The BIBLETEXTS Online Bible Commentary 

Excerpts that are relevant to the Bible Lesson for Sunday, November 1, 1998

plus other biblical resources, in English or in English and Spanish, to enrich the study of the current Bible Lesson

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<GT> Isaiah 35

KJV w/Strong# - {10} ...the ransomed <06299> of the LORD <03068> shall return <07725>, and come <0935> to Zion <06726> with songs <07440> and everlasting <05769> joy <08057> upon their heads <07218>: they shall obtain <05381> joy <08057> and gladness <08057>, and sorrow <03015> and sighing <0585> shall flee <05127> away.

NRSV - 10 ...the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

TEV - "The Road of Holiness" - 8 There will be a highway there, called "The Road of Holiness." No sinner will ever travel that road; no fools will mislead those who follow it. 9 No lions will be there; no fierce animals will pass that way. Those whom the LORD has rescued will travel home by that road. 10 They will reach Jerusalem with gladness, singing and shouting for joy. They will be happy forever, forever free from sorrow and grief.

<RR1> Ephesians 1

KJV w/Strong# - {3} Blessed <2128> [be] the God <2316> and Father <3962> of our Lord <2962> Jesus <2424> Christ <5547>, who <3588> hath blessed <2127> us with all <3956> spiritual <4152> blessings <2129> in heavenly <2032> [places] in Christ <5547>: {4} According <2531> as he hath chosen <1586> us in him before <4253> the foundation <2602> of the world <2889>, that we should be holy <40> and without <299> blame <299> before <2714> him in love <26>:

NRSV - 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love.

TEV - "Spiritual Blessings in Christ" - 3 Let us give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! For in our union with Christ he has blessed us by giving us every spiritual blessing in the heavenly world. 4 Even before the world was made, God had already chosen us to be his through our union with Christ, so that we would be holy and without fault before him. Because of his love 5 God had already decided that through Jesus Christ he would make us his sons -- this was his pleasure and purpose. 6 Let us praise God for his glorious grace, for the free gift he gave us in his dear Son!

<RR2> Ephesians 2

KJV w/Strong# - {1} And you [hath he quickened], who were dead <3498> in trespasses <3900> and sins <266>; {2} Wherein <1722> <3739> in time <4218> past ye walked <4043> according <2596> to the course <165> of this <5127> world <2889>, according <2596> to the prince <758> of the power <1849> of the air <109>, the spirit <4151> that now <3568> worketh <1754> in the children <5207> of disobedience <543>:

{4} But God <2316>, who is rich <4145> in mercy <1656>, for his great <4183> love <26> wherewith <3739> he loved <25> us, {5} Even <2532> when we were dead <3498> in sins <3900>, hath quickened <4806> us together <4806> with Christ <5547>, (by grace <5485> ye are saved <4982>;) {6} And hath raised <4891> [us] up together <4891>, and made <4776> [us] sit <4776> together <4776> in heavenly <2032> [places] in Christ <5547> Jesus <2424>: {7} That in the ages <165> to come <1904> he might shew <1731> the exceeding <5235> riches <4149> of his grace <5485> in [his] kindness <5544> toward <1909> us through <1722> Christ <5547> Jesus <2424>.

NRSV - 1 You were dead through the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once lived, following the course of this world, following the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work among those who are disobedient.

4 But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us 5 even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ -- by grace you have been saved -- 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the ages to come he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

TEV - "From Death to Life" - 1 In the past you were spiritually dead because of your disobedience and sins. 2 At that time you followed the world's evil way; you obeyed the ruler of the spiritual powers in space, the spirit who now controls the people who disobey God. 3 Actually all of us were like them and lived according to our natural desires, doing whatever suited the wishes of our own bodies and minds. In our natural condition we, like everyone else, were destined to suffer God's anger. 4 But God's mercy is so abundant, and his love for us is so great, 5 that while we were spiritually dead in our disobedience he brought us to life with Christ. It is by God's grace that you have been saved. 6 In our union with Christ Jesus he raised us up with him to rule with him in the heavenly world. 7 He did this to demonstrate for all time to come the extraordinary greatness of his grace in the love he showed us in Christ Jesus. 8...9 For it is by God's grace that you have been saved through faith. It is not the result of your own efforts, but God's gift, so that no one can boast about it.10 God has made us what we are, and in our union with Christ Jesus he has created us for a life of good deeds, which he has already prepared for us to do.

