The BIBLETEXTS Online Bible Commentary
plus other biblical resources to enrich the study of the current Bible Lesson
Bible Lesson Study Aid | This week's: This particular webpage was first posted Sunday, 1/21/99, at 7:15 a.m. (USA Eastern time). Revised: Sunday, 1/21/99, at 12:20 p,m., and Monday, 1/22/99, at 1 a.m. | Next week's: This study aid is usually available by Saturday morning, 8 days before the Sunday by which the corresponding Bible Lesson is dated. It becomes "This week's Bible Lesson study aid" late Sunday evening or early Monday morning (USA Eastern time), 1 full week before the Sunday by which the corresponding Bible Lesson is dated.
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Acknowledgements of the Bible versions and footnotes regularly used on this Webpage:
KJV w/Strong# (From the ABS Reference Bible CDROM, published by the American Bible Society. Used by permission.) Verse numbers are enclosed in { }. Strong's numbers are enclosed in < > and identify the Hebrew or Greek words from which the KJV words were translated. For a list of study aids that are keyed to Strong's number system, browse http://www.bibletexts.com/strongs.htm. (Strong's numbers do not necessarily represent the Hebrew and Greek words that were in the original texts, only those texts from which the KJV was translated.)
Some of the KJV (and NKJV) texts significantly differ from reliable modern versions, which are translated from today's more correct approximation of "the original texts." {See S&H 24:4.} For more details, browse: "Why the King James Version differs with modern versions" at http://www.bibletexts.com/kjv-mod.htm.
NRSV (New Revised Standard Version, Copyright, 1989, by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission. All rights reserved.)
TEV (Today's English Version, Copyright 1976, 1992, American Bible Society, also known as the Good News Bible. Used by permission. All rights reserved.) The full paragraph is included on this webpage to help you read the emboldened Bible Lesson texts in the original author's intended context.
Footnotes: cross-references and textual and exegetical commentary. Cross-references are mostly the result of original research done by Robert Nguyen Cramer [RNC], but a few came either from American Bible Society resources or from The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, by R.A. Torrey. All commentary was done by RNC, unless otherwise noted. Some additional resources used in the preparation of this Webpage are described in the bibliography.
KJV w/Strong# - {45} It is written <1125> in the prophets <4396>, And they shall be all <3956> taught <1318> of God <2316>. Every <3956> man therefore <3767> that hath heard <191>, and hath learned <3129> of the Father <3962>, cometh <2064> unto me.
NRSV - 45 It is written in the prophets, "And they shall all be taught by God.' Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me.
TEV - "Jesus the Bread of Life" - 44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him to me; and I will raise him to life on the last day. 45 The prophets wrote, "Everyone will be taught by God.' Anyone who hears the Father and learns from him comes to me. 46 This does not mean that anyone has seen the Father; he who is from God is the only one who has seen the Father. 47 I am telling you the truth: he who believes has eternal life. 48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your ancestors ate manna in the desert, but they died. 50 But the bread that comes down from heaven is of such a kind that whoever eats it will not die. 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats this bread, he will live forever. The bread that I will give him is my flesh, which I give so that the world may live."
KJV w/Strong# - {17} ...Jesus <2424> began <756> to preach <2784>, and to say <3004>, Repent <3340>: for the kingdom <932> of heaven <3772> is at <1448> hand <1448>.
NRSV - 17 ...Jesus began to proclaim, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near."
TEV - "Jesus Begins His Work in Galilee" - 17 From that time Jesus began to preach his message: "Turn away from your sins, because the Kingdom of heaven is near!"
KJV w/Strong# - {17} Think <3543> not that I am come <2064> to destroy <2647> the law <3551>, or <2228> the prophets <4396>: I am not come <2064> to destroy <2647>, but to fulfil <4137>. {18} For verily <281> I say <3004> unto you, Till <2193> heaven <3772> and earth <1093> pass <3928>, one <1520> jot <2503> or <2228> one <3391> tittle <2762> shall in no <3364> wise pass <3928> from the law <3551>, till <2193> all <3956> be fulfilled <1096>.
