A Bible Lesson study aid
For Sunday, August 29, 1999, including excerpts from BibleTexts Online Bible Commentary,
with 3 Bible versions' texts, plus other biblical resources to enrich the study of the current Bible Lesson.
This webpage includes links to glossary articles that describe people, places, terms, and books of the Bible. To access those links, just click below on any underlined word or phrase that is followed by an asterisk (for example, disciple*). To use the Sunday School preparation aid, browse http://www.bibletexts.com/bt-tw-ss.htm.
NOTE: The original Hebrew and Greek texts are what actually constitute "the Bible." All other versions, whether in English or in Chinese or in Aramaic, whether produced in 384 or in 1611 or in 1996, are merely translations indirectly derived from those original Hebrew and Greek texts. Some of the footnotes below provide textual corrections that are based upon the most current knowledge of those original Hebrew and Greek texts. Most of those corrections are relevant only to the KJV, because most modern versions such as the NRSV and the TEV were translated from Hebrew and Greek texts that are much more consistent with "the original texts" than those Hebrew and Greek texts from which the 1611 KJV was translated. For more details on these issues, you can browse http://www.bibletexts.com/kjv-tr.htm.
<GT> Isaiah* 61 - [To further research this Bible citation - click here]
KJV - 1 The Spirit of the Lord* God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;
NRSV - 1 The spirit of the Lord* GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners;
TEV - "The Good News of Deliverance" - 1 The Sovereign LORD* has filled me with his spirit. He has chosen me and sent me To bring good news to the poor, To heal the broken-hearted, To announce release to captives And freedom to those in prison.
KJV - 23 And Jesus* went about all Galilee*, teaching in their synagogues*, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.
NRSV - 23 Jesus* went throughout Galilee*, teaching in their synagogues* and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people.
TEV - "Jesus Teaches, Preaches, and Heals" - 23 Jesus* went all over Galilee*, teaching in the synagogues*, preaching the Good News about the Kingdom, and healing people who had all kinds of disease and sickness. 24 The news about him spread through the whole country of Syria, so that people brought to him all those who were sick, suffering from all kinds of diseases and disorders: people with demons, and epileptics, and paralytics -- and Jesus healed them all. 25 Large crowds followed him from Galilee and the Ten Towns, from Jerusalem, Judea, and the land on the other side of the Jordan.
KJV - 1 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples* came unto him: 2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
NRSV - 1 When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples* came to him. 2 Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
5 "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
8 "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
10 "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
14 "You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. 15 No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
TEV - "The Sermon on the Mount" - 1 Jesus saw the crowds and went up a hill, where he sat down. His disciples* gathered around him, 2 and he began to teach them:
"True Happiness" - 3 "Happy are those who know they are spiritually poor; the Kingdom of heaven belongs to them! 4 "Happy are those who mourn; God will comfort them! 5 "Happy are those who are humble; they will receive what God has promised! 6 "Happy are those whose greatest desire is to do what God requires; God will satisfy them fully! 7 "Happy are those who are merciful to others; God will be merciful to them! 8 "Happy are the pure in heart; they will see God! 9 "Happy are those who work for peace; God will call them his children! 10 "Happy are those who are persecuted because they do what God requires; the Kingdom of heaven belongs to them!
"Salt and Light" - 13 "You are like salt for all mankind. But if salt loses its saltiness, there is no way to make it salty again. It has become worthless, so it is thrown out and people trample on it. 14 "You are like light for the whole world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. 15 No one lights a lamp and puts it under a bowl; instead he puts it on the lampstand, where it gives light for everyone in the house. 16 In the same way your light must shine before people, so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven.
<B1> Isaiah* 52 - [To further research this Bible citation - click here]
KJV - 7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion*, Thy God reigneth!
9 Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem: for the Lord* hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem.
NRSV - 7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion*, "Your God reigns."
9 Break forth together into singing, you ruins of Jerusalem; for the LORD* has comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem.
TEV - "God Will Rescue Jerusalem" - 7 How wonderful it is to see a messenger coming across the mountains, bringing good news, the news of peace! He announces victory and says to Zion*, "Your God is king!" 8 Those who guard the city are shouting, shouting together for joy. They can see with their own eyes the return of the LORD to Zion. 9 Break into shouts of joy, you ruins of Jerusalem! The LORD* will rescue his city and comfort his people. 10 The LORD will use his holy power; he will save his people, and all the world will see it.
