

23 Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding.

TEV - "Saying #7" - 4 Be wise enough not to wear yourself out trying to get rich. 5 Your money can be gone in a flash, as if it had grown wings and flown away like an eagle.

"Saying #15" - 19 Listen, my son, be wise and give serious thought to the way you live. 20 Don't associate with people who drink too much wine or stuff themselves with food. 21 Drunkards and gluttons will be reduced to poverty. If all you do is eat and sleep, you will soon be wearing rags.

"Saying #16" - 22 Listen to your father; without him you would not exist. When your mother is old, show her your appreciation. 23 Truth, wisdom, learning, and good sense -- these are worth paying for, but too valuable for you to sell. 24 A righteous man's father has good reason to be happy. You can take pride in a wise son. 25 Let your father and mother be proud of you; give your mother that happiness.

<B11> Galatians 5

KJV w/Strong# - {13} For, brethren <80>, ye have been called <2564> unto liberty <1657>; only <3440> [use] not liberty <1657> for an occasion <874> to the flesh <4561>, but by love <26> serve <1398> one <240> another <240>. {14} For all <3956> the law <3551> is fulfilled <4137> in one <1520> word <3056>, [even] in this <3588>; Thou shalt love <25> thy neighbour <4139> as thyself <1438>.

{16} [This] I say <3004> then <1161>, Walk <4043> in the Spirit <4151>, and ye shall not fulfil <5055> the lust <1939> of the flesh <4561>.

{24} And they that are Christ's <5547> have crucified <4717> the flesh <4561> with the affections <3804> and lusts <1939>. {25} If <1487> we live <2198> in the Spirit <4151>, let us also <2532> walk <4748> in the Spirit <4151>.

NRSV - 13 For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another. 14 For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."

16 Live by the Spirit, I say, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh.

24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit.

TEV - "Preserve Your Freedom" - 13 As for you, my brothers, you were called to be free. But do not let this freedom become an excuse for letting your physical desires control you. Instead, let love make you serve one another. 14 For the whole Law is summed up in one commandment: "Love your neighbor as you love yourself." 15 But if you act like wild animals, hurting and harming each other, then watch out, or you will completely destroy one another.

"The Spirit and Human Nature" - 16 What I say is this: let the Spirit direct your lives, and you will not satisfy the desires of the human nature. 17 For what our human nature wants is opposed to what the Spirit wants, and what the Spirit wants is opposed to what our human nature wants. These two are enemies, and this means that you cannot do what you want to do. 18 If the Spirit leads you, then you are not subject to the Law.

22 But the Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 humility, and self-control. There is no law against such things as these. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have put to death their human nature with all its passions and desires. 25 The Spirit has given us life; he must also control our lives. 26 We must not be proud or irritate one another or be jealous of one another.

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

<B12> Isaiah 11

KJV w/Strong# - {1} And there shall come <03318> forth <03318> a rod <02415> out of the stem <01503> of Jesse <03448>, and a Branch <05342> shall grow <06509> out of his roots <08328>: {2} And the spirit <07307> of the LORD <03068> shall rest <05117> upon him, the spirit <07307> of wisdom <02451> and understanding <0998>, the spirit <07307> of counsel <06098> and might <01369>, the spirit <07307> of knowledge <01847> and of the fear <03374> of the LORD <03068>; {3} And shall make him of quick understanding <07306> in the fear <03374> of the LORD <03068>:...

NRSV - 1 A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. 2 The spirit of the LORD shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. 3 His delight shall be in the fear of the LORD...

TEV - "The Peaceful Kingdom" - 1 The royal line of David is like a tree that has been cut down; but just as new branches sprout from a stump, so a new king will arise from among David's descendants. 2 The spirit of the LORD will give him wisdom and the knowledge and skill to rule his people. He will know the LORD's will and honor him, 3 and find pleasure in obeying him. He will not judge by appearance or hearsay; 4 he will judge the poor fairly and defend the rights of the helpless. At his command the people will be punished, and evil persons will die. 5 He will rule his people with justice and integrity.

<B13> Matthew 1

KJV w/Strong# - {18} Now <1161> the birth <1083> of Jesus <2424> Christ <5547> was on <3779> this <3779> wise <3779>: When as his mother <3384> Mary <3137> was espoused <3423> to Joseph <2501>, before <4250> they came <4905> together <4905>, she was found <2147> with child <1064> of the Holy <40> Ghost <4151>.

NRSV - 18 Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.

TEV - "The Birth of Jesus Christ" - 18 This was how the birth of Jesus Christ took place. His mother Mary was engaged to Joseph, but before they were married, she found out that she was going to have a baby by the Holy Spirit. 19 Joseph was a man who always did what was right, but he did not want to disgrace Mary publicly; so he made plans to break the engagement privately. 20 While he was thinking about this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, descendant of David, do not be afraid to take Mary to be your wife. For it is by the Holy Spirit that she has conceived. 21 She will have a son, and you will name him Jesus -- because he will save his people from their sins."

