The BIBLETEXTS Online Bible Commentary
Excerpts that are relevant to the Bible Lesson for Sunday, April 18, 1999
plus other biblical resources to enrich the study of the current Bible Lesson
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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.
Note: Strong's numbers in the KJV text 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-tr.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.) For a review of the NRSV, browse http://www.bibletexts.com/bibles.htm.
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 Bible Lesson texts in the original author's intended context. For a review of the TEV, browse http://www.bibletexts.com/bibles.htm.
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 at http://www.bibletexts.com/bibliogr.htm.
Which English Bible version is the best?
Of the English language Bible versions primarily used by the BibleTexts.com website, the NRSV gives the best word-for-word representation of the wording of original texts, and the TEV gives the best phrase-by-phrase representation of the originally intended meaning of original texts. Both the NRSV and the TEV are based upon the same highly reliable, definitive Hebrew and Greek biblical texts that are edited and published by the United Bible Societies.
Wherever there are substantial differences between the KJV and the NRSV, the NRSV should be considered as more accurately representing the original texts, because the NRSV is translated from much more accurate Hebrew and Greek texts, and the NRSV translation team was very careful to ensure that the NRSV would be theologically objective. In the KJV most of the substantive errors are due to the faulty Hebrew and Greek texts from which the KJV was translated. (See S&H 139:15.) You can explore verse-by-verse explanations of most of those Hebrew and Greek text-based errors by browsing the BibleTexts Online Bible Commentary at http://www.bibletexts.com/bt.htm. You can easily browse the BibleTexts' textual commentaries on each book of the Bible by clicking on the bulleted footnotes immediately below the TEV translation.
You can also find verse-by-verse explanations of many of the text-based errors in the following two books: Textual Criticism of the Hebrew Bible, by Emanuel Tov (Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Fortress Press, 1992) and A Textual Commentary on the Greek New Testament, Second Edition, by Bruce M. Metzger (New York: United Bible Societies, 1994). Many other English Bible translations are listed and recommended in the BibleTexts' bibliography at http://www.bibletexts.com/bibliogr/01bib-e.htm, which also notes the English language Bibles owned and used by Mary Baker Eddy. For a review of the several Bibles in English and Spanish, http://www.bibletexts.com/bibles.htm.
KJV w/Strong# - {13} Greater <3187> love <26> hath <2192> no <3762> man <3762> than this <5026>, that a man <5100> lay <5087> down his life <5590> for his friends <5384>.
NRSV - 13 No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends.
TEV - "Jesus the Real Vine" - 11 "I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My commandment is this: love one another, just as I love you. 13 The greatest love a person can have for his friends is to give his life for them. 14 And you are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 I do not call you servants any longer, because a servant does not know what his master is doing. Instead, I call you friends, because I have told you everything I heard from my Father. 16 You did not choose me; I chose you and appointed you to go and bear much fruit, the kind of fruit that endures. And so the Father will give you whatever you ask of him in my name. 17 This, then, is what I command you: love one another.
KJV w/Strong# - {44} Jesus <2424> cried <2896> and said <2036>, He that believeth <4100> on <1519> me, believeth <4100> not on <1519> me, but on <1519> him that sent <3992> me. {45} And he that seeth <2334> me seeth <2334> him that sent <3992> me.
NRSV - 44 Then Jesus cried aloud: "Whoever believes in me believes not in me but in him who sent me. 45 And whoever sees me sees him who sent me.
TEV - "Judgment by Jesus' Words" - 44 Jesus said in a loud voice, "Whoever believes in me believes not only in me but also in him who sent me. 45 Whoever sees me sees also him who sent me. 46 I have come into the world as light, so that everyone who believes in me should not remain in the darkness. 47 If anyone hears my message and does not obey it, I will not judge him. I came, not to judge the world, but to save it. 48 Whoever rejects me and does not accept my message has one who will judge him. The words I have spoken will be his judge on the last day! 49 This is true, because I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has commanded me what I must say and speak. 50 And I know that his command brings eternal life. What I say, then, is what the Father has told me to say."