KJV - 18 Now the birth of Jesus* Christ* was on this wise: When as his mother Mary* was espoused to Joseph*, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost*. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. 20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
[From the Middle East to Southeast Asia, many culture have treated and still treat a marriage engagement as seriously and as binding as the actual marriage itself. Breaking an engagement would require divorce procedures just as breaking the marriage itself would. The minimum number of witnesses to a divorce was two, which would have been considered very private, in relative terms. A charge of adultery during engagement would subject an engaged person to a sentence of death by stoning. (See Deu 22:20,21.)]
[Willoughby C. Allen (The International Critical Commentary: The Gospel according to St. Matthew, Third Edition, Edinburgh: T&T Clark, no date, page 9) writes:]
According to Jewish law, a betrothed woman was already the wife of her betrothed husband;... Mary's condition seemed to make the fulfilment of their contract of marriage impossible for a religious man... On the other hand, he [Joseph] did not wish to expose her to shame... Appeal to the courts for a divorce would expose Mary to public ignominy, and make her liable to severe penalties. Refusal to carry out the contract of marriage would leave her and her child in disgrace in the house of her parents. The latter seemed the more merciful course, and Joseph determined, therefore, to repudiate her by private arrangement.}
[Note: To explore "Divorce as understood by Jesus and the earliest Christians, browse or click on http://www.bibletexts.com/terms/divorce.htm.]
NRSV - 18 Now the birth of Jesus* the Messiah* took place in this way. When his mother Mary* had been engaged to Joseph*, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. 20 But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." 22 All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 23 "Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel," which means, "God is with us."
TEV - "The Birth of Jesus Christ" - 18 This was how the birth of Jesus* Christ* took place. His mother Mary* was engaged to Joseph*, but before they were married, she found out that she was going to have a baby by the Holy Spirit*. 19 Joseph was a man who always did what was right, but he did not want to disgrace Mary publicly; so he made plans to break the engagement privately. 20 While he was thinking about this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, descendant of David, do not be afraid to take Mary to be your wife. For it is by the Holy Spirit that she has conceived. 21 She will have a son, and you will name him Jesus -- because he will save his people from their sins." 22 Now all this happened in order to make come true what the Lord had said through the prophet, 23 "A virgin will become pregnant and have a son, and he will be called Immanuel" (which means, "God is with us"). 24 So when Joseph woke up, he married Mary, as the angel of the Lord had told him to. 25 But he had no sexual relations with her before she gave birth to her son. And Joseph named him Jesus.
KJV - 14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. 15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.
NRSV - 14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father has sent his Son as the Savior of the world. 15 God abides in those who confess that Jesus is the Son of God, and they abide in God.
TEV - "God Is Love" - 13 We are sure that we live in union with God and that he lives in union with us, because he has given us his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and tell others that the Father sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 If anyone declares that Jesus is the Son of God, he lives in union with God and God lives in union with him. 16 And we ourselves know and believe the love which God has for us. God is love, and whoever lives in love lives in union with God and God lives in union with him. 17 Love is made perfect in us in order that we may have courage on the Judgment Day; and we will have it because our life in this world is the same as Christ's. 18 There is no fear in love; perfect love drives out all fear. So then, love has not been made perfect in anyone who is afraid, because fear has to do with punishment.
KJV - 6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba*, Father. 7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
NRSV - 6 And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba*! Father!" 7 So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God.
TEV - "The Purpose of the Law" - 6 To show that you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who cries out, "Father*, my Father." 7 So then, you are no longer a slave but a son. And since you are his son, God will give you all that he has for his sons.
<B5> Luke* 2 - [To further research this Bible citation - click here]
KJV - 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.
NRSV - 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favor.
TEV - "The Boy Jesus in the Temple" - 49 He answered them, "Why did you have to look for me? Didn't you know that I had to be in my Father's house?" 50 But they did not understand his answer. 51 So Jesus went back with them to Nazareth, where he was obedient to them. His mother treasured all these things in her heart. 52 Jesus grew both in body and in wisdom, gaining favor with God and men.
