A Bible Lesson study aid
For Sunday, September 12, 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> Romans* 11 - [To further research this Bible citation - click here]
KJV - 33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom* and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
NRSV - 33 O the depth of the riches and wisdom* and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
TEV - "Praise to God" - 33 How great are God's riches! How deep are his wisdom* and knowledge! Who can explain his decisions? Who can understand his ways? 34 As the scripture says, "Who knows the mind of the Lord? Who is able to give him advice? 35 Who has ever given him anything, so that he had to pay it back?" 36 For all things were created by him, and all things exist through him and for him. To God be the glory forever! Amen.
KJV - 12 Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge.
19 Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way.
23 Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom*, and instruction, and understanding.
NRSV - 12 Apply your mind to instruction and your ear to words of knowledge.
19 Hear, my child, and be wise, and direct your mind in the way.
23 Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom*, instruction, and understanding.
TEV - "...Sayings 11..." - 12 Pay attention to your teacher and learn all you can.
" ...Sayings 15..." - 19 Listen, my son, be wise and give serious thought to the way you live. 20 Don't associate with people who drink too much wine or stuff themselves with food. 21 Drunkards and gluttons will be reduced to poverty. If all you do is eat and sleep, you will soon be wearing rags.
"...Sayings 16..." - 22 Listen to your father; without him you would not exist. When your mother is old, show her your appreciation. 23 Truth, wisdom*, learning, and good sense -- these are worth paying for, but too valuable for you to sell. 24 A righteous man's father has good reason to be happy. You can take pride in a wise son. 25 Let your father and mother be proud of you; give your mother that happiness.
KJV - 1 Doth not wisdom* cry? and understanding put forth her voice?
10 Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. 11 For wisdom* is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.
14 Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom*: I am understanding; I have strength.
18 Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness. 19 My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver. 20 I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: 21 That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.
NRSV - 1 Does not wisdom* call, and does not understanding raise her voice?
10 Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold; 11 for wisdom* is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.
14 I have good advice and sound wisdom*; I have insight, I have strength.
18 Riches and honor are with me, enduring wealth and prosperity. 19 My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold, and my yield than choice silver. 20 I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice, 21 endowing with wealth those who love me, and filling their treasuries.
TEV - "In Praise of Wisdom" - 1 Listen! Wisdom* is calling out. Reason is making herself heard. 2 On the hilltops near the road and at the crossroads she stands. 3 At the entrance to the city, beside the gates, she calls: 4 "I appeal to you, mankind; I call to everyone on earth. 5 Are you immature? Learn to be mature. Are you foolish? Learn to have sense. 6 Listen to my excellent words; all I tell you is right. 7 What I say is the truth; lies are hateful to me. 8 Everything I say is true; nothing is false or misleading. 9 To the man with insight, it is all clear; to the well-informed, it is all plain. 10 Choose my instruction instead of silver; choose knowledge rather than the finest gold. 11 "I am Wisdom*, I am better than jewels; nothing you want can compare with me. 12 I am Wisdom, and I have insight; I have knowledge and sound judgment. 13 To honor the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil ways and false words. 14 I make plans and carry them out. I have understanding, and I am strong. 15 I help kings to govern and rulers to make good laws. 16 Every ruler on earth governs with my help, statesmen and noblemen alike. 17 I love those who love me; whoever looks for me can find me. 18 I have riches and honor to give, prosperity and success. 19 What you get from me is better than the finest gold, better than the purest silver. 20 I walk the way of righteousness; I follow the paths of justice, 21 giving wealth to those who love me, filling their houses with treasures.
<B1> Psalm* 104 - [To further research this Bible citation - click here]
KJV - 24 O Lord*, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom* hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.
30 Thou sendest forth thy spirit, they are created: and thou renewest the face of the earth. 31 The glory of the Lord shall endure for ever: the Lord shall rejoice in his works.
NRSV - 24 O LORD*, how manifold are your works! In wisdom* you have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.