KJV w/Strong# - {14} I am <1510> the good <2570> shepherd <4166>, and know <1097> my [sheep], and am known <1097> of mine <1699>. {15} As the Father <3962> knoweth <1097> me, even <2504> so know <1097> I the Father <3962>: and I lay <5087> down my life <5590> for the sheep <4263>. {16} And other <243> sheep <4263> I have <2192>, which <3739> are not of this <5026> fold <833>: them also <2548> I must <1163> bring <71>, and they shall hear <191> my voice <5456>; and there shall be one <3391> fold <4167>, [and] one <1520> shepherd <4166>. {17} Therefore <5124> doth my Father <3962> love <25> me, because <3754> I lay <5087> down my life <5590>, that I might take <2983> it again <3825>.
{27} My sheep <4263> hear <191> my voice <5456>, and I know <1097> them, and they follow <190> me: {28} And I give <1325> unto them eternal <166> life <2222>; and they shall never <165> perish <622>, neither <3756> shall any <5100> [man] pluck <726> them out of my hand <5495>. {29} My Father <3962>, which <3739> gave <1325> [them] me, is greater <3187> than all <3956>; and no <3762> [man] is able <1410> to pluck <726> [them] out of my Father's <3962> hand <5495>. {30} I and [my] Father <3962> are one <1520>.
NRSV - 14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. 17 For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again.
27 My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 What my Father has given me is greater than all else, and no one can snatch it out of the Father's hand. 30 The Father and I are one."
TEV - "Jesus the Good Shepherd" - 11 "I am the good shepherd, who is willing to die for the sheep. 12 When the hired man, who is not a shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees a wolf coming, he leaves the sheep and runs away; so the wolf snatches the sheep and scatters them. 13 The hired man runs away because he is only a hired man and does not care about the sheep. 14...15 I am the good shepherd. As the Father knows me and I know the Father, in the same way I know my sheep and they know me. And I am willing to die for them. 16 There are other sheep which belong to me that are not in this sheep pen. I must bring them, too; they will listen to my voice, and they will become one flock with one shepherd. 17 "The Father loves me because I am willing to give up my life, in order that I may receive it back again. 18 No one takes my life away from me. I give it up of my own free will. I have the right to give it up, and I have the right to take it back. This is what my Father has commanded me to do." 19 Again there was a division among the people because of these words. 20 Many of them were saying, "He has a demon! He is crazy! Why do you listen to him?" 21 But others were saying, "A man with a demon could not talk like this! How could a demon give sight to blind people?"
25 Jesus answered, "I have already told you, but you would not believe me. The deeds I do by my Father's authority speak on my behalf; 26 but you will not believe, for you are not my sheep. 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never die. No one can snatch them away from me. 29 What my Father has given me is greater than everything, and no one can snatch them away from the Father's care. 30 The Father and I are one."
<B1> John 5
KJV w/Strong# - {1} After <3326> this <5023> there was a feast <1859> of the Jews <2453>; and Jesus <2424> went <305> up to Jerusalem <2414>.
{19} Then <3767> answered <611> Jesus <2424> and said <2036> unto them, Verily <281>, verily <281>, I say <3004> unto you, The Son <5207> can <1410> do <4160> nothing <3762> of himself <1438>, but <3362> what <5100> he seeth <991> the Father <3962> do <4160>: for what <5100> things soever <302> he doeth <4160>, these <5023> also <2532> doeth <4160> the Son <5207> likewise <3668>. {20} For the Father <3962> loveth <5368> the Son <5207>, and sheweth <1166> him all <3956> things that himself <846> doeth <4160>:...
{30} I can <1410> of mine <1683> own self <1683> do <4160> nothing <3762>: as I hear <191>, I judge <2919>: and my judgment <2920> is just <1342>; because <3754> I seek <2212> not mine <1699> own will <2307>, but the will <2307> of the Father <3962> which <3739> hath sent <3992> me.
NRSV - 1 After this there was a festival of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
19 Jesus said to them, "Very truly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing on his own, but only what he sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise. 20 The Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing; and he will show him greater works than these, so that you will be astonished.
30 "I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge; and my judgment is just, because I seek to do not my own will but the will of him who sent me.