KJV - 1 Then was Jesus* led up of the Spirit* into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil*. 2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. 3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. 4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. 5 Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, 6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. 7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. 8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; 9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. 10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan*: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. 11 Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.
NRSV - 1 Then Jesus* was led up by the Spirit* into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished. 3 The tempter came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread." 4 But he answered, "It is written, "One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God."' 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 saying to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written, "He will command his angels concerning you,' and "On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone."' 7 Jesus said to him, "Again it is written, "Do not put the Lord* your God to the test."' 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor; 9 and he said to him, "All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me." 10 Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan* ! for it is written, "Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him."' 11 Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him.
TEV - "The Temptation of Jesus" - 1 Then the Spirit* led Jesus* into the desert to be tempted by the Devil*. 2 After spending forty days and nights without food, Jesus was hungry. 3 Then the Devil came to him and said, "If you are God's Son, order these stones to turn into bread." 4 But Jesus answered, "The scripture says, "Man cannot live on bread alone, but needs every word that God speaks." 5 Then the Devil took Jesus to Jerusalem, the Holy City, set him on the highest point of the Temple, 6 and said to him, "If you are God's Son, throw yourself down, for the scripture says, "God will give orders to his angels about you; they will hold you up with their hands, so that not even your feet will be hurt on the stones." 7 Jesus answered, "But the scripture also says, "Do not put the Lord* your God to the test." 8 Then the Devil took Jesus to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in all their greatness. 9 "All this I will give you," the Devil said, "if you kneel down and worship me." 10 Then Jesus answered, "Go away, Satan*! The scripture says, "Worship the Lord your God and serve only him!" 11 Then the Devil left Jesus; and angels came and helped him.
KJV - 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
NRSV - 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
TEV - "Jesus the Great High Priest" - 14 Let us, then, hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we have a great High Priest who has gone into the very presence of God -- Jesus, the Son of God. 15 Our High Priest is not one who cannot feel sympathy for our weaknesses. On the contrary, we have a High Priest who was tempted in every way that we are, but did not sin. 16 Let us have confidence, then, and approach God's throne, where there is grace. There we will receive mercy and find grace to help us just when we need it.
<B8> Mark* 3 - [To further research this Bible citation - click here]
KJV - 1 And he entered again into the synagogue; and there was a man there which had a withered hand. 2 And they watched him, whether he would heal him on the sabbath* day; that they might accuse him. 3 And he saith unto the man which had the withered hand, Stand forth. 4 And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? But they held their peace. 5 And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other. 6 And the Pharisees& went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him. 7 But Jesus withdrew himself with his disciples to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee* followed him, and from Judaea, 8 And from Jerusalem, and from Idumaea, and from beyond Jordan; and they about Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, when they had heard what great things he did, came unto him.
10 For he had healed many; insomuch that they pressed upon him for to touch him, as many as had plagues. 11 And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God.
NRSV - 1 Again he entered the synagogue, and a man was there who had a withered hand. 2 They watched him to see whether he would cure him on the sabbath*, so that they might accuse him. 3 And he said to the man who had the withered hand, "Come forward." 4 Then he said to them, "Is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the sabbath, to save life or to kill?" But they were silent. 5 He looked around at them with anger; he was grieved at their hardness of heart and said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He stretched it out, and his hand was restored. 6 The Pharisees* went out and immediately conspired with the Herodians against him, how to destroy him. 7 Jesus departed with his disciples to the sea, and a great multitude from Galilee* followed him; 8 hearing all that he was doing, they came to him in great numbers from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, beyond the Jordan, and the region around Tyre and Sidon.
10 for he had cured many, so that all who had diseases pressed upon him to touch him. 11 Whenever the unclean spirits saw him, they fell down before him and shouted, "You are the Son of God!"
TEV - "The Man with a Paralyzed Hand" - 1 Then Jesus went back to the synagogue, where there was a man who had a paralyzed hand. 2 Some people were there who wanted to accuse Jesus of doing wrong; so they watched him closely to see whether he would cure the man on the Sabbath. 3 Jesus said to the man, "Come up here to the front." 4 Then he asked the people, "What does our Law allow us to do on the Sabbath? To help or to harm? To save a man's life or to destroy it?" 4b But they did not say a thing. 5 Jesus was angry as he looked around at them, but at the same time he felt sorry for them, because they were so stubborn and wrong. Then he said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He stretched it out, and it became well again. 6 So the Pharisees* left the synagogue and met at once with some members of Herod's party, and they made plans to kill Jesus.
