The BIBLETEXTS Online Bible Commentary
Excerpts that are relevant to the Bible Lesson for Sunday, May 16 1999
plus other biblical resources to enrich the study of the current Bible Lesson
Bible Lesson Study Aid | This week's at http://www.bibletexts.com/bt-tw-ps.htm: This particular webpage was first posted Sunday, 5/9/99, at 1:30 am (USA Eastern time). Revised Monday, 5/10/99, at 2:15 am. | Next week's at http://www.bibletexts.com/bt-nw-ps.htm: This study aid is usually available by early Sunday morning, 7 days before the Sunday by which the corresponding Bible Lesson is dated, and it usually becomes "This week's" Bible Lesson study aid at around mindight on that same Sunday.
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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# - {9} ...ye [are] a chosen <1588> generation <1085>, a royal <934> priesthood <2406>, an holy <40> nation <1484>, a peculiar <4047> people <2992>; that ye should shew <1804> forth <1804> the praises <703> of him who hath called <2564> you out of darkness <4655> into <1519> his marvellous <2298> light <5457>:
NRSV - 9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
TEV - "The Living Stone and the Holy Nation" - 9 But you are the chosen race, the King's priests, the holy nation, God's own people, chosen to proclaim the wonderful acts of God, who called you out of darkness into his own marvelous light. 10 At one time you were not God's people, but now you are his people; at one time you did not know God's mercy, but now you have received his mercy.
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>:
{11} In whom <3739> also <2532> we have obtained <2820> an inheritance <2820>, being predestinated <4309> according <2596> to the purpose <4286> of him who worketh <1754> all <3956> things after <2596> the counsel <1012> of his own <848> will <2307>: {12} That we should be to the praise <1868> of his glory <1391>, who <3588> first <4276> trusted <4276> in Christ <5547>.
{15} Wherefore <5124> I also <2504>, after I heard <191> of your <5209> faith <4102> in the Lord <2962> Jesus <2424>, and love <26> unto all <3956> the saints <40>, {16} Cease <3973> not to give thanks <2168> for you, making <4160> mention <3417> of you in my prayers <4335>; {17} That the God <2316> of our Lord <2962> Jesus <2424> Christ <5547>, the Father <3962> of glory <1391>, may give <1325> unto you the spirit <4151> of wisdom <4678> and revelation <602> in the knowledge <1922> of him: {18} The eyes <3788> of your <5216> understanding <1271> being enlightened <5461>; that ye may know <1492> what <5101> is the hope <1680> of his calling <2821>, and what <5101> the riches <4149> of the glory <1391> of his inheritance <2817> in the saints <40>, {19} And what <5101> [is] the exceeding <5235> greatness <3174> of his power <1411> to us-ward <2248> who <3588> believe <4100>, according <2596> to the working <1753> of his mighty <2479> power <2904>, {20} Which <3739> he wrought <1754> in Christ <5547>, when he raised <1453> him from the dead <3498>, and set <2523> [him] at <1722> his own <848> right <1188> hand in the heavenly <2032> [places], {21} Far <5231> above <5231> all <3956> principality <746>, and power <1849>, and might <1411>, and dominion <2963>, and every <3956> name <3686> that is named <3687>, not only <3440> in this <3588> world <165>, but also <2532> in that which is to come <3195>:
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,
11 In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will, 12 so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory.
15 I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. 17 I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, 18 so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power. 20 God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come.
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.
11 All things are done according to God's plan and decision; and God chose us to be his own people in union with Christ because of his own purpose, based on what he had decided from the very beginning. 12 Let us, then, who were the first to hope in Christ, praise God's glory! 13 And you also became God's people when you heard the true message, the Good News that brought you salvation. You believed in Christ, and God put his stamp of ownership on you by giving you the Holy Spirit he had promised. 14 The Spirit is the guarantee that we shall receive what God has promised his people, and this assures us that God will give complete freedom to those who are his. Let us praise his glory!
"Paul's Prayer" - 15 For this reason, ever since I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God's people, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks to God for you. I remember you in my prayers 17 and ask the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, to give you the Spirit, who will make you wise and reveal God to you, so that you will know him. 18 I ask that your minds may be opened to see his light, so that you will know what is the hope to which he has called you, how rich are the wonderful blessings he promises his people, 19 and how very great is his power at work in us who believe. This power working in us is the same as the mighty strength 20 which he used when he raised Christ from death and seated him at his right side in the heavenly world. 21 Christ rules there above all heavenly rulers, authorities, powers, and lords; he has a title superior to all titles of authority in this world and in the next. 22 God put all things under Christ's feet and gave him to the church as supreme Lord over all things. 23 The church is Christ's body, the completion of him who himself completes all things everywhere.