<B14> Luke 2

KJV w/Strong# - {7} And she brought <5088> forth <5088> her firstborn <4416> son <5207>, and wrapped <4683> him in swaddling <4683> clothes <4683>, and laid <347> him in a manger <5336>;...

{40} And the child <3813> grew <837>, and waxed <2901> strong <2901> in spirit <4151>, filled <4137> with wisdom <4678>: and the grace <5485> of God <2316> was upon him. {41} Now <2532> his parents <1118> went <4198> to Jerusalem <2419> every <2596> year <2094> at the feast <1859> of the passover <3957>. {42} And when <3753> he was twelve <1427> years <2094> old, they went <305> up to Jerusalem <2414> after <2596> the custom <1485> of the feast <1859>. {43} And when they had fulfilled <5048> the days <2250>, as they returned <5290>, the child <3816> Jesus <2424> tarried <5278> behind <5278> in Jerusalem <2419>; and Joseph <2501> and his mother <3384> knew <1097> not [of it]. {44} But they, supposing <3543> him to have been <1511> in the company <4923>, went <2064> a day's <2250> journey <3598>; and they sought <327> him among <1722> [their] kinsfolk <4773> and acquaintance <1110>. {45} And when they found <2147> him not, they turned <5290> back <5290> again <5290> to Jerusalem <2419>, seeking <2212> him. {46} And it came <1096> to pass, that after <3326> three <5140> days <2250> they found <2147> him in the temple <2411>, sitting <2516> in the midst <3319> of the doctors <1320>, both <2532> hearing <191> them, and asking <1905> them questions <1905>. {47} And all <3956> that heard <191> him were astonished <1839> at <1909> his understanding <4907> and answers <612>.

{52} And Jesus <2424> increased <4298> in wisdom <4678> and stature <2244>, and in favour <5485> with God <2316> and man <444>.

NRSV - 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger...

40 The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him. 41 Now every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the festival of the Passover. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up as usual for the festival. 43 When the festival was ended and they started to return, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. 44 Assuming that he was in the group of travelers, they went a day's journey. Then they started to look for him among their relatives and friends. 45 When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.

52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favor.

TEV - "The Birth of Jesus" - 1 At that time Emperor Augustus ordered a census to be taken throughout the Roman Empire. 2 When this first census took place, Quirinius was the governor of Syria. 3 Everyone, then, went to register himself, each to his own hometown. 4 Joseph went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to the town of Bethlehem in Judea, the birthplace of King David. Joseph went there because he was a descendant of David. 5 He went to register with Mary, who was promised in marriage to him. She was pregnant,6 and while they were in Bethlehem, the time came for her to have her baby. 7 She gave birth to her first son, wrapped him in cloths and laid him in a manger -- there was no room for them to stay in the inn.

"The Return to Nazareth" - 39 When Joseph and Mary had finished doing all that was required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to their hometown of Nazareth in Galilee. 40 The child grew and became strong; he was full of wisdom, and God's blessings were upon him.

"The Boy Jesus in the Temple" - 41 Every year the parents of Jesus went to Jerusalem for the Passover Festival. 42 When Jesus was twelve years old, they went to the festival as usual. 43 When the festival was over, they started back home, but the boy Jesus stayed in Jerusalem. His parents did not know this; 44 they thought that he was with the group, so they traveled a whole day and then started looking for him among their relatives and friends. 45 They did not find him, so they went back to Jerusalem looking for him. 46 On the third day they found him in the Temple, sitting with the Jewish teachers, listening to them and asking questions. 47 All who heard him were amazed at his intelligent answers. 48 His parents were astonished when they saw him, and his mother said to him, "Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been terribly worried trying to find you." 49 He answered them, "Why did you have to look for me? Didn't you know that I had to be in my Father's house?" 50 But they did not understand his answer. 51 So Jesus went back with them to Nazareth, where he was obedient to them. His mother treasured all these things in her heart. 52 Jesus grew both in body and in wisdom, gaining favor with God and men.

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

<B15> Isaiah 52

KJV w/Strong# - {1} Awake <05782>, awake <05782>; put <03847> on thy strength <05797>, O Zion <06726>; put <03847> on thy beautiful <08597> garments <0899>, O Jerusalem <03389>, the holy <06944> city <05892>:...

{2} Shake <05287> thyself from the dust <06083>; arise <06965>, [and] sit <03427> down, O Jerusalem <03389>: loose <06605> thyself from the bands <04147> of thy neck <06677>, O captive <07628> daughter <01323> of Zion <06726>.