30 When you send forth your spirit, they are created; and you renew the face of the ground. 31 May the glory of the LORD endure forever; may the LORD rejoice in his works --
TEV - "In Praise of the Creator" - 24 LORD*, you have made so many things! How wisely* you made them all! The earth is filled with your creatures. 25 There is the ocean, large and wide, where countless creatures live, large and small alike. 26 The ships sail on it, and in it plays Leviathan, that sea monster which you made. 27 All of them depend on you to give them food when they need it. 28 You give it to them, and they eat it; you provide food, and they are satisfied. 29 When you turn away, they are afraid; when you take away your breath, they die and go back to the dust from which they came. 30 But when you give them breath, they are created; you give new life to the earth. 31 May the glory of the LORD last forever! May the LORD be happy with what he has made! 32 He looks at the earth, and it trembles; he touches the mountains, and they pour out smoke. 33 I will sing to the LORD all my life; as long as I live I will sing praises to my God. 34 May he be pleased with my song, for my gladness comes from him. 35 May sinners be destroyed from the earth; may the wicked be no more. Praise the LORD, my soul! Praise the LORD!
KJV - 1 O Lord*, thou hast searched me, and known me.
14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul* knoweth right well.
17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! 18 If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.
NRSV - 1 O LORD*, you have searched me and known me.
14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I* know very well.
17 How weighty to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! 18 I try to count them -- they are more than the sand; I come to the end -- I am still with you.
TEV - "God's Complete Knowledge and Care" - 1 LORD*, you have examined me and you know me. 2 You know everything I do; from far away you understand all my thoughts. 3 You see me, whether I am working or resting; you know all my actions. 4 Even before I speak, you already know what I will say. 5 You are all around me on every side; you protect me with your power. 6 Your knowledge of me is too deep; it is beyond my understanding.
13 You created every part of me; you put me together in my mother's womb. 14 I praise you because you are to be feared; all you do is strange and wonderful. I* know it with all my heart. 15 When my bones were being formed, carefully put together in my mother's womb, when I was growing there in secret, you knew that I was there -- 16 you saw me before I was born. The days allotted to me had all been recorded in your book, before any of them ever began. 17 O God, how difficult I find your thoughts; how many of them there are! 18 If I counted them, they would be more than the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you.
KJV - 9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit*: for the Spirit* searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
NRSV - 9 But, as it is written, "What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him" -- 10 these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit*; for the Spirit* searches everything, even the depths of God.
TEV - "God's Wisdom" - 9 However, as the scripture says, "What no one ever saw or heard, what no one ever thought could happen, is the very thing God prepared for those who love him." 10 But it was to us that God made known his secret by means of his Spirit*. The Spirit* searches everything, even the hidden depths of God's purposes. 11 It is only a person's own spirit within him that knows all about him; in the same way, only God's Spirit knows all about God. 12 We have not received this world's spirit; instead, we have received the Spirit sent by God, so that we may know all that God has given us.
KJV - 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead;...
NRSV - 20 Ever since the creation of the world his eternal power and divine nature, invisible though they are, have been understood and seen through the things he has made...
TEV - "The Guilt of Mankind" - 18 God's anger is revealed from heaven against all the sin and evil of the people whose evil ways prevent the truth from being known. 19 God punishes them, because what can be known about God is plain to them, for God himself made it plain. 20 Ever since God created the world, his invisible qualities, both his eternal power and his divine nature, have been clearly seen; they are perceived in the things that God has made. So those people have no excuse at all! 21 They know God, but they do not give him the honor that belongs to him, nor do they thank him. Instead, their thoughts have become complete nonsense, and their empty minds are filled with darkness.