<B1> Psalm 16
KJV w/Strong# - {5} The LORD <03068> [is] the portion <04490> of mine inheritance <02506> and of my cup <03563>: thou maintainest <08551> my lot <01486>. {6} The lines <02256> are fallen <05307> unto me in pleasant <05273> [places]; yea <0637>, I have <05921> a goodly <08231> heritage <05159>.
{8} I have set <07737> the LORD <03068> always <08548> before <05048> me: because <03588> [he is] at my right <03225> hand <03225>, I shall not be moved <04131>.
{10} For thou wilt not leave <05800> my soul <05315> in hell <07585>; neither <03808> wilt thou suffer <05414> thine Holy <02623> One to see <07200> corruption <07845>. {11} Thou wilt shew <03045> me the path <0734> of life <02416>: in thy presence <06440> [is] fulness <07648> of joy <08057>; at thy right <03225> hand <03225> [there are] pleasures <05273> for evermore <05331>.
NRSV - 5 The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. 6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; I have a goodly heritage.
8 I keep the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
10 For you do not give me up to Sheol, or let your faithful one see the Pit. 11 You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
TEV - "A Prayer of Confidence" - 3 How excellent are the LORD's faithful people! My greatest pleasure is to be with them. 4 Those who rush to other gods bring many troubles on themselves. I will not take part in their sacrifices; I will not worship their gods. 5 You, LORD, are all I have, and you give me all I need; my future is in your hands. 6 How wonderful are your gifts to me; how good they are! 7 I praise the LORD, because he guides me, and in the night my conscience warns me. 8 I am always aware of the LORD's presence; he is near, and nothing can shake me. 9 And so I am thankful and glad, and I feel completely secure, 10 because you protect me from the power of death. I have served you faithfully, and you will not abandon me to the world of the dead. 11 You will show me the path that leads to life; your presence fills me with joy and brings me pleasure forever.
KJV w/Strong# - {2} Grace <5485> and peace <1515> be multiplied <4129> unto you through <1722> the knowledge <1922> of God <2316>, and of Jesus <2424> our Lord <2962>, {3} According <5613> as his divine <2304> power <1411> hath given <1433> unto us all <3956> things that [pertain] unto life <2222> and godliness <2150>, through <1223> the knowledge <1922> of him that hath called <2564> us to glory <1391> and virtue <703>: {4} Whereby <3739> are given <1433> unto us exceeding great <3176> and precious <5093> promises <1862>: that by these <5130> ye might be partakers <2844> of the divine <2304> nature <5449>, having escaped <668> the corruption <5356> that is in the world <2889> through <1722> lust <1939>.
NRSV - 2 May grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. 3 His divine power has given us everything needed for life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Thus he has given us, through these things, his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may escape from the corruption that is in the world because of lust, and may become participants of the divine nature.
TEV - "Introduction" - 1 From Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ -- To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have been given a faith as precious as ours: 2 May grace and peace be yours in full measure through your knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
"God's Call and Choice" - 3 God's divine power has given us everything we need to live a truly religious life through our knowledge of the one who called us to share in his own glory and goodness. 4 In this way he has given us the very great and precious gifts he promised, so that by means of these gifts you may escape from the destructive lust that is in the world, and may come to share the divine nature.
KJV w/Strong# - {50} Now <1161> this <5124> I say <5346>, brethren <80>, that flesh <4561> and blood <129> cannot <1410> inherit <2816> the kingdom <932> of God <2316>; neither <3761> doth corruption <5356> inherit <2816> incorruption <861>. {51} Behold <2400>, I shew <3004> you a mystery <3466>; We shall not all <3956> sleep <2837>, but we shall all <3956> be changed <236>, {52} In a moment <823>, in the twinkling <4493> of an eye <3788>, at <1722> the last <2078> trump <4536>: for the trumpet shall sound <4537>, and the dead <3498> shall be raised <1453> incorruptible <862>, and we shall be changed <236>. {53} For this <5124> corruptible <5349> must <1163> put <1746> on <1746> incorruption <861>, and this <5124> mortal <2349> [must] put <1746> on <1746> immortality <110>.