TEV - "The Healing at the Pool" - 1 After this, Jesus went to Jerusalem for a religious festival. 2 Near the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem there is a pool with five porches; in Hebrew it is called Bethzatha.
"The Authority of the Son" - 19 So Jesus answered them, "I tell you the truth: the Son can do nothing on his own; he does only what he sees his Father doing. What the Father does, the Son also does. 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing. He will show him even greater things to do than this, and you will all be amazed. 21 Just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, in the same way the Son gives life to those he wants to. 22 Nor does the Father himself judge anyone. He has given his Son the full right to judge, 23 so that all will honor the Son in the same way as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him.
"Witnesses to Jesus" - 30 "I can do nothing on my own authority; I judge only as God tells me, so my judgment is right, because I am not trying to do what I want, but only what he who sent me wants. 31 "If I testify on my own behalf, what I say is not to be accepted as real proof. 32 But there is someone else who testifies on my behalf, and I know that what he says about me is true. 33 John is the one to whom you sent your messengers, and he spoke on behalf of the truth. 34 It is not that I must have a man's witness; I say this only in order that you may be saved. 35 John was like a lamp, burning and shining, and you were willing for a while to enjoy his light.
KJV w/Strong# - {14} And as Moses <3475> lifted <5312> up the serpent <3789> in the wilderness <2048>, even so <3779> must <1163> the Son <5207> of man <444> be lifted <5312> up:
{16} For God <2316> so <3779> loved <25> the world <2889>, that he gave <1325> his only <3439> begotten <3439> Son <5207>, that whosoever <3588> believeth <4100> in him should not perish <622>, but have <2192> everlasting <166> life <2222>. {17} For God <2316> sent <649> not his Son <5207> into <1519> the world <2889> to condemn <2919> the world <2889>; but that the world <2889> through <1223> him might be saved <4982>.
NRSV - 14 And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up,
16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. 17 "Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
TEV - "Jesus and Nicodemus" - 14 As Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the desert, in the same way the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. 16 For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to be its judge, but to be its savior.
KJV w/Strong# - {4} ...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 - 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" - 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.
KJV w/Strong# - {1} Be ye therefore <3767> followers <3402> of God <2316>, as dear <27> children <5043>; {2} And walk <4043> in love <26>, as Christ <5547> also <2532> hath loved <25> us, and hath given <3860> himself <1438> for us an offering <4376> and a sacrifice <2378> to God <2316> for a sweetsmelling <2175> savour <3744>.
NRSV - 1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, 2 and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
TEV - "Living in the Light" - 1 Since you are God's dear children, you must try to be like him. 2 Your life must be controlled by love, just as Christ loved us and gave his life for us as a sweet-smelling offering and sacrifice that pleases God. 3 Since you are God's people, it is not right that any matters of sexual immorality or indecency or greed should even be mentioned among you. 4 Nor is it fitting for you to use language which is obscene, profane, or vulgar. Rather you should give thanks to God. 5 You may be sure that no one who is immoral, indecent, or greedy (for greed is a form of idolatry) will ever receive a share in the Kingdom of Christ and of God.
<B5> Micah
KJV w/Strong# - {6} Wherewith <04100> shall I come <06923> before <06924> the LORD <03068>, [and] bow <03721> myself before the high <04791> God <0430>? shall I come <06923> before <06924> him with burnt <05930> offerings, with calves <05695> of a year <08141> old <01121>?
{8} He hath shewed <05046> thee, O man <0120>, what <04100> [is] good <02896>; and what <04100> doth the LORD <03068> require <01875> of thee, but to do <06213> justly <04941>, and to love <0160> mercy <02617>, and to walk <03212> humbly <06800> with thy God <0430>?
NRSV - 6 "With what shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself before God on high? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old?
8 He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
TEV - "What the LORD Requires" - 6 What shall I bring to the LORD, the God of heaven, when I come to worship him? Shall I bring the best calves to burn as offerings to him? 7 Will the LORD be pleased if I bring him thousands of sheep or endless streams of olive oil? Shall I offer him my first-born child to pay for my sins? 8 No, the LORD has told us what is good. What he requires of us is this: to do what is just, to show constant love, and to live in humble fellowship with our God.
KJV w/Strong# - Luke 8 - {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.