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<B1> Jeremiah 31

KJV w/Strong# - {3} The LORD <03068> hath appeared <07200> of old <07350> unto me, [saying], Yea, I have loved <0157> thee with an everlasting <05769> love <0160>: therefore with lovingkindness <02617> have I drawn <04900> thee.

NRSV - 3 the LORD appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.

TEV - "Israel's Return Home" - 2 In the desert I showed mercy to those people who had escaped death. When the people of Israel longed for rest, 3 I appeared to them from far away. People of Israel, I have always loved you, so I continue to show you my constant love. 4 Once again I will rebuild you. Once again you will take up your tambourines and dance joyfully. 5 Once again you will plant vineyards on the hills of Samaria, and those who plant them will eat what the vineyards produce. 6 Yes, the time is coming when watchmen will call out on the hills of Ephraim, "Let's go up to Zion, to the LORD our God."

<B2> Isaiah 43

KJV w/Strong# - {5} Fear <03372> not: for I [am] with thee: I will bring <0935> thy seed <02233> from the east <04217>, and gather <06908> thee from the west <04628>; {6} I will say <0559> to the north <06828>, Give <05414> up; and to the south <08486>, Keep <03607> not back <03607>: bring <0935> my sons <01121> from far <07350>, and my daughters <01121> from the ends <07097> of the earth <0776>; {7} [Even] every <03605> one that is called <07121> by my name <08034>: for I have created <01254> him for my glory <03519>, I have formed <03335> him; yea <0637>, I have made <06213> him.

{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.

{25} I, [even] I, [am] he that blotteth <04229> out thy transgressions <06588> for mine own sake <04616>, and will not remember <02142> thy sins <02403>.

NRSV - 5 Do not fear, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you; 6 I will say to the north, "Give them up," and to the south, "Do not withhold; bring my sons from far away and my daughters from the end of the earth -- 7 everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made."

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.

25 I, I am He who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins.

TEV - "God Promises to Rescue His People" - 4 I will give up whole nations to save your life, because you are precious to me and because I love you and give you honor. 5 Do not be afraid -- I am with you! "From the distant east and the farthest west I will bring your people home. 6 I will tell the north to let them go and the south not to hold them back. Let my people return from distant lands, from every part of the world. 7 They are my own people, and I created them to bring me glory."

"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."

"Israel's Sin" - 22 The LORD says, "But you were tired of me, Israel; you did not worship me. 23 You did not bring me your burnt offerings of sheep; you did not honor me with your sacrifices. I did not burden you by demanding offerings or wear you out by asking for incense. 24 You didn't buy incense for me or satisfy me with the fat of your animals. Instead you burdened me with your sins; you wore me out with the wrongs you have committed. 25 And yet, I am the God who forgives your sins, and I do this because of who I am. I will not hold your sins against you.

<B3> Isaiah 54

KJV w/Strong# - {10} For the mountains <02022> shall depart <04185>, and the hills <01389> be removed <04131>; but my kindness <02617> shall not depart <04185> from thee, neither <03808> shall the covenant <01285> of my peace <07965> be removed <04131>, saith <0559> the LORD <03068> that hath mercy <07355> on thee.

NRSV - 10 For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed, says the LORD, who has compassion on you.

TEV - "The LORD's Love for Israel" - 9 "In the time of Noah I promised never again to flood the earth. Now I promise not to be angry with you again; I will not reprimand or punish you. 10 The mountains and hills may crumble, but my love for you will never end; I will keep forever my promise of peace." So says the LORD who loves you.

<B4> Psalm 14

KJV w/Strong# - {14} For the LORD <03068> will not cast <05203> off his people <05971>, neither <03808> will he forsake <05800> his inheritance <05159>. {15} But judgment <04941> shall return <07725> unto righteousness <06664>: and all <03605> the upright <03477> in heart <03820> shall follow <0310> it.

{18} When <0518> I said <0559>, My foot <07272> slippeth <04131>; thy mercy <02617>, O LORD <03068>, held <05582> me up. {19} In the multitude <07230> of my thoughts <08312> within <07130> me thy comforts <08575> delight <08173> my soul <05315>.