NRSV - 50 flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 51 Listen, I will tell you a mystery! We will not all die, but we will all be changed, 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53 For this perishable body must put on imperishability, and this mortal body must put on immortality.
TEV - "The Resurrection Body" - 50 What I mean, brothers, is that what is made of flesh and blood cannot share in God's Kingdom, and what is mortal cannot possess immortality. 51...52 Listen to this secret truth: we shall not all die, but when the last trumpet sounds, we shall all be changed in an instant, as quickly as the blinking of an eye. For when the trumpet sounds, the dead will be raised, never to die again, and we shall all be changed. 53 For what is mortal must be changed into what is immortal; what will die must be changed into what cannot die. 54 So when this takes place, and the mortal has been changed into the immortal, then the scripture will come true: "Death is destroyed; victory is complete!"
<B4> Malachi 2
KJV w/Strong# - {10} Have we not all <03605> one <0259> father <02>? hath not one <0259> God <0410> created <01254> us? why <04069> do we deal treacherously <0898> every man <0376> against his brother <0251>, by profaning <02490> the covenant <01285> of our fathers <01>?
NRSV - 10 Have we not all one father? Has not one God created us? Why then are we faithless to one another, profaning the covenant of our ancestors?
TEV - "The People's Unfaithfulness to God" - 10 Don't we all have the same father? Didn't the same God create us all? Then why do we break our promises to one another, and why do we despise the covenant that God made with our ancestors? 11 The people of Judah have broken their promise to God and done a horrible thing in Jerusalem and all over the country. They have defiled the Temple which the LORD loves. Men have married women who worship foreign gods. 12 May the LORD remove from the community of Israel those who did this, and never again let them participate in the offerings our nation brings to the LORD Almighty.
KJV w/Strong# - {1} And Adam <0120> knew <03045> Eve <02332> his wife <0802>; and she conceived <02030>, and bare <03205> Cain <07014>, and said <0559>, I have <01961> gotten <07069> a man <0376> from the LORD <03068>. {2} And she again <03254> bare <03205> his brother <0251> Abel <01893>. And Abel <01893> was a keeper <07462> of sheep <06629>, but Cain <07014> was a tiller <05647> of the ground <0127>. {3} And in process <07093> of time <03117> it came <01961> to pass, that Cain <07014> brought <0935> of the fruit <06529> of the ground <0127> an offering <04503> unto the LORD <03068>. {4} And Abel <01893>, he also <01571> brought <0935> of the firstlings <01062> of his flock <06629> and of the fat <02459> thereof. And the LORD <03068> had respect <08159> unto Abel <01893> and to his offering <04503>: {5} But unto Cain <07014> and to his offering <04503> he had not respect <08159>. And Cain <07014> was very <03966> wroth <02734>, and his countenance <06440> fell <05307>.
{8} And Cain <07014> talked <0559> with Abel <01893> his brother <0251>: and it came <01961> to pass, when they were in the field <07704>, that Cain <07014> rose <06965> up against <0413> Abel <01893> his brother <0251>, and slew <02026> him. {9} And the LORD <03068> said <0559> unto Cain <07014>, Where <0335> [is] Abel <01893> thy brother <0251>? And he said <0559>, I know <03045> not: [Am] I my brother's <0251> keeper <08104>? {10} And he said <0559>, What <04100> hast thou done <06213>?...
NRSV - 1 Now the man knew his wife Eve, and she conceived and bore Cain, saying, "I have produced a man with the help of the LORD." 2 Next she bore his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, and Cain a tiller of the ground. 3 In the course of time Cain brought to the LORD an offering of the fruit of the ground, 4 and Abel for his part brought of the firstlings of his flock, their fat portions. And the LORD had regard for Abel and his offering, 5 but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell.
8 Cain said to his brother Abel, "Let us go out to the field." And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel, and killed him. 9 Then the LORD said to Cain, "Where is your brother Abel?" He said, "I do not know; am I my brother's keeper?" 10 And the LORD said, "What have you done? Listen; your brother's blood is crying out to me from the ground!