KJV w/Strong# - {1} And it came <1096> to pass, as he went <2064> into <1519> the house <3624> of one <5100> of the chief <758> Pharisees <5330> to eat <5315> bread <740> on the sabbath <4521> day, that they watched <3906> him.
{7} And he put <3004> forth <3004> a parable <3850> to those <3588> which were bidden <2564>, when he marked <1907> how <4459> they chose <1586> out the chief <4411> rooms <4411>; saying <3004> unto them, {8} When <3752> thou art bidden <2564> of any <5100> [man] to a wedding <1062>, sit <2625> not down <2625> in the highest <4411> room <4411>; lest <3379> a more honourable <1784> man than thou be bidden <2564> of him;
{10} But when <3752> thou art bidden <2564>, go <4198> and sit <377> down <377> in the lowest <2078> room <5117>; that when <3752> he that bade <2564> thee cometh <2064>, he may say <2036> unto thee, Friend <5384>, go <4320> up higher <511>: then <5119> shalt thou have <2071> worship <1391> in the presence <1799> of them that sit <4873> at <4873> meat with thee. {11} For whosoever <3588> exalteth <5312> himself <1438> shall be abased <5013>; and he that humbleth <5013> himself <1438> shall be exalted <5312>.
NRSV - 1 On one occasion when Jesus was going to the house of a leader of the Pharisees to eat a meal on the sabbath, they were watching him closely.
7 When he noticed how the guests chose the places of honor, he told them a parable. 8 "When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not sit down at the place of honor, in case someone more distinguished than you has been invited by your host;
10 But when you are invited, go and sit down at the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he may say to you, "Friend, move up higher'; then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at the table with you. 11 For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."
TEV - "Jesus Heals a Sick Man" - 1 One Sabbath Jesus went to eat a meal at the home of one of the leading Pharisees; and people were watching Jesus closely. 2 A man whose legs and arms were swollen came to Jesus, 3 and Jesus spoke up and asked the teachers of the Law and the Pharisees, "Does our Law allow healing on the Sabbath or not?" 4 But they would not say a thing. Jesus took the man, healed him, and sent him away. 5 Then he said to them, "If any one of you had a son or an ox that happened to fall in a well on a Sabbath, would you not pull him out at once on the Sabbath itself?" 6 But they were not able to answer him about this.
"Humility and Hospitality" - 7 Jesus noticed how some of the guests were choosing the best places, so he told this parable to all of them: 8 "When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not sit down in the best place. It could happen that someone more important than you has been invited, 9 and your host, who invited both of you, would have to come and say to you, "Let him have this place.' Then you would be embarrassed and have to sit in the lowest place. 10 Instead, when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that your host will come to you and say, "Come on up, my friend, to a better place.' This will bring you honor in the presence of all the other guests. 11 For everyone who makes himself great will be humbled, and everyone who humbles himself will be made great."
KJV w/Strong# - {3} [Let] nothing <3367> [be done] through <2596> strife <2052> or <2228> vainglory <2754>; but in lowliness <5012> of mind <5012> let each <240> esteem <2233> other <240> better <5242> than themselves <1438>.
NRSV - 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves.