<B5> Luke* 15 - [To further research this Bible citation - click here]
KJV - 11 ...A certain man had two sons: 12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. 13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. 14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. 15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. 16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. 17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, 19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. 20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. 21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. 22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: 23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
NRSV - 11 ..."There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger of them said to his father, "Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.' So he divided his property between them. 13 A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living. 14 When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. 16 He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything. 17 But when he came to himself he said, "How many of my father's hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! 18 I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands."' 20 So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. 21 Then the son said to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' 22 But the father said to his slaves, "Quickly, bring out a robe -- the best one -- and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; 24 for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!' And they began to celebrate.
TEV - "The Lost Son" - 11 Jesus went on to say, "There was once a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to him, "Father, give me my share of the property now.' So the man divided his property between his two sons. 13 After a few days the younger son sold his part of the property and left home with the money. He went to a country far away, where he wasted his money in reckless living. 14 He spent everything he had. Then a severe famine spread over that country, and he was left without a thing. 15 So he went to work for one of the citizens of that country, who sent him out to his farm to take care of the pigs. 16 He wished he could fill himself with the bean pods the pigs ate, but no one gave him anything to eat. 17 At last he came to his senses and said, "All my father's hired workers have more than they can eat, and here I am about to starve! 18 I will get up and go to my father and say, "Father, I have sinned against God and against you. 19 I am no longer fit to be called your son; treat me as one of your hired workers." 20 So he got up and started back to his father. "He was still a long way from home when his father saw him; his heart was filled with pity, and he ran, threw his arms around his son, and kissed him. 21 "Father,' the son said, "I have sinned against God and against you. I am no longer fit to be called your son.' 22 But the father called to his servants. "Hurry!' he said. "Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and shoes on his feet. 23 Then go and get the prize calf and kill it, and let us celebrate with a feast! 24 For this son of mine was dead, but now he is alive; he was lost, but now he has been found.' And so the feasting began.
KJV - 5 The Lord* is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot. 6 The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.
11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
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.
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.
<B7> Proverbs* 2 - [To further research this Bible citation - click here]
KJV - 1 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; 2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom*, and apply thine heart to understanding; 3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; 4 If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; 5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord*, and find the knowledge of God.
9 Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path. 10 When wisdom* entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; 11 Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:
NRSV - 1 My child, if you accept my words and treasure up my commandments within you, 2 making your ear attentive to wisdom* and inclining your heart to understanding; 3 if you indeed cry out for insight, and raise your voice for understanding; 4 if you seek it like silver, and search for it as for hidden treasures -- 5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD* and find the knowledge of God.
9 Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path; 10 for wisdom* will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; 11 prudence will watch over you; and understanding will guard you.
TEV - "The Rewards of Wisdom" - 1 Son, learn what I teach you and never forget what I tell you to do. 2 Listen to what is wise* and try to understand it. 3 Yes, beg for knowledge; plead for insight. 4 Look for it as hard as you would for silver or some hidden treasure. 5 If you do, you will know what it means to fear the LORD* and you will succeed in learning about God. 6 It is the LORD who gives wisdom; from him come knowledge and understanding. 7 He provides help and protection for righteous, honest men. 8 He protects those who treat others fairly, and guards those who are devoted to him. 9 If you listen to me, you will know what is right, just, and fair. You will know what you should do. 10 You will become wise*, and your knowledge will give you pleasure. 11 Your insight and understanding will protect you 12 and prevent you from doing the wrong thing. They will keep you away from people who stir up trouble by what they say -- 13 men who have abandoned a righteous life to live in the darkness of sin, 14 men who find pleasure in doing wrong and who enjoy senseless evil, 15 unreliable men who cannot be trusted.
KJV - 22 Understanding* is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it:...
NRSV - 22 Wisdom* is a fountain of life to one who has it,...
TEV - "Solomon's Proverbs" - 17 Those who are good travel a road that avoids evil; so watch where you are going -- it may save your life. 18 Pride leads to destruction, and arrogance to downfall. 19 It is better to be humble and stay poor than to be one of the arrogant and get a share of their loot. 20 Pay attention to what you are taught, and you will be successful; trust in the LORD and you will be happy. 21 A wise, mature person is known for his understanding. The more pleasant his words, the more persuasive he is. 22 Wisdom* is a fountain of life to the wise, but trying to educate stupid people is a waste of time.