NRSV - 14 For the LORD will not forsake his people; he will not abandon his heritage; 15 for justice will return to the righteous, and all the upright in heart will follow it.

18 When I thought, "My foot is slipping," your steadfast love, O LORD, held me up. 19 When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.

TEV - "God the Judge of All" - 12 LORD, how happy is the person you instruct, the one to whom you teach your law! 13 You give him rest from days of trouble until a pit is dug to trap the wicked. 14 The LORD will not abandon his people; he will not desert those who belong to him. 15 Justice will again be found in the courts, and all righteous people will support it. 16 Who stood up for me against the wicked? Who took my side against the evildoers? 17 If the LORD had not helped me, I would have gone quickly to the land of silence. 18 I said, "I am falling"; but your constant love, O LORD, held me up. 19 Whenever I am anxious and worried, you comfort me and make me glad.

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<B5> Luke 8

KJV w/Strong# - {40} And it came <1096> to pass, that, when <3588> Jesus <2424> was returned <5290>, the people <3793> [gladly] received <588> him: for they were all <3956> waiting <4328> for him.

NRSV - 40 Now when Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed him, for they were all waiting for him.

TEV - "Jairus' Daughter and the Woman Who Touched Jesus' Cloak" - 40 When Jesus returned to the other side of the lake, the people welcomed him, because they had all been waiting for him. 41 Then a man named Jairus arrived; he was an official in the local synagogue. He threw himself down at Jesus' feet and begged him to go to his home, 42 because his only daughter, who was twelve years old, was dying. As Jesus went along, the people were crowding him from every side.

<B6> Luke 15

KJV w/Strong# - {3} And he spake <2036> this <5026> parable <3850> unto them, saying <3004>, {4} What <5101> man <444> of you, having <2192> an hundred <1540> sheep <4263>, if he lose <622> one <1520> of them, doth not leave <2641> the ninety <1768> and nine <1768> in the wilderness <2048>, and go <4198> after <1909> that which is lost <622>, until <2193> he find <2147> it? {5} And when he hath found <2147> [it], he layeth <2007> [it] on <1909> his shoulders <5606>, rejoicing <5463>. {6} And when he cometh <2064> home <3624>, he calleth <4779> together <4779> [his] friends <5384> and neighbours <1069>, saying <3004> unto them, Rejoice <4796> with me; for I have found <2147> my sheep <4263> which <3588> was lost <622>. {7} I say <3004> unto you, that likewise <3779> joy <5479> shall be in heaven <3772> over <1909> one <1520> sinner <268> that repenteth <3340>, more than <2228> over <1909> ninety <1768> and nine <1768> just <1342> persons, which <3748> need <5532> no <3756> repentance <3341>. {8} Either <2228> what <5101> woman <1135> having <2192> ten <1176> pieces <1406> of silver <1406>, if <1437> she lose <622> one <3391> piece <1406>, doth not light <681> a candle <3088>, and sweep <4563> the house <3614>, and seek <2212> diligently <1960> till <2193> she find <2147> [it]? {9} And when she hath found <2147> [it], she calleth <4779> [her] friends <5384> and [her] neighbours <1069> together <4779>, saying <3004>, Rejoice <4796> with me; for I have found <2147> the piece <1406> which <3739> I had lost <622>. {10} Likewise <3779>, I say <3004> unto you, there is joy <5479> in the presence <1799> of the angels <32> of God <2316> over <1909> one <1520> sinner <268> that repenteth <3340>.

NRSV - 3 So he told them this parable: 4 "Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? 5 When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, "Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.' 7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. 8 "Or what woman having ten silver coins, if she loses one of them, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? 9 When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, "Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.' 10 Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."

TEV - "The Lost Sheep" - 1 One day when many tax collectors and other outcasts came to listen to Jesus, 2 the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law started grumbling, "This man welcomes outcasts and even eats with them!" 3 So Jesus told them this parable: 4 "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them -- what does he do? He leaves the other ninety-nine sheep in the pasture and goes looking for the one that got lost until he finds it. 5 When he finds it, he is so happy that he puts it on his shoulders 6 and carries it back home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says to them, "I am so happy I found my lost sheep. Let us celebrate!' 7 In the same way, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine respectable people who do not need to repent.