TEV - "Christ's Humility and Greatness" - 1 Your life in Christ makes you strong, and his love comforts you. You have fellowship with the Spirit, and you have kindness and compassion for one another. 2 I urge you, then, to make me completely happy by having the same thoughts, sharing the same love, and being one in soul and mind. 3 Don't do anything from selfish ambition or from a cheap desire to boast, but be humble toward one another, always considering others better than yourselves. 4 And look out for one another's interests, not just for your own. 5 The attitude you should have is the one that Christ Jesus had:
<B9> Matthew 16
KJV w/Strong# - {21} From that time <5119> forth began <756> Jesus <2424> to shew <1166> unto his disciples <3101>, how that he must <1163> go <565> unto Jerusalem <2414>, and suffer <3958> many <4183> things of the elders <4245> and chief <749> priests <749> and scribes <1122>, and be killed <615>, and be raised <1453> again <1453> the third <5154> day <2250>. {22} Then <2532> Peter <4074> took <4355> him, and began <756> to rebuke <2008> him, saying <3004>, Be it far <2436> from thee, Lord <2962>: this <5124> shall not be unto thee. {23} But he turned <4762>, and said <2036> unto Peter <4074>, Get <5217> thee behind <3694> me, Satan <4567>: thou art <1488> an offence <4625> unto me: for thou savourest <5426> not the things that be of God <2316>, but those <3588> that be of men <444>. {24} Then <5119> said <2036> Jesus <2424> unto his disciples <3101>, If <1487> any <1536> [man] will <2309> come <2064> after <3694> me, let him deny <533> himself <1438>, and take <142> up his cross <4716>, and follow <190> me. {25} For whosoever <302> will <2309> save <4982> his life <5590> shall lose <622> it: and whosoever <302> will lose <622> his life <5590> for my sake <1752> shall find <2147> it. {26} For what <5101> is a man <444> profited <5623>, if <1437> he shall gain <2770> the whole <3650> world <2889>, and lose <2210> his own soul <5590>? or <2228> what <5101> shall a man <444> give <1325> in exchange <465> for his soul <5590>?
NRSV - 21 From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. 22 And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, "God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you." 23 But he turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things." 24 Then Jesus told his disciples, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 25 For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life?
TEV - "Jesus Speaks about His Suffering and Death" - 21 From that time on Jesus began to say plainly to his disciples, "I must go to Jerusalem and suffer much from the elders, the chief priests, and the teachers of the Law. I will be put to death, but three days later I will be raised to life." 22 Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. "God forbid it, Lord!" he said. "That must never happen to you!" 23 Jesus turned around and said to Peter, "Get away from me, Satan! You are an obstacle in my way, because these thoughts of yours don't come from God, but from man." 24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone wants to come with me, he must forget himself, carry his cross, and follow me. 25 For whoever wants to save his own life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 26 Will a person gain anything if he wins the whole world but loses his life? Of course not! There is nothing he can give to regain his life. 27 For the Son of Man is about to come in the glory of his Father with his angels, and then he will reward each one according to his deeds. 28 I assure you that there are some here who will not die until they have seen the Son of Man come as King."
KJV w/Strong# - 1 Peter 4 - {1} Forasmuch then <3767> as Christ <5547> hath suffered <3958> for us in the flesh <4561>, arm <3695> yourselves likewise <2532> with the same <846> mind <1771>: for he that hath suffered <3958> in the flesh <4561> hath ceased <3973> from sin <266>; {2} That he no <3371> longer <3371> should live <980> the rest <1954> of [his] time <5550> in the flesh <4561> to the lusts <1939> of men <444>, but to the will <2307> of God <2316>.
NRSV - 1 Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same intention (for whoever has suffered in the flesh has finished with sin), 2 so as to live for the rest of your earthly life no longer by human desires but by the will of God.
TEV - "Changed Lives" - 1 Since Christ suffered physically, you too must strengthen yourselves with the same way of thinking that he had; because whoever suffers physically is no longer involved with sin. 2 From now on, then, you must live the rest of your earthly lives controlled by God's will and not by human desires. 3 You have spent enough time in the past doing what the heathen like to do. Your lives were spent in indecency, lust, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and the disgusting worship of idols. 4 And now the heathen are surprised when you do not join them in the same wild and reckless living, and so they insult you. 5 But they will have to give an account of themselves to God, who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
KJV w/Strong# - {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 - 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 - "The Spirit and Human Nature" - 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.