KJV - 12 Then spake Jesus* again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
NRSV - 12 Again Jesus* spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life."
TEV - "Jesus the Light of the World" - 12 Jesus* spoke to the Pharisees again. "I am the light of the world," he said. "Whoever follows me will have the light of life and will never walk in darkness." 13 The Pharisees said to him, "Now you are testifying on your own behalf; what you say proves nothing."
KJV - 27 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man* shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.
45 It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.
63 It is the spirit* that quickeneth; the flesh* profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
NRSV - 27 Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man* will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has set his seal."
45 It is written in the prophets, "And they shall all be taught by God.' Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me.
63 It is the spirit* that gives life; the flesh* is useless. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.
TEV - "Jesus the Bread of Life" - 25 When the people found Jesus on the other side of the lake, they said to him, "Teacher, when did you get here?" 26 Jesus answered, "I am telling you the truth: you are looking for me because you ate the bread and had all you wanted, not because you understood my miracles. 27 Do not work for food that spoils; instead, work for the food that lasts for eternal life. This is the food which the Son of Man* will give you, because God, the Father, has put his mark of approval on him."
44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him to me; and I will raise him to life on the last day. 45 The prophets wrote, "Everyone will be taught by God.' Anyone who hears the Father and learns from him comes to me. 46 This does not mean that anyone has seen the Father; he who is from God is the only one who has seen the Father. 47 I am telling you the truth: he who believes has eternal life. 48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your ancestors ate manna in the desert, but they died. 50 But the bread that comes down from heaven is of such a kind that whoever eats it will not die. 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats this bread, he will live forever. The bread that I will give him is my flesh, which I give so that the world may live."
"The Words of Eternal Life" - 61 Without being told, Jesus knew that they were grumbling about this, so he said to them, "Does this make you want to give up? 62 Suppose, then, that you should see the Son of Man go back up to the place where he was before? 63 What gives life is God's Spirit*; man's power* is of no use at all. The words I have spoken to you bring God's life-giving Spirit. 64 Yet some of you do not believe." (Jesus knew from the very beginning who were the ones that would not believe and which one would betray him.) 65 And he added, "This is the very reason I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father makes it possible for him to do so."
<B11> Luke* 4 - [To further research this Bible citation - click here]
KJV - 14 And Jesus* returned in the power of the Spirit* into Galilee*: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about. 15 And he taught in their synagogues*, being glorified of all.
NRSV - 14 Then Jesus*, filled with the power of the Spirit*, returned to Galilee*, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. 15 He began to teach in their synagogues* and was praised by everyone.
TEV - "Jesus Begins His Work in Galilee" - 14 Then Jesus* returned to Galilee*, and the power of the Holy Spirit* was with him. The news about him spread throughout all that territory. 15 He taught in the synagogues* and was praised by everyone.
KJV - 11 And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself. 12 And when Jesus* saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity. 13 And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.
NRSV - 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.
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 your ox or your 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 bound up 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 - 2 Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God...3 But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.
8 Salvation belongeth unto the Lord*: thy blessing is upon thy people...
NRSV - 2 many are saying to me, "There is no help for you in God." 3 But you, O LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts up my head.
8 Deliverance belongs to the LORD*; may your blessing be on your people!
TEV - "Morning Prayer for Help" - 1 I have so many enemies, LORD, so many who turn against me! 2 They talk about me and say, "God will not help him." 3 But you, O LORD*, are always my shield from danger; you give me victory and restore my courage. 4 I call to the LORD for help, and from his sacred hill he answers me. 5 I lie down and sleep, and all night long the LORD protects me. 6 I am not afraid of the thousands of enemies who surround me on every side. 7 Come, LORD! Save me, my God! You punish all my enemies and leave them powerless to harm me. 8 Victory comes from the LORD -- may he bless his people.
KJV - 32 It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.