"The Lost Coin" - 8 "Or suppose a woman who has ten silver coins loses one of them -- what does she do? She lights a lamp, sweeps her house, and looks carefully everywhere until she finds it. 9 When she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together, and says to them, "I am so happy I found the coin I lost. Let us celebrate!' 10 In the same way, I tell you, the angels of God rejoice over one sinner who repents."

<B7> 2 Peter 3

KJV w/Strong# - {9} The Lord <2962> is not slack <1019> concerning <4314> his promise <1860>, as some <5100> men count <2233> slackness <1022>; but is longsuffering <3114> to us-ward <2248>, not willing <1014> that any <5100> should perish <622>, but that all <3956> should come <5562> to repentance <3341>.

NRSV - 9 The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance.

TEV - "The Promise of the Lord's Coming" - 8 But do not forget one thing, my dear friends! There is no difference in the Lord's sight between one day and a thousand years; to him the two are the same. 9 The Lord is not slow to do what he has promised, as some think. Instead, he is patient with you, because he does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants all to turn away from their sins.

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<B8> Psalm 37

KJV w/Strong# - {27} Depart <05493> from evil <07451>, and do <06213> good <02896>; and dwell <07931> for evermore <05769>.

NRSV - 27 Depart from evil, and do good; so you shall abide forever.

TEV - "The Destiny of the Wicked and of the Good" - 27 Turn away from evil and do good, and your descendants will always live in the land; 28 for the LORD loves what is right and does not abandon his faithful people. He protects them forever, but the descendants of the wicked will be driven out. 29 The righteous will possess the land and live in it forever. 30 A good man's words are wise, and he is always fair. 31 He keeps the law of his God in his heart and never departs from it.

<B9> Lamentations 3

KJV w/Strong# - {40} Let us search <02664> and try <02713> our ways <01870>, and turn <07725> again <07725> to the LORD <03068>. {41} Let us lift <05375> up our heart <03824> with [our] hands <03709> unto God <0410> in the heavens <08064>.

{55} I called <07121> upon thy name <08034>, O LORD <03068>, out of the low <08482> dungeon <0953>.

{57} Thou drewest near <07126> in the day <03117> [that] I called <07121> upon thee: thou saidst <0559>, Fear <03372> not.

NRSV - 40 Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the LORD. 41 Let us lift up our hearts as well as our hands to God in heaven.

55 I called on your name, O LORD, from the depths of the pit;

57 You came near when I called on you; you said, "Do not fear!"

TEV - "Punishment, Repentance, and Hope" - 37 The will of the Lord alone is always carried out. 38 Good and evil alike take place at his command. 39 Why should we ever complain when we are punished for our sin? 40 Let us examine our ways and turn back to the LORD. 41 Let us open our hearts to God in heaven and pray, 42 "We have sinned and rebelled, and you, O LORD, have not forgiven us.

52 "I was trapped like a bird by enemies who had no cause to hate me. 53 They threw me alive into a pit and closed the opening with a stone. 54 Water began to close over me, and I thought death was near. 55 "From the bottom of the pit, O LORD, I cried out to you, 56 And when I begged you to listen to my cry, you heard. 57 You answered me and told me not to be afraid.

<B10> Ezekiel 18

KJV w/Strong# - {23} Have I any pleasure <02654> at all that the wicked <07563> should die <04194>? saith <05002> the Lord <0136> GOD <03069>: [and] not that he should return <07725> from his ways <01870>, and live <02421>?

{27} Again, when the wicked <07563> [man] turneth <07725> away from his wickedness <07564> that he hath committed <06213>, and doeth <06213> that which is lawful <04941> and right <06666>, he shall save <02421> his soul <05315> alive <02421>. {28} Because he considereth <07200>, and turneth <07725> away from all <03605> his transgressions <06588> that he hath committed <06213>, he shall surely live <02421>, he shall not die <04191>.

NRSV - 23 Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, says the Lord GOD, and not rather that they should turn from their ways and live?

27 Again, when the wicked turn away from the wickedness they have committed and do what is lawful and right, they shall save their life. 28 Because they considered and turned away from all the transgressions that they had committed, they shall surely live; they shall not die.