<B12> Luke 13
KJV w/Strong# - {10} And he was teaching <1321> in one <3391> of the synagogues <4864> on <1722> the sabbath <4521>. {11} And, behold <2400>, there was a woman <1135> which had <2192> a spirit <4151> of infirmity <769> eighteen <1176> <3638> years <2094>, and was bowed <4794> together <4794>, and could <1410> in no <3361> wise <3838> lift <352> up [herself]. {12} And when Jesus <2424> saw <1492> her, he called <4377> [her to him], and said <2036> unto her, Woman <1135>, thou art loosed <630> from thine <4675> infirmity <769>. {13} And he laid <2007> [his] hands <5495> on <2007> her: and immediately <3916> she was made <461> straight <461>, and glorified <1392> God <2316>. {14} And the ruler <752> of the synagogue <752> answered <611> with indignation <23>, because <3754> that Jesus <2424> had healed <2323> on the sabbath <4521> day, and said <3004> unto the people <3793>, There are six <1803> days <2250> in which <3739> men ought <1163> to work <2038>: in them <5025> therefore <3767> come <2064> and be healed <2323>, and not on the sabbath <4521> day <2250>. {15} The Lord <2962> then <3767> answered <611> him, and said <2036>, [Thou] hypocrite <5273>, doth not each <1538> one of you on the sabbath <4521> loose <3089> his ox <1016> or <2228> [his] ass <3688> from the stall <5336>, and lead <520> [him] away <520> to watering <4222>? {16} And ought <1163> not this <5026> woman, being <5607> a daughter <2364> of Abraham <11>, whom <3739> Satan <4567> hath bound <1210>, lo <2400>, these eighteen <1176> <3638> years <2094>, be loosed <3089> from this <5127> bond <1199> on the sabbath <4521> day <2250>? {17} And when he had said <3004> these <5023> things, all <3956> his adversaries <480> were ashamed <2617>: and all <3956> the people <3793> rejoiced <5463> for all <3956> the glorious <1741> things that were done <1096> by him.
NRSV - 10 Now he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. 11 And just then there appeared a woman with a spirit that had crippled her for eighteen years. She was bent over and was quite unable to stand up straight. 12 When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said, "Woman, you are set free from your ailment." 13 When he laid his hands on her, immediately she stood up straight and began praising God. 14 But the leader of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had cured on the sabbath, kept saying to the crowd, "There are six days on which work ought to be done; come on those days and be cured, and not on the sabbath day." 15 But the Lord answered him and said, "You hypocrites! Does not each of you on the sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the manger, and lead it away to give it water? 16 And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen long years, be set free from this bondage on the sabbath day?" 17 When he said this, all his opponents were put to shame; and the entire crowd was rejoicing at all the wonderful things that he was doing.
TEV - "Jesus Heals a Crippled Woman on the Sabbath" - 10 One Sabbath Jesus was teaching in a synagogue. 11 A woman there had an evil spirit that had kept her sick for eighteen years; she was bent over and could not straighten up at all. 12 When Jesus saw her, he called out to her, "Woman, you are free from your sickness!" 13 He placed his hands on her, and at once she straightened herself up and praised God. 14 The official of the synagogue was angry that Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, so he spoke up and said to the people, "There are six days in which we should work; so come during those days and be healed, but not on the Sabbath!" 15 The Lord answered him, "You hypocrites! Any one of you would untie his ox or his donkey from the stall and take it out to give it water on the Sabbath. 16 Now here is this descendant of Abraham whom Satan has kept in bonds for eighteen years; should she not be released on the Sabbath?" 17 His answer made his enemies ashamed of themselves, while the people rejoiced over all the wonderful things that he did.
KJV w/Strong# - {17} ...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>. {18} And all <3956> things [are] of God <2316>, who <3588> hath reconciled <2644> us to himself <1438> by Jesus <2424> Christ <5547>, and hath given <1325> to us the ministry <1248> of reconciliation <2643>;
NRSV - 17 So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation;
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.
<B14> Luke 22
KJV w/Strong# - {1} Now <1161> the feast <1859> of unleavened <106> bread drew nigh <1448>, which is called <3004> the Passover <3957>.
{14} And when <3588> the hour <5610> was come <1096>, he sat <377> down <377>, and the twelve <1427> apostles <652> with him.
{39} And he came <1831> out, and went <4198>, as he was wont <1485>, to the mount <3735> of Olives <1636>; and his disciples <3101> also <2532> followed <190> him. {40} And when he was at <1909> the place <5117>, he said <2036> unto them, Pray <4336> that ye enter <1525> not into <1519> temptation <3986>. {41} And he was withdrawn <645> from them about <5616> a stone's <3037> cast <1000>, and kneeled <5087> <1119> down, and prayed <4336>, {42} Saying <3004>, Father <3962>, if <1487> thou be willing <1014>, remove <3911> this <5124> cup <4221> from me: nevertheless <4133> not my will <2307>, but thine <4674>, be done <1096>. {43} And there appeared <3700> an angel <32> unto him from heaven <3772>, strengthening <1765> him.