NRSV - 32 the God who girded me with strength, and made my way safe.
TEV - "David's Song of Victory" - 30 This God -- how perfect are his deeds! How dependable his words! He is like a shield for all who seek his protection. 31 The LORD alone is God; God alone is our defense. 32 He is the God who makes me strong, who makes my pathway safe. 33 He makes me sure-footed as a deer; he keeps me safe on the mountains. 34 He trains me for battle, so that I can use the strongest bow.
<B15> Mark* 10 - [To further research this Bible citation - click here]
KJV - 17 And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? 18 And Jesus* said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. 19 Thou knowest the commandments*, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. 20 And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. 21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. 22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.
28 Then Peter* began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. 29 And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife**, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, 30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.
** Note: Not only was "or wife" not in the original texts of Mar 10:29, but also the KJV's (and Textus Receptus') teaching to 'leave wife' to follow Jesus, is clearly a misrepresentation of Jesus' genuine teachings as found in the gospels and as witnessed in Paul's letter to the Corinthians (1 Co 7:10-16).
(To explore "Divorce as understood by the Jesus' and the earliest Christians," browse http://www.bibletexts.com/terms/divorce.htm.)
The Greek words translated "or wife" were in the Textus Receptus Greek text that the KJV translators used in their 1611 translation of the Bible; however, these words ("or wife") were added to the Greek texts of Mar 10:29 and Mat 19:29 by a later copiest. This is further attested by the fact that these words "or wife" do not appear in similar passages in the Gospel According to Thomas (Thomas 55:1,2, and Thomas 101:1-3. Though the Gospel According to Thomas is not part of the generally accepted canonical writings of Christians, it does provide another very early witness to some of Jesus' sayings.) "Or wife" has so little manuscript support that it is not even mentioned in the extensive footnotes of the United Bible Society's definitive Greek New Testament, Fourth Revised Edition (1994) or in Bruce Metzger's A Textual Commentary on the Greek New Testament, Second Edition (1993).
According to Mat 19:27, Mar 10:28, and Luk 18:28, Peter "left all" to follow Christ Jesus. By implication, "all" would include those houses and people listed in Mat 19:29, Mar 10:29, and Luk 18:29. According to the synoptic gospels (Mat 8:14; Mar 1:30; Luk 4:38) and according Paul (1Co 9:5), Peter continued to be married and to take his wife with him when he traveled, so "wife" clearly was not included in the "all" that Christians were expected to leave behind in their spiritual (or human) journey.
NRSV - 17 As he was setting out on a journey, a man ran up and knelt before him, and asked him, "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" 18 Jesus* said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. 19 You know the commandments*: "You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; You shall not defraud; Honor your father and mother."' 20 He said to him, "Teacher, I have kept all these since my youth." 21 Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, "You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me." 22 When he heard this, he was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions.
28 Peter* began to say to him, "Look, we have left everything and followed you." 29 Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields, for my sake and for the sake of the good news, 30 who will not receive a hundredfold now in this age -- houses, brothers and sisters, mothers and children, and fields with persecutions -- and in the age to come eternal life.
TEV - "The Rich Man" - 17 As Jesus was starting on his way again, a man ran up, knelt before him, and asked him, "Good Teacher, what must I do to receive eternal life?" 18 "Why do you call me good?" Jesus* asked him. "No one is good except God alone. 19 You know the commandments*: "Do not commit murder; do not commit adultery; do not steal; do not accuse anyone falsely; do not cheat; respect your father and your mother." 20 "Teacher," the man said, "ever since I was young, I have obeyed all these commandments." 21 Jesus looked straight at him with love and said, "You need only one thing. Go and sell all you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have riches in heaven; then come and follow me." 22 When the man heard this, gloom spread over his face, and he went away sad, because he was very rich. 23 Jesus looked around at his disciples and said to them, "How hard it will be for rich people to enter the Kingdom of God!" 28 Then Peter* spoke up, "Look, we have left everything and followed you." 29 "Yes," Jesus said to them, "and I tell you that anyone who leaves home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and for the gospel, 30 will receive much more in this present age. He will receive a hundred times more houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and fields -- and persecutions as well; and in the age to come he will receive eternal life. 31 But many who are now first will be last, and many who are now last will be first."