"A Crowd by the Lake" - 7 Jesus and his disciples went away to Lake Galilee, and a large crowd followed him. They had come from Galilee*, from Judea, 8 from Jerusalem, from the territory of Idumea, from the territory on the east side of the Jordan, and from the region around the cities of Tyre and Sidon. All these people came to Jesus because they had heard of the things he was doing. 9 The crowd was so large that Jesus told his disciples to get a boat ready for him, so that the people would not crush him. 10 He had healed many people, and all the sick kept pushing their way to him in order to touch him. 11 And whenever the people who had evil spirits in them saw him, they would fall down before him and scream, "You are the Son of God!"
<B9> Matthew* 10 - [To further research this Bible citation - click here]
KJV - 1 And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples*, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.
5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles*, and into any city of the Samaritans* enter ye not: 6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
18 And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. 19 But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. 20 For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.
29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. 32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
NRSV - 1 Then Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every disease and every sickness.
5 These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: "Go nowhere among the Gentiles*, and enter no town of the Samaritans*, 6 but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 As you go, proclaim the good news, "The kingdom of heaven has come near.' 8 Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without payment; give without payment.
16 "See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.
18 and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles. 19 When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time; 20 for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 And even the hairs of your head are all counted. 31 So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows. 32 "Everyone therefore who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven;
TEV - "The Twelve Apostles" - 1 Jesus called his twelve disciples* together and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and every sickness. 2 These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James and his brother John, the sons of Zebedee; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew, the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Patriot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus.
"The Mission of the Twelve" - 5 These twelve men were sent out by Jesus with the following instructions: "Do not go to any Gentile* territory or any Samaritan* towns. 6 Instead, you are to go to the lost sheep of the people of Israel. 7 Go and preach, "The Kingdom of heaven is near!' 8 Heal the sick, bring the dead back to life, heal those who suffer from dreaded skin diseases, and drive out demons. You have received without paying, so give without being paid. 9 Do not carry any gold, silver, or copper money in your pockets; 10 do not carry a beggar's bag for the trip or an extra shirt or shoes or a walking stick. A worker should be given what he needs.
"Coming Persecutions" - 16 "Listen! I am sending you out just like sheep to a pack of wolves. You must be as cautious as snakes and as gentle as doves. 17 Watch out, for there will be men who will arrest you and take you to court, and they will whip you in the synagogues. 18 For my sake you will be brought to trial before rulers and kings, to tell the Good News to them and to the Gentiles. 19 When they bring you to trial, do not worry about what you are going to say or how you will say it; when the time comes, you will be given what you will say. 20 For the words you will speak will not be yours; they will come from the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
"Whom to Fear" - 26 "So do not be afraid of people. Whatever is now covered up will be uncovered, and every secret will be made known. 27 What I am telling you in the dark you must repeat in broad daylight, and what you have heard in private you must announce from the housetops. 28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather be afraid of God, who can destroy both body and soul in hell. 29 For only a penny you can buy two sparrows, yet not one sparrow falls to the ground without your Father's consent. 30 As for you, even the hairs of your head have all been counted. 31 So do not be afraid; you are worth much more than many sparrows!
"Confessing and Rejecting Christ" - 32 "If anyone declares publicly that he belongs to me, I will do the same for him before my Father in heaven. 33 But if anyone rejects me publicly, I will reject him before my Father in heaven.
<B10> Mark* 9 - [To further research this Bible citation - click here]
KJV - 33 And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way? 34 But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest. 35 And he sat down, and called the twelve*, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.
NRSV - 33 Then they came to Capernaum; and when he was in the house he asked them, "What were you arguing about on the way?" 34 But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another who was the greatest. 35 He sat down, called the twelve*, and said to them, "Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all."