TEV - "Individual Responsibility" - 21 "If an evil man stops sinning and keeps my laws, if he does what is right and good, he will not die; he will certainly live. 22 All his sins will be forgiven, and he will live, because he did what is right. 23 Do you think I enjoy seeing an evil man die?" asks the Sovereign LORD. "No, I would rather see him repent and live. 24 "But if a righteous man stops doing good and starts doing all the evil, disgusting things that evil men do, will he go on living? No! None of the good he did will be remembered. He will die because of his unfaithfulness and his sins. 25 "But you say, "What the Lord does isn't right.' Listen to me, you Israelites. Do you think my way of doing things isn't right? It is your way that isn't right. 26 When a righteous man stops doing good and starts doing evil and then dies, he dies because of the evil he has done. 27 When an evil man stops sinning and does what is right and good, he saves his life. 28 He realizes what he is doing and stops sinning, so he will certainly not die, but go on living. 29 And you Israelites say, "What the Lord does isn't right.' You think my way isn't right, do you? It is your way that isn't right.

<B11> Isaiah 44

KJV w/Strong# - {22} I have blotted <04229> out, as a thick cloud <05645>, thy transgressions <06588>, and, as a cloud <06051>, thy sins <02403>: return <07725> unto me; for I have redeemed <01350> thee. {23} Sing <07442>, O ye heavens <08064>; for the LORD <03068> hath done <06213> [it]: shout <07321>, ye lower <08482> parts of the earth <0776>: break <06476> forth into singing <07440>, ye mountains <02022>, O forest <03293>, and every <03605> tree <06086> therein: for the LORD <03068> hath redeemed <01350> Jacob <03290>, and glorified <06286> himself in Israel <03478>.

NRSV - 22 I have swept away your transgressions like a cloud, and your sins like mist; return to me, for I have redeemed you. 23 Sing, O heavens, for the LORD has done it; shout, O depths of the earth; break forth into singing, O mountains, O forest, and every tree in it! For the LORD has redeemed Jacob, and will be glorified in Israel.

TEV - "The LORD, the Creator and Savior" - 21 The LORD says, "Israel, remember this; remember that you are my servant. I created you to be my servant, and I will never forget you. 22 I have swept your sins away like a cloud. Come back to me; I am the one who saves you." 23 Shout for joy, you heavens! Shout, deep places of the earth! Shout for joy, mountains, and every tree of the forest! The LORD has shown his greatness by saving his people Israel.

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<B12> Mark 1

KJV w/Strong# - {14} Now <1161> after <3326> that John <2491> was put <3860> in prison <3860>, Jesus <2424> came <2064> into <1519> Galilee <1056>, preaching <2784> the gospel <2098> of the kingdom <932> of God <2316>, {15} And saying <3004>, The time <2540> is fulfilled <4137>, and the kingdom <932> of God <2316> is at <1448> hand <1448>: repent <3340> ye, and believe <1722> the gospel <2098>.