TEV - "Cain and Abel" - 1 Then Adam had intercourse with his wife, and she became pregnant. She bore a son and said, "By the LORD's help I have gotten a son." So she named him Cain. 2 Later she gave birth to another son, Abel. Abel became a shepherd, but Cain was a farmer. 3 After some time Cain brought some of his harvest and gave it as an offering to the LORD. 4 Then Abel brought the first lamb born to one of his sheep, killed it, and gave the best parts of it as an offering. The LORD was pleased with Abel and his offering, 5 but he rejected Cain and his offering. Cain became furious, and he scowled in anger.
8 Then Cain said to his brother Abel, "Let's go out in the fields." When they were out in the fields, Cain turned on his brother and killed him. 9 The LORD asked Cain, "Where is your brother Abel?" He answered, "I don't know. Am I supposed to take care of my brother?" 10 Then the LORD said, "Why have you done this terrible thing? Your brother's blood is crying out to me from the ground, like a voice calling for revenge. 11 You are placed under a curse and can no longer farm the soil. It has soaked up your brother's blood as if it had opened its mouth to receive it when you killed him. 12 If you try to grow crops, the soil will not produce anything; you will be a homeless wanderer on the earth." 13 And Cain said to the LORD, "This punishment is too hard for me to bear. 14 You are driving me off the land and away from your presence. I will be a homeless wanderer on the earth, and anyone who finds me will kill me."
KJV w/Strong# - {10} In this <5129> the children <5043> of God <2316> are manifest <5318>, and the children <5043> of the devil <1228>: whosoever <3588> doeth <4160> not righteousness <1343> is not of God <2316>, neither he that loveth <25> not his brother <80>. {11} For this <3778> is the message <31> that ye heard <191> from the beginning <746>, that we should love <25> one <240> another <240>.
NRSV - 10 The children of God and the children of the devil are revealed in this way: all who do not do what is right are not from God, nor are those who do not love their brothers and sisters. 11 For this is the message you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.
TEV - "Children of God" - 9 Whoever is a child of God does not continue to sin, for God's very nature is in him; and because God is his Father, he cannot continue to sin. 10 Here is the clear difference between God's children and the Devil's children: anyone who does not do what is right or does not love his brother is not God's child.
"Love One Another" - 11 The message you heard from the very beginning is this: we must love one another. 12 We must not be like Cain; he belonged to the Evil One and murdered his own brother Abel. Why did Cain murder him? Because the things he himself did were wrong, and the things his brother did were right.
<B7> 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."
KJV w/Strong# - {17} For, behold <02005>, I create <01254> new <02319> heavens <08064> and a new <02319> earth <0776>: and the former <07223> shall not be remembered <02142>, nor <03808> come <05927> into <05921> mind <03820>. {18} But be ye glad <07796> and rejoice <01523> for ever <05703> [in that] which <0834> I create <01254>: for, behold <02005>, I create <01254> Jerusalem <03389> a rejoicing <01525>, and her people <05971> a joy <04885>. {19} And I will rejoice <01523> in Jerusalem <03389>, and joy <07796> in my people <05971>: and the voice <06963> of weeping <01065> shall be no <03808> more <05750> heard <08085> in her, nor the voice <06963> of crying <02201>. {20} There shall be no <03808> more <05750> thence <08033> an infant <05764> of days <03117>, nor an old <02205> man that hath not filled <04390> his days <03117>:...
{23} They shall not labour <03021> in vain <07385>, nor <03808> bring <03205> forth <03205> for trouble <0928>; for they [are] the seed <02233> of the blessed <01288> of the LORD <03068>, and their offspring <06631> with them.
NRSV - 17 For I am about to create new heavens and a new earth; the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind. 18 But be glad and rejoice forever in what I am creating; for I am about to create Jerusalem as a joy, and its people as a delight. 19 I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and delight in my people; no more shall the sound of weeping be heard in it, or the cry of distress. 20 No more shall there be in it an infant that lives but a few days, or an old person who does not live out a lifetime; for one who dies at a hundred years will be considered a youth, and one who falls short of a hundred will be considered accursed.
23 They shall not labor in vain, or bear children for calamity; for they shall be offspring blessed by the LORD -- and their descendants as well.