TEV - "Who Is the Greatest?" - 33 They came to Capernaum, and after going indoors Jesus asked his disciples, "What were you arguing about on the road?" 34 But they would not answer him, because on the road they had been arguing among themselves about who was the greatest. 35 Jesus sat down, called the twelve disciples*, and said to them, "Whoever wants to be first must place himself last of all and be the servant of all." 36 Then he took a child and had him stand in front of them. He put his arms around him and said to them, 37 "Whoever welcomes in my name one of these children, welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me, welcomes not only me but also the one who sent me."
KJV - 45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
NRSV - 45 For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many."
TEV - "The Request of James and John" - 41 When the other ten disciples heard about it, they became angry with James and John. 42 So Jesus called them all together to him and said, "You know that the men who are considered rulers of the heathen have power over them, and the leaders have complete authority. 43 This, however, is not the way it is among you. If one of you wants to be great, he must be the servant of the rest; 44 and if one of you wants to be first, he must be the slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served; he came to serve and to give his life to redeem many people."
KJV - 1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, 2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: 3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord* is gracious.
NRSV - 1 Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, and all guile, insincerity, envy, and all slander. 2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow into salvation -- 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord* is good.
TEV - "The Living Stone and the Holy Nation" - 1 Rid yourselves, then, of all evil; no more lying or hypocrisy or jealousy or insulting language. 2 Be like newborn babies, always thirsty for the pure spiritual milk, so that by drinking it you may grow up and be saved. 3 As the scripture says, "You have found out for yourselves how kind the Lord* is." 4 Come to the Lord, the living stone rejected by man as worthless but chosen by God as valuable. 5 Come as living stones, and let yourselves be used in building the spiritual temple, where you will serve as holy priests to offer spiritual and acceptable sacrifices to God through Jesus Christ.
KJV - 8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. 9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging. 10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever...
NRSV - 8 Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Be hospitable to one another without complaining. 10 Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. 11 Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power forever and ever...
TEV - "Good Managers of God's Gifts" - 7 The end of all things is near. You must be self-controlled and alert, to be able to pray. 8 Above everything, love one another earnestly, because love covers over many sins. 9 Open your homes to each other without complaining. 10 Each one, as a good manager of God's different gifts, must use for the good of others the special gift he has received from God. 11 Whoever preaches must preach God's messages; whoever serves must serve with the strength that God gives him, so that in all things praise may be given to God through Jesus Christ, to whom belong glory and power forever and ever. Amen.
<B14> Psalm* 118 - [To further research this Bible citation - click here]
KJV - 16 The right hand of the Lord is exalted: the right hand of the Lord doeth valiantly.
22 The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. 23 This is the Lord's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. 24 This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
NRSV - 16 the right hand of the LORD is exalted; the right hand of the LORD does valiantly."
22 The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. 23 This is the LORD's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. 24 This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
TEV - "A Prayer of Thanks for Victory" - 15 Listen to the glad shouts of victory in the tents of God's people: "The LORD's mighty power has done it! 16 His power has brought us victory -- his mighty power in battle!" 17 I will not die; instead, I will live and proclaim what the LORD has done. 18 He has punished me severely, but he has not let me die. 19 Open to me the gates of the Temple; I will go in and give thanks to the LORD! 20 This is the gate of the LORD; only the righteous can come in. 21 I praise you, LORD, because you heard me, because you have given me victory. 22 The stone which the builders rejected as worthless turned out to be the most important of all. 23 This was done by the LORD; what a wonderful sight it is! 24 This is the day of the LORD's victory; let us be happy, let us celebrate! 25 Save us, LORD, save us! Give us success, O LORD! 26 May God bless the one who comes in the name of the LORD! From the Temple of the LORD we bless you. 27 The LORD is God; he has been good to us. With branches in your hands, start the festival and march around the altar.
KJV - 11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
NRSV - 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one that has been laid; that foundation is Jesus Christ.
TEV - "Servants of God" - 11 For God has already placed Jesus Christ as the one and only foundation, and no other foundation can be laid. 12 Some will use gold or silver or precious stones in building on the foundation; others will use wood or grass or straw. 13 And the quality of each person's work will be seen when the Day of Christ exposes it. For on that Day fire will reveal everyone's work; the fire will test it and show its real quality. 14 If what was built on the foundation survives the fire, the builder will receive a reward. 15 But if anyone's work is burnt up, then he will lose it; but he himself will be saved, as if he had escaped through the fire.