{43} Ye have heard <191> that it hath been said <4483>, Thou shalt love <25> thy neighbour <4139>, and hate <3404> thine <4675> enemy <2190>. {44} But I say <3004> unto you, Love <25> your <5216> enemies <2190>, bless <2127> them that curse <2672> you, do <4160> good <2573> to them that hate <3404> you, and pray <4336> for them which <3588> despitefully <1908> use <1908> you, and persecute <1377> you; {45} That ye may be the children <5207> of your <5216> Father <3962> which <3588> is in heaven <3772>:...
NRSV - 17 "Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished.
43 "You have heard that it was said, "You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be children of your Father in heaven;...
TEV - "Teaching about the Law" - 17 "Do not think that I have come to do away with the Law of Moses and the teachings of the prophets. I have not come to do away with them, but to make their teachings come true. 18 Remember that as long as heaven and earth last, not the least point nor the smallest detail of the Law will be done away with -- not until the end of all things. 19 So then, whoever disobeys even the least important of the commandments and teaches others to do the same, will be least in the Kingdom of heaven. On the other hand, whoever obeys the Law and teaches others to do the same, will be great in the Kingdom of heaven.
"Love for Enemies" - 43 "You have heard that it was said, "Love your friends, hate your enemies.' 44 But now I tell you: love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may become the sons of your Father in heaven. For he makes his sun to shine on bad and good people alike, and gives rain to those who do good and to those who do evil. 46 Why should God reward you if you love only the people who love you? Even the tax collectors do that! 47 And if you speak only to your friends, have you done anything out of the ordinary? Even the pagans do that! 48 You must be perfect -- just as your Father in heaven is perfect.
KJV w/Strong# - {21} Not every <3956> one that saith <3004> unto me, Lord <2962>, Lord <2962>, shall enter <1525> into <1519> the kingdom <932> of heaven <3772>; but he that doeth <4160> the will <2307> of my Father <3962> which <3588> is in heaven <3772>.
{24} Therefore <3767> whosoever <3748> heareth <191> these <5128> sayings <3056> of mine <3450>, and doeth <4160> them, I will liken <3666> him unto a wise <5429> man <435>, which <3748> built <3618> his house <3614> upon a rock <4073>: {25} And the rain <1028> descended <2597>, and the floods <4215> came <2064>, and the winds <417> blew <4154>, and beat <4363> upon that house <3614>; and it fell <4098> not: for it was founded <2311> upon a rock <4073>.
NRSV - 21 "Not everyone who says to me, "Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.
24 "Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. 25 The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on rock.
TEV - "I Never Knew You" - 21 "Not everyone who calls me "Lord, Lord' will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only those who do what my Father in heaven wants them to do. 22 When the Judgment Day comes, many will say to me, "Lord, Lord! In your name we spoke God's message, by your name we drove out many demons and performed many miracles!' 23 Then I will say to them, "I never knew you. Get away from me, you wicked people!'
"The Two House Builders" - 24 "So then, anyone who hears these words of mine and obeys them is like a wise man who built his house on rock. 25 The rain poured down, the rivers flooded over, and the wind blew hard against that house. But it did not fall, because it was built on rock. 26 "But anyone who hears these words of mine and does not obey them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain poured down, the rivers flooded over, the wind blew hard against that house, and it fell. And what a terrible fall that was!"
<B1> Isaiah 7
KJV w/Strong# - {14} ...the Lord <0136> himself <01931> shall give <05414> you a sign <0226>; Behold <02009>, a virgin <05959> shall conceive <02030>, and bear <03205> a son <01121>, and shall call <07121> his name <08034> Immanuel <06005>. {15} Butter <02529> and honey <01706> shall he eat <0398>, that he may know <03045> to refuse <03988> the evil <07451>, and choose <0977> the good <02896>.