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

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

<B13> Mark 2

KJV w/Strong# - {1} And again <3825> he entered <1525> into <1519> Capernaum <2584> after <1223> [some] days <2250>; and it was noised <191> that he was in the house <3624>. {2} And straightway <2112> many <4183> were gathered <4863> together <4863>, insomuch <5620> that there was no <3371> room <5562> to receive <5562> [them], no, not so <3366> much <3366> as about <4314> the door <2374>: and he preached <2980> the word <3056> unto them. {3} And they come <2064> unto him, bringing <5342> one sick <3885> of the palsy <3885>, which was borne <142> of four <5064>. {4} And when they could <1410> not come <4331> nigh unto him for the press <3793>, they uncovered <648> the roof <4721> where <3699> he was: and when they had broken <1846> [it] up, they let <5465> down <5465> the bed <2895> wherein <3739> the sick <3885> of the palsy <3885> lay <2621>. {5} When Jesus <2424> saw <1492> their faith <4102>, he said <3004> unto the sick <3885> of the palsy <3885>, Son <5043>, thy sins <266> be forgiven <863> thee. {6} But there were certain <5100> of the scribes <1122> sitting <2521> there <1563>, and reasoning <1260> in their hearts <2588>, {7} Why <5101> doth this <3778> [man] thus <3779> speak <2980> blasphemies <988>? who <5101> can <1410> forgive <863> sins <266> but God <2316> only <1520>? {8} And immediately <2112> when Jesus <2424> perceived <1921> in his spirit <4151> that they so <3779> reasoned <1260> within <1722> themselves <1438>, he said <2036> unto them, Why <5101> reason <1260> ye these <5023> things in your <5216> hearts <2588>? {9} Whether <5101> is it easier <2123> to say <2036> to the sick <3885> of the palsy <3885>, [Thy] sins <266> be forgiven <863> thee; or <2228> to say <2036>, Arise <1453>, and take <142> up thy bed <2895>, and walk <4043>? {10} But that ye may know <1492> that the Son <5207> of man <444> hath <2192> power <1849> on <1909> earth <1093> to forgive <863> sins <266>, (he saith <3004> to the sick <3885> of the palsy <3885>,) {11} I say <3004> unto thee, Arise <1453>, and take <142> up thy bed <2895>, and go <5217> thy way into <1519> thine <4675> house <3624>. {12} And immediately <2112> he arose <1453>, took <142> up the bed <2895>, and went <1831> forth <1831> before <1726> them all <3956>; insomuch <5620> that they were all <3956> amazed <1839>, and glorified <1392> God <2316>, saying <3004>, We never <3763> saw <1492> it on this <3779> fashion <3778>.

NRSV - 1 When he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. 2 So many gathered around that there was no longer room for them, not even in front of the door; and he was speaking the word to them. 3 Then some people came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. 4 And when they could not bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and after having dug through it, they let down the mat on which the paralytic lay. 5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven." 6 Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, 7 "Why does this fellow speak in this way? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" 8 At once Jesus perceived in his spirit that they were discussing these questions among themselves; and he said to them, "Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? 9 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, "Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, "Stand up and take your mat and walk'? 10 But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins" -- he said to the paralytic -- 11 "I say to you, stand up, take your mat and go to your home." 12 And he stood up, and immediately took the mat and went out before all of them; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, "We have never seen anything like this!"

TEV - "Jesus Heals a Paralyzed Man" - 1 A few days later Jesus went back to Capernaum, and the news spread that he was at home. 2 So many people came together that there was no room left, not even out in front of the door. Jesus was preaching the message to them 3 when four men arrived, carrying a paralyzed man to Jesus. 4 Because of the crowd, however, they could not get the man to him. So they made a hole in the roof right above the place where Jesus was. When they had made an opening, they let the man down, lying on his mat. 5 Seeing how much faith they had, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, "My son, your sins are forgiven." 6 Some teachers of the Law who were sitting there thought to themselves, 7 "How does he dare talk like this? This is blasphemy! God is the only one who can forgive sins!" 8 At once Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he said to them, "Why do you think such things? 9 Is it easier to say to this paralyzed man, "Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, "Get up, pick up your mat, and walk'? 10 I will prove to you, then, that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins." So he said to the paralyzed man, 11 "I tell you, get up, pick up your mat, and go home!" 12 While they all watched, the man got up, picked up his mat, and hurried away. They were all completely amazed and praised God, saying, "We have never seen anything like this!"

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

<B14> Psalm 34

KJV w/Strong# - {18} The LORD <03068> [is] nigh <07126> unto them that are of a broken <07665> heart <03820>; and saveth <03467> such as be of a contrite <01793> spirit <07307>.

{22} The LORD <03068> redeemeth <06299> the soul <05315> of his servants <05650>: and none <03808> of them that trust <02620> in him shall be desolate <0816>.

NRSV - 18 The LORD is near to the brokenhearted, and saves the crushed in spirit.

22 The LORD redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.

TEV - "In Praise of God's Goodness" - 11 Come, my young friends, and listen to me, and I will teach you to honor the LORD. 12 Would you like to enjoy life? Do you want long life and happiness? 13 Then keep from speaking evil and from telling lies. 14 Turn away from evil and do good; strive for peace with all your heart. 15 The LORD watches over the righteous and listens to their cries; 16 but he opposes those who do evil, so that when they die, they are soon forgotten. 17 The righteous call to the LORD, and he listens; he rescues them from all their troubles. 18 The LORD is near to those who are discouraged; he saves those who have lost all hope. 19 The good man suffers many troubles, but the LORD saves him from them all; 20 the LORD preserves him completely; not one of his bones is broken. 21 Evil will kill the wicked; those who hate the righteous will be punished. 22 The LORD will save his people; those who go to him for protection will be spared.