{45} And when he rose <450> up from prayer <4335>, and was come <2064> to his disciples <3101>, he found <2147> them sleeping <2837> for sorrow <3077>, {46} And said <2036> unto them, Why <5101> sleep <2518> ye? rise <450> and pray <4336>, lest <3361> ye enter <1525> into <1519> temptation <3986>.
NRSV - 1 Now the festival of Unleavened Bread, which is called the Passover, was near.
14 When the hour came, he took his place at the table, and the apostles with him.
39 He came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed him. 40 When he reached the place, he said to them, "Pray that you may not come into the time of trial." 41 Then he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, knelt down, and prayed, 42 "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done." 43 Then an angel from heaven appeared to him and gave him strength.
45 When he got up from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping because of grief, 46 and he said to them, "Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not come into the time of trial."
TEV - "The Plot against Jesus" - 1 The time was near for the Festival of Unleavened Bread, which is called the Passover. 2 The chief priests and the teachers of the Law were afraid of the people, and so they were trying to find a way of putting Jesus to death secretly.
"The Lord's Supper" - 14 When the hour came, Jesus took his place at the table with the apostles. 15 He said to them, "I have wanted so much to eat this Passover meal with you before I suffer! 16 For I tell you, I will never eat it until it is given its full meaning in the Kingdom of God." 17 Then Jesus took a cup, gave thanks to God, and said, "Take this and share it among yourselves. 18 I tell you that from now on I will not drink this wine until the Kingdom of God comes."
"Jesus Prays on the Mount of Olives" - 39 Jesus left the city and went, as he usually did, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples went with him. 40 When he arrived at the place, he said to them, "Pray that you will not fall into temptation." 41 Then he went off from them about the distance of a stone's throw and knelt down and prayed. 42 "Father," he said, "if you will, take this cup of suffering away from me. Not my will, however, but your will be done." 43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. 44 In great anguish he prayed even more fervently; his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. 45 Rising from his prayer, he went back to the disciples and found them asleep, worn out by their grief. 46 He said to them, "Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you will not fall into temptation."
KJV w/Strong# - {23} Let us hold <2722> fast <2722> the profession <3671> of [our] faith <1680> without <186> wavering <186>; (for he [is] faithful <4103> that promised <1861>;)
{35} Cast <577> not away <577> therefore <3767> your <5216> confidence <3954>, which <3748> hath <2192> great <3173> recompence <3405> of reward <3405>. {36} For ye have need <5532> of patience <5281>, that, after ye have done <4160> the will <2307> of God <2316>, ye might receive <2865> the promise <1860>.
NRSV - 23 Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful.
35 Do not, therefore, abandon that confidence of yours; it brings a great reward. 36 For you need endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.
TEV - "Let Us Come Near to God" - 19 We have, then, my brothers, complete freedom to go into the Most Holy Place by means of the death of Jesus. 20 He opened for us a new way, a living way, through the curtain -- that is, through his own body. 21 We have a great priest in charge of the house of God. 22 So let us come near to God with a sincere heart and a sure faith, with hearts that have been purified from a guilty conscience and with bodies washed with clean water. 23 Let us hold on firmly to the hope we profess, because we can trust God to keep his promise. 24 Let us be concerned for one another, to help one another to show love and to do good. 25 Let us not give up the habit of meeting together, as some are doing. Instead, let us encourage one another all the more, since you see that the Day of the Lord is coming nearer.
32 Remember how it was with you in the past. In those days, after God's light had shone on you, you suffered many things, yet were not defeated by the struggle. 33 You were at times publicly insulted and mistreated, and at other times you were ready to join those who were being treated in this way. 34 You shared the sufferings of prisoners, and when all your belongings were seized, you endured your loss gladly, because you knew that you still possessed something much better, which would last forever. 35 Do not lose your courage, then, because it brings with it a great reward. 36 You need to be patient, in order to do the will of God and receive what he promises. 37 For, as the scripture says, "Just a little while longer, and he who is coming will come; he will not delay. 38 My righteous people, however, will believe and live; but if any of them turns back, I will not be pleased with him." 39 We are not people who turn back and are lost. Instead, we have faith and are saved.