NRSV - 14 ...the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel. 15 He shall eat curds and honey by the time he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good.
TEV - "The Sign of Immanuel" - 13 To that Isaiah replied, "Listen, now, descendants of King David. It's bad enough for you to wear out the patience of men -- do you have to wear out God's patience too? 14 Well then, the Lord himself will give you a sign: a young woman who is pregnant will have a son and will name him "Immanuel.' 15 By the time he is old enough to make his own decisions, people will be drinking milk and eating honey. 16 Even before that time comes, the lands of those two kings who terrify you will be deserted.
KJV w/Strong# - {19} And this <3778> is the record <3141> of John <2491>, when <3753> the Jews <2453> sent <649> priests <2409> and Levites <3019> from Jerusalem <2414> to ask <2065> him, Who <5101> art <1488> thou? {20} And he confessed <3670>, and denied <720> not; but confessed <3670>, I am <1510> not the Christ <5547>.
{29} The next <1887> day <1887> John <2491> seeth <991> Jesus <2424> coming <2064> unto him, and saith <3004>, Behold <2396> the Lamb <286> of God <2316>, which <3588> taketh <142> away the sin <266> of the world <2889>. {30} This <3778> is he of whom <3739> I said <2036>, After <3694> me cometh <2064> a man <435> which <3739> is preferred <1096> before <1715> me: for he was before <4413> me.
{32} And John <2491> bare <3140> record <3140>, saying <3004>, I saw <2300> the Spirit <4151> descending <2597> from heaven <3772> like <5616> a dove <4058>, and it abode <3306> upon him. {33} And I knew <1492> him not: but he that sent <3992> me to baptize <907> with water <5204>, the same <1565> said <2036> unto me, Upon whom <3739> thou shalt see <1492> the Spirit <4151> descending <2597>, and remaining <3306> on <1909> him, the same <3778> is he which baptizeth <907> with the Holy <40> Ghost <4151>. {34} And I saw <3708>, and bare <3140> record <3140> that this <3778> is the Son <5207> of God <2316>.
NRSV - 19 This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?" 20 He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, "I am not the Messiah."
29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, "Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is he of whom I said, "After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.'
32 And John testified, "I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. 33 I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, "He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.' 34 And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God."
TEV - "John the Baptist's Message" - 19 The Jewish authorities in Jerusalem sent some priests and Levites to John to ask him, "Who are you?" 20 John did not refuse to answer, but spoke out openly and clearly, saying: "I am not the Messiah." 21 "Who are you, then?" they asked. "Are you Elijah?" "No, I am not," John answered. "Are you the Prophet?" they asked. "No," he replied.
"The Lamb of God" - 29 The next day John saw Jesus coming to him, and said, "There is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is the one I was talking about when I said, "A man is coming after me, but he is greater than I am, because he existed before I was born.' 31 I did not know who he would be, but I came baptizing with water in order to make him known to the people of Israel." 32 And John gave this testimony: "I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from heaven and stay on him. 33 I still did not know that he was the one, but God, who sent me to baptize with water, had said to me, "You will see the Spirit come down and stay on a man; he is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.' 34 I have seen it," said John, "and I tell you that he is the Son of God."
<B3> 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>;
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.
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.
KJV w/Strong# - {35} Again <3825> the next <1887> day <1887> after <1887> John <2491> stood <2476>, and two <1417> of his disciples <3101>; {36} And looking <1689> upon Jesus <2424> as he walked <4043>, he saith <3004>, Behold <2396> the Lamb <286> of God <2316>! {37} And the two <1417> disciples <3101> heard <191> him speak <2980>, and they followed <190> Jesus <2424>.
{40} One <1520> of the two <1417> which <3588> heard <191> John <2491> [speak], and followed <190> him, was Andrew <406>, Simon <4613> Peter's <4074> brother <80>. {41} He first <4413> findeth <2147> his own brother <80> Simon <4613>, and saith <3004> unto him, We have found <2147> the Messias <3323>, which <3739> is, being interpreted <3177>, the Christ <5547>.