<B15> Proverbs 4

KJV w/Strong# - {10} Hear <08085>, O my son <01121>, and receive <03947> my sayings <0561>; and the years <08141> of thy life <02416> shall be many <07235>. {11} I have taught <03384> thee in the way <01870> of wisdom <02451>; I have led <01869> thee in right <03476> paths <04570>.

{23} Keep <05341> thy heart <03820> with all <03605> diligence <04929>; for out of it [are] the issues <08444> of life <02416>.

{25} Let thine eyes <05869> look <05027> right <05227> on, and let thine eyelids <06079> look straight <03474> before <05048> thee. {26} Ponder <06424> the path <04570> of thy feet <07272>, and let all <03605> thy ways <01870> be established <03559>.

NRSV - 10 Hear, my child, and accept my words, that the years of your life may be many. 11 I have taught you the way of wisdom; I have led you in the paths of uprightness.

23 Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.

25 Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. 26 Keep straight the path of your feet, and all your ways will be sure.

TEV - "The Benefits of Wisdom" - 10 Listen to me, son. Take seriously what I am telling you, and you will live a long life. 11 I have taught you wisdom and the right way to live. 12 Nothing will stand in your way if you walk wisely, and you will not stumble when you run. 13 Always remember what you have learned. Your education is your life -- guard it well. 14 Do not go where evil men go. Do not follow the example of the wicked. 15 Don't do it! Keep away from evil! Refuse it and go on your way. 16 Wicked people cannot sleep unless they have done something wrong. They lie awake unless they have hurt someone. 17 Wickedness and violence are like food and drink to them.

20 Son, pay attention to what I say. Listen to my words. 21 Never let them get away from you. Remember them and keep them in your heart. 22 They will give life and health to anyone who understands them. 23 Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts. 24 Never say anything that isn't true. Have nothing to do with lies and misleading words. 25 Look straight ahead with honest confidence; don't hang your head in shame. 26 Plan carefully what you do, and whatever you do will turn out right. 27 Avoid evil and walk straight ahead. Don't go one step off the right way.

<B16> Titus 2

KJV w/Strong# - {11} For the grace <5485> of God <2316> that bringeth <4992> salvation <4992> hath appeared <2014> to all <3956> men <444>, {12} Teaching <3811> us that, denying <720> ungodliness <763> and worldly <2886> lusts <1939>, we should live <2198> soberly <4996>, righteously <1346>, and godly <2153>, in this <3588> present <3568> world <165>; {13} Looking <4327> for that blessed <3107> hope <1680>, and the glorious <1391> appearing <2015> of the great <3173> God <2316> and our Saviour <4990> Jesus <2424> Christ <5547>; {14} Who <3739> gave <1325> himself <1438> for us, that he might redeem <3084> us from all <3956> iniquity <458>, and purify <2511> unto himself <1438> a peculiar <4041> people <2992>, zealous <2207> of good <2570> works <2041>.

NRSV - 11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, 12 training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. 14 He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.

TEV - "Sound Doctrine" - 11 For God has revealed his grace for the salvation of all mankind. 12 That grace instructs us to give up ungodly living and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this world, 13 as we wait for the blessed Day we hope for, when the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ will appear. 14 He gave himself for us, to rescue us from all wickedness and to make us a pure people who belong to him alone and are eager to do good. 15 Teach these things and use your full authority as you encourage and rebuke your hearers. Let none of them look down on you.

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

<B17> Revelation 1

KJV w/Strong# - {1} The Revelation <602> of Jesus <2424> Christ <5547>, which <3739> God <2316> gave <1325> unto him, to shew <1166> unto his servants <1401> things which <3739> must <1163> shortly <5034> come <1096> to pass; and he sent <649> and signified <4591> [it] by his angel <32> unto his servant <1401> John <2491>:

NRSV - 1 The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place; he made it known by sending his angel to his servant John,

TEV - "Introduction" - 1 This book is the record of the events that Jesus Christ revealed. God gave him this revelation in order to show to his servants what must happen very soon. Christ made these things known to his servant John by sending his angel to him, 2 and John has told all that he has seen. This is his report concerning the message from God and the truth revealed by Jesus Christ. 3 Happy is the one who reads this book, and happy are those who listen to the words of this prophetic message and obey what is written in this book! For the time is near when all these things will happen.