<B16> Isaiah 35
KJV w/Strong# - {10} And 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 And 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.
KJV w/Strong# - {1} Therefore <3767> being justified <1344> by faith <4102>, we have <2192> peace <1515> with God <2316> through <1223> our Lord <2962> Jesus <2424> Christ <5547>: {2} By whom <3739> also <2532> we have <2192> access <4318> by faith <4102> into <1519> this <5026> grace <5485> wherein <1722> <3739> we stand <2476>, and rejoice <2744> in hope <1680> of the glory <1391> of God <2316>.
{10} For if <1487>, when we were enemies <2190>, we were reconciled <2644> to God <2316> by the death <2288> of his Son <5207>, much <4183> more <3123>, being reconciled <2644>, we shall be saved <4982> by his life <2222>. {11} And not only <3440> [so], but we also <2532> joy <2744> in God <2316> through <1223> our Lord <2962> Jesus <2424> Christ <5547>, by whom <3739> we have now <3568> received <2983> the atonement <2643>.
NRSV - 1 Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God.
10 For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more surely, having been reconciled, will we be saved by his life. 11 But more than that, we even boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
TEV - "Right with God" - 1 Now that we have been put right with God through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 He has brought us by faith into this experience of God's grace, in which we now live. And so we boast of the hope we have of sharing God's glory! 3 We also boast of our troubles, because we know that trouble produces endurance, 4 endurance brings God's approval, and his approval creates hope. 5 This hope does not disappoint us, for God has poured out his love into our hearts by means of the Holy Spirit, who is God's gift to us. 6 For when we were still helpless, Christ died for the wicked at the time that God chose. 7 It is a difficult thing for someone to die for a righteous person. It may even be that someone might dare to die for a good person. 8 But God has shown us how much he loves us -- it was while we were still sinners that Christ died for us! 9 By his sacrificial death we are now put right with God; how much more, then, will we be saved by him from God's anger! 10 We were God's enemies, but he made us his friends through the death of his Son. Now that we are God's friends, how much more will we be saved by Christ's life! 11 But that is not all; we rejoice because of what God has done through our Lord Jesus Christ, who has now made us God's friends.
KJV w/Strong# - {38} For I am persuaded <3982>, that neither <3777> death <2288>, nor <3777> life <2222>, nor <3777> angels <32>, nor <3777> principalities <746>, nor <3777> powers <1411>, nor <3777> things present <1764>, nor <3777> things to come <3195>, {39} Nor <3777> height <5313>, nor <3777> depth <899>, nor <3777> any <5100> other <2087> creature <2937>, shall be able <1410> to separate <5563> us from the love <26> of God <2316>, which <3588> is in Christ <5547> Jesus <2424> our Lord <2962>.
NRSV - 38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
TEV - "God's Love in Christ Jesus" - 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.
KJV w/Strong# - {1} Wherefore <5105> seeing we also <2532> are compassed <4029> about <4029> with so <5118> great <5118> a cloud <3509> of witnesses <3144>, let us lay <659> aside <659> every <3956> weight <3591>, and the sin <266> which doth so easily beset <2139> [us], and let us run <5143> with patience <5281> the race <73> that is set <4295> before <4295> us, {2} Looking <872> unto Jesus <2424> the author <747> and finisher <5047> of [our] faith <4102>; who <3739> for the joy <5479> that was set <4295> before <4295> him endured <5278> the cross <4716>, despising <2706> the shame <152>, and is set <2523> down <2523> at <1722> the right <1188> hand of the throne <2362> of God <2316>.
NRSV - 1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.
TEV - "God Our Father" - 1 As for us, we have this large crowd of witnesses around us. So then, let us rid ourselves of everything that gets in the way, and of the sin which holds on to us so tightly, and let us run with determination the race that lies before us. 2 Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end. He did not give up because of the cross! On the contrary, because of the joy that was waiting for him, he thought nothing of the disgrace of dying on the cross, and he is now seated at the right side of God's throne.
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