NRSV - 35 The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, 36 and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, "Look, here is the Lamb of God!" 37 The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus.
40 One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. 41 He first found his brother Simon and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which is translated Anointed).
TEV - "The First Disciples of Jesus" - 35 The next day John was standing there again with two of his disciples, 36 when he saw Jesus walking by. "There is the Lamb of God!" he said. 37 The two disciples heard him say this and went with Jesus. 38 Jesus turned, saw them following him, and asked, "What are you looking for?" They answered, "Where do you live, Rabbi?" (This word means "Teacher.") 39 "Come and see," he answered. (It was then about four o'clock in the afternoon.) So they went with him and saw where he lived, and spent the rest of that day with him. 40 One of them was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. 41 At once he found his brother Simon and told him, "We have found the Messiah." (This word means "Christ.") 42 Then he took Simon to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, "Your name is Simon son of John, but you will be called Cephas." (This is the same as Peter and means "a rock.")
KJV w/Strong# - {14} And Jesus <2424> returned <5290> in the power <1411> of the Spirit <4151> into <1519> Galilee <1056>: and there went <1831> out a fame <5345> of him through <2596> all <3650> the region <4066> round <4066> about <4066>. {15} And he taught <1321> in their synagogues <4864>, being glorified <1392> of all <3956>.
{38} And he arose <450> out of the synagogue <4864>, and entered <1525> into <1519> Simon's <4613> house <3614>. And Simon's <4613> wife's <3994> mother <3994> was taken <4912> with a great <3173> fever <4446>; and they besought <2065> him for her. {39} And he stood <2186> over <1883> her, and rebuked <2008> the fever <4446>; and it left <863> her: and immediately <3916> she arose <450> and ministered <1247> unto them.
NRSV - 14 Then Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. 15 He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone.
38 After leaving the synagogue he entered Simon's house. Now Simon's mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked him about her. 39 Then he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. Immediately she got up and began to serve them.
TEV - "Jesus Begins His Work in Galilee" - 14 Then Jesus returned to Galilee, and the power of the Holy Spirit was with him. The news about him spread throughout all that territory. 15 He taught in the synagogues and was praised by everyone.
"Jesus Heals Many People" - 38 Jesus left the synagogue and went to Simon's home. Simon's mother-in-law was sick with a high fever, and they spoke to Jesus about her. 39 He went and stood at her bedside and ordered the fever to leave her. The fever left her, and she got up at once and began to wait on them. 40 After sunset all who had friends who were sick with various diseases brought them to Jesus; he placed his hands on every one of them and healed them all. 41 Demons also went out from many people, screaming, "You are the Son of God!" Jesus gave the demons an order and would not let them speak, because they knew he was the Messiah.
<B6> Luke 11
KJV w/Strong# - {1} And it came <1096> to pass, that, as he was praying <4336> in a certain <5100> place <5117>, when <5613> he ceased <3973>, one <5100> of his disciples <3101> said <2036> unto him, Lord <2962>, teach <1321> us to pray <4336>, as John <2491> also <2532> taught <1321> his disciples <3101>.
NRSV - 1 He was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples."