TEV - "The New Creation" - 17 The LORD says, "I am making a new earth and new heavens. The events of the past will be completely forgotten. 18 Be glad and rejoice forever in what I create. The new Jerusalem I make will be full of joy, and her people will be happy. 19 I myself will be filled with joy because of Jerusalem and her people. There will be no weeping there, no calling for help. 20 Babies will no longer die in infancy, and all people will live out their life span. Those who live to be a hundred will be considered young. To die before that would be a sign that I had punished them. 21...22 People will build houses and get to live in them -- they will not be used by someone else. They will plant vineyards and enjoy the wine -- it will not be drunk by others. Like trees, my people will live long lives. They will fully enjoy the things that they have worked for. 23 The work they do will be successful, and their children will not meet with disaster. I will bless them and their descendants for all time to come. 24 Even before they finish praying to me, I will answer their prayers. 25 Wolves and lambs will eat together; lions will eat straw, as cattle do, and snakes will no longer be dangerous. On Zion, my sacred hill, there will be nothing harmful or evil."
KJV w/Strong# - {16} Wherefore <5620> henceforth <3568> know <1492> we no <3762> man <3762> after <2596> the flesh <4561>: yea <1161>, though <1499> we have known <1097> Christ <5547> after <2596> the flesh <4561>, yet <235> now <3568> henceforth <2089> know <1097> we [him] no <3765> more <2089>. {17} Therefore <5620> if <1487> any <1536> man [be] in Christ <5547>, [he is] a new <2537> creature <2937>: old <744> things are passed <3928> away; behold <2400>, all <3956> things are become <1096> new <2537>.
NRSV - 16 From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. 17 So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!
TEV - "Friendship with God through Christ" - 16 No longer, then, do we judge anyone by human standards. Even if at one time we judged Christ according to human standards, we no longer do so. 17 When anyone is joined to Christ, he is a new being; the old is gone, the new has come. 18 All this is done by God, who through Christ changed us from enemies into his friends and gave us the task of making others his friends also. 19 Our message is that God was making all mankind his friends through Christ. God did not keep an account of their sins, and he has given us the message which tells how he makes them his friends.
<B10> Psalm 33
KJV w/Strong# - {12} Blessed <0835> [is] the nation <01471> whose <0834> God <0430> [is] the LORD <03068>; [and] the people <05971> [whom] he hath chosen <0970> for his own inheritance <05159>.
NRSV - 12 Happy is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage.
TEV - "A Song of Praise" - 8 Worship the LORD, all the earth! Honor him, all peoples of the world! 9 When he spoke, the world was created; at his command everything appeared. 10 The LORD frustrates the purposes of the nations; he keeps them from carrying out their plans. 11 But his plans endure forever; his purposes last eternally. 12 Happy is the nation whose God is the LORD; happy are the people he has chosen for his own!
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.
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.
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.
KJV w/Strong# - {34} And Jesus <2424>, when he came <1831> out, saw <1492> much <4183> people <3793>, and was moved <4697> with compassion <4697> toward <1909> them, because <3754> they were as sheep <4263> not having <2192> a shepherd <4166>: and he began <756> to teach <1321> them many <4183> things.
NRSV - 34 As he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.
TEV - "Jesus Feeds Five Thousand Men" - 33 Many people, however, saw them leave and knew at once who they were; so they went from all the towns and ran ahead by land and arrived at the place ahead of Jesus and his disciples. 34 When Jesus got out of the boat, he saw this large crowd, and his heart was filled with pity for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began to teach them many things. 35 When it was getting late, his disciples came to him and said, "It is already very late, and this is a lonely place. 36 Send the people away, and let them go to the nearby farms and villages in order to buy themselves something to eat."
KJV w/Strong# - {17} And one <1520> of the multitude <3793> answered <611> and said <2036>, Master <1320>, I have brought <5342> unto thee my son <5207>, which hath <2192> a dumb <216> spirit <4151>; {18} And wheresoever <302> he taketh <2638> him, he teareth <4486> him: and he foameth <875>, and gnasheth <5149> with his teeth <3599>, and pineth <3583> away: and I spake <2036> to thy disciples <3101> that they should cast <1544> him out; and they could <2480> not. {19} He answereth <611> him, and saith <3004>, O faithless <571> generation <1074>, how <2193> long <2193> shall I be with you? how <2193> long <2193> shall I suffer <430> you? bring <5342> him unto me. {20} And they brought <5342> him unto him:...
{21} And he asked <1905> his father <3962>, How <4214> long <4214> is it ago since <5613> this <5124> came <1096> unto him? And he said <2036>, Of a child <3812>. {22} And ofttimes <4178> it hath cast <906> him into <1519> the fire <4442>, and into <1519> the waters <5204>, to destroy <622> him: but if thou canst <1410> do any <1536> thing, have compassion <4697> on <1909> us, and help <997> us.