NRSV - 1 Awake, awake, put on your strength, O Zion! Put on your beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city;...

2 Shake yourself from the dust, rise up, O captive Jerusalem; loose the bonds from your neck, O captive daughter Zion!

TEV - "God Will Rescue Jerusalem" - 1 Jerusalem, be strong and great again! Holy city of God, clothe yourself with splendor! The heathen will never enter your gates again. 2 Shake yourself free, Jerusalem! Rise from the dust and sit on your throne! Undo the chains that bind you, captive people of Zion!

<B16> Psalms 116

KJV w/Strong# - {3} The sorrows <02256> of death <04194> compassed <0661> me, and the pains <04712> of hell <07585> gat hold <04672> upon me: I found <04672> trouble <06869> and sorrow <03015>. {4} Then called <07121> I upon the name <08034> of the LORD <03068>; O LORD <03068>, I beseech <0577> thee, deliver <04422> my soul <05315>. {5} Gracious <02587> [is] the LORD <03068>, and righteous <06662>; yea, our God <0430> [is] merciful <07355>. {6} The LORD <03068> preserveth <08104> the simple <06612>: I was brought <01809> low <01809>, and he helped <03467> me.

NRSV - 3 The snares of death encompassed me; the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me; I suffered distress and anguish. 4 Then I called on the name of the LORD: "O LORD, I pray, save my life!" 5 Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; our God is merciful. 6 The LORD protects the simple; when I was brought low, he saved me.

TEV - "A Man Saved from Death Praises God" - 1 I love the LORD, because he hears me; he listens to my prayers. 2 He listens to me every time I call to him. 3 The danger of death was all around me; the horrors of the grave closed in on me; I was filled with fear and anxiety. 4 Then I called to the LORD, "I beg you, LORD, save me!" 5 The LORD is merciful and good; our God is compassionate. 6 The LORD protects the helpless; when I was in danger, he saved me. 7 Be confident, my heart, because the LORD has been good to me.

<B17> Psalms 56

KJV w/Strong# - {4} In God <0430> I will praise <01984> his word <01697>, in God <0430> I have put my trust <0982>; I will not fear <03372> what <04100> flesh <01320> can do <06213> unto me.

NRSV - 4 In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I am not afraid; what can flesh do to me?

TEV - "A Prayer of Trust in God" - 1 Be merciful to me, O God, because I am under attack; my enemies persecute me all the time. 2 All day long my opponents attack me. There are so many who fight against me. 3 When I am afraid, O LORD Almighty, I put my trust in you. 4 I trust in God and am not afraid; I praise him for what he has promised. What can a mere human being do to me?

<B18> Romans 8

KJV w/Strong# - {14} For as many <3745> as are led <71> by the Spirit <4151> of God <2316>, they are the sons <5207> of God <2316>.

{16} The Spirit <4151> itself <846> beareth <4828> witness <4828> with our spirit <4151>, that we are the children <5043> of God <2316>: {17} And if <1487> children <5043>, then <2531> heirs <2818>; heirs <2818> of God <2316>, and joint-heirs <4789> with Christ <5547>; if <1512> so be that we suffer <4841> with [him], that we may be also <2532> glorified <4888> together <4888>.

{35} Who <5101> shall separate <5563> us from the love <26> of Christ <5547>? [shall] tribulation <2347>, or <2228> distress <4730>, or <2228> persecution <1375>, or <2228> famine <3042>, or <2228> nakedness <1132>, or <2228> peril <2794>, or <2228> sword <3162>?

{37} Nay <235>, in all <3956> these <5125> things we are more <5245> than <5245> conquerors <5245> through <1223> him that loved <25> us.

NRSV - 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.

16 it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ -- if, in fact, we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.

35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

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.

"God's Love in Christ Jesus" - 31 In view of all this, what can we say? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 Certainly not God, who did not even keep back his own Son, but offered him for us all! He gave us his Son -- will he not also freely give us all things? 33 Who will accuse God's chosen people? God himself declares them not guilty! 34 Who, then, will condemn them? Not Christ Jesus, who died, or rather, who was raised to life and is at the right side of God, pleading with him for us! 35 Who, then, can separate us from the love of Christ? Can trouble do it, or hardship or persecution or hunger or poverty or danger or death? 36 As the scripture says, "For your sake we are in danger of death at all times; we are treated like sheep that are going to be slaughtered." 37 No, in all these things we have complete victory through him who loved us! 38 For I am certain that nothing can separate us from his love: neither death nor life, neither angels nor other heavenly rulers or powers, neither the present nor the future, 39 neither the world above nor the world below -- there is nothing in all creation that will ever be able to separate us from the love of God which is ours through Christ Jesus our Lord.