KJV w/Strong# - {5} And when <3752> thou prayest <4336>, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites <5273> [are]: for they love <5368> to pray <4336> standing <2476> in the synagogues <4864> and in the corners <1137> of the streets <4113>, that they may be seen <5316> of men <444>. Verily <281> I say <3004> unto you, They have <568> their reward <3408>. {6} But thou, when <3752> thou prayest <4336>, enter <1525> into <1519> thy closet <5009>, and when thou hast shut <2808> thy door <2374>, pray <4336> to thy Father <3962> which <3588> is in secret <2927>; and thy Father <3962> which <3588> seeth <991> in secret <2927> shall reward <591> thee openly <5318>. {7} But when ye pray <4336>, use not vain repetitions <945>, as the heathen <1482> [do]: for they think <1380> that they shall be heard <1522> for their much <4180> speaking <4180>. {8} Be not ye therefore <3767> like <3666> unto them: for your <5216> Father <3962> knoweth <1492> what <3739> things ye have <2192> need <5532> of, before <4253> ye ask <154> him. {9} After <3779> this <3779> manner <3779> therefore <3767> pray <4336> ye: Our Father <3962> which <3588> art in heaven <3772>, Hallowed <37> be thy name <3686>. {10} Thy kingdom <932> come <2064>. Thy will <2307> be done <1096> in earth <1093>, as [it is] in heaven <3772>. {11} Give <1325> us this <4594> day <4594> our daily <1967> bread <740>. {12} And forgive <863> us our debts <3783>, as we forgive <863> our debtors <3781>. {13} And lead <1533> us not into <1519> temptation <3986>, but deliver <4506> us from evil <4190>: For thine <4675> is the kingdom <932>, and the power <1411>, and the glory <1391>, for ever <165>. Amen <281>.
NRSV - 5 "And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. 6 But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. 7 "When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 9 "Pray then in this way: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. 10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from the evil one.
TEV - "Teaching about Prayer" - 5 "When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites! They love to stand up and pray in the houses of worship and on the street corners, so that everyone will see them. I assure you, they have already been paid in full. 6 But when you pray, go to your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what you do in private, will reward you. 7 "When you pray, do not use a lot of meaningless words, as the pagans do, who think that their gods will hear them because their prayers are long. 8 Do not be like them. Your Father already knows what you need before you ask him. 9 This, then, is how you should pray: "Our Father in heaven: May your holy name be honored; 10 may your Kingdom come; may your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today the food we need. 12 Forgive us the wrongs we have done, as we forgive the wrongs that others have done to us. 13 Do not bring us to hard testing, but keep us safe from the Evil One.'
<B8> Matthew 18
KJV w/Strong# - {21} Then <5119> came <4334> Peter <4074> to him, and said <2036>, Lord <2962>, how <4212> oft <4212> shall my brother <80> sin <264> against <1519> me, and I forgive <863> him? till <2193> seven <2034> times <2034>? {22} Jesus <2424> saith <3004> unto him, I say <3004> not unto thee, Until <2193> seven <2034> times <2034>: but, Until <2193> seventy <1441> times <1441> seven <2033>. {23} Therefore <5124> is the kingdom <932> of heaven <3772> likened <3666> unto a certain <444> king <935>, which <3739> would <2309> take <4868> account <3056> of his servants <1401>. {24} And when he had begun <756> to reckon <4868>, one <1520> was brought <4374> unto him, which owed <3781> him ten <3463> thousand <3463> talents <5007>. {25} But forasmuch as he had <2192> not to pay <591>, his lord <2962> commanded <2753> him to be sold <4097>, and his wife <1135>, and children <5043>, and all <3956> that he had <2192>, and payment <591> to be made <591>. {26} The servant <1401> therefore <3767> fell <4098> down, and worshipped <4352> him, saying <3004>, Lord <2962>, have patience <3114> with me, and I will pay <591> thee all <3956>. {27} Then <1161> the lord <2962> of that servant <1401> was moved <4697> with compassion <4697>, and loosed <630> him, and forgave <863> him the debt <1156>. {28} But the same <1565> servant <1401> went <1831> out, and found <2147> one <1520> of his fellowservants <4889>, which <3739> owed <3784> him an hundred <1540> pence <1220>: and he laid hands <2902> on him, and took <2902> [him] by the throat <4155>, saying <3004>, Pay <591> me that thou owest <3784>. {29} And his fellowservant <4889> fell <4098> down at <1519> his feet <4228>, and besought <3870> him, saying <3004>, Have patience <3114> with me, and I will pay <591> thee all. {30} And he would <2309> not: but went <565> and cast <906> him into <1519> prison <5438>, till <2193> he should pay <591> the debt <3784>. {31} So <1161> when his fellowservants <4889> saw <1492> what <3588> was done <1096>, they were very <4970> sorry <3076>, and came <2064> and told <1285> unto their lord <2962> all <3956> that was done <1096>. {32} Then <5119> his lord <2962>, after that he had called <4341> him, said <3004> unto him, O thou wicked <4190> servant <1401>, I forgave <863> thee all <3956> that debt <3782>, because <1893> thou desiredst <3870> me: {33} Shouldest not thou also <2532> have had compassion <1653> on thy fellowservant <4889>, even <2532> as I had pity <1653> on thee?