{25} When Jesus <2424> saw <1492> that the people <3793> came <1998> running <1998> together <1998>, he rebuked <2008> the foul <169> spirit <4151>, saying <3004> unto him, [Thou] dumb <216> and deaf <2974> spirit <4151>, I charge <2004> thee, come <1831> out of him, and enter <1525> no <3371> more <3371> into <1519> him. {26} And [the spirit] cried <2896>, and rent <4682> him sore <4183>, and came <1831> out of him: and he was as one dead <3498>; insomuch <5620> that many <4183> said <3004>, He is dead <599>. {27} But Jesus <2424> took <2902> him by the hand <5495>, and lifted <1453> him up; and he arose <450>.
NRSV - 17 Someone from the crowd answered him, "Teacher, I brought you my son; he has a spirit that makes him unable to speak; 18 and whenever it seizes him, it dashes him down; and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid; and I asked your disciples to cast it out, but they could not do so." 19 He answered them, "You faithless generation, how much longer must I be among you? How much longer must I put up with you? Bring him to me." 20 And they brought the boy to him. When the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth.
21 Jesus asked the father, "How long has this been happening to him?" And he said, "From childhood. 22 It has often cast him into the fire and into the water, to destroy him; but if you are able to do anything, have pity on us and help us."
25 When Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, "You spirit that keeps this boy from speaking and hearing, I command you, come out of him, and never enter him again!" 26 After crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse, so that most of them said, "He is dead." 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he was able to stand.
TEV - "Jesus Heals a Boy with an Evil Spirit" - 14 When they joined the rest of the disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and some teachers of the Law arguing with them. 15 When the people saw Jesus, they were greatly surprised, and ran to him and greeted him. 16 Jesus asked his disciples, "What are you arguing with them about?" 17 A man in the crowd answered, "Teacher, I brought my son to you, because he has an evil spirit in him and cannot talk. 18 Whenever the spirit attacks him, it throws him to the ground, and he foams at the mouth, grits his teeth, and becomes stiff all over. I asked your disciples to drive the spirit out, but they could not." 19 Jesus said to them, "How unbelieving you people are! How long must I stay with you? How long do I have to put up with you? Bring the boy to me!" 20 They brought him to Jesus. As soon as the spirit saw Jesus, it threw the boy into a fit, so that he fell on the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. 21 "How long has he been like this?" Jesus asked the father. "Ever since he was a child," he replied. 22 "Many times the evil spirit has tried to kill him by throwing him in the fire and into water. Have pity on us and help us, if you possibly can!" 23 "Yes," said Jesus, "if you yourself can! Everything is possible for the person who has faith." 24 The father at once cried out, "I do have faith, but not enough. Help me have more!" 25 Jesus noticed that the crowd was closing in on them, so he gave a command to the evil spirit. "Deaf and dumb spirit," he said, "I order you to come out of the boy and never go into him again!" 26 The spirit screamed, threw the boy into a bad fit, and came out. The boy looked like a corpse, and everyone said, "He is dead!" 27 But Jesus took the boy by the hand and helped him rise, and he stood up. 28 After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, "Why couldn't we drive the spirit out?" 29 "Only prayer can drive this kind out," answered Jesus; "nothing else can."
<B14> Romans 8
KJV w/Strong# - {16} The Spirit <4151> itself <846> beareth <4828> witness <4828> with our spirit <4151>, that we are the children <5043> of God <2316>: {17} And if <1487> children <5043>, then <2531> heirs <2818>; heirs <2818> of God <2316>, and joint-heirs <4789> with Christ <5547>; if <1512> so be that we suffer <4841> with [him], that we may be also <2532> glorified <4888> together <4888>. {18} For I reckon <3049> that the sufferings <3804> of this <3588> present <3568> time <2540> [are] not worthy <514> [to be compared] with the glory <1391> which shall be revealed <601> in us. {19} For the earnest <603> expectation <603> of the creature <2937> waiteth <553> for the manifestation <602> of the sons <5207> of God <2316>.
{28} And we know <1492> that all <3956> things work <4903> together <4903> for good <18> to them that love <25> God <2316>, to them who are the called <2822> according <2596> to [his] purpose <4286>.