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

<B19> Philippians 3

KJV w/Strong# - {1} Finally <3063>, my brethren <80>, rejoice <5463> in the Lord <2962>. To write <1125> the same <846> things to you, to me indeed <3303> [is] not grievous <3636>, but for you [it is] safe <804>.

{17} Brethren <80>, be followers <4831> together <4831> of me, and mark <4648> them which walk <4043> so <3779> as ye have <2192> us for an ensample <5179>.

{20} For our conversation <4175> is in heaven <3772>; from whence <3739> also <2532> we look <553> for the Saviour <4990>, the Lord <2962> Jesus <2424> Christ <5547>: {21} Who shall change <3345> our vile <5014> body <4983>, that it may be fashioned <4832> like <4832> unto his glorious <1391> body <4983>, according <2596> to the working <1753> whereby <3588> he is able <1410> even <2532> to subdue <5293> all <3956> things unto himself <1438>.

NRSV - 1 Finally, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is not troublesome to me, and for you it is a safeguard.

17 Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us.

20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. 21 He will transform the body of our humiliation that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, by the power that also enables him to make all things subject to himself.

TEV - "The True Righteousness" - 1 In conclusion, my brothers, be joyful in your union with the Lord. I don't mind repeating what I have written before, and you will be safer if I do so. 2 Watch out for those who do evil things, those dogs, those men who insist on cutting the body. 3 It is we, not they, who have received the true circumcision, for we worship God by means of his Spirit and rejoice in our life in union with Christ Jesus. We do not put any trust in external ceremonies. 4 I could, of course, put my trust in such things. If anyone thinks he can trust in external ceremonies, I have even more reason to feel that way.

"Running toward the Goal" - 17 Keep on imitating me, my brothers. Pay attention to those who follow the right example that we have set for you. 18 I have told you this many times before, and now I repeat it with tears: there are many whose lives make them enemies of Christ's death on the cross. 19 They are going to end up in hell, because their god is their bodily desires. They are proud of what they should be ashamed of, and they think only of things that belong to this world. 20 We, however, are citizens of heaven, and we eagerly wait for our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, to come from heaven. 21 He will change our weak mortal bodies and make them like his own glorious body, using that power by which he is able to bring all things under his rule.

<B20> Romans 6

KJV w/Strong# - {5} For if <1487> we have been planted <4854> together <4854> in the likeness <3667> of his death <2288>, we shall be also <2532> [in the likeness] of [his] resurrection <386>:

{8} Now <1161> if <1487> we be dead <599> with Christ <5547>, we believe <4100> that we shall also <2532> live <4800> with him: {9} Knowing <1492> that Christ <5547> being raised <1453> from the dead <3498> dieth <599> no <3765> more <2089>; death <2288> hath no <3765> more <3765> dominion <2961> over him.

NRSV - 5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.

8 But if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him.

TEV - "Dead to Sin but Alive in Union with Christ" - 5 For since we have become one with him in dying as he did, in the same way we shall be one with him by being raised to life as he was. 6 And we know that our old being has been put to death with Christ on his cross, in order that the power of the sinful self might be destroyed, so that we should no longer be the slaves of sin. 7 For when a person dies, he is set free from the power of sin. 8 Since we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 For we know that Christ has been raised from death and will never die again -- death will no longer rule over him. 10 And so, because he died, sin has no power over him; and now he lives his life in fellowship with God.

<B21> 2 Corinthians 5

KJV w/Strong# - {16} Wherefore <5620> henceforth <3568> know <1492> we no <3762> man <3762> after <2596> the flesh <4561>: yea <1161>, though <1499> we have known <1097> Christ <5547> after <2596> the flesh <4561>, yet <235> now <3568> henceforth <2089> know <1097> we [him] no <3765> more <2089>. {17} Therefore <5620> if <1487> any <1536> man [be] in Christ <5547>, [he is] a new <2537> creature <2937>: old <744> things are passed <3928> away; behold <2400>, all <3956> things are become <1096> new <2537>.

NRSV - 16 From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. 17 So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!

TEV - "Friendship with God through Christ" - 16 No longer, then, do we judge anyone by human standards. Even if at one time we judged Christ according to human standards, we no longer do so. 17 When anyone is joined to Christ, he is a new being; the old is gone, the new has come. 18 All this is done by God, who through Christ changed us from enemies into his friends and gave us the task of making others his friends also. 19 Our message is that God was making all mankind his friends through Christ. God did not keep an account of their sins, and he has given us the message which tells how he makes them his friends.

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

A BACKUP WEBSITE FOR BIBLETEXTS (if the main website is down) - (http://members.aol.com/BibleTexts/backup.html)

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)

QUESTIONS, INSIGHTS, & RESPONSES shared from/with BibleTexts users (http://www.bibletexts.com/qa.htm)

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