NRSV - 21 Then Peter came and said to him, "Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?" 22 Jesus said to him, "Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times. 23 "For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. 24 When he began the reckoning, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him; 25 and, as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions, and payment to be made. 26 So the slave fell on his knees before him, saying, "Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.' 27 And out of pity for him, the lord of that slave released him and forgave him the debt. 28 But that same slave, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat, he said, "Pay what you owe.' 29 Then his fellow slave fell down and pleaded with him, "Have patience with me, and I will pay you.' 30 But he refused; then he went and threw him into prison until he would pay the debt. 31 When his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. 32 Then his lord summoned him and said to him, "You wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 33 Should you not have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?'
TEV - "The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant" - 21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, if my brother keeps on sinning against me, how many times do I have to forgive him? Seven times?" 22 "No, not seven times," answered Jesus, "but seventy times seven, 23 because the Kingdom of heaven is like this. Once there was a king who decided to check on his servants' accounts. 24 He had just begun to do so when one of them was brought in who owed him millions of dollars. 25 The servant did not have enough to pay his debt, so the king ordered him to be sold as a slave, with his wife and his children and all that he had, in order to pay the debt. 26 The servant fell on his knees before the king. "Be patient with me,' he begged, "and I will pay you everything!' 27 The king felt sorry for him, so he forgave him the debt and let him go. 28 "Then the man went out and met one of his fellow servants who owed him a few dollars. He grabbed him and started choking him. "Pay back what you owe me!' he said. 29 His fellow servant fell down and begged him, "Be patient with me, and I will pay you back!' 30 But he refused; instead, he had him thrown into jail until he should pay the debt. 31 When the other servants saw what had happened, they were very upset and went to the king and told him everything. 32 So he called the servant in. "You worthless slave!' he said. "I forgave you the whole amount you owed me, just because you asked me to. 33 You should have had mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you.' 34 The king was very angry, and he sent the servant to jail to be punished until he should pay back the whole amount."
KJV w/Strong# - {31} And as ye would <2309> that men <444> should do <4160> to you, do <4160> ye also <2532> to them likewise <3668>.
{36} Be ye therefore <3767> merciful <3629>, as your <5216> Father <3962> also <2532> is merciful <3629>.
NRSV - 31 Do to others as you would have them do to you.
36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
TEV - "Love for Enemies" - 27 "But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you. 29 If anyone hits you on one cheek, let him hit the other one too; if someone takes your coat, let him have your shirt as well. 30 Give to everyone who asks you for something, and when someone takes what is yours, do not ask for it back. 31 Do for others just what you want them to do for you. 32 "If you love only the people who love you, why should you receive a blessing? Even sinners love those who love them! 33 And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you receive a blessing? Even sinners do that! 34 And if you lend only to those from whom you hope to get it back, why should you receive a blessing? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount! 35 No! Love your enemies and do good to them; lend and expect nothing back. You will then have a great reward, and you will be sons of the Most High God. For he is good to the ungrateful and the wicked. 36 Be merciful just as your Father is merciful.
<B10> Psalm 118
KJV w/Strong# - {22} The stone <068> [which] the builders <01129> refused <03988> is become <01961> the head <07218> [stone] of the corner <06438>. {23} This <02063> is the LORD'S <03068> doing <0854>; it [is] marvellous <06381> in our eyes <05869>.