NRSV - 16 it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ -- if, in fact, we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him. 18 I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God;
28 We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.
TEV - "The Conflict in Man" - 12 So then, my brothers, we have an obligation, but it is not to live as our human nature wants us to. 13 For if you live according to your human nature, you are going to die; but if by the Spirit you put to death your sinful actions, you will live. 14 Those who are led by God's Spirit are God's sons. 15 For the Spirit that God has given you does not make you slaves and cause you to be afraid; instead, the Spirit makes you God's children, and by the Spirit's power we cry out to God, "Father! my Father!" 16 God's Spirit joins himself to our spirits to declare that we are God's children. 17 Since we are his children, we will possess the blessings he keeps for his people, and we will also possess with Christ what God has kept for him; for if we share Christ's suffering, we will also share his glory.
"The Future Glory" - 18 I consider that what we suffer at this present time cannot be compared at all with the glory that is going to be revealed to us. 19 All of creation waits with eager longing for God to reveal his sons. 20 For creation was condemned to lose its purpose, not of its own will, but because God willed it to be so. Yet there was the hope 21 that creation itself would one day be set free from its slavery to decay and would share the glorious freedom of the children of God. 22 For we know that up to the present time all of creation groans with pain, like the pain of childbirth.
28 We know that in all things God works for good with those who love him, those whom he has called according to his purpose. 29 Those whom God had already chosen he also set apart to become like his Son, so that the Son would be the first among many brothers. 30 And so those whom God set apart, he called; and those he called, he put right with himself, and he shared his glory with them.
KJV w/Strong# - {7} Submit <5293> yourselves therefore <3767> to God <2316>. Resist <436> the devil <1228>, and he will flee <5343> from you. {8} Draw nigh <1448> to God <2316>, and he will draw nigh <1448> to you...
NRSV - 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
TEV - "Friendship with the World" - 7 So then, submit yourselves to God. Resist the Devil, and he will run away from you. 8 Come near to God, and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners! Purify your hearts, you hypocrites! 9 Be sorrowful, cry, and weep; change your laughter into crying, your joy into gloom! 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
KJV w/Strong# - {22} ...be ye doers <4163> of the word <3056>, and not hearers <202> only <3440>, deceiving <3884> your <1438> own selves <846>. {23} For if <1487> any <1536> be a hearer <202> of the word <3056>, and not a doer <4163>, he is like <1503> unto a man <435> beholding <2657> his natural <1078> face <4383> in a glass <2072>: {24} For he beholdeth <2657> himself <1438>, and goeth <565> his way, and straightway <2112> forgetteth <1950> what <3697> manner <3697> of man he was. {25} But whoso <3588> looketh <3879> into <1519> the perfect <5046> law <3551> of liberty <1657>, and continueth <3887> [therein], he being <1096> not a forgetful <1953> hearer <202>, but a doer <4163> of the work <2041>, this <3778> man shall be blessed <3107> in his deed <4162>.
NRSV - 22 But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves. 23 For if any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are like those who look at themselves in a mirror; 24 for they look at themselves and, on going away, immediately forget what they were like. 25 But those who look into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and persevere, being not hearers who forget but doers who act -- they will be blessed in their doing.
TEV - "Hearing and Doing" - 22 Do not deceive yourselves by just listening to his word; instead, put it into practice. 23 Whoever listens to the word but does not put it into practice is like a man who looks in a mirror and sees himself as he is. 24 He takes a good look at himself and then goes away and at once forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks closely into the perfect law that sets people free, who keeps on paying attention to it and does not simply listen and then forget it, but puts it into practice -- that person will be blessed by God in what he does.
<B17> 1 Peter 1
KJV w/Strong# - {3} Blessed <2128> [be] the God <2316> and Father <3962> of our Lord <2962> Jesus <2424> Christ <5547>, which <3588> according <2596> to his abundant <4183> mercy <1656> hath begotten <313> us again <313> unto a lively <2198> hope <1680> by the resurrection <386> of Jesus <2424> Christ <5547> from the dead <3498>, {4} To an inheritance <2817> incorruptible <862>, and undefiled <283>, and that fadeth <263> not away, reserved <5083> in heaven <3772> for you, {5} Who <3588> are kept <5432> by the power <1411> of God <2316> through <1223> faith <4102> unto salvation <4991> ready <2092> to be revealed <601> in the last <2078> time <2540>.