KJV - 4 I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; 5 That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge;
26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:
NRSV - 4 I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, 5 for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind --
26 Consider your own call, brothers and sisters: not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth.
TEV - "Blessings in Christ" - 4 I always give thanks to my God for you because of the grace he has given you through Christ Jesus. 5 For in union with Christ you have become rich in all things, including all speech and all knowledge. 6 The message about Christ has become so firmly established in you 7 that you have not failed to receive a single blessing, as you wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. 8 He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be faultless on the Day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is to be trusted, the God who called you to have fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ, our Lord.
"Christ the Power and the Wisdom of God" - 26 Now remember what you were, my brothers, when God called you. From the human point of view few of you were wise or powerful or of high social standing. 27 God purposely chose what the world considers nonsense in order to shame the wise, and he chose what the world considers weak in order to shame the powerful. 28 He chose what the world looks down on and despises and thinks is nothing, in order to destroy what the world thinks is important. 29 This means that no one can boast in God's presence. 30 But God has brought you into union with Christ Jesus, and God has made Christ to be our wisdom. By him we are put right with God; we become God's holy people and are set free. 31 So then, as the scripture says, "Whoever wants to boast must boast of what the Lord has done."
KJV - 1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.
4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit* and of power: 5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
NRSV - 1 When I came to you, brothers and sisters, I did not come proclaiming the mystery of God to you in lofty words or wisdom.
4 My speech and my proclamation were not with plausible words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God.
TEV - "The Message about the Crucified Christ" - 1 When I came to you, my brothers, to preach God's secret truth, I did not use big words and great learning. 2 For while I was with you, I made up my mind to forget everything except Jesus Christ and especially his death on the cross. 3 So when I came to you, I was weak and trembled all over with fear, 4 and my teaching and message were not delivered with skillful words of human wisdom, but with convincing proof of the power of God's Spirit*. 5 Your faith, then, does not rest on human wisdom but on God's power.
KJV - 21 Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ*, and hath anointed us, is God; 22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit* in our hearts.
NRSV - 21 But it is God who establishes us with you in Christ* and has anointed us, 22 by putting his seal on us and giving us his Spirit* in our hearts as a first installment.
TEV - "The Change in Paul's Plans" - 21 It is God himself who makes us, together with you, sure of our life in union with Christ*; it is God himself who has set us apart, 22 who has placed his mark of ownership upon us, and who has given us the Holy Spirit* in our hearts as the guarantee of all that he has in store for us.
| Webpages | File name | Last updated | Comments |
| This week's Bible Lesson study aid and Sunday School preparation aid | Bible Lesson
study aid: http://www.bibletexts.com/bt-tw-ps.htm
Sunday School preparation aid: http://www.bibletexts.com/bt-tw-ss.htm |
8/22/99, 6:30 am (EDT US time): first posted. 8/23/99, 7:45 am: comments added to clarify <RR1>. 8/24/99, 12:30 am: correction to the link from "Mary" in KJV of <B2>. | Above is an optional aid for studying the current Bible Lesson. ("Essential Bible Lesson study materials" are described below.) The "Next week's" webpage becomes "This week's" Bible Lesson study aid at around midnight on Sunday. |
| Next week's Bible Lesson study aid and Sunday School preparation aid | Bible Lesson
study aid: http://www.bibletexts.com/bt-nw-ps.htm
Sunday School preparation aid: http://www.bibletexts.com/bt-nw-ss.htm |
Not yet posted. | The "Next week's" webpage is usually available by early Sunday morning, 7 days before the Sunday by which the corresponding Bible Lesson is dated. |
| Info about this webpage | http://www.bibletexts.com/bt-info.htm | . | This webpage provides details about the "Bible Lesson Study Aid" webpage's purpose and about the Bible versions used. |
| Essential Bible Lesson study materials | http://www.bibletexts.com/bl-components.htm | . | This webpage describes the essential Bible Lesson study materials and how to obtain them. |
| Articles about the Bible Lessons and the Bible -- from early issues of the periodicals | http://www.bibletexts.com/articles/bl.htm | . | This webpage includes excerpts from some articles, links to the full text of other articles, and a listing of some other articles. |
Copyright 1996-1999 Robert Nguyen Cramer