NRSV - 22 The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. 23 This is the LORD's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.
TEV - "A Prayer of Thanks for Victory" - 22 The stone which the builders rejected as worthless turned out to be the most important of all. 23 This was done by the LORD; what a wonderful sight it is! 24 This is the day of the LORD's victory; let us be happy, let us celebrate! 25 Save us, LORD, save us! Give us success, O LORD! 26 May God bless the one who comes in the name of the LORD! From the Temple of the LORD we bless you. 27 The LORD is God; he has been good to us. With branches in your hands, start the festival and march around the altar.
KJV w/Strong# - {29} And Jesus <2424> departed <3327> from thence <1564>, and came <2064> nigh <3844> unto the sea <2281> of Galilee <1056>; and went <305> up into <1519> a mountain <3735>, and sat <2521> down <2521> there <1563>. {30} And great <4183> multitudes <3793> came <4334> unto him, having <2192> with them [those that were] lame <5560>, blind <5185>, dumb <2974>, maimed <2948>, and many <4183> others <2087>, and cast <4496> them down <4496> at <3844> Jesus <2424>' feet <4228>; and he healed <2323> them: {31} Insomuch <5620> that the multitude <3793> wondered <2296>, when they saw <991> the dumb <2974> to speak <2980>, the maimed <2948> to be whole <5199>, the lame <5560> to walk <4043>, and the blind <5185> to see <991>: and they glorified <1392> the God <2316> of Israel <2474>.
NRSV - 29 After Jesus had left that place, he passed along the Sea of Galilee, and he went up the mountain, where he sat down. 30 Great crowds came to him, bringing with them the lame, the maimed, the blind, the mute, and many others. They put them at his feet, and he cured them, 31 so that the crowd was amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the maimed whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel.
TEV - "Jesus Heals Many People" - 29 Jesus left there and went along by Lake Galilee. He climbed a hill and sat down. 30 Large crowds came to him, bringing with them the lame, the blind, the crippled, the dumb, and many other sick people, whom they placed at Jesus' feet; and he healed them. 31 The people were amazed as they saw the dumb speaking, the crippled made whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing; and they praised the God of Israel.
KJV w/Strong# - {13} When Jesus <2424> came <2064> into <1519> the coasts <3313> of Caesarea <2542> Philippi <5376>, he asked <2065> his disciples <3101>, saying <3004>, Whom <5101> do men <444> say <3004> that I the Son <5207> of man <444> am <1511>? {14} And they said <2036>, Some <3588> [say that thou art] John <2491> the Baptist <910>: some <243>, Elias <2243>; and others <2087>, Jeremias <2408>, or <2228> one <1520> of the prophets <4396>. {15} He saith <3004> unto them, But whom <5101> say <3004> ye that I am <1511>? {16} And Simon <4613> Peter <4074> answered <611> and said <2036>, Thou art <1488> the Christ <5547>, the Son <5207> of the living <2198> God <2316>. {17} And Jesus <2424> answered <611> and said <2036> unto him, Blessed <3107> art <1488> thou, Simon <4613> Barjona <920>: for flesh <4561> and blood <129> hath not revealed <601> [it] unto thee, but my Father <3962> which <3588> is in heaven <3772>. {18} And I say <3004> also <1161> unto thee, That thou art <1488> Peter <4074>, and upon this <5026> rock <4073> I will build <3618> my church <1577>; and the gates <4439> of hell <86> shall not prevail <2729> against <2729> it.
NRSV - 13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" 14 And they said, "Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." 15 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" 16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." 17 And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.