KJV - 32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
NRSV - 32 "Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
TEV - "Riches in Heaven" - 32 "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the Kingdom. 33 Sell all your belongings and give the money to the poor. Provide for yourselves purses that don't wear out, and save your riches in heaven, where they will never decrease, because no thief can get to them, and no moth can destroy them. 34 For your heart will always be where your riches are. i
<B17> Psalm* 67 - [To further research this Bible citation - click here]
KJV - 1 God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us;... 2 That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations.
NRSV - 1 May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, 2 that your way may be known upon earth, your saving power among all nations.
TEV - "A Song of Thanksgiving" - 1 God, be merciful to us and bless us; look on us with kindness, 2 so that the whole world may know your will; so that all nations may know your salvation.
KJV - 14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord*: 15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord* shall raise him up;...
NRSV - 14 Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord*. 15 The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord* will raise them up; and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven.
TEV - "Patience and Prayer" - 13 Is anyone among you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? He should sing praises. 14 Is there anyone who is sick? He should send for the church elders, who will pray for him and rub olive oil on him in the name of the Lord*. 15 This prayer made in faith will heal the sick person; the Lord* will restore him to health, and the sins he has committed will be forgiven. 16 So then, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you will be healed. The prayer of a good person has a powerful effect. 17 Elijah was the same kind of person as we are. He prayed earnestly that there would be no rain, and no rain fell on the land for three and a half years. 18 Once again he prayed, and the sky poured out its rain and the earth produced its crops.
KJV - 12 And by the hands of the apostles* were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch.
14 And believers were the more added to the Lord*, multitudes both of men and women.)
NRSV - 12 Now many signs and wonders were done among the people through the apostles*. And they were all together in Solomon's Portico.
14 Yet more than ever believers were added to the Lord*, great numbers of both men and women,
TEV - "Miracles and Wonders" - 12 Many miracles and wonders were being performed among the people by the apostles*. All the believers met together in Solomon's Porch. 13 Nobody outside the group dared join them, even though the people spoke highly of them. 14 But more and more people were added to the group -- a crowd of men and women who believed in the Lord*. 15 As a result of what the apostles were doing, sick people were carried out into the streets and placed on beds and mats so that at least Peter's shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. 16 And crowds of people came in from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing those who were sick or who had evil spirits in them; and they were all healed.
KJV - 1 And when the day of Pentecost* was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord* added to the church daily such as should be saved.
NRSV - 1 When the day of Pentecost* had come, they were all together in one place.
46 Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord* added to their number those who were being saved.
TEV - "The Coming of the Holy Spirit" - 1 When the day of Pentecost* came, all the believers were gathered together in one place. 2 Suddenly there was a noise from the sky which sounded like a strong wind blowing, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then they saw what looked like tongues of fire which spread out and touched each person there. 4 They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to talk in other languages, as the Spirit enabled them to speak.
"Life among the Believers" - 43 Many miracles and wonders were being done through the apostles, and everyone was filled with awe. 44 All the believers continued together in close fellowship and shared their belongings with one another. 45 They would sell their property and possessions, and distribute the money among all, according to what each one needed. 46 Day after day they met as a group in the Temple, and they had their meals together in their homes, eating with glad and humble hearts, 47 praising God, and enjoying the good will of all the people. And every day the Lord* added to their group those who were being saved.
KJV - 20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ* Jesus* throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
NRSV - 20 Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ* Jesus* to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
TEV - "The Love of Christ" - 20 To him who by means of his power working in us is able to do so much more than we can ever ask for, or even think of: 21 to God be the glory in the church and in Christ* Jesus* for all time, forever and ever! Amen.
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