<B18> Revelation 7

KJV w/Strong# - {9} ..I beheld <1492>, and, lo <2400>, a great <4183> multitude <3793>, which <3739> no <3762> man <3762> could <1410> number <705>, of all <3956> nations <1484>, and kindreds <5443>, and people <2992>, and tongues <1100>, stood <2476> before <1799> the throne <2362>, and before <1799> the Lamb <721>, clothed <4016> with white <3022> robes <4749>, and palms <5404> in their hands <5495>; {10} And cried <2896> with a loud <3173> voice <5456>, saying <3004>, Salvation <4991> to our God <2316> which <3588> sitteth <2521> upon the throne <2362>, and unto the Lamb <721>.

{13} And one <1520> of the elders <4245> answered <611>, saying <3004> unto me, What <5101> are these <3778> which <3588> are arrayed <4016> in white <3022> robes <4749>? and whence <4159> came <2064> they? {14} And I said <2046> unto him, Sir <2962>, thou knowest <1492>. And he said <2036> to me, These <3778> are they which came <2064> out of great <3173> tribulation <2347>, and have washed <4150> their robes <4749>, and made <3021> them <848> <4749> white <3021> in the blood <129> of the Lamb <721>.

NRSV - 9 ...I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands. 10 They cried out in a loud voice, saying, "Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!"

13 Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, "Who are these, robed in white, and where have they come from?" 14 I said to him, "Sir, you are the one that knows." Then he said to me, "These are they who have come out of the great ordeal; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

TEV - "The Enormous Crowd" - 9 After this I looked, and there was an enormous crowd -- no one could count all the people! They were from every race, tribe, nation, and language, and they stood in front of the throne and of the Lamb, dressed in white robes and holding palm branches in their hands. 10 They called out in a loud voice: "Salvation comes from our God, who sits on the throne, and from the Lamb!" 11 All the angels stood around the throne, the elders, and the four living creatures. Then they threw themselves face downward in front of the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying, "Amen! Praise, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power, and might belong to our God forever and ever! Amen!" 13 One of the elders asked me, "Who are these people dressed in white robes, and where do they come from?" 14 "I don't know, sir. You do," I answered. He said to me, "These are the people who have come safely through the terrible persecution. They have washed their robes and made them white with the blood of the Lamb. 15 That is why they stand before God's throne and serve him day and night in his temple. He who sits on the throne will protect them with his presence. 16 Never again will they hunger or thirst; neither sun nor any scorching heat will burn them, 17 because the Lamb, who is in the center of the throne, will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of life-giving water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."

<B19> Revelation 12

KJV w/Strong# - {10} And I heard <191> a loud <3173> voice <5456> saying <3004> in heaven <3772>, Now <737> is come <1096> salvation <4991>, and strength <1411>, and the kingdom <932> of our God <2316>, and the power <1849> of his Christ <5547>: for the accuser <2723> of our brethren <80> is cast <2598> down <2598>, which <3588> accused <2725> them before <1799> our God <2316> day <2250> and night <3571>.

{12} Therefore <5124> rejoice <2165>, [ye] heavens <3772>, and ye that dwell <4637> in them....

NRSV - 10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, proclaiming, "Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Messiah, for the accuser of our comrades has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God.

12 Rejoice then, you heavens and those who dwell in them!...

TEV - "The Woman and the Dragon" - 10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven saying, "Now God's salvation has come! Now God has shown his power as King! Now his Messiah has shown his authority! For the one who stood before our God and accused our brothers day and night has been thrown out of heaven. 11 Our brothers won the victory over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the truth which they proclaimed; and they were willing to give up their lives and die. 12 And so be glad, you heavens, and all you that live there! But how terrible for the earth and the sea! For the Devil has come down to you, and he is filled with rage, because he knows that he has only a little time left."

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