TEV - "Peter's Declaration about Jesus" - 13 Jesus went to the territory near the town of Caesarea Philippi, where he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" 14 "Some say John the Baptist," they answered. "Others say Elijah, while others say Jeremiah or some other prophet." 15 "What about you?" he asked them. "Who do you say I am?" 16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." 17 "Good for you, Simon son of John!" answered Jesus. "For this truth did not come to you from any human being, but it was given to you directly by my Father in heaven. 18 And so I tell you, Peter: you are a rock, and on this rock foundation I will build my church, and not even death will ever be able to overcome it. 19 I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of heaven; what you prohibit on earth will be prohibited in heaven, and what you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven." 20 Then Jesus ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.
<B13> John 14
KJV w/Strong# - {12} Verily <281>, verily <281>, I say <3004> unto you, He that believeth <4100> on <1519> me, the works <2041> that I do <4160> shall he do <4160> also <2548>; and greater <3187> [works] than these <5130> shall he do <4160>; because <3754> I go <4198> unto my Father <3962>.
{16} And I will pray <2065> the Father <3962>, and he shall give <1325> you another <243> Comforter <3875>, that he may abide <3306> with you for ever <165>; {17} [Even] the Spirit <4151> of truth <225>; whom <3739> the world <2889> cannot <1410> receive <2983>, because <3754> it seeth <2334> him not, neither <3761> knoweth <1097> him: but ye know <1492> him; for he dwelleth <3306> with you, and shall be in you.
{25} These <5023> things have I spoken <2980> unto you, being [yet] present <3306> with you. {26} But the Comforter <3875>, [which is] the Holy <40> Ghost <4151>, whom <3739> the Father <3962> will send <3992> in my name <3686>, he shall teach <1321> you all <3956> things, and bring <5179> all <3956> things to your <5209> remembrance <5279>, whatsoever <3739> I have said <2036> unto you.
{29} And now <3568> I have told <2046> you before <4250> it come <1096> to pass, that, when <3752> it is come <1096> to pass, ye might believe <4100>.
NRSV - 12 Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father.
16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. 17 This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you.
25 "I have said these things to you while I am still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you.
29 And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe.
TEV - "Jesus the Way to the Father" - 9 Jesus answered, "For a long time I have been with you all; yet you do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. Why, then, do you say, "Show us the Father'? 10 Do you not believe, Philip, that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I have spoken to you," Jesus said to his disciples, "do not come from me. The Father, who remains in me, does his own work. 11 Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. If not, believe because of the things I do. 12 I am telling you the truth: whoever believes in me will do what I do -- yes, he will do even greater things, because I am going to the Father.
"The Promise of the Holy Spirit" - 15 "If you love me, you will obey my commandments. 16 I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, who will stay with you forever. 17 He is the Spirit, who reveals the truth about God. The world cannot receive him, because it cannot see him or know him. But you know him, because he remains with you and is in you. 18 "When I go, you will not be left all alone; I will come back to you. 19 In a little while the world will see me no more, but you will see me; and because I live, you also will live. 20 When that day comes, you will know that I am in my Father and that you are in me, just as I am in you.
25 "I have told you this while I am still with you. 26 The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and make you remember all that I have told you. 27 "Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid. 28 You heard me say to you, "I am leaving, but I will come back to you.' If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father; for he is greater than I. 29 I have told you this now before it all happens, so that when it does happen, you will believe. 30 I cannot talk with you much longer, because the ruler of this world is coming. He has no power over me, 31 but the world must know that I love the Father; that is why I do everything as he commands me. "Come, let us go from this place.
KJV w/Strong# - {8} Jesus <2424> Christ <5547> the same <846> yesterday <5504>, and to day <4594>, and for ever <165>.
NRSV - 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
TEV - "How to Please God" - 5 Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, "I will never leave you; I will never abandon you." 6 Let us be bold, then, and say, "The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?" 7 Remember your former leaders, who spoke God's message to you. Think back on how they lived and died, and imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 9 Do not let all kinds of strange teachings lead you from the right way. It is good to receive inner strength from God's grace, and not by obeying rules about foods; those who obey these rules have not been helped by them.
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