{13} Wherefore <1352> gird <328> up the loins <3751> of your <5216> mind <1271>, be sober <3525>, and hope <1679> to the end <5049> for the grace <5485> that is to be brought <5342> unto you at <1722> the revelation <602> of Jesus <2424> Christ <5547>; {14} As obedient <5218> children <5043>, not fashioning <4964> yourselves according <2596> to the former <4386> lusts <1939> in your <5216> ignorance <52>: {15} But as he which hath called <2564> you is holy <40>, so <2532> be ye holy <40> in all <3956> manner of conversation <391>; {16} Because <1360> it is written <1125>, Be ye holy <40>; for I am <1510> holy <40>.
{22} Seeing ye have purified <48> your <5216> souls <5590> in obeying <5218> the truth <225> through <1223> the Spirit <4151> unto unfeigned <505> love <5360> of the brethren <5360>, [see that ye] love <25> one <240> another <240> with a pure <2513> heart <2588> fervently <1619>: {23} Being born <313> again <313>, not of corruptible <5349> seed <4701>, but of incorruptible <862>, by the word <3056> of God <2316>, which liveth <2198> and abideth <3306> for ever <165>. {24} For all <3956> flesh <4561> [is] as grass <5528>, and all <3956> the glory <1391> of man <444> as the flower <438> of grass <5528>. The grass <5528> withereth <3583>, and the flower <438> thereof <846> falleth <1601> away <1601>: {25} But the word <4487> of the Lord <2962> endureth <3306> for ever <165>...
NRSV - 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who are being protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
13 Therefore prepare your minds for action; discipline yourselves; set all your hope on the grace that Jesus Christ will bring you when he is revealed. 14 Like obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires that you formerly had in ignorance. 15 Instead, as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct; 16 for it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy."
22 Now that you have purified your souls by your obedience to the truth so that you have genuine mutual love, love one another deeply from the heart. 23 You have been born anew, not of perishable but of imperishable seed, through the living and enduring word of God. 24 For "All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, 25 but the word of the Lord endures forever." That word is the good news that was announced to you.
TEV - "A Living Hope" - 3 Let us give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! Because of his great mercy he gave us new life by raising Jesus Christ from death. This fills us with a living hope, 4 and so we look forward to possessing the rich blessings that God keeps for his people. He keeps them for you in heaven, where they cannot decay or spoil or fade away. 5 They are for you, who through faith are kept safe by God's power for the salvation which is ready to be revealed at the end of time.
"A Call to Holy Living" - 13 So then, have your minds ready for action. Keep alert and set your hope completely on the blessing which will be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. 14 Be obedient to God, and do not allow your lives to be shaped by those desires you had when you were still ignorant. 15 Instead, be holy in all that you do, just as God who called you is holy. 16 The scripture says, "Be holy because I am holy."
22 Now that by your obedience to the truth you have purified yourselves and have come to have a sincere love for your fellow believers, love one another earnestly with all your heart. 23 For through the living and eternal word of God you have been born again as the children of a parent who is immortal, not mortal. 24 As the scripture says, "All mankind are like grass, and all their glory is like wild flowers. The grass withers, and the flowers fall, 25 but the word of the Lord remains forever." This word is the Good News that was proclaimed to you.
KJV w/Strong# - {24} Let that therefore <3767> abide <3306> in you, which <3739> ye have heard <191> from the beginning <746>. If <1437> that which <3739> ye have heard <191> from the beginning <746> shall remain <3306> in you, ye also <2532> shall continue <3306> in the Son <5207>, and in the Father <3962>. {25} And this <3778> is the promise <1860> that he hath promised <1861> us, [even] eternal <166> life <2222>.
NRSV - 24 Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you will abide in the Son and in the Father. 25 And this is what he has promised us, eternal life.
TEV - "The Enemy of Christ" - 22 Who, then, is the liar? It is anyone who says that Jesus is not the Messiah. Such a person is the Enemy of Christ -- he rejects both the Father and the Son. 23 For whoever rejects the Son rejects also the Father; whoever accepts the Son has the Father also. 24 Be sure, then, to keep in your hearts the message you heard from the beginning. If you keep that message, then you will always live in union with the Son and the Father. 25 And this is what Christ himself promised to give us -- eternal life.
Additional notes relevant to the correlative passages in the current Bible Lesson
To explore some of Mary Baker Eddy's other quotes and paraphrases from non-KJV translations of the Bible, see Section 3 of http://www.bibletexts.com/bl-ver